Dear Forum Members:

I've been switching between the stock grips and a set of Desantis Clip Grips on my 637. There's things I like about both, but the common denominator between the two is that they are very small, even for my smallish hands, and I want a better grip on the gun.

That being said, I do not want a grip that is thicker or longer than the stock grip. I want to maintain the ability to pocket carry with minimal printing. After scouring the interwebs, it seems the two best options are either the T-Grip or Uncle Mike's Boot Grip.

So, what's the better option in your opinion?

Please keep in mind that I'm a cheap *** and I have a box of unused grips almost as big as my box of holsters, so buying them both will be a stretch for me.

Thank you for your help!

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-Mike-

Speigel boot grip.....
I answered too quickly, I didn't initially see where you stated your cheap. In that case maybe Eagle boot grips or even cheaper the Hideout grip.

Difficult to answer b/c everyone has different hand size as well as an ability to handle recoil. I prefer the T Grip b/c they work better w/speed loaders and allow free emptying of the cylinder for a quick reload. I have XLG hands w/long thin fingers. That said, I suggest frequent practice w/your J frame b/c this is a perishable skill and Js are difficult to shoot.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Years ago (I hate saying "back in the day"), the T-Grip was widely available and sold IIRC in the range of $3.50-$4. Now, I understand it goes for, I believe $25, and according to Forum members, availability is hit-or-miss. This is why I voted for the UM Boot Grip.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

I voted for the UM grip because I'm a big fan of the Spegel boot grip, which would've been my first choice. I've tried the Magna+T-grip combo and it just didn't feel right to me. The Spegel grip fills my hand nicely without being bulky. It also doesn't interfere with speedloaders. I'm assuming the UM grip is the same shape. However, I will add that I'm not a fan of rubber grips, especially for a concealed carry gun.

The PGS Hideout grip might be another option, especially for small hands, but if you use speedloaders you'll need to modify them to get proper clearance. On the plus side, they're very inexpensive.

Another thought...get the UM boot grip now. If you like it, save up and order a set of Spegel boot grips.

I vote for the T-grip and use them on Governor. I also have a Hershon grip adapter on my Colt Cobra, I believe they can still be had.

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Well since you specified you degree of thriftness - Uncle Mike Boot Grip. The UM is a licensed copy of the Crsig Spiegel , it will functional as well , abbiet be ugly.

40 yrs ago , T- Grips were a default answer. Alas nowdays they are hard to find , and cost as much as a set of grips. So for enthusiest/ collector looking to reconstruct an historically cirrect rig n we hunt them out. For a praactical rig , go boot grips.

" Boot Grips" have stock length , but are aa bit thicjer and give much better control , while having minimal effect of concealability.

Eagle Secret Service are widely available , and less expensive. Don Collins also offers qusi- boot grips tht extend just a hir bellow butt. Another option on the control vs conceal continumum.

I am not a fan of the T Grip (don't like the looks) I have the Uncle Mikes Boot Grips on My 60-7 & really like them The S&W Online store has them on clearance for$14.95

I hear Tyler's has recovered to their building disaster and they are doing better at filling orders.

No rubber grips for me for CC. Rubber grabs your clothing making access uncomfortable sometimes and giving away that you are carrying at other times. A while back, when T grips were hard to come by, I bought Herretts at CDNN dirt cheap. Not too wide but hand filling. If the bottom extends too far, for the price one could re-shape the bottom and not worry about the loss, quite unlike the loss on an expensive factory replacement with some substance to them.

Best wishes,

Jack

I voted for Tyler's but in retrospect I probably should have said "other" with other, being a BK grip adapter. BK's are made of a rosen plastic, and look and function like just like a Tylers. The biggest advantage to them is you can go to their website and order and pay for them with a click of the mouse, and at least in every case I've ordered them, have arrived in two or three days.

BK Grips | 2-Clip Grip Adapters for Revolvers

Price I think is about the same as Tyler's.

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John 3:16 .

T grips work just fine for me, with at least one BK in the mix:

Pinto- how would you rank the quality of the BK grips compared to the Tylers?

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-Mike-

Here are my primary pocket carry guns. Smooth magnas and Tylers in an inexpensive pocket holster. And I also like off shore fishing.

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I don't like to beat around the bush and I'll get straight to the point. I'm a retired LEO who served as a firearms instructor, rangemaster and armorer. I've carried J frames for over 30 years. The Uncle Mike's boot grips are my favorite grips. Even better though, are Crimson Trace LG-105's; they closely mimic the contours of the UM's and have the added benefit of laser sighting. (Both are pictured below) For those who say that they want a covered backstrap to dampen recoil, it's not a concern in a defensive scenario. Your concern is staying alive; not a little slap to your shooting hand.

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(For *me*) covered backstrap is not to cushion recoil per se. It is for fit aka pointing.

But to cut to the chase the limiting factor for J Frames is NOT ideal fit/ control. The baseline for using a J Frame at all is to maintain a particular degree of concealment. The goal is to remain suitably concealed in extreme situations while sucking the least for control. A J Frame with grips suitable for maximum control will be as concealable as a 2in K Frame with up to Boot Grips.

Consider this as either damning or praise. This is why I have such a fetish for 2in RB K Frames carried in pancakes. When I carried a J Frame on ankle or under shirt, It wore Craig Spegiels.

I agree. However, I have to believe there's a way to gain better purchase with a different grip or an adapter without sacrificing conceal-ability.

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-Mike-

It's about getting the balance right. The most concealable grip in the world won't do you any good if can't consistently get hits on target quickly. Similarly, the most comfortable, best fitting grip in the world won't do you any good if you can't conceal it.

For me, that balance is the Spegel boot grip. For other people, it's Magnas with a grip adapter. For still others it's the Crimson Trace. I hate to say it, but the only way to find out is to try them and see if it works for you. Just my opinion, but since the UM boot grip seems like the least expensive option, that might be worth trying first.

I've tried and like both but a nod toward the UM's. Also since you want to spend the least amount the UM's got my vote.

I would prefer the Uncle Mike's Boot Grip over the Tyler T. However, I chose "Other" as I prefer wood over rubber, in most cases. For pocket carry, I like the Eagle Secret Service Grip.

I don't carry this 42 very often, but when I do, it dissapears in a front pant pocket.

Choosing between the Uncle Mike boots and a S&W Magna with a grip adapter. That's a tuffy. Those are my two favorite grips. In fact, I just bought a pair of spare UM's from a forum member last week.

They're both great options on the J-frame. My top two. If I had to choose, I'd say the Tyler-T. Just because it looks better. It's got an old school just-the-facts-ma'am bad boy seriousness and simplicity.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

Tyler for me.

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Uncle Mike's is my favorite "goodyear" for a J-frame.

But, I'll take a set of Eagle Secret Service boot grips, or a set of Kim Ahrends over them any day.

My 340PD came with boot grips. I vote for the S & W boot grips.

I voted T-grip, with some reservations. For pure shooting the boot grips should be more comfortable, yet for all around carry and day to day use the T-grip should be a better option.

For pocket carry I use boot grips. For everything else th S & W banana grips conceal as well and offer a much better grip.

My take: I don't have a "vintage" set of grips to compare to, just what Smith installed on my 2010 era 36-10 3" "Classic" series, which I THINK are dimensionally the same as the old magnas.

With the aforementioned grips installed, speed loaders KIND OF work the way they should. With the Uncle Mikes (and as mentioned earlier in the thread, they're available from the close out section of the Smith site for only $15/set plus shipping, I just bought two sets myself), both my HKS and Safarliand Comp I work just great.

The UM (and, I'm assuming, the Spegels they were licensed copies of) just have better clearancing for the loaders to pass by.

YMMV.

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Yep. I'm THAT guy. ;)

EXACTlY! And what I love about these CTs is that that Laser is placed on the right side of the gun which make it perfect for us Southpaws...

Functionally identical.
The BK has a slightly dull finish, that's all.

I like Eagle Secret Service



For extended shooting of Airweights, the UM give me a blister on the cutout side. Happens with both the 2 and 3 finger UMs.

They're a bit better on steel frames, but still tend to print more than wood.

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SWCA #2817

Screw it.
There's too many good choices.
I'm getting an Uncle Mike's AND a BK Grip. Maybe a CT laser grip too.

__________________
-Mike-

I just got two more T Grips today. One for my Colt D.S. The other for my M&P 340. I like them a lot. I also have them on my Model 19 and 640. They improve your grip so much and add nothing that will diminish concealment. Like the look also.

Not a fan of the T grip look, not at all. The stock grips that came w/my 438 are functional and provide good pointability and purchase, but... I'm a fan for the stock J frame grip/look. With a little practice, I can shoot w/these grips just as well as the "boot grip" style. They also don't grab onto clothing, and speed loaders work well with them.

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Ataboy!!! Post some pics when the mission is accomplished.