I've only tried Spegels and Ahrends on K/L frames. In that iteration, the Spegels are thinner and the Ahrends are much more comfortable in recoil. Another possibilty, since they're the best boot grips I've ever used (but only on K/L guns), are the wood Bantams from Hogue.

quote:

Originally posted by Golddog:
I've only tried Spegels and Ahrends on K/L frames. In that iteration, the Spegels are thinner and the Ahrends are much more comfortable in recoil. Another possibilty, since they're the best boot grips I've ever used (but only on K/L guns), are the wood Bantams from Hogue.

PIX? Never looked into these. Again, I need thin and small for apex carry so am interested in seeing these.

And where's the best place to buy these?

Here is a pair Spegels on a J frame.

They are pretty thin.

I have Ahrends on a Mdl 19 and like them too.

Anyone have a side by side of the Hogue Bantam, Spegel boot and Ahrends boot?

I would like to join a couple of other responders and suggest you try factory "service" grips with a Tyler-T. Not "pretty", but the best set-up I've come accross.

I thought factory service grips extend beyond the bottom of frame, no?

quote:

Originally posted by hoser:
I thought factory service grips extend beyond the bottom of frame, no?

Nope. Even with it.

quote:

Originally posted by hoser:
I thought factory service grips extend beyond the bottom of frame, no?

About half-way down the page at the attached URL you'll get a good look at a 36 with service stocks and Tyler-T. The stock panels are indeed flush with the bottom of the grip frame.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/550103904/m/6311003262/p/2

Another good "one man's opinion" on the matter....

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Getting%20a%20Grip%20on%20J%20Frames.htm

This is somewhat off your objective, but let me mention it anyway...

I had the Bantam Hogues which came with my 640. In my view, the only reason to carry a .357 is to get the best possible ballistics out of the round...

That bare metal backstrap hurt my hand worse than any pain I've ever experienced in my life -- with hot 125 grain loads.

That 640 was basically unshootable with the loads I wanted. I then elected to try Hogue 60000s.

These cradled the metal backstrap in rubber.

And with that one simple change, the pistol went from unshootable to being a decent, manageable carry gun...

Plus, they don't add much bulk for pocket carry.

Here's the link...

http://www.hogueinc.com/getgrip/merchant.ihtml?pid=1756&lastcatid=189&step=4

I won't carry another .357 J-frame and hot loads without this grip -- even though the little extra padding requires some extra accommodation in concealment.

The extra bulk is more than worth the tradeoff in my view...

I am curious why no one mentioned Eagle Grips - in my opinion the best grips for the pocket carry of J frame revolver. I have two sets - rosewood and ebony, the latter one is the most beautiful grip you can find. Black with a streak of dark brown. All solid hard wood, perfect shape and size - boot style.
Go to Eagle grip web, pick a wood then pick a style (Secret Service)

I've been looking for a set of Eagle Secret Service Grips Myself.. Kinda hard to come bye in person but thier available..
I saw a set yesterday at the Gunshow & may go back & get em for a Fathers Day Pesent..
They were a Green Color with Diamond Checkereing & S&W Emblems like the ones in the Link to Stephen Camps Webpage but different wood or coloring. = VERY NICE!!
Getting a Grip…on J-frames!
Gary/Hk

I had Herretts make their Jordan Trooper model for my 640-1. I asked that it be designed for concealment, so these are not bulky at all. The wood completely covers front strap, bottom, and back strap all the way up. Very comfortable to shoot 357s, and provides a good grip for my large hands. They wanted the gun to fit the grips tho.

I picked up a Set Of Cocobolo Ahrends this morning & they are thinner in width than the Spegels, I think thier gonna make a great set of pocket carry grips, Only Time will tell..
Pics To Come of Eagle Spegels & Ahrends..
Carried My 342Ti all day..Great feeling little grip for the money..Pockets Nicely..
Gary/Hk Out!! @ 0135am

Here's The pic of the three Different Grips Side by Side..
I'm realy liking the Ahrends because there thinner & this makes them a better feeling grip in the pocket, But Overall the Spegels feel a bit better to my hands..
Still Looking For an Older Set of Rosewood Eagle Secret Service Grips..Anybody got a set in Cocobolo Ebony or Rosewood?? Send me a email, Thanks..
Gary/Hk