S&W 686 Wood Grips

[dh1633pm]

Want to ditch the rubber grips on my S&W 686 in favor of wood. The rubber works well enough, just hate the look and feel of rubber. The problem is that most wood grips leave a bit to be desired for those with big hands. Meaning they force my index finger to be tight against the trigger guard which can be fun during recoil. The rubber grips allow the grip to be lower to circumvent this problem. Which ones should I be looking at for my situation? Thanks.

 

[Bill M.]

Hogue for me. I prefer the smooth ones with the finger grooves.

 

[sgmdcw]

I agree that Hogue are good. Eagle Grips also makes some nice ones. They make them for round butts, square butts, and round to square conversion grips.

S&W K/L Frame Revolver Grips - Eagle Grips, Inc. - The World's Finest Handgun Grips

Since our formation in 1971, Eagle grips has become has grown to become the largest manufacturer of hand crafted handgun Grips.The Perfect Mating Of Iron To Hand,Eagle grips,Gunfighter Grips, s&w Model 29 products.

www.eaglegrips.com

 

[UncleEd]

Want to fill the gap between the trigger guard and top of the
front strap; Hogues will do it and plenty of styles available.
Check Hogue site or Amazon.

 

[Tinman357]

VZ grips fill the gap behind the trigger. Very aggressive texture if you want, smoother if you don't. Indestructible.

 

[dh1633pm]

I got some Hogues. Ordered them while away on a work trip. They didn't quite fill the gap. And thanks. Checked out the Eagle Grips although expensive look like they may work a little better. The Hogues I got are nice looking. Just don't fill the gap enough.

 

[dh1633pm]

I have VZ Grips on the CZ and the Cobra. I do like them. Was looking for Wood for this one. And I will be buying VZ grips again. They make good stuff.

 

[daverich4]

I had the same problem with the Target Grips on my 24-3, cut too high so the trigger guard banged my finger every time. Altamont grips fixed that problem for me.

 

[shoebox1.1]

But factory presentations are SO pretty! Mine work for me

 

[Styx]

Look at Altamont offerings. I put comfort and being utilitarian above looks for shooters and carry guns, so it's Hogue grips for me. The rubber grips dampen recoil when shooting 357. When I want wood grips though, it's typically Altamont or nothing. Altamont has a large variety of grips to choose from but unfortunately, you can't really try before you buy to see which one fits you best. Altamont and Amazon have an easy return policy though.

 

[ms6852]

Check Etsy's website, they seem to have a wide selection of grips.

 

[burrhead]

 

[halfmoonclip]

View attachment 1172379

Hate to admit how much I've come to like Tyler T-grip (and its clones). The old 'hats and gats' group stirred my interest in such; they were kind of old school funky when I was first shooting. Nice revo, Burrhead.
Moon

 

[VMC]

I tried a few others on my Smith and Wesson Model 29, but these Hogue Goncalo Alves suited me best taming the recoil and look great. I added the S&W Medallions myself.

 

[P5 Guy]

I like Hougue mono-grips on 'L' frame guns.

 

[v8stang289]

Ahrends are my favorite S&W grips, especially on K/L frames.
My 2 686's wear Ahrends targets and Ahrends round butt tactical finger grooves. (the 2 bottom guns in the pic)
All grips in the pic are Ahrends except for the M69, 2nd from the top.
Unfortunately Kim went out of business a few years ago, so his grips are generally hard to find and prices have gone up. There are a few sets on Ebay right now though.
Good luck on your quest. Good thing about Smiths is there are a ton of grip options.

 

[dh1633pm]

Thanks @v8stang289. Good advice and nice picture. The fact there are so many options is the reason for the post. Advice from those here can help save a lot of time separating good choices from bad. I get home later today. Been gone since the 8th. Will make a choice soon.

 

[Bullet Bob]

I like Herrett's Jordan Troopers. You can even send them a tracing of your hand for a more custom fit. All these the guns are wearing Herrett's, the 686 SSR Pro at about 9 o'clock is an example of what could be on yours:

 

[AK2]

I have the Eagle Heritage round to square conversion on my 686. I’ve used these grips for 20 years, they are high quality and fit perfect. I shoot mostly .38’s these days, and they’re comfortable, but for extended range sessions with .357 magnum I prefer the rubber Hogues.

 

[Rodfac]

I've had good luck with Altamonts....the "Roper" model in solid wood. They're good up to 1000 fps loads, but beyond that, the factory or Pachmayr Signatures really help with the add'l recoil and consequent knuckle rap. Here's a pair of walnut "Ropers" on my Smith M-67. The 2nd pic is of my 629, again with "Ropers" but in Olive wood. The 3rd is my 686 with factory rubbers...
Best regards, Rod

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[v8stang289]

...

 

[sgmdcw]

If cost is no object, look at the custom grips by John Culina. He and his wife are great people and John is an artist.

 

[dh1633pm]

I went with the Altamont grips in Rosewood. Got an email this morning that said delivery in two weeks or so. Ordered a set for my 1903 Colt as well.