L-Frame grips

[Orcon]

I picked up a 686P awhile back and I'm having a bit of a problem with the factory rubber grips. Initially I thought the grips were amazingly comfortable and ergonomic but when it comes to putting lead down range I have issues. It's like the LOP is too short for single action but the butt portion is too fat for a solid double-hand hold.

I like to hold as high up on a pistol as posible, in this case the web of my hand sits right up where the rubber grip ends and the stainless begins. I can hold it lower for a more comfortable grip but my accuracy seems to go out the window and my POI shifts a good 8 inches left.

Is this something that I just need to train to remediate or should I look at getting new grips?

 

[WestKentucky]

New grips. I had the same issue with my 686. The rubber grips just aren’t right for some folks. Do you have big hands?

 

[Charlie98]

Try a set of Pachmayr Gripper Decelerators... they have a rubber fill up the back strap but are quite slim... just the thing for gripping high. I love the looks of my wood grips on my Smiths, but come range time, the Pachys go on.

I originally had a nice set of wood Hogues on my 686, but the grip angle and exposed backstrap and recoil shield just beat the living crap out of my hand with anything more than milquetoast loads, so I feel your pain.

 

[Mn Fats]

I put a pair of these Altamonts on my 686. I always ditch the rubber on any revolver I purchase. These are much better for me. Good value too at about $50 or so.

 

[Orcon]

As far as hand size goes, I wear large gloves but if I had to classify them I'd go with extra-medium. I have to do a fair amount of fidgeting to negotiate the finger grooves and have to completely reset my grip after every shot. I think grooveless like those Altamonts would probably be a better choice for me.

 

[WestKentucky]

Probably so. I can’t recommend alarming highly enough, particularly the Altai grip which fits me incredibly well.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I bought a set of original Pachmayr Gripper grips on my M686. They work well for me.

 

[Dave T]

To the OP, you might try a set of Hogue Bantam grips. They allow you to grip up on the recoil shoulder and still get a three finger grip with the strong hand.

Dave

 

[bannockburn]

Tried Pachmayr Presentation grips on my Model 686 but they never felt very comfortable with my smaller size hand. Switched to their Gripper model and after modifying the finger grooves a bit finally found a decent grip to shoot with.

 

[will11]

I purchased a pair of VZ grips for my 3" 686 Plus. I really like them a lot. Someone on the S&W forum recommended them.

Will

 

[entropy]

I always liked the Hogues myself, but shot both types of Pachmyrs well. Those Altamonts look nice, better than S&W Magnas, and certainly better than either type of Python factory grip.

 

[Charlie98]

Tried Pachmayr Presentation grips on my Model 686 but they never felt very comfortable with my smaller size hand. Switched to their Gripper model and after modifying the finger grooves a bit finally found a decent grip to shoot with.

I like what you did! I think the idea of finger grooves is sort of dumb, not everyone's fingers are the same.

I had a set of Pachy Presentation grips on a .357 Dan Wesson I had, didn't really care for them.

 

[bannockburn]

Charlie98

I like what you did! I think the idea of finger grooves is sort of dumb, not everyone's fingers are the same.

Thanks! Just a little filing and sanding on the grooves got them to where I could get a decent grip on the gun without being bothered by those finger grooves!

 

[paul105]

I modified a set of Hogue X Frame 500 grips by rounding the butt and removing the finger groves (Dremel disk sander or belt sander). The X Frames have a covered/cushioned back strap that is real comfortable with a high grip. These are on my L Frame M69 .44 Mag. The grips shown were a worn out pair that I quickly modified (read not very carefully) to see what was feasible.



FWIW,

Paul

 

[Eddietruett]

I put a pair of these Altamonts on my 686.View attachment 801632I always ditch the rubber on any revolver I purchase. These are much better for me. Good value too at about $50 or so.

I have the same exact grips on my 8 3/8" model 686 They are great. I think for the money that Altamont is the best aftermarket grip out there. I have 5-6 pair. Culina is probably the best but very pricey

 

[gotboostvr]

Altamont makes very serviceable grips for the money. I've had a few sets over the years and been very pleased.

Being said, for a little more Arhends makes some fantastic grips out of nice wood. I particularly like this set of Tactical Fingergrooves in Zebrawood.


Although, if you're willing to drop some change Nils or a custom set from Herret are probably the "best" on the market.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Nill Grips offers a large variety of L frame grips, some with an open and some with closed backstraps.

https://www.mactecsales.com/v/vspfiles/MACTEC/nill-grips.html