Rugers, "gunfighter grips" and recoil?

[Kaylee]

The one problem I have with my (pre-New) Vaquero is that the grips are awful fat on the bottom, and tend to crowd all my fingers up towards the top. How do the slimmer "gunfighter grips" work for those of you that have them, and do you find a difference with felt recoil? (Think heavy 45 Colt loads here)...

Also, what about with the "pinky on the grip" vs. "pinky under the grip" approach? Any differences in felt recoil one way or t'other? Does it work better or worse for you with "skinny grips?"

Thank you kindly.

 

[BikerRN]

I shoot the original stocks and place my pinky under the stock.

I've found that gives me the least muzzle "flip" and allows me to get my follow up shots quicker. I also do the same thing with my N-Frame D.A. Revolver that wears Boot Grips.

Biker

 

[BlkHawk73]

I like the factory profile grips. I keep my pinky on the grip as it's more comfortable for me. the difference in recoil isn't noticable. If you're after recoil comfort, I'd look into replacing your existing gripframe with a Bisley style. It's commonly preferred for heavier loads due to it's "roll" uner recoil. The Bisley style is my preferred style.
Just out of curiosity, why the heavy loads (keep 'em within SAAMI specs) in the NV?

 

[stellarpod]

Kaylee: I use the Gunfighter grips on my two pre-new style Vaqueros in .44 Mag for Cowboy Action shooting. Obviously, the loads I shoot are mild, so I can't speculate on how they respond to high-recoil loads.

But, I can't say enough about how much better the Gunfighters feel. It really slims the grip down, making it feel more like a Colt. The checkered grip also helps maintain purchase on the grip when hands get sweaty or rain becomes an issue.

Here is a picture of my two cowboy guns:



I think you'd enjoy them.

stellarpod

 

[Jim March]

You can get plain smooth Eagle brand Gunfighters too. And I think bevel-bottom instead of flat-bottom is an option.

I prefer rounded-bottom myself but only Blu Magnum Grips many years ago were smart enough to do those as a factory option. I think they're out of biz, or at a minimum they're off the web (now sat on by a domain squatter). I found a reference to their phone number if you want to try that:

http://www.sixguns.com/range/6gunstks.htm

As a test I round-bottomed the factory Ruger plastic New Vaq grips and they work GREAT that way. So when I get some woods I'll do them up the same way.