Grips

[brentfoto]

Update: Pachmayr Compac Grips are quite attractive and feel great in the hand. Unfortunately, they are a tad large for pocket carry, but this can be accomplished.

More importantly they do not provide the requisite cushioning, IMO, shooting multiple +P loads for practice. My hand hurts from the recoil using those grips.

The only rubber grips I have found anywhere near-suitable for practice (and carry) with multiple rounds of +P ammo is the Hogue Monogrip. They're good for recoil; OTOH, you do sacrifice some concealability.

The Pachmayr Decelerators are simply too large for the gun. I sold them promptly because they nearly turned my J-frame into a K-frame.

Currently, I practice shooting +P with the Hogue Monogrip, and carry with the Hogue Bantam Grip. Eventually, I may build up my hand enough to practice shooting numerous +P with the Bantam.

 

[1BLINDREF]

I've got a set of Crimson Trace LG305 laser grips on my 642 (on the right) and a pair of Hogues (I forgot the model #) on my 640.



I have big hands and the LG305s are just long enough for me to get a good handle on my little 642 and the rubber grips help with the recoil.
The Hogues soak up the recoil of the .357mag in my 640 nicely and are the perfect size for my hands.

 

[brentfoto]

The Hogue Monogrip (rubber) is depicted on the left in your photograph, above.

It's product code #60000 for the J-frame round butt rubber Hogue Monogrip.

 

[rdrancher]

You might want to take a look at these. http://cgi.ebay.com/SMITH-AND-WESSON-J-FRAME-FINGER-GROOVE-GRIPS_W0QQitemZ230248525558QQihZ013QQcategoryZ73944QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I purchased a pair awhile ago, but just put them on my 642 today. They cover the backstrap and allow a rest for the pinky for a full grip on the gun. The grip-to-frame fit is excellent and they're also very light - in fact my 642 weighed in at 14.3oz on the digital scale sans ammo.

The seller does not know who makes them (he gets them from a distributor). They do say "Made in Italy" on the inside.

I shot 50 rounds behind the barn with the new grips and found them to be pretty comfortable. I also pocket carried in a #3 Uncle Mikes all day today and the little 'j' concealed just fine in my Wrangler carpenter jean shorts.

I usually outfit my snub with a set of stags, or wood Magnas and a T-grip, but I have to admit that I really liked how these Italian jobs worked!

My camera has been on the fritz, but I'll try to post a photo of the grips on the gun tomorrow.

rd

 

[brentfoto]

Are these IMO expensive grips made of rubber, plastic or some other material?
They also do not contain S&W logo or any other.

It appears they are as light as the Bantams, as 14.3 oz. is the empty weight of my 442 with the Bantams. The Bantams weigh appx. 1.4 oz.

Please shoot 50 +P consecutively in less than 12 minutes with these grips and report back to us.

 

[rdrancher]

Are these IMO expensive grips made of rubber, plastic or some other material?
They also do not contain S&W logo or any other.

It appears they are as light as the Bantams, as 14.3 oz. is the empty weight of my 442 with the Bantams. The Bantams weigh appx. 1.4 oz.

Please shoot 50 +P consecutively in less than 12 minutes with these grips and report back to us.

Brent - These grips are wood. What kind I can't tell you. The seller does not know either.

Price and value are a subjective deal. Priced at about a quarter of what I spent on my stags and about the same price as a T-grip, their not too expensive in my opinion. Your's may differ.

Arthritis is kicking my tail (wrists really) so I don't practice with or carry +P ammo. Currently I'm using Buffalo Bore's 158gr LSWCHC Standard Pressure. I will say though that (for me) they are much better in absorbing recoil than the stock rubbers or S&W wood laminates made by Altamont.

Still working on pics for you.

rd

 

[brentfoto]

I had no idea they were wood. Thus, they are priced accordingly.

I can not imagine the recoil being better with wood compared to rubber grips, though. However, I'm not surprised they're better than the UM rubber boot grips-I find them poor for recoil.

How would you compare them (if you can) to the Hogue Monogrip re felt recoil shooting your BB non+P 158?

Thanks,

 

[rdrancher]

Sorry Brent, I've never shot the Hogue's. I have shot the Pachmayr Compac's on my Vintage Charter Arms though with the same ammo, and these Italian woodies feel a little better.

I think most of the felt-recoil is in the top 1/2" of the grip (for me anyway). Any grips that extend to the rear and cover the backstrap and are also wider in this area seem to help. The woodies are wider than the Compacs at the top.

rd

 

[prescobd]

Since you stated that concealabilty was not an issue, may I suggest you look at the new wood grips S&W is putting on the Model 60 Pro revolver. It doesn't distract too much from concealabilty and they feel great.