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S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


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  #1  
Old 04-09-2017, 05:14 PM
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Question Pachmayr vs Wood

I like my guns to stay with their original grips. However two of my guns have pach grips on them. One gun (19-4 snub) I just bought yesterday and have not shot it yet to feel the grips in action, the other gun (19-2 4") I have fired with the pachs and I am not a fan, they are too short and ugly. I have heard that they are more comfortable however rubber grips can cause rust. My question is, is it safe to have these grips on or should I toss them and buy the better looking, but more uncomfortable, safer for rust, wood grips?
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Old 04-09-2017, 05:19 PM
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Just put a coat of RenWax underneath those rubbers and you'll be good to go......

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Old 04-09-2017, 05:31 PM
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I would wait until you shoot them and make the decision. I like Pachmayr's on my 44 Mag when I use them for hunting but I also prefer the wood on my Model 19's.
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Old 04-09-2017, 05:42 PM
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I would wait until you shoot them and make the decision. I like Pachmayr's on my 44 Mag when I use them for hunting but I also prefer the wood on my Model 19's.
I know I hate the 4" 19's grips. I just included it because I am not sure when I will come across wood replacements.
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Old 04-09-2017, 06:04 PM
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If you want to toss them, toss them in the mail and send them my way.
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Old 04-09-2017, 06:05 PM
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I have medium-small hands, and i prefer rubber grips on my k-frame 357 revolvers for work, and wood for showing off. I prefer pachmayr gripper grips as they cover the backstrap and fit my hand. Rubber grips will never look as good as wood/horn/ivory grips. But all will trap moisture if they are properly sealed. You don't want your wood grips soaking up water and oil, so you should seal them to prevent that. As for the frame, keep it either waxed or oiled, and be sure to remove the grips to clean and re-protect the frame at least once a year.
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Old 04-09-2017, 06:23 PM
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I like the feel of wood when shooting.I would save those because finding pre madalion pach's are getting harder to find.Those are made in LA and not Mexico like the current ones.
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Old 04-09-2017, 06:35 PM
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Pretty much any decent grease can be thinly brushed on and will keep away rust. Rig used to be the old standard. However, assuming you don't mind after market grips then Ahrends target grips are pretty decent for wood that is both classy and good for recoil.
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Old 04-09-2017, 06:36 PM
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Seems to me though wood is more aesthetically pleasing it transfers recoil into the hand more than rubber.
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Old 04-09-2017, 06:45 PM
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Default It sounds like you....

It sounds like you don't like the pachs much and the only reason to have them is grip and recoil. If you can handle the guns with wood grips, there's no question about the looks and feel.

It wouldn't hurt to HAVE the wood grips as you can always change them back.

I much prefer the looks and feel of wood. All of my guns are shooters, if not SD. I reload and shoot all over the power spectrum so I've got pachs on the J frames, especially the alloy one that hurts with any load with wood grips.

You can get corrosion under wood grips, too, if you aren't careful to protect them.

All this and the fact that I can't take recoil like I used to.
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Old 04-09-2017, 06:56 PM
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I like both. Wood is aesthetically pleasing. Rubber / Synthetic is better for wet, cold, inclement weather and for needed retention and recoil mitigation for heavy loads. The rusting matter can be a problem. I used the Pachmyr grips for work. I was out in the weather (rain, cold some snow) and found the rubber was perfect. I was able to keep rusting to a minimum just by removing the grips for a wipe-down and light lube during routine cleaning. But, the routine cleaning must be done as a matter of regularity. Otherwise rust could form. Rust can form under wood also if your sidearm is subject to inclement weather....

I am partial to Hogue wood grips as well as Mustang and Herrett's. While most Smith and Wesson grips are beautiful they are too big and not slim/tapered enough for my hands. I like checkered wood too so as to have a surface to hold on to while shooting. I would not throw away the rubber grips. They do have a purpose and utility.
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Old 04-09-2017, 07:07 PM
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I only use the rubber pac's on my 44 mag when shooting full house loads. Other than that all my S&W's sport wood.
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Old 04-09-2017, 09:21 PM
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I have carried 19's in 6,4 and 2 1/2. I have used the Pachmyers and wood from the factory. When I carried the Pachmyers in the 70's and 80's, I was careful to take them off to clean the guns. I also noticed that with the rubber covering the back strap, that my aim changed. The Pacs I used at work were square butt. As time and hours in a squad went on, the edges wore down at the butt. I bought an M 18 in .22 for lots of practice at a reduced cost. The pacs on it stayed sharp, where the duty gun wore down. Qualifications and training with .357, the guns were more comfortable with the Pacs. My original wood grips were saved in nice to new condition. I bought S&W wood grips through the years. The original grips were smaller and fit my hand well. The later wood grips were a bit larger. I would sand them a bit to make them slimmer and break the diamond checkering so they were not as painful. I also rounded the butt. I've had one set of wood on that gun for a couple decades. They have been dented and so forth through time. The 19's are -3s. Great gun. I carry the 2 1/2 with Eagle grips. Smooth factory grips are very comfortable. Just practice with what you will carry. Enjoy!

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Old 04-09-2017, 10:08 PM
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i have pachmayr grips on all my s&w revolvers, blued, nickel and SS....they are comfortable to shoot with and rust is not a problem....i first clean the grip frames with "weapon shield".....

i keep the serialized wood grips waxed and safely tucked away.
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Old 04-10-2017, 12:47 AM
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Thank you everyone for the advice. I went out and shot them today, then I put the wood target grips from my model 65 onto my blue 19-2 to compare. Honestly they did not feel that different recoil wise. I do agree wood grips with like new checkering does scrape at the skin. But as long as they are a bit smoother I think I prefer wood still.

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Old 04-10-2017, 01:04 AM
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I like wood but the thing is that when you start dealing with heavier kickers the grips must fit your hand correctly or subjective recoil is magnified. I shoot few reduced loads in my .41 and .44 magnums so for me, wood grips need palm swell with a bit of width in the rear to distribute recoil.

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Old 04-10-2017, 06:20 AM
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If you like wood, then look at the Kim Ahrends stocks or the Culina, LLC stocks. For the Ahrends, go to eBay and look for a vendor named gripseller. They have a wide assortment of Ahrends stocks in various styles. John Culina also sells on eBay but his selection of stocks are usually pretty limited as I think he makes most to order. As to price, the Ahrends generally go in the $70-90 range and the Culina stocks are around $200, but are definitely worth it IMO. I believe I will be ordering another set of Culina stocks in the very near future myself.
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Old 04-10-2017, 09:05 AM
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To summarize what others have laid out much more elegantly and with detailed examples:

Grips don't cause rust, moisture causes rust.

Back in the early 1980s when I got my first Model 19 snubbie, we were convinced that S&W made the original wooden stocks on those so uncomfortable and basically unusable for most hands because they knew people would get some aftermarket grips anyway. Which we did. A set of Pachmayrs came home with the gun and the wood went into the box, never to be retrieved again.

I've had Pachmayrs, Uncle Mikes, and later CT laser overmold grips on blued revolvers for decades. If that's what works, put them on and just clean and lube underneath often enough. No rust issues.
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Old 04-10-2017, 09:53 AM
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I prefer rubber grips for shooting. They fill my hand and I have a firmer more solid grip along with less felt recoil.

As far as rust.....my 13-2 has had rubber grips since before I owned it and there's no rust nor do I do anything special to prevent rust. In fact I only occasionally take them off .....once a year or so.......just to check

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Old 04-10-2017, 10:01 AM
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I also like to keep original style wood grips on my hand guns. However, my favorite "range" pistol which I shoot a lot, is this 1985 MKII Hi Power



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Old 04-10-2017, 10:23 AM
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I agree with most of the above statements. Wood looks nicer, but for powerful handguns it can hurt and even cause blisters. I am currently using Pachmayr Grippers on several handguns, and they really tame the recoil. But I am considering putting the wood grips back on and using the weight lifters gloves that I recently bought to shoot my XP-100. The palm and web area between thumb and index finger are padded and the glove protects me from the extreme recoil from my XP-100, which is essentially a rifle mounted on a handgun grip.

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Old 04-10-2017, 03:26 PM
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Pachmayrs for shooting, wood for display, My M-57 came with a beautiful pair of rosewood grips but S&W grips do not fit me-it wears Herrett's. My 4' nickel M-27 came with Pachmayrs, now that is visually pleasing.
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Old 04-11-2017, 06:59 PM
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I personally like Pachs, have them on a M-10, M-65 and one 642. I also had them on an issued M-19 back in the '70s for 12 years. Never had and rust problems, but then I remove the grips when I clean the gun.
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Old 04-12-2017, 12:07 AM
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My favorite rubber grips are Pach presentation grips. Favorite wood grips are the S&W targets. I shoot both well. I have a set of Pach presentations on a shooter grade 15-4. It came with a super nice set of woods targets that were in way better shape than the gun. I stored those in the safe. I have some beat up wood targets on a very worn K38. Prob my favorite revolver.
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Old 04-12-2017, 12:18 AM
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I had a Model 19 2 1/2 incher. With the stock grips, it was painful with Magnums. A set of Pachmayr Compacs like the OP's fixed the problem. Once upon a time, those Pachs were THE thing to put on a revolver and for good reason.
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Old 04-12-2017, 07:37 AM
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For "Looks"-Wood
For "Shooting"- Rubber

*** Try a pair of Hogue Soft Rubber Combat Grips
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Old 04-12-2017, 07:39 AM
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Pachmayrs for shooting, wood for display, My M-57 came with a beautiful pair of rosewood grips but S&W grips do not fit me-it wears Herrett's. My 4' nickel M-27 came with Pachmayrs, now that is visually pleasing.
Yeap. Wood for "show", Goodyear for "go"
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Old 04-12-2017, 07:48 AM
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Generally speaking, I like wood grips. But I don't shoot heavy loads in anything. Even when I had a couple of 44 Magnums, I didn't shoot really hot loads. If anything they were mild 44 Specials, so recoil wasn't a problem.

But I don't dislike "snow tires" either. On some guns, I think they look like "serious business." I had a 21-4 Thunder Ranch special that I had a set of Hogue Monogrips on. Not only were they a LOT better than the slick wood grips that came on the gun, they covered up most of that ugly "golden chicken" on the side. Win/win.

Today I've got Pachmayr's on two of my guns. One of them a Model 10 (no dash) came with diamond Magna's. I didn't want to mess them up so they went into storage, and a set of Pachmayr Grippers I had laying around went on. I gotta do a picture of that one.

The other, a Model 24-3, came to me with Pachmayr Presentation grips. I sort of halfway would like to have a set of the proper factory grips for it, but...the Pach's don't look too bad. That "serious business" thing.

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Old 04-14-2017, 08:51 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperGoat View Post
Thank you everyone for the advice. I went out and shot them today, then I put the wood target grips from my model 65 onto my blue 19-4 to compare. Honestly they did not feel that different recoil wise. I do agree wood grips with like new checkering does scrape at the skin. But as long as they are a bit smoother I think I prefer wood still.
If you find the checkering rough, you could go to smooth target stocks, as on my 586. Bob
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Old 04-14-2017, 09:04 AM
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I generally prefer wood. The only Pachmayers I have are a set of Presentations on my Model 29. They do a good job of taming that recoil.
OTOH, there's rubber and then there's rubber. Most of my serious use K-frames wear the old Uncle Mike's/Butler Creek rubber grips. Not so much for recoil, they just fit my hand perfectly. They aren't made anymore, but you can still find them on the various auction sites.
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Old 04-14-2017, 09:34 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperGoat View Post
I like my guns to stay with their original grips. However two of my guns have pach grips on them. One gun (19-4 snub) I just bought yesterday and have not shot it yet to feel the grips in action, the other gun (19-4 4") I have fired with the pachs and I am not a fan, they are too short and ugly. I have heard that they are more comfortable however rubber grips can cause rust. My question is, is it safe to have these grips on or should I toss them and buy the better looking, but more uncomfortable, safer for rust, wood grips?
I don't really understand this post. First you tell us you don't like Pachs, then you ask whether it's safe to keep them on the gun, because wood grips are worse. Your question about rust has probably been answered. Myself, I would say use RIG under the grips and check them every once in a while, and you will not rust the gun.

However, the real question is why would YOU have Pachs on your guns? I would, of course, because they fit MY hand very well. What idiot told you that Pachs are more comfortable for YOUR hand than wooden grips? Was he looking at your hand when he said it? It sounds like you already know better. Go look for some wooden or even rubber grips that you like, and use them. BTW, the internet is NOT a good place to buy grips, and only so-so for even discussing them. Go to your local gun store (LGS) and try out what they have. If that doesn't work, see if anyone at the range has something you can try. You could then actually buy on the internet if you find what you want.

Remember, grips are usually cheaper at the LGS, because you only have to buy one pair for each gun. Mail order, you stand a good chance of buying two or three sets before you get the right one.

Good luck!
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Old 04-14-2017, 11:46 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by muddocktor View Post
If you like wood, then look at the Kim Ahrends stocks or the Culina, LLC stocks. For the Ahrends, go to eBay and look for a vendor named gripseller. They have a wide assortment of Ahrends stocks in various styles. John Culina also sells on eBay but his selection of stocks are usually pretty limited as I think he makes most to order. As to price, the Ahrends generally go in the $70-90 range and the Culina stocks are around $200, but are definitely worth it IMO. I believe I will be ordering another set of Culina stocks in the very near future myself.
I agree 100% with this. I have several Ahrends. They are great and everybody who has handled and shot my revolvers wearing them comment on their comfort. Just got my first Culina stocks. Beautiful and comfortable with good palm swells. Love them.

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Old 04-14-2017, 01:03 PM
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I use Hogues if I want rubber grips and I use Hogues if I want wood grips. I have some Pachmayrs but don't like the fit.
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Old 04-14-2017, 02:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Model520Fan View Post
I don't really understand this post. First you tell us you don't like Pachs, then you ask whether it's safe to keep them on the gun, because wood grips are worse. Your question about rust has probably been answered. Myself, I would say use RIG under the grips and check them every once in a while, and you will not rust the gun.

However, the real question is why would YOU have Pachs on your guns? I would, of course, because they fit MY hand very well. What idiot told you that Pachs are more comfortable for YOUR hand than wooden grips? Was he looking at your hand when he said it? It sounds like you already know better. Go look for some wooden or even rubber grips that you like, and use them. BTW, the internet is NOT a good place to buy grips, and only so-so for even discussing them. Go to your local gun store (LGS) and try out what they have. If that doesn't work, see if anyone at the range has something you can try. You could then actually buy on the internet if you find what you want.

Remember, grips are usually cheaper at the LGS, because you only have to buy one pair for each gun. Mail order, you stand a good chance of buying two or three sets before you get the right one.

Good luck!
I was curious about keeping the pachs on the guns in case I take too long finding the right wood grips. I wanted to know what I could do to help protect the frame while waiting.
As for buying wood grips locally, unfortunately I live in quite a small town and just cannot seem to find them so far. I did find some at a gun show once but believe it or not the man told me that he refused to sell larger grips to a woman. Needless to say I stopped talking to him.
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  #35  
Old 04-16-2017, 07:36 AM
ImprovedModel56Fan ImprovedModel56Fan is offline
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Originally Posted by SuperGoat View Post
I was curious about keeping the pachs on the guns in case I take too long finding the right wood grips. I wanted to know what I could do to help protect the frame while waiting.
As for buying wood grips locally, unfortunately I live in quite a small town and just cannot seem to find them so far. I did find some at a gun show once but believe it or not the man told me that he refused to sell larger grips to a woman. Needless to say I stopped talking to him.
Thanks! Now I understand your situation a little better. The dogmatic answer of the character at the gun show sounds foolish, but even though he is bound to be wrong occasionally, his attitude is based on a well-founded assumption (women usually have smaller hands, and large grips on a K frame SB can sometimes be a mistake even for a man) and a basic honesty. Even if your hands are not rather large, Hogues may work well. Custom grips from Herrett's may be in order. Unfortunately, actually trying the things in your hand is still the best.

Have you considered Magnas and a Tyler? Or service grips (either factory or aftermarket) and a Tyler?
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  #36  
Old 04-16-2017, 07:48 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bananaman View Post
If you find the checkering rough, you could go to smooth target stocks, as on my 586. Bob
I'm with Bob on that notion...
I love the smooth wood grips whether they are presentation targets or combats...I have no use for checkering...ever.
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Old 04-16-2017, 08:06 AM
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Until you find the right grips spray the grip frame with Birchwood Casey Barricade or Sheath then put the Pachs back on and blast away!
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Old 04-16-2017, 08:26 AM
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None of my revolvers wear rubber anymore. Well fitted wood dissipates recoil in the hand without discomfort. Also, I like open back stocks, so much of the benefit of rubber is lost. And to me, they are butt ugly! (Pun intended.)
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Old 04-16-2017, 01:15 PM
SW Model 19 Guy SW Model 19 Guy is offline
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Originally Posted by Darkenfast View Post
I had a Model 19 2 1/2 incher. With the stock grips, it was painful with Magnums. A set of Pachmayr Compacs like the OP's fixed the problem. Once upon a time, those Pachs were THE thing to put on a revolver and for good reason.
I did exactly the same thing with my 19 2-1/2 back in the early 80's. It was almost standard practice pick out a gun like the 19 and then almost in the same breath ask the guy behind the counter "okay, so where is your Pachmayr inventory so I can get some descent grips for it?" I kept the wood, but I shoot the rubber.
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Old 04-16-2017, 01:57 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Model520Fan View Post
Thanks! Now I understand your situation a little better. The dogmatic answer of the character at the gun show sounds foolish, but even though he is bound to be wrong occasionally, his attitude is based on a well-founded assumption (women usually have smaller hands, and large grips on a K frame SB can sometimes be a mistake even for a man) and a basic honesty. Even if your hands are not rather large, Hogues may work well. Custom grips from Herrett's may be in order. Unfortunately, actually trying the things in your hand is still the best.

Have you considered Magnas and a Tyler? Or service grips (either factory or aftermarket) and a Tyler?
I understand my hands my be smaller than my husbands. It is just the way he talked to me, like I didn't know what I wanted. My favorite grips to shoot with are actually my Model 65-2 with it's big wood target grips.
As for the Tyler's I honestly have never really looked into them. I have held a model 36 with Tylers on before and it felt nice, but I never got to shoot it (it was at a pawn shop). Do Tylers fit any magnas and service grips?
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Old 04-16-2017, 02:13 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperGoat View Post
I understand my hands my be smaller than my husbands. It is just the way he talked to me, like I didn't know what I wanted. My favorite grips to shoot with are actually my Model 65-2 with it's big wood target grips.
As for the Tyler's I honestly have never really looked into them. I have held a model 36 with Tylers on before and it felt nice, but I never got to shoot it (it was at a pawn shop). Do Tylers fit any magnas and service grips?
Pretty much, yes, but of course there are different Tylers for different frame sizes, including a 3R for K-frame RB and a 3 for K-frame SB. Keep in mind that Magnas ARE factory grips. Service grips similar in shape to the pre-WWII factory service grips have been made by many. I mentioned them only because I myself have found them useful in K SB, because they are thinner than Magnas. You may have larger hands than I do, in which case you probably wouldn't like service grips.

However, if you already know that you like factory targets (assuming that the ones on your 65-2 are factory), it may be easiest and maybe even cheapest to find a set on this site. They may not be cheap, but possibly still cheaper than any two sets of good wooden grips, which is not an uncommon number to buy in the process of finding one set of grips that really fit you.

Good luck!
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Old 04-16-2017, 02:22 PM
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The 80s, late night after a night shoot.... hot dogs and beer at the range. Campfire fed with a large box of smith grips off of L frames and model 58 cause we wouldn't need them any more.

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Old 04-16-2017, 02:27 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Model520Fan View Post
Pretty much, yes, but of course there are different Tylers for different frame sizes, including a 3R for K-frame RB and a 3 for K-frame SB. Keep in mind that Magnas ARE factory grips. Service grips similar in shape to the pre-WWII factory service grips have been made by many. I mentioned them only because I myself have found them useful in K SB, because they are thinner than Magnas. You may have larger hands than I do, in which case you probably wouldn't like service grips.

However, if you already know that you like factory targets (assuming that the ones on your 65-2 are factory), it may be easiest and maybe even cheapest to find a set on this site. They may not be cheap, but possibly still cheaper than any two sets of good wooden grips, which is not an uncommon number to buy in the process of finding one set of grips that really fit you.

Good luck!
Not sure if they are factory targets. The gun was a police trade in and I know most did not have those type however it was a larger officer in Alaska so maybe he ordered his with bigger grips if that is possible.
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  #44  
Old 04-16-2017, 02:33 PM
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Those are factory presentation (aka 'Target') grips with most of the finish worn off. They can be easily refinished.
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Old 04-16-2017, 02:55 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperGoat View Post
I was curious about keeping the pachs on the guns in case I take too long finding the right wood grips. I wanted to know what I could do to help protect the frame while waiting . . .
What I have found works best is to leave the pachs off the gun unless the gun remains "in service". If the gun needs to remain ready-to-use, protect the frame with a paste wax . . . Johnson floor wax works fine but Renaissance Wax (RenWax) is preferred by collectors and museum curators . . . and then replace the pachs. I do not recommend treating the grip frame with oil or grease because they will eventually deteriorate the rubber.

Once you find the right pair of wood grips they can remain on the gun although I would still recommend the use of a light coat of paste wax on the metal grip frame. If you choose a rubber grip for continuous use, simply remove the grip every few months or after each use and thoroughly remove all moisture and powder residue before renewing the protective wax and replacing the grips.

We have all been through the never-ending search for that "perfect" pair of grips . . . I personally have boxes full of attempts that failed. What I have learned is there are tradeoffs and compromises that work very well for a variety of guns and intended uses.

Best of luck in your search,

Russ

Last edited by linde; 04-16-2017 at 02:58 PM.
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Old 04-16-2017, 03:06 PM
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I have Pachs on a Ruger standard, 1911, 66, and two different sets for a 36. Love them all. The pretty wood grips are put away, on call for barbeque duty. I feel like I benefit from a better feel in the hand, recoil reduction, and they don't get damaged from carry like the wood grips do. I even like the "checkering" texture they do on them.
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  #47  
Old 04-16-2017, 04:43 PM
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Good suggestion from linde about preserving both gun and grips, and I would recommend following it. However, RIG has not damaged my old Presentations or Compacs (Pachmayr). Some other Goodyears are made of different material, and may react differently, particularly to other oils or greases.

Follow linde; better safe than sorry.
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Old 04-19-2017, 03:42 PM
Jeff 506327 Jeff 506327 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperGoat View Post
I like my guns to stay with their original grips. However two of my guns have pach grips on them. One gun (19-4 snub) I just bought yesterday and have not shot it yet to feel the grips in action, the other gun (19-4 4") I have fired with the pachs and I am not a fan, they are too short and ugly. I have heard that they are more comfortable however rubber grips can cause rust. My question is, is it safe to have these grips on or should I toss them and buy the better looking, but more uncomfortable, safer for rust, wood grips?
Like yours, my 66 is set up with the Pachmayr compact grips, but they are the older two piece construction which I like better. I had purchased a newer set which is the single piece "wrap around" construction because they had the S&W logo, but when I put them on, I found them to be chunkier than the two piece construction and I went back and put the rubber grips on I had purchased the gun with.
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Old 04-19-2017, 03:49 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by linde View Post
We have all been through the never-ending search for that "perfect" pair of grips . . . I personally have boxes full of attempts that failed. What I have learned is there are tradeoffs and compromises that work very well for a variety of guns and intended uses.

Best of luck in your search,

Russ
Very true! If I could be have been happy with the grips purchased on every handgun, I would have had money for more handguns!
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Old 04-19-2017, 03:57 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dickydalton View Post
I use Hogues if I want rubber grips and I use Hogues if I want wood grips. I have some Pachmayrs but don't like the fit.
Generally, I prefer Pachmayr over Hogue when it come to rubber grips. Everyone's tastes run a little different!
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