Like many of us I continually experiment with the best way to carry my handguns (all round-butt J frames), and I’ve recently started experimenting with a set of Barami Hip-Grips. I typically carry either IWB “appendix” or in my pocket, but none of the holsters I have for either method have proven entirely satisfactory. While I’ve not yet made my final decision, I think this grip style may well prove to be the best solution.

Unfortunately, I’m not at all pleased with the type of plastic from which these grips are made (it screams "cheap," it's butt-ugly, and since I make it a point to shoot my carry revolvers regularly, I worry about the grips cracking or even coming loose under recoil), nor do I like their poor fit. While searching for an alternative I came across Don Collins' “lip grip.” Mr. Collins and his products have an excellent reputation, and I think this grip might be just the thing for me.

I've searched this forum and found generally positive comments, but can anyone with experience with both tell me if the "lip" on the Collins grip rides as securely as the the Barami? I'd like a more durable, better quality, and less ugly version of the Hip-Grip, but I don't want a revolver diving down my pants leg or jumping out of my pocket.

I carried my j-frame with the Hip Grip all day today in the waistband of cheap Cherokee jeans and no belt. No problems at all.

I even use a Hip Grip on one of my 4" HB Model 10's, never a problem but for that I do need a belt.

I used to use the barami Hip Grip all the time and still have some in the gun box. They won't take any prizes for beauty, but then neither will I, but I never had a problem. I used them with a Tyler T-grip adapter.

I like the no-nonsense keep-it-simple idea of the Hip Grip, and the fact that it's from a company local to me, but when I tried one I just couldn't get over feeling the gun wasn't secure enough with just the roughly 1-inch "lip", without any clamping function, holding it to my pants. Sitting down or moving around vigorously, I wasn't confident in gravity alone keeping the gun where it belongs. I looked at Collins' version and while a bit classier, from the photos it appears his "lip" is even shallower than Barami's, which would have me worrying even more.

That's not to say I think they're a bad idea- they just don't work for me.

I thought the same--hence my question.

The Barami version is secure enough for me, but I'd like to know from anyone with first-hand experience as to whether the Collins version is equally/more/less secure.

If no one here has tried both I may just give Don a call on Monday.

Frailer, did you ever try out the Collins grips? I've considered them for a while, as I love the concept of the Barami Hip Grips but find the execution to be lacking (fit, finish, etc). I too carry my j-frame on Hip Grips + a T grip. I've recently added a section of bicycle inner tube, not sure if I'm going to keep it on there.

Similar minimalist concept - I like the "Universal" model Clipdraw on a J worn in the AIWB position. Didn't like the "J Frame-specific" model.

It holds the J securely when worn with a good belt. I've actually played basketball while carrying in this manner.

No, I haven't tried them yet--I guess I have commitment issues when it comes to grips.

At present I'm still using the Barami/Tyler combo, wrapped in 3/4" cloth medical tape.

I've used Barami Hip-Grips on S&W J and K frames, and on a Taurus 850. They worked great, but I agree the S&W ones looked very cheap and "plasticky". The Taurus one was textured, and looked and felt much better. I've never seen a broken Hip-Grip.

I've also used the metal Clipdraw on J-frames, but didn't find it secure enough. With a 1 1/2 or 1 3/4 inch belt, the Barami Hip-Grip "locks on" securely.

I bought two J-frame Collins Lip-Grips. One grip was excellent quality, one only fair, and the lips had different sizes and "flares". Both held about as securely as the Barami, but neither was as comfortable in the hand. Neither Collins grip would work with any speedloader I have.

I've ordered the DeSantis Clip Grip. This was first announced over a year ago, but apparently is only now in stock.
What's New — DeSantis Holster

I sincerely appreciate the information; that's exactly what I was looking for.

The DeSantis Clip Grip arrived today. It's made of glass reinforced polymer, and appears to be good quality. I tried it on my S&W 642. It's nicely textured for a good grip, but not too rough, and feels good in my smallish hands.

It fills in the area between the grip and trigger guard in almost exactly the same way as a Tyler T-Grip. The overall feel is similar to a set of Craig Spegel high-horn Centennial grips I have (minus the horns and plus the "flare") and allows a very high hold. There seems to be adequate clearance for speedloaders.

All in all, pending actual carry and shooting experience, I think it's currently the best of the lot.

(I just looked at the DeSantis site and noticed the grip shown there is slightly different from the one I received, which I assume is the final production model. Mine has gold DeSantis medallions and the checkered area is smaller and shaped differently. I think it looks better and more "finished" than the one pictured on the site.)

Great review; thanks!

Follow-up: I purchased a set of the DeSantis grips, and they arrived today. I won't get the chance to give them a shooting trial until this %#^&$! rain stops in a couple of days, but I agree that they appear very well-executed, and they feel very nice in my hand. If they work as well as I think they will, I'll be very pleased.

I'm glad you like it.

It's nice DeSantis ships so promptly.

Hello all:

My question is, if it can be answered by some of you who have wisdom and experience in the area, does is do as well as the factory rubber grips when one comes to shoot 38 special +p?

In other words, do these type grips hurt your hand when you practice vs. the rubber factory grips?

Please advise when possible.

"That is all!"

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"That is all!"

I have a picture on my phone that was sent to my by a buddy at my old department. It is of the gun display at the department museum. 2 inch model 64's were issued to detectives for a while. Last one carrying the wheel gun retired in 2007. The picture isn't the best, but I swear that the gun on display has a hip grip.

I had Collins make me a set of his lip grips for an N frame. They were a gift for my son. We both have used Barami's for years, and Collin's grips worked every bit as well as the Barami's. The difference being they are much more attractive.

Since they were for my son I really didn't "use" them, but I did try them out with a 3" 629. They worked fine.

CO_Kid -

I am the last of the duty revolver (S&W 686) carriers in my office and one of two in my agency. Several folks carry 442/642 back-up guns, but I carry an old nickel Model 37. Trying to get a 649 or 638 for a back-up so I can keep the Model 37 nice for barbeques! (I have a set of scrimshawed faux-ivory boot grips that really set it off!)

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Luke 22:36