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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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  #1  
Old 09-22-2011, 09:56 AM
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Default S&W's New Synthetic Grips?

Curious if anyone has the new synthetic grips that S&W is showing on their site these days, and what y'all think of them compared to the previous ones.

I like the previous ones both function and look, actually. I'm not a fan of the look of the new ones, but wonder what y'all think of their function. Granted, we're talking about rubber grips, so looks isn't exactly high on importance.

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Old 09-22-2011, 10:16 AM
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I don't know about the fit and function as I have never held one, but I sure don't care for the looks. But then I like "old" guns with blue steel and walnut.
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Old 09-22-2011, 10:19 AM
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The term "butt ugly" comes to mind.

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Old 09-22-2011, 10:34 AM
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Looks like Hogue was charging too much.
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Old 09-22-2011, 10:59 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashlander View Post
Looks like Hogue was charging too much.
+1
That's the only reason they would change.

In the photo of the new one it appears that the back strap is covered as well as the front. If that's the case it's going to be uncomfortable for some with smaller hands...me.

Last edited by markush; 09-22-2011 at 11:04 AM.
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Old 09-22-2011, 11:50 AM
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I have them on a new J-frame. The feel is definitely a bit different than the old ones, and know what, I do like the new ones better.

But...I handled one on a NightGuard, and they seem to lack the thick recoil absorbing rubber on the backstrap of the Pachmayrs that were on it previously. Would like to hear some feedback from someone who has fired both....

S&W has long needed to take a hint from Ruger, and cover their backstraps with rubber!!!
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Old 09-22-2011, 06:29 PM
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Off Road and Markush while on the surface disagreeing are making two different points (if I may). On the full frame guns -- if the grip covers the backstrap -- guys and gals with smaller hands (me included) have a harder time pointing the gun and pulling the trigger in a controlled double action. But on a J-frame, the extra rubber on the backstrap actually helps fill the hand (and absorbs some of the more harsh recoils).
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Old 09-22-2011, 07:08 PM
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While I have not yet held a S&W revolver with the new grips, I can't imagine them being as comfortable as the old Hogue grips. However I am biased. I've been a long time fan of Hogue grips. Wonder who makes the new ones?
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Old 09-22-2011, 07:14 PM
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gr7070, thanks for posting this. I haven't handled one yet, but...they look cheap to me.

I agree, I like wood and steel too.
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Old 09-22-2011, 07:47 PM
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I have a 629-6 and a 63-5 with the new style grips. I like them just fine. One problem I have seen with the Hogue's is that for some people the deep finger grooves don't line up correctly for their fingers. My brother and my Mom both have this problem. The new grips have finger grooves, but they are shallower so this is less of a problem.
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Old 09-22-2011, 08:49 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wproct View Post
While I have not yet held a S&W revolver with the new grips, I can't imagine them being as comfortable as the old Hogue grips. However I am biased. I've been a long time fan of Hogue grips. Wonder who makes the new ones?
+1
the Hogue grips point perfectly for me.
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Old 09-22-2011, 09:16 PM
Mike, SC Hunter Mike, SC Hunter is offline
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They look cheap/old and ugly.
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Old 09-23-2011, 09:41 AM
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Although I like the feel of the stock Hogue grips, mine on my 629 did not fit right and buckle at the top of the backstrap.
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Old 09-23-2011, 10:21 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark in GA View Post
I have a 629-6 and a 63-5 with the new style grips. I like them just fine. One problem I have seen with the Hogue's is that for some people the deep finger grooves don't line up correctly for their fingers. My brother and my Mom both have this problem. The new grips have finger grooves, but they are shallower so this is less of a problem.
That was always my beef with the Hogues...and the reason none of my S&W or Rugers wear them. I use a very high, thumbs forward hold as I would on an auto, placing my fingers on the peaks of the grooves instead of in the valleys. I have large hands.
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Old 09-23-2011, 11:01 AM
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I'm looking forward to trying a set on my 686 RB and a 629 RB.

I'll trade old for new ....... Just let me know.

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Old 09-23-2011, 11:55 AM
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I agree, my 686-5 MG has the Hogue's and I think I would trade for the new style just for consistancy with my 629-6 and 63-5.

If anyone has the new style for an L-frame and would rather have Hogues let me know.

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Old 09-23-2011, 04:38 PM
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Those new ones are exactly what I'm looking for for my Model 64 (assuming that they are K frame round-butt to square but conversions), but I can't find them on the S&W site. Where did you find them?
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Old 09-23-2011, 06:19 PM
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Let's face it, all rubber grips are ugly. Some are uglier than others (Pachmyr). However, I have rubbers on all of my magnum revolvers for the simple reason that they are far more comfortable than non-rubber grips. I've always been particularly fond of Pachmyr Decellerators and Grippers, because they fit my extra large hands well and because they cover the backstrap, thereby minimizing the effects of recoil.

Hogues? As others have pointed out, Hogues don't fit everybody's hand equally well. I'm one of those whose fingers don't line up with the grooves on the rubber grip. I take a very high handhold and, unfortunately, that causes my fingers to rest on the points rather than the grooves.

These new grips look intriguing. They remind me a little bit of the old and, sadly, discontinued Uncle Mike's. I'd be really interested in them if they completely cover the backstrap because for me, and exposed and a covered backstrap make all of the difference from unpleasant shooting to total comfort.
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Old 09-23-2011, 07:21 PM
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I have a set of Hogues for my 686 square butt, and dont particularly like them on account of the lowest finger groove doesnt go well with my grip of the gun.

If those new ones are the material of whats on new jframes, the texture will be fine.
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Old 09-23-2011, 08:42 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hurryin' Hoosier View Post
Those new ones are exactly what I'm looking for for my Model 64 (assuming that they are K frame round-butt to square but conversions), but I can't find them on the S&W site. Where did you find them?
Any thoughts on where I might buy a set? I've sent an inquiry to S&W CR but have received no reply.

Anyone???
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Old 09-23-2011, 10:05 PM
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I think the Pachmayr Grippers are the least ugly of the rubber finger groove grips, at least that's what I tell myself every time I take my gun to the range.
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Old 09-23-2011, 10:26 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashlander View Post
if the grip covers the backstrap -- guys and gals with smaller hands (me included) have a harder time pointing the gun and pulling the trigger in a controlled double action.
I have the same problem myself. The DA trigger pull on my NG is the absolute worst I have ever had in any gun I have ever owned (no time yet to get it worked on). Add to that, that the reach to the trigger is made a bit to long by the extra rubber over the backstrap.

For now, I am very practiced at cocking the hammer with my off hand, so it's not a serious issue for now. The SA trigger is sweet, but this is a bear country defense gun, so a slick double action trigger pull is my ultimate goal. You can bet that I won't be giving up the Pachmayr Compaqs for anything else, though.

Last edited by off road; 09-23-2011 at 10:28 PM.
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Old 09-23-2011, 10:41 PM
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Had a shooter with a set on a new 642, in a class I taught last week. Found out that they wouldn't allow the use of his HKS speedloaders...
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Old 09-23-2011, 11:03 PM
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Can't attest to the functionality of the new ones, but I like the look of them better than the older ones. The old ones were a really flat black color with deep finger grooves, and I like the new finish and look. Might hate them if I ever tried em, but I am not a rubber guy either.
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Old 09-23-2011, 11:57 PM
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It looks like the new grip has less rubber behind the trigger guard. Might help getting a higher grip. I think I would like that.
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Old 09-24-2011, 10:20 AM
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I would bet it's an economy move by S&W. I recently purchsed a 627 PC in 38 Super which had the most awful wooden stocks imaginable, cerytainly not the Hogue grips furnished on the previous run. I'll bet they are Chinese imports.
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Old 09-24-2011, 03:25 PM
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Those new grips look like an Ahrends design grip in rubber. This is not the first time that Smith has gone this route. Remember the Spegel designed Uncle Mike's grips?! Looks like Hogue may have lost out to a lower bid. The Hogue rubber combats fit my medium sized hand fairly well. Better yet are the Hogue wood grips with the top groove only. I get a higher/better grip on the gun with those. I'll keep an eye out for these newer rubber grips in my local shop, as to how they fit me.
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Old 09-25-2011, 09:16 PM
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My 686 has the Hogues and I can't stand them. Like others, the groves don't line up with my fingers. As with others, I have big hands and hold high with thumbs forward.

I've held the new grips but haven't shot them. For me, they're better than the Hogues but not perfect. For my stainless guns, I don't really care what the grips look like. The whole gun is a tool for me. My blued guns, on the other hand, get nice wood grips.

If I could find a grip just like a Hogue but without any grooves, I'd be in heaven. Can someone point me in the direction of something like this?
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Old 12-03-2011, 12:36 PM
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I love these new grips on my 629-6 and would have put rubber grips on if it had wood grips anyway which saved me some $$$. This is my bear defense gun also and I want to be able to get a good grip on the gun in a hurry even if my hands are wet from sweat/rain/or blood running down my arm from a bear bite. My hands are small and even with the covered backstrap I have a good trigger reach which is the best of both worlds for me. If I were to really nit-pick these grips the only thing I don't like is the rubber grip does kind of hang up on your clothing/sleeve when you swing your arm while walking. I toyed with the idea of getting the rubber 500 X-frame grips but after info gathered here I think they might be too big for me. These factory grips with covered backstrap which helps tame recoil, good trigger reach, the material and size just work well for me. If it were for looks I would go with wood grips but it isn't for the " Look " I have this gun for.
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Old 12-03-2011, 04:03 PM
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I have noticed them, a pic of a new 64-8 from a local gun dealer shows the gun with these new grips instead of the Uncle Mikes.

I like the Uncle Mikes, I hope they don't stop making them for the K-frame RB.

It seems S&W wants to "standardize" grips for more cost efficiency, i.e. not have to deal with Uncle Mikes for the K frames, Hogues for the L frames, etc. Now, since the K-L-X frame share the same RB grip frame, S&W can just use the same grip for all of them. The N's will probably just have a similiar grip. I wouldn't be surprised if, in coming years, the N frame grip is changed to a K frame RB size.

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Old 12-04-2011, 10:22 AM
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I bought my new 629-6 last summer during the transition from the Houge to the new style, mine has the new style and before firing it, I thought I'd replace them with the Houges since I get a much better DA grip and trigger reach with them.

After running 600+ rounds, and half of them being heavy loads, I'm now sticking with the new style for the time being.

Covering the backstrap makes trigger reach in DA more of a challenge for my small hands but I've learned to adapt, and I appreciate the recoil absorption of the new style with heavy loads.

In SA mode it's not an issue.

So for now the new style with a heavy load is a win for me.
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Old 12-04-2011, 01:14 PM
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My 632 came with the new grips which I quickly replaced with a set of Uncle Mikes boot grips.
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Old 12-04-2011, 01:44 PM
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Default Anybody want to sell theirs?

I want one of the new style (N-RB) for my 625-3.
Anybody have a set they want to get rid of?
PM me...
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Old 12-04-2011, 01:44 PM
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Both are truely butt ugly, IMHO. Of the two, I like the newer one best.
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Old 12-04-2011, 02:30 PM
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I wonder if it has anything to do with the durometer of the rubber (hardness/softness). If they are using a softer rubber then perhaps the finger ridges were too weak. I've never found that the finger indents do that much for me.

The new one seems to undercut the trigger guard a bit more putting your hand higher relative to the bore axis.

The cost of these grips is directly related to the weight of the rubber. So unless the new grips weigh a lot less, then I would think that they made the change for other reasons.

Someone could query S & W directly at their site and find out their take on this.

As for ugly. I had a 629 with a round butt and 2-1/2" barrel back in the 1980s. The beautiful wood grips caused a bone bruise on the ball of my thumb that took 6 months to heal. The "ugly" rubber grips did not. So sometimes "ugly" is beautiful.
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Old 12-04-2011, 04:03 PM
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I can tolerate rubber grips on a stainless revolver.

But, it almost seems like S&W is just putting the cheapest grips they can find on the guns and leaving it to the owner to change them out if they want. Which is fine with me, there are SO many options out there for S&W grips, it doesn't really matter.

A Pachmayr Presentation grip fits just fine on a K and L RB grip frame....
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Old 12-04-2011, 04:38 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Flip View Post
Had a shooter with a set on a new 642, in a class I taught last week. Found out that they wouldn't allow the use of his HKS speedloaders...
I had the same problem on a new 642 J-frame. I tried Safariland and HKS speedloaders on it and neither would work with the factory grips. I have since put a LG-405 CrimsonTrace laser on the little gun and the speedloaders work fine.
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Old 12-06-2011, 11:05 PM
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I did not like the new style grips from the get-go/ I put a set of hogue bantams on my 442 and they feel much better. The safariland speedloader that I use works fine also.
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Old 12-07-2011, 09:59 AM
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Can someone give me the size of the Allen wrench that will handle the screw in those rubber S&W grips? I've ordered new wood grips for my 642, but none of my keys fits. (My collection isn't that big, but I don't want to damage the screw)
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Old 12-09-2011, 11:06 AM
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retrotrout. The hex size is 3/32nds.

I would also add to my previous post is that my love for the new S&W synthetic grips is that besides fitting my hand well the reduced finger grooves are just right as some grips finger grooves are too deep and just don't fit my that well. As much as I would like to get some new/different grips for my 629 I just don't think any other grips are going to fit me better than these factory grips.
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Old 12-13-2011, 10:34 PM
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I just got my 617-6 today and before I had the gun home I was trying to figure out which grips I was changing to.

Now that I have the gun in hand I kind of like the new style grip. I mean it's rubber but the old Hogue was awful. The new one covers the back strap and has way less pronounced finger grooves. The only thing they could have done better IMO was made it with no finger grooves. The new one also does not hang way down below the steel grip of the gun if that makes sense. It seems shorter in the butt of the gun, which IMO makes it look better.

Heck I may have to buy this new style for my 686-6 and my 629-3. I think I'll throw these on my 686 and see how they feel. Does S&W sell them separately?
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Old 01-01-2012, 09:02 PM
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Default I was thinking about the new grips too

For my 625 - I just thought I would try them out of curiosity. According to S&W they are $62 a pair so i passed on them. If they had been closer to $30 I would have tried them.
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Old 01-01-2012, 09:08 PM
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I'm so grateful that I won't be dealing with them as I won't be acquiring any revolvers so equipped.
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Old 01-01-2012, 11:05 PM
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I guess I am the oddball here as I like the rubber grips and generally remove any wood and install rubber. I removed a nice pair of wood grips on a S&W E 1911 and installed a one pc. Hogue. Very comfortable and helped with my follow-upshot. Just my .02 but to me the gun is a tool and a better grip is "beautiful".
Frank.
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Old 01-01-2012, 11:55 PM
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I definitely prefer rubber for functional grips, especially for centerfire.
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Old 01-02-2012, 11:19 AM
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As much as I like the new synthetic grips I just had to do something to my new 629-6 gun. I ordered the N-frame orange " Tamer " rubber grips from S&W and they are almost exactly the same as the original rubber S&W 620-6 grip except colored orange. The finger bumps might be a little more pronounced on the " Tamer " grips but not much and the rubber seems tackkier but maybe that is because they are new. The " Tamer " grips use a grip screw through the bottom rather than the side and S&W only sent the grips so I had to order a bottom stirrup from Hogue to make the new grips work. I think my " Tamer " grips from S&W were $40 but only come in the ugly orange or even uglier ( if that is possible ) yellow.
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Old 11-30-2012, 09:26 PM
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I can't believe I am saying this but......I love the new grips. I was fully intending on swapping them out but after I put 2 boxes of full powere shells through the gun in one sitting, I was sold.
I have owned just about every style of rubber grip for the m29/629. The new style synthetic grips are much like a synthetic Ahrends. The back strap is covered and the texture isn't sticky like the Hogue. I find they don't get caught on my Carhart coat as much as other rubber grips. Recoil reduction is better than the Hogue mono grip. I think S&W put some thought into these newer grips and cost cutting wasn't the main factor. Fit and finish is excellent with out any gaps between the frame and grips unlike Pachmyar. They are larger than the Hogue suited for medium to large hands.


Last edited by TheMystro; 11-30-2012 at 09:29 PM.
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Old 11-30-2012, 11:36 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheMystro View Post
I can't believe I am saying this but......I love the new grips. I was fully intending on swapping them out but after I put 2 boxes of full powere shells through the gun in one sitting, I was sold.
I have owned just about every style of rubber grip for the m29/629. The new style synthetic grips are much like a synthetic Ahrends. The back strap is covered and the texture isn't sticky like the Hogue. I find they don't get caught on my Carhart coat as much as other rubber grips. Recoil reduction is better than the Hogue mono grip. I think S&W put some thought into these newer grips and cost cutting wasn't the main factor. Fit and finish is excellent with out any gaps between the frame and grips unlike Pachmyar. They are larger than the Hogue suited for medium to large hands.

I'd like to try one of those but don't see it available in the S&W store for anything other than j frame. Is it available anywhere??

great looking gun btw!
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Old 12-01-2012, 08:28 AM
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I haven't seen them as a aftermarket sale yet. I am sure S&W should be selling these as a after sale item.. I would call S&W and see if they offer them for sale. I can't believe they wouldn't sell them as a OEM part.
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Old 12-01-2012, 09:16 AM
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I think that I am "really" the oddball here.
I don't like finger grooves "at all"--wood/rubber/metal,or anything.
I don't like rubber grips but prefer wood and in particular, Target grips in wood.
Too me, they are easier on my hands and grip the best.
I don't like beets either.
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