Wondering what people prefer for grips on their 19's? I've got a 19-3 that still wears its original stocks (see pic). Trouble is, they are perfect and I'm worried about dinging them up. Looking to put on a set of replacements so the originals can be preserved. I like the feel of the Hogue rubber grips, but IMHO black rubber does not belong a blued gun. I want to maintain the rich look of wood combined with ruggedness and handling of the Hogue grip. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

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Ahrends are tough to beat. Check out "Gripseller" on eBay. You'll see the exact pair of grips you'll be purchasing. I like the tactical finger groove version. Her service is excellent.

The originals are not rare or valuable and are easy to find.
They look beautiful on your gun - I'd leave them on and use them. They will survive

If you like the Hogue and want wood....go to Hogue's website and order some wood Hogue's!!!!!


For me I like the single finger-grove grips...... as they allow me to keep my little finger close to my ring finger....... your preference may vary.

This. Hogue's wood grips are shaped identically to their rubber grips and feel the same in hand. If you know you like Hogue rubbers, you know you like Hogue wood.

Personally, the perfect grip on a 4" Model 19 is the square butt factory combats.

I know you said they're perfect but I'm thinking you're referring to condition. Unless you just don't like them or plan on some severe use, keep what you have and enjoy them.
If you're bound to not use them, get some similar ones in used condition. They can be found fairly reasonably priced.
As mentioned, Ahrends are also good but if you're determined to get some rubbers, they can be found cheap in used condition.

Thanks for the feedback. Hogue's feel right to me, but you can't beat the aesthetics of the originals. I think I'll leave them alone for now and keep an eye open for a deal on checkered Hogue grips. Now what flavor wood....? Hmm

Sweet revolver. I have a very similar 19-4 on layaway at Cabelas. It is in unbelievable condition, but it has a set of Pachmyrs on it. Actually the Pachmyrs feel terrific on it, absolutely perfect, but this one will not be a frequent shooter, that is what my 28-2 is for, so I not sure what I am going to do with the Grips. Maybe a set of Kuracs?

But these look great on your 19. I'd keep them, even if you swap them out.

My 19-3 2 1/2" wears round butt Magnas with a Tyler T-Grip. Old skool and the best for me.

I have a set of Herrett grips on my 19-3 and I think their quality is above average. They might be a little tough to find, but I've had luck on ebay. I've since added the S&W medallions and they look even better now.

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If you like the look and feel of OEM targets but are worried about the ruining the original grips you can always get a second set of football cut targets just like them for around $50 to $65

If you use speed loaders at the range go for later speed loader cut target grips in either walnut or GA.

Finger groove combats feel good but dont look right to me on a half lug gun like the 19, more appropriate on a full underlug 586 or 617 IMO.

Unless it's for LEO use (unlikely these days) it won't be getting banged up against door frames, seat belts, or in and out of gun boxes, which was the real killer of S&W wood stocks.

Not sure what a pair of "experienced" but usable used grips of this type are going for, but if you were to find a pair and refinish (and possibly "refresh" the checkering, which isn't hard) you would have your cake and be able to eat it too. One pair for actual use and one pair for show.