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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 12-05-2015, 09:40 PM
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Default Pachmayr Compac Grips vs Pachmayr Diamond Pro (Formerly Pachmayr Grips - WTH???)

I just got my Pachmayr Compac grips. Like them and how they make gun feel compared to my modified stockers, but gosh darn..... what's with the weight?

They come in at 4.3 ounces.

Does that actually help with recoil when compared to something like the Houge monogrips, which by the way weigh 1.8 ounces but look tons uglier IMO.

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Old 12-05-2015, 10:01 PM
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That's just the way Pacs are. They use softer rubber making them easier to grip and more comfortable BUT to make them stable they use metal inserts to hold everything together. Its a trade off.
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Old 12-05-2015, 10:06 PM
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Is there a better grip that covers the backstrap that doesn't ruin concealability?
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Old 12-05-2015, 10:06 PM
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Pachmayr grips are made of real rubber, not synthetics like others. Rubber is heavier.

Also, the Pachmayr's have a steel shell molded inside the grips to strengthen them.
Other brands have a plastic liner molded in if they even have a liner.
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Old 12-05-2015, 10:44 PM
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I've got a brand new set of the same grips sitting put away for a range set someday. I took them out and put my hands around them, and just couldn't stand how thick they are. I just put a new set of Hogue Bantams on my 686+ PC, instead. Ugly? Yes. But, they grip well, conceal well and I gotta believe will tame the recoil a bit more than the stock wood grips it came with.
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Old 12-05-2015, 11:11 PM
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Yes yes! It's almost more of a problem being as thick as they are. I mean, I can carry my Rami with 10+1 at the same thickness and a +3 oz weight gain.

I really like the Pachmayr grip, but it just defeats the purpose of not carrying the semi-auto. At least IMO.

Kind of bummed....
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Old 12-06-2015, 05:40 AM
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Plus one on the Hogue Bantams. Much more comfortable to me.

On a 686P


On a 547 3"


Pretty much a standard for me on K & L frames. Originals kept and sold with the gun.
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Old 12-06-2015, 11:01 AM
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Take a look at the new Pachmayr Diamond Pro series. It's a totally new grip. Lighter than the older presentation/gripper style but still uses a soft rubber. It also seems to fill the hand better. Lots of material up high on the backstrap helps control recoil nicely. I like the way the screw just disapears as well. I recently got them in K and N frame size and am not going back.
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Old 12-06-2015, 04:21 PM
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Are they as thick as the compacs?
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Old 12-06-2015, 06:48 PM
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I just ordered a pair....
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Old 12-06-2015, 06:50 PM
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Quote:
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Are they as thick as the compacs?
A bit thicker in the palm section actually. Hand filling but not what I'd call bulky.
Hope they work out for you!
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Old 12-06-2015, 06:58 PM
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Thanks. Weight problem first, then will test for conceal-ability. Will report back when they arrive and I can play with them.
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Old 12-06-2015, 07:17 PM
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I use Pachmayr Presentation Compacs on round butt J-frames with great satisfaction. Also prefer their Presentation and Gripper models on larger Ruger and S&W revolvers.

I've never noticed the weight, but I hunt and buy the older two-piece style.

The Gripper fit my Ruger GP-100 frame, which other grips didn't, and the gun feels really good in my hand

I do think the rubber grip absorbs recoil better than other materials.

When not using Pachmayr, I prefer Uncle Mike's for K-frame guns. No longer made, but you can often find a set.

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Old 12-07-2015, 06:00 PM
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They are absurdly heavy. I wrote several threads about this in the past. Never made any sense to me that S&W would put these grips on their Night Guard series, the point of which was to be a lightweight revolver???

What gun did you put them on? If it is an alloy or Scadium/Titanium gun, it makes no sense to put the Compacs on it. Totally defeats the purpose of having a light gun in the first place.


My thread about the absurd weight of the Compac grips
Received my New 386 Night Guard...Don't Get It?

How I dealt with the Grips situation
New Grips for My 386 Night Guard

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Old 12-07-2015, 06:09 PM
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Pach Compacs are the most comfortable to me. (rubber) All of my Smith Revolvers are wearing wood! ( oh except a 64 wearing C.T. Laser) Bob
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Old 12-07-2015, 06:31 PM
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Pachs - the symbol of a 'real shooter' years ago. Had a BUNCH of'em. Great, if not homely grip.
Another good service grip not seen much anymore was the 'Uncle Mike's' grips. Not quite as soft as Pachs, but a good performer.
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Old 12-07-2015, 07:46 PM
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These are for my new 649 J-Frame. So far, with the holster I've been using (appendix IWB Galco) I've not had a problem carrying the gun in workout shorts, sweat pants, or PJs (yes I wear my PJs and UGGs to the store!).

Loaded the gun is 24.30 ounces, and my next best choice for CC is my CZ RAMI weighing in @ 30.50 ounces and a thicker all around package, bigger holster, etc. Overall the RAMI is not ideal when being held up by a draw string or in skimpy clothes, but the 24 ounce J-Frame is just fine.

In this case, adding over four ounces just in grips is, for lack of a better word, retarded.

That said, it was really hard to send those compacs back. They are a nice grip with a great feel.

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Old 12-07-2015, 08:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HarrishMasher View Post
They are absurdly heavy. I wrote several threads about this in the past. Never made any sense to me that S&W would put these grips on their Night Guard series, the point of which was to be a lightweight revolver???

What gun did you put them on? If it is an alloy or Scadium/Titanium gun, it makes no sense to put the Compacs on it. Totally defeats the purpose of having a light gun in the first place.


My thread about the absurd weight of the Compac grips
Received my New 386 Night Guard...Don't Get It?

How I dealt with the Grips situation
New Grips for My 386 Night Guard

You seem to really praise that 386NG, even going as far to say it's the perfect summer gun. Since picking up this J-Frame I've got the bug, and the .357 magnum isn't helping tame it any.

I was looking at the 327PC, but would really like some more barrel length such is offered in the 386NG.

Do you still feel the same about the 386NG?
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Old 12-07-2015, 08:47 PM
MR.G MR.G is offline
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Bought a set of the Pachmayr Compac grips for my EDC J frame. Found them to be too thick and switched back to the UM boot grips.
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Old 12-08-2015, 08:36 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wee Hooker View Post
Take a look at the new Pachmayr Diamond Pro series. It's a totally new grip. Lighter than the older presentation/gripper style but still uses a soft rubber. It also seems to fill the hand better. Lots of material up high on the backstrap helps control recoil nicely. I like the way the screw just disapears as well. I recently got them in K and N frame size and am not going back.
Pachmayr&reg Pachmayr your primary source for quality handgun grips and recoil pads
Stage 1 = total winner! Thx for suggesting these.

I had the original grips that came with the 649 modified to be even with the butt of the gun.

Empty gun
Modified OEM Grips - 21.60
Pachmayr Diamond Pro- 22.90

A total win @ just 1.3 ounces extra weight added to the gun. The benefits in comfort/recoil absorption will be huge with these.

The Pachs bare weight was 2.8 ounces if I remember right.

One thing I'm not please about is the grips have a little looseness to them. If I keep them, I'll use a bit of contact cement around the upper most portion of the grip. This should allow for easy removal, yet keep them firm. Open to suggestions on that issues though.
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Old 12-12-2015, 05:42 PM
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Talking Hey PDX,

I'm late to the party, but just a couple of thoughts after reading through-
I have been a big fan of the Pach's in the past, liking the way the somewhat rectangular cross section fit my hand and aided index to target.

BUT- we learn as we go, and I have not found any rubber grip to be good for conceal-ability, at least for me. While rubber/composites provide great traction in the hand, they also grab fabric. This can be detrimental to both concealment (fabric hanging up, not draping) and more importantly, draw.

Nothing is more important to me than being able to put the firearm into a firing position quickly and without fail. I need to conceal well, given public contact, but so far front pocket carry of my J in a Mika has worked well with 5.11 pants (not a wannabee, I work in residential remodeling / construction, and they are the best functional butt-covers I've found).

Next, just a quick visit to the weight issue- you know they make Airweights, right? Weight is a double edged factor, and it's a trade off between being easier to carry/conceal, and "shootability", for lack of a better word. A heavier gun will require more support to carry comfortably, you can't change physics. But it will provide better shot recovery than a lighter arm, all other things being equal. If weight is such a large concern, look into getting a lighter gun for starters, and bear in mind any J frame is going to require more practice to be competent than their larger//heavier brethren. Especially the Airweight/AirLite guns.

Barring the lighter gun, and to the ultimate point, what I have found is that grips that fit your hand well are better in controlling the firearm, not only in terms of maintaining a stable firing position in your hand, but also in minimizing felt recoil.

I had Pachs and UM for a long time before I tumbled onto this- seeing that the Uncle Mike's were done under license from Craig Spegel, and seeing he was a fellow Oregonian (hey neighbor!) got me to try them, and then other wooden grips from Hogue, Ahrends, John Culina (Kurac here on the forum), Jim Badger, and others. I won't go into what works best for me, because that is not the point.

So, you have a couple of options other than hacking at your rubber grips that may not, while you seem to like them, be the best option for you.

On a side note, you are well on your way to having a full grip box, and I would assume if you've got your CHL, a holster box to go with it. Welcome to the great quest of finding your ideal solution!
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Old 12-12-2015, 10:36 PM
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My J-frame (all steel) EDC has worn Compacs, the same pair, for sixteen years. They fit my hand, absorb recoil, and give a high grip that helps with muzzle flip.

I pocket carry, holstered. Neither the weight nor the bulk bothers me at all, but then I've been doing this for a long time.

The important phrase above is "They fit my hand". That, more than looks or bulk or weight, is what matters to me.
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Old 12-13-2015, 05:14 AM
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I shot both my new 386 night guard tonight, and my new 649 all steel j-frame.

The Pachmayr Diamond pros make the 386 (L frame) hard to grip for me. They also didn't seem to tame recoil much. Another negative is they make the gun larger. I put the wood grips back on and went through 155 rounds mixed Buff. Bore, Golden Saber, and 125 g. ball ammo.

Amazingly enough, I think the gosh darn all steel J-frame feels better with all of the magnums, especially the Buff. Bore. I shot it better, that's for sure.

I need more time with them both. But as of one night/155 rounds mixed magnums the 386 did not impress me. Or maybe the all steel j-frame is just that good. ? . Or again, maybe I just need more time.

I just felt the J-frame tamed the recoil better than the 386. weight the 386 and it weighed .4 ounces more than the j-frame, but.... the only steel in it is the barrel so the balance can't be the same as the j-frame.

I was hitting all five shots in the silhouettes at 55 ft. with the J-frame. I did as bad as 2 out of seven with the 386

Point is you ask? lol... I've found the grips for the j-frame. Without a doubt. Pachmayr Diamond Pros for the win!

Thinking about getting some Houge Bantam rubbers for the 386. Thought it does look sexy with the wood grips on there. I'll take what I can shoot and conceal best though.

Oh, I've not had any issues with the rubber diamond pros on the j-frame for over a week of very active use. Not only am I in Real Estate I am also an active handyman so..... like 2hawk, I'm bending and twisting and crawling all day also. I appendix carry and the new start in the physical labor part is what got onto the EDC of the j-frame in the first place.

And... I just sold my airweight. Never really used it, and I prefer more than .38+p for my carry load anyways. That's an entire different topic.
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Old 12-13-2015, 09:28 AM
just plain joe just plain joe is offline
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Just a general FYI. I purchased a set of the Diamond Pro grips for my round-butt Model 13 and installed them earlier this week. These one-piece grips require you to drift out the pin on the base of the revolver's frame. No problem with the correct tools. However, I had great difficulty getting the hole in the frame to line up with the grip screw. I finally had to insert an awl through the grip and into the frame and let it remain in place so that the rubber could take a "set". After about an hour I was able to insert the screw and secure the grip to the frame.

I shot the Model 13 with .38 Special service and Federal Cartridge 125 JHPs. The grips handled the recoil well and felt great. Pointability is enhanced. Everyone knows that you can not leave rubber grips on a revolver forever without risking rust. I had difficulty removing the screw which has a conventional slot head. I believe that Pachmayr dropped the ball by not shipping the grips with a phillips-head which would provide more control/torque. I've returned them and will contact Lyman/Pachmayr to express my disappointment on Monday.

Again, the grips control the recoil of even full-house loads in a K frame 3" revolver. But the juice ain't worth the squeeze.

I then ordered a set of the Compac (two-piece) grips on e-bay.

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YMMV

JPJ
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Old 12-13-2015, 03:32 PM
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Originally Posted by just plain joe View Post
Just a general FYI. I purchased a set of the Diamond Pro grips for my round-butt Model 13 and installed them earlier this week. These one-piece grips require you to drift out the pin on the base of the revolver's frame. No problem with the correct tools. However, I had great difficulty getting the hole in the frame to line up with the grip screw. I finally had to insert an awl through the grip and into the frame and let it remain in place so that the rubber could take a "set". After about an hour I was able to insert the screw and secure the grip to the frame.

I shot the Model 13 with .38 Special service and Federal Cartridge 125 JHPs. The grips handled the recoil well and felt great. Pointability is enhanced. Everyone knows that you can not leave rubber grips on a revolver forever without risking rust. I had difficulty removing the screw which has a conventional slot head. I believe that Pachmayr dropped the ball by not shipping the grips with a phillips-head which would provide more control/torque. I've returned them and will contact Lyman/Pachmayr to express my disappointment on Monday.

Again, the grips control the recoil of even full-house loads in a K frame 3" revolver. But the juice ain't worth the squeeze.

I then ordered a set of the Compac (two-piece) grips on e-bay.

Jm2c
YMMV

JPJ
Great review. I have to ask.... If the grips are such a win for you (sounded like they were), why not go get a nice stainless screw from the hardware store? I understand you shouldn't have to but....

I have my own quality issues W the j frame grips. They wiggle on the frame. The Amazon customers, when I asked the question, say they don't have that problem so I ordered a second replacement pair. They wiggle too. I ordered a third exchange AND contacted Lyman. We shall see....

I like them enough to try and make them work on my j frame
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Old 12-13-2015, 10:42 PM
just plain joe just plain joe is offline
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Thank-you for the compliment. I never gave it a thought.... until now. That screw is somewhat thin and with my luck I would get the wrong diameter, length, etc.

As you point out, with what you have to pay, you should not have to go through the trouble.

Regards,

JPJ
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Old 12-13-2015, 11:58 PM
Wee Hooker Wee Hooker is offline
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Originally Posted by Pdxrealtor View Post
Great review. I have to ask.... If the grips are such a win for you (sounded like they were), why not go get a nice stainless screw from the hardware store? I understand you shouldn't have to but....

I have my own quality issues W the j frame grips. They wiggle on the frame. The Amazon customers, when I asked the question, say they don't have that problem so I ordered a second replacement pair. They wiggle too. I ordered a third exchange AND contacted Lyman. We shall see....

I like them enough to try and make them work on my j frame
I'm glad my suggestion worked out for you. That said, I'm surprised that your having a fit issue with yours. As stated earlier, I bought a set in both L/K and N frame. Fit was great. Maybe a strip of duct /carpet tape or two on the right spot in the grip frame will take the wiggle out?
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Last edited by Wee Hooker; 12-14-2015 at 12:06 AM.
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Old 12-16-2015, 03:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Wee Hooker View Post
I'm glad my suggestion worked out for you. That said, I'm surprised that your having a fit issue with yours. As stated earlier, I bought a set in both L/K and N frame. Fit was great. Maybe a strip of duct /carpet tape or two on the right spot in the grip frame will take the wiggle out?
The fit on my L frame was perfect, but I didn't find them at all comfortable, or for that matter recoil absorbing, and on top of that it made the reach tough for me.

They're going back for sure.

Just got back from the range and the J-frame Pachmayr diamonds are so good I'll make them work.

Duct tape is a good suggestion, and I'll give that a shot if third time is not a charm.

I'm shooting Remington SJHPs on target at 10 yards easy with the J-frame and diamond pros.

I'm having issues with my 386 nightguard.... regardless of grips. I'm starting to think something is wrong with the gun it's so bad.
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Old 09-16-2016, 05:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Pdxrealtor View Post
Great review. I have to ask.... If the grips are such a win for you (sounded like they were), why not go get a nice stainless screw from the hardware store? I understand you shouldn't have to but....

I have my own quality issues W the j frame grips. They wiggle on the frame. The Amazon customers, when I asked the question, say they don't have that problem so I ordered a second replacement pair. They wiggle too. I ordered a third exchange AND contacted Lyman. We shall see....

I like them enough to try and make them work on my j frame
Got mine today and they have no wiggle at all. They did before I tightened the screw but once I did that they are perfect.
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Old 09-17-2016, 12:15 PM
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I just got a second pair and have the exact same result. A grip that slightly wiggles on my gun. Sloppy. You must have got lucky of have something else going on. Congrats.....!
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