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02-27-2014, 09:24 PM
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Ahrends retro target grips
I recently picked up a model 19 with the checkered S&W target grips. I love the look of the grips but find that because of their size I have to pay too much attention to my grip while target shooting. Otherwise they tend to force my hand into an uncomfortable bent wrist position. Also, the checkering on the right grip has an extremely sharp edge that starts cutting into my hand after several rounds. I like the look of the Ahrends retro target grips which have the same overall look as the factory grips only smooth. Also on their site they make some reference to the grips being smaller (narrower?). if anyone here has installed these on their own pistol I would sure like to hear some feedback on them.
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02-27-2014, 09:32 PM
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I really like Ahrends. In my hands, K frame targets are manageable, but a little thick. N-targets are way too big. The Ahrends are noticeably thinner and more comfortable.
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02-27-2014, 09:38 PM
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Size comparison Ahrends and S&W targets.
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02-27-2014, 09:49 PM
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I know 2 people that love ahrends, I've held a N frame gun in my hand with them on but not shot it, they felt very comfortable though!
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02-27-2014, 10:29 PM
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Thanks guys.
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02-27-2014, 11:00 PM
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Not a M19, but the M586 has the same grip size.
I find them comfortable enough, but every hand is different. What works for one may not do the same for another. If you are looking for something thinner or and little smaller, the Hogue rubber grip are actually very good. Not as nice looking as wood, but they do work well.
Last edited by Vern; 02-27-2014 at 11:06 PM.
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02-28-2014, 01:33 AM
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Here is my 18-4 with Ahrends retro target grips.
I like them and they fit my hand well.
But grips are very personal and everyone's hands are different.
Cordia wood:
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02-28-2014, 09:46 AM
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Retro Combats
Ahrends Retro Combats are my favorite on K/L frames. I have not handled the Retro Target. These are Moradillo wood.
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02-28-2014, 09:51 AM
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I recently added the S&W medallions.
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02-28-2014, 10:01 AM
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Beautiful! Were those custom ordered? Never seen at set with that grain
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02-28-2014, 10:06 AM
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I'm not sure which beautiful pair you're referring but mine weren't custom ordered. There's a seller on Ebay that posts pictures of the actual grip you will receive. I just kept looking until I found the style and graining I wanted.
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02-28-2014, 10:07 AM
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Ahrends
I use Ahrends combat retro on my 617 just because it came with the rubber cheapies that S&W switched to; they are GREAT. I also put a set on my wife's 686 and then my 57 with 8 3/8" bbl. Makes all three guns 'shootable' now. I even installed S&W medallions on them and they look great.....Sorry too lazy for pics......J.
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02-28-2014, 10:15 AM
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it kind of makes you wonder who the original targets were designed for. It doesn't seem like many people like them. At least not those with human hands.
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02-28-2014, 10:21 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MN2944
it kind of makes you wonder who the original targets were designed for. It doesn't seem like many people like them. At least not those with human hands.
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I have the original (numbered to the gun) grips for my 18-4.
They actually fit my hand fine.
FWIW,
I put the Ahrends on because I like the wood grain, and also to keep the original (irreplaceable) numbered grips from getting worn.
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02-28-2014, 10:37 AM
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The Ahrends are indeed smaller than the factory stocks. They feel less blocky to me. Certain S&W revolvers have come stock with Ahrends, for example the 29 Mountain Gun. Over the years I have noticed that some of these supplied to S&W for factory installation have very plain grain with an unattractive stain. Functional, but they looked to be made to a low price point. That said, the aftermarket Ahrends are usually eye candy with some attractive grain. I second looking on eBay at the Ahrends seller. He has good photos so you can pick the pair you like. Hope this helps. Marc
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02-28-2014, 04:32 PM
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Thanks for letting me know that these grips were available on ebay. One of the problems with wood grips is that regardless of the picture they're showing you never know what they'll look like. I found a nice looking pair of Moradillo grips. Looks very much like nice walnut.
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02-28-2014, 04:47 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1sailor
Thanks for letting me know that these grips were available on ebay. One of the problems with wood grips is that regardless of the picture they're showing you never know what they'll look like. I found a nice looking pair of Moradillo grips. Looks very much like nice walnut.
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If you do a search and find Gripseller on Ebay you can go to his store. His pictures are of the actual grip you'll receive. I've been very happy buying from him.
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12-20-2016, 04:27 PM
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Ahrend's S&W Retro Target and Combat grips
Quote:
Originally Posted by RacinbobSW
Ahrends Retro Combats are my favorite on K/L frames. I have not handled the Retro Target.
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Retro Target Stock Ahrends Grips : Smith & Wesson Retro Grips
"This stock is at first glance a copy of S&W’s target stock. Closer inspection will reveal that we took artistic license to insure that it was comfortable for those of us who can’t palm a basketball. It is available for K/L and N frame guns in square butt and round to square conversions. You will find it takes a very traditional look when made in goncalo alves or walnut. It is available in all of our revolver woods and laminates. It fits K/L and N frame S&W revolvers."
Woods Ahrends Grips : Woods
Bubinga
Cordia
Ebony (1911 ONLY!)
Goncalo Alves (Tiger Wood, Jobillo and even South American Koa)
Honduras Rosewood (1911 ONLY!)
Macassar Ebony (1911 ONLY!)
Maple (Revolver ONLY)
Moradillo (Morado, Bolivian Rosewood, Pau Ferro, Santos Rosewood and others)
Osage Orange (Horse high, pig tight, bull strong, thorns SHARP and LONG!!!)
Padauk
Tulipwood (1911 ONLY!) (A true Rosewood from Brazil)
Walnut (Iowa Black Walnut)
Silver/Black Dymondwood - No Longer Available.
NOTE:
Cocobolo - Cocobolo is no longer available. CITES has placed it on the restricted list as an endangered species. We don’t want to have a Gibson Guitar moment so please don’t send us any customer supplied Cocobolo.
Last edited by SW686-6; 12-20-2016 at 04:32 PM.
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12-20-2016, 04:42 PM
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I have Ahrends Retro Target grips on my vintage K-22. It came, used, with a set of cheap platform target grips, not the originals.
The Ahrends grips are smaller than the original, and not bell-shaped. The front is rounded rather than flattened like Ahrends standard grips. Less taper means they don't squeeze your fingers together and ride up less under heavy recoil (not a .22 LR issue).
I think the flat-front Ahrends grips index better.
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12-22-2016, 10:27 AM
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heres a set on my 28-2, i have smallish hands and these are very comfortable ,and as cal44 said i take factory stocks off so i dont bugger them up
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12-22-2016, 01:09 PM
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This is my fairly new to me 24-3 with Ahrends stained maple retro targets
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12-23-2016, 04:21 PM
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Herrett target stocks, may be another option for you to look at. Can find some nice used ones on ebay at times. Over the past couple of years, I've had about 6 sets. Bob
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