I too prefer the factory grips. As Ramllez stated in his post "I much prefer the stock Ruger grip, unobtrusive, non sticky and allow a strong grip on the gun. I feel they dampen recoil quite well and look good to boot", although I don't agree with the "look good to boot" part. The Hogue grips adds too much lenght to the grip IMO, and although it is not my prefered choice for pocket carry, I do on ocassion carry it that way, mostly coat pocket. I guess I've gotten use to my pinky not being supported as I never notice it. I bought a set of Hogue grips about 15 or more years ago and they hardly ever ride on the SP. My wife's SP is bone stock too. A 26 oz. .357 is going to be a kicker. As for improving the looks, a set of wooden grips would be my prefered choice IMO. Winchester White Box 110 gr HP's are a low recoiling factory load that I carry in it sometimes.