Herrett's Trooper, finger grooved or not?

[Merledog]

Hello all. I've been lurking for a while and figured I'd join in. I'm contemplating getting a new set of grips and I was figuring on a set of Herrett's, but can't decide between the Jordan Trooper, or the Trooper with Finger grooves. I've pretty large hands, not meaty but long fingered. I've seen where some folks talked appreciably about the smooth Jordans, but was curious if anyone had a set of the finger-grooved. oh yeah, they'd be for a 4" 586 and if they work out I'd get a set for a 6" 629 down the road.

I picked up a set of pretty wood grips for the 629 that looked like the ones that come on the fancy performance center version, but they wanted to naturally point the muzzle waayyy low. I have Hogue presentation grip on it now, but the trigger guard batters my middle finger under recoil. The stock grips on the 586 work fine, but aren't quite what I want, seem too narrow up top.

thanks

 

[Murdock]

Jordan Troopers are good

I have used only the smooth version, and to be honest I didn't even realize that there was a finger groove version.

Several years ago I got into competitive field pistol silhouette shooting using N-frame .44s and .45's. It hurt. I remembered what Bill Jordan had written about handgun stocks, and when I came across a cheap (like $10) set of the hollow plastic Jordan Troopers by Pachmayr, I tried them out. My hand stopped hurting.

Stocks can get pricey to play around with, and Herrett's are right up there. Find a set of the plastic Troopers, with luck for $5-$10. (They look cheap so I think that's why they got dropped from production, and they never were expensive). They don't have finger grooves. Try them, then put finger grooves on them with bondo or plastic wood or something, and see which you like better. Then go for the custom-made Herrett's in your size.

 

[Ceemack]

I've got a set of finger-groove Jordan Troopers on my Redhawk. I'd have to say I'm disappointed, but it's got nothing to do with the finger grooves. They're almost straight up and down, and I find them less comfortable than, say, old-fashioned S&W target stocks even though the Troopers fit my hand better.

If I were buying grips for an S&W, I'd probably look at Nill Grips. They have a more traditional profile, and a lot of their models for Smiths are available in extra-large.

Only you can decide whether you like finger grooves or not.

 

[Bob C]

I only have experience with the smooth version of the Trooper grip. I have three pairs.

My first set of Troopers was for a 4" Security Six with the old frame style. I love them. They look a bit large, but the feel is excellent.

I have another pair on a 6" S&W 629 which are perfectly proportioned for this gun.

My third pair were originally on a .500 S&W, and they made a world of difference on controllability of that gun. I sold the .500 and put them on a 4" S&W 617, and I love the balance and feel, particularly on double action.

They cost a bit over $100 with shipping, but are custom made to your hand print, are really nice looking, and Herrett stands behind them.

I also like their other grips, particularly the Shooting Star type for revolvers that you might choose to conceal. these show up frequently on ebay.

 

[Bullet Bob]

I'm no Bill Jordan, but I do have fairly large hands, and I like the finger grooves on a target style gun - here are some on a long-barreled S&W 27-2. These also have a closed back, that is the wood wraps all the way around. You definitely need good-sized hands for these to work for you:



On a more general purpose gun, like this 27-2 5" barrel, I skip the finger grooves and the closed back:



On a thumper like the .44 magnum, I like a smooth surface so it doesn't abrade my hands, no finger grooves so it can move a little without causing me pain, and a fairly large grip so I can hang on. All the grips above, and on the stainless steel one in the picture below are by Herrett's. Of this group of .44's, the stainless steel MagnaClassic is by far the most comfortable to shoot with full loads because of its weight, barrel length, and the grips:



If you want to see a bunch of Herrett's, go to the smith-wessonforum.com and search (please) under user JoniLynn - she has an amazing group of them.

 

[Merledog]

Thanks a lot. These were just the kind of replies I'd hoped to get. Outstanding pictures too.

 

[Merledog]

I recieved my new Herrett's stocks in the mail a couple days ago. Wow, I didn't realize what I'd been missing. I've never had a handgun fit so well before, my cz 97B is the only thing that comes close. I ended up getting Jordan Troopers finger grooved and checkered. Outstanding! As soon as the budget allows I'm ordering a set for the 629, although that set will definately not be checkered.