I just received a set of Altamont grips for my 640. While the outside finish is good, I'm really disappointed with the inletting job. There is an 1/8 inch gap all the way around the grip frame. This seems excessive to me especially with today's CNC machines.
Am I expecting too much? Should I expect similar quality from other grip manufacturers?
I wrote to Altamont. I'm awaiting their response.

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I have 4 or 5 sets of Altamonts and have not encountered any problems.
I think you should call and discuss it with them. They can do better.

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In Omnia Paratus

Vilkus - mine are the same way. I'm pretty sure it's intentional, on their part, and I like it. I have mine on a 637 which, I think, has a painted aluminum frame. My Altamont's won't scratch or mar the finish the way they are designed. The grips are still rock-solid tight once the screw is tightened. I think they must be bearing on the sides of the frame and grip frame. I've swapped the Altamont's off and on to my 442 with the same fit - and with zero marring on the (probably cheapo ) painted finish... But, I agree, they do look very ugly - maybe you should send them to me ...

Edited to add: Being doofitic, and senile, - I just noticed the gap at the top of the grips. I agree that's too much. I was referring to the 1/8th or so around the outside of the grip. I think that's intentional, probably to accommodate for grip frame size differences versus my admittedly far-fetched idea of not scratching an aluminum frame. I now have five sets of Altamont grips and all of them have been near perfect, in my opinion.

I may not like the gap, but I can't complain about their customer service.
They wrote back to me very quickly, requesting photos, and had some questions. They explained that some clearance is necessary for movement under recoil. If I converted it to 44mag I'd still think it's excessive, but we'll see what they say after looking at my photos. Stand by.

Personally, I wouldn't be happy with a gap that large. Seems to me that with that much clearance, it's just an invitation for movement and splitting under recoil. I'd definately give them a call to discuss. My Hogue grips have a much tighter fit than that.

I like their product. They make good stocks. However-

The last set I ordered from them they sent the wrong color. They said they would exchange them if I paid shipping. I'd rather have them sit unused than scam customers like that.

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an actual conservative

Necessary for recoil??? I don't have a gap on my N frame grips from Hogue, Ahrends or Kurac. Altamont owes you a new set of grips.

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Don't You Ever Wash That Thing

I've got the same stocks on mine. It looks like mine are a little tighter than yours, but not by much. I've never had any loosening or wiggle, even when shooting .357 mags out of mine FWIW.

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I don't think mine move under recoil. They just look ill fitted. Yours appear to be much tighter at the top, (see my first photo), and behind the trigger guard.

Something else I noticed. While ejecting spent rounds, the empty case can ramp onto the thumb rest area ( sorry, best as I can describe it) this effectively jambs the extractor star, until the case is pulled free by hand.
My gun is a 1994 vintage. I suppose it's possible that newer guns, like yours, have slightly different dimensions making all this a non issue.

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Nope, mine does the same thing if I try and push them out when the gun is horizontal. If I point the muzzle straight up and just poke them out about half the way they will fall out on their own.

I don't know enough about grip fitting to tell one way or another but that sounds plausible. S&W has been making these J-frames for 50+ years, I think the dimensions have changed a bit over time and different models. I've definitely noticed it with tight-fitting holsters and switching between guns.

I've got a pair of Altamonts in a style like the OP's, and they fit perfectly (no gaps on the back strap or the trigger guard) on my M&P 340, 640 Pro, and I just put them on my new-today 642 Lady Smith from 1997.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Vilkus,

I think your expectations are a bit unrealistic. How do the two stocks mate? Are they showing a gap? Don't forget they are a natural based material and you need to allow for some expansion/contraction due to humidity etc.

I have several sets of their grips and have put them on several different J frames, I have interchanged or switched them a few times - guess what, they all fit, but not exactly the same on each one.

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Tony

I have the same stocks on my 640-1, I have a gap on mine, but it almost touches the frame in the center, not as pronounced as yours.

I fired 25 158 gr Blazer .357's today without issue and they really help managing recoil.

I relieve the left side for speed loaders and to ease extraction.

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SWCA #2817

The mating of the grip halves is perfect. It is only the inletting that is sloppy.
On the interior of the grip there is a rounded section which engages the upper part of the grip frame. On the lower section of the frame there is an alignment pin. These two points determine how much movement can occur in the grip, as they do on factory grip panels. On this particular grip they limit the movement to about .030 inch.
The inletting around the outside of the frame has a clearance of about 1/8 inch. Since the entire grip panel moves as a unit the maximum that it can move is still .030, so having clearance cuts four times that much in other areas doesn't accomplish anything.
I have owned many sets of wood grips that fit much tighter than these. None of them ever showed any signs of cracking or splitting due to moisture expansion.
I think it's a question of how loose is loose? Where would you draw the line. A 1/8 in gap is ok? How about 1/4? 1/2inch? We all make a judgement as to what is acceptable to us as consumers.

If Altamont cuts some of their inletting within .015 on some parts,( presumably that is allowing for expansion), I would think that they could do the same on the rest of the job.

UPDATE;

I heard back from Altamont.

"Hi Bill,

That is a normal amount of space to have on those grips.

Would you like us to send you a RS Label so you can return them for a refund?

Thanks,

Altamont Sales Team"

So I'll be sending them back.
We just don't agree on what an acceptable gap is. It won't stop me from ordering from them again, just not that style.
I have no complaints about their CS Dept.

I agree in that the fit gap is not acceptable. At least they offered a refund to you.

I don't think so. That's a large gap between the frame and stocks.

I've never dealt with that company, but as I remember you are not the first to have proper stock to frame fit, with their stocks.

Please let us know how you are treated by the company.

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Always Stay Strong!

How much of an improvement are those grips for shooting? I've been tempted to try them, but they're so big. I have a feeling they wouldn't conceal very well. Plus, I have a "thing" about grips not being bigger than the rest of the gun, making it look unbalanced. I guess that's my obsessive compulsive side coming out.

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Qoheleth 12:13-14

Sorry you're having a problem. I really like Altamont grips. I have a set on my 640-1 that fit very well. I can recommend the Super Rosewood with the checkering and the Fleur-De-Lis design.

I would say that yes, they are larger than stock and even larger than "Boot" grips and that makes them harder to conceal.

What I liked about the design, was that because they added material to the back of the grip frame, the reach to the trigger was a little longer. For me this was an improvement. Of course your mileage may vary. Because it is a bulkier grip, felt recoil is less.

Take a look at my #16 posting.

Whatever makes you happy is the right answer. I probably could live the 1/8" but not more.

Glad to see they are responsive and you are satisfied.

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Tony

I will admit, it was a close call. Now the search continues....

Thanks for posting this. For recoil??? Please! I have several J-frames, but won't be ordering any of those grips.......

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NRA Life, COTEP 640

Years ago I bought a nice boot grip from Craig Spegal for my 342PD. I needed a smooth grip because I carry in an Alessi ankle holster and the oem grip was too sticky to easily pull up my pant leg. Had to tap the Spegals on the frame with a leather mallet, thought the screw was an un-necessary option.

Is this the difference between "talent on loan from God" and Computer Numerical Control?

Esmeralda makes some nice J frame grips.
Exotic Grips by Esmeralda

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Ed

Those internal gaps are excessive. Even when one takes into account expansion rates for domestic and exotic woods, the gap in the photos is somewhat excessive. All wood expands and contracts seasonally across the grain. Before wood is used for grips the moisture content should be determined. If the moisture content is too high, it will shrink after manufacture during seasonal adjustment and the gap will tighten and with this kind of grip could crack -- depending on the kind of wood. If it is around 3% to 6% (the preferred number) it will expand, widening the gaps slightly during times of increased relative humidity. This would be the desired moisture percentage for wood grips like these. I would assume the maker knows this and chose an excessive gap to hedge bets on different regional humidity rates that affect expansion and contraction. For what it is worth.

Who knows if Altamont uses stabilized wood?

I'm thinking they do.

Altamont uses resin impregnated laminates. No expansion or contraction to worry about.

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Qoheleth 12:13-14

Right now, stock is down to zero on the web site. (J Frame grips)

Send them back, and don't believe the BS about needing the gap for recoil.

The problem I'm up against is there are so few good options if you want a covered backstrap! Uncle Mike's are OK but over $50 in good condition, Pachmyr's are junk for the most part, and Hogue doesn't make a G10 version (for regular J-frames) with a covered backstrap. The absolute best grip is the one on the 360J - I've been trying to find another and they're truly unobtanium. Supposedly S&W has dropped them and they're going for scalpers prices on Crook-bay ...

Found these two. Don't know if that's what you're looking for or not.

Smith and Wesson Factory J Frame Revolver Grips with logo | eBay

Uncle Mikes Smith & Wesson RARE J Frame Rubber Boot Grip Round Butt 59010 S&W | eBay

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Qoheleth 12:13-14

I have a Hogue Monogrip on one of mine. It is very comfortable but a bit on the large size. It covers the backstrap.

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I bought a set of Uncle Mike's combats off of eBay. Sure, I paid maybe twice what they cost when they were being manufactured, but they're worth it. More comfortable and controllable than the Smith branded rubber combats.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Had 2 sets for my J frames. Was satisfied with the fit. Dont remember excessive gap, tight fit to frame, no movement, good finish. excellent for the price.
If youre looking for rubber grips check out these Smith & Wesson J Frame / Round - Compact Grips - W/Finger Groove
I have no affiliation to the seller
If you want Smith rubber finger groove grips PM me. I have a set to sell

I was hoping to find a covered backstrap model that I liked.
Looking on ebay there are lots of this type from the Philippines. I'm a little apprehensive about no name products.

I'm trying to avoid rubber grips because of the clingy thing.

I just ordered a set of Hogue G10 Bantam Piranha grips. Not exactly what I was looking for, but......
The biggest problem I've had with open back strap grips, is the tendency of the cylinder latch to remove a chunk of meat from my thumb.

Hopefully the Hogues will work out.

Bill

Anxious to see a photo of how they look when you receive them. I really like how the G10's look but I didn't see any covered backstrap style for the standard J's. I did remember that I have a set of Badger's for my GP-100 - the appearance and inletting is fabulous. I checked Badger's site this morning and he/they have some great looking grips which do cover the backstrap on J-frames ... for $86 ... plus shipping ...

Well I got my Hogue G10 grips. While I would have prefered a covered backstrap, I pretty happy with them.
They aren't as pretty as wood, but they are very grippy and I'm happy with the inletting. The grip does help with recoil compared to the factory smooth skinnies. I worked with G10 for years in the electrical industry and it is tough stuff. These should last me forever.

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