I'm considering changing the grip on my Mod. 638 for concealed carry purposes. Until now, I've only carried it regularly in a galco ankle holster, despite having a FIST OWB pancake holster. While using the FIST holster, I often find it uncomfortable due to the grip catching my side. I've never tried pocket carry for my revolver.

While reading several posts, I noticed many carry their J-frame in a pocket holster. I'm warming up to the idea. Previously, I thought that the 638 may be too large for pocket carry, as I have to wear Khaki style pants at work.

I've been looking at narrow service style grips, with the thought that it may remedy the comfort problem with the FIST holster, and also make pocket carry easier.

Any advice would be much appreciated. I'm afraid I may be off-base in my line of thinking.

Thanks,
Clay

I use boot grips on my 642 and 60. Not the BIG ones; minimal size Craig Spegel boots. Though I very rarely pocket carry, they work just fine.

Have you considered IWB? I do not like ankle carry at all.

Be safe.

Smooth magna-style grips with a BK adapter might work for you.

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Centennial Every Day

I tried them all and always go back to stock magnas and a t-grip...the t-grips fills the hand nicely, and the wood doesn't catch on clothing. The checkering affords a decent grip...

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

Stock magna's on mine.

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Sure you did

Well , whatever fits your hand best and feel good under recoil. Control is the most important factor , and ya can't place yer shots if the grip is uncomfortable.

As for me , the little factory panels are too small and square. A T-grip adaptor helps , but a boot grip is best. They don't extend past the end of the grip , and a smooth hardwood won't snag clothing like a rubber grip.

This is what it boils down to. You're probably just going to have to give it a try and see how it works for you. I've used magnas and a T-grip on my K-frame and did very well with it, but I've never tried it on a J-frame. I have a set of Spegel boot grips and they work very well for me.

Agree with Continental Op 100% ........ Control and follow-up shots are first priority. I prefer rubber grip on lightweight firearm. Just my two cents.

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freedom.... IS NOT free!

The answer for me came from another poster in a (IIRC) thread about grips for the 442. He had a pic of his Smith wearing Taurus rubber boot grips. They are two-finger grips that cover the backstrap. For $9, $13 with shipping I figured I try them. Best money I've spent on guns in a long, long time.

I like the Precision Hideout grips. They don't add any size but are shaped such that you can get a full grip on them. Plus the price is right (I think they were something like $15 from Brownells)

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"I'm your huckleberry."

Same here....

+1 what Sipowicz says. Tryed everything and this is the best setup I've found for pocket carry. Unfortunately, the T-Grip company seems to have gone belly up.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

Mama Mia! I really need one of those.

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Centennial Every Day

BK Grip adapters are sold on this site and are an excellent replacement for the now non existent Tyler Ts. I use both with the magna style on my 442 & 638. Ditto on my Cobras.

Very cool Drew...nice auction win...

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

I had those and they are pretty nice...here's a little tip if you find them a bit slick...just give them a light sanding with some emory cloth...

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

Thanks for all of the wonderful suggestions. The "T Grip style" option looks like it may be the best of both worlds. I had considered IWB carry, but hadn't due to the comfort issue.

I found an inexpensive Don Hume IWB holster, $32 I think. Ive never owned a Don Hume holster but have heard good things.

Thanks,
Clay

SIP FOR PRESIDENT!

+1 Its official!

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

I like my concealed carry revolvers with Tyler T Grip and S&W Grips. Ask any officer who carries a revolver concealed and he'll tell you he doesn't like rubber. It prints and grabs the clothing.

Wood, Stag, Ivory, Plastic or somthing that won't grab the clothing.

Rule 303

I promise a chicken in every pot and a t-grip on every j-frame.

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

I get a little jealous every time I see your Centennials. Very nice collection.

Sip's got my vote as long as he throws in a Leatherman shoulder rig for every 29 owner.

PS ... Those stock wood grips look great and function flawlessly.

I like the Altamont boot grips - the price is right as is the fit and finish. The grips give good control and are beautiful as well. Altamont - Pistol Grips

Should I stop?...

These are all "working guns" that see regular CCW service.

The 640-1 Centennial Magnum is, in my view, the pinnacle J Frame PDW....

Drew

Drew - my 640-1 pictured above has a "CCW" serial number prefix

I guess so..if you can't find an airweight...

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

Yup, I have one in that range too... it's a 'happy gun' at 7 yards the first shot always cuts the x.

Sip, you ever shoot one of the lightweight .357 J's with 125 JHP Magnum Loads?

"ZOWEEEEEE!"....