I recently purchased a new Smith and Wesson 686 Plus 7 shot revolver (3 inch barrel) and am extremely pleased with it. However, I would like to put some nice Wood grips on it for esthetic purposes (I don't plan to use it for carry). After perusing this forum I have decided on going with the Altamont Silverblack combat grips. My question is twofold:

1. how difficult is it to remove the factory grips and replace them with Altamont grips?
2. can anyone point me to a video or a set of directions on how to do it?

Thanks, in advance,
Del Thompson

My factory grips came off by taking the screw out. If they don't just fall off when the screw is removed, don't pry them off with anything made of steel. I use a plastic paint scraper to get in the openings near the trigger guard. Some folks use an old credit card --just get between the frame and the grip.

The Altamont grips come with instructions. Let me suggest you also look at some Ahrends grips on line. They're tactical grips are on several of my revolvers.

Have fun!

Oh, welcome to the forum!!!

Thanks for your response and suggestions. much appreciated!

I would go with ahrends grips. I have been reviewing the threads and altamount grips do get quite some bashing for fit, finish, quality of product, etc., but everyone seems pleased with Ahrends. I have some Ahrends on order from them round to square butt targets goncalo alves for $70.00. I also added the tung oil finish for $20.00 more and $7.00 for shipping. You can also see gripseller on ebay, he is one of their dealers and you can see the actual grip you will receive. I also have a brand new 686 and wanted some wood grips but that round butt threw me off for a while. I wanted the square butt grips because that is what I am used to with my N frame model 28 and these grips were the way to go. You might want to look at ahrends tactical grips also

Welcome to the FORUM! Stocks/ grips are a trial & error thing. I always have extras that do not feel right or do what I want them to do. My 686-6, Pro-Series has a Hogue Monogrip on it. Hard to get on. C. Service will talk you through it if needed. Bob

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I put some wood grips on my 686. Instead of buying round to square conversion grips or round grips, I bought a set of square butt grips. Yes you have a "butt crack" but they work fine and look terrific. Just a suggestion.

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Yes, Ahrends are a nice addition but also take a look at Culina grips. You can order directly from the website or sometimes find a new pair on eBay. It may take a few months for the right pair to show up for you or place an order and wait. They make the closest thing to the original S&W classic combats and are great quality. They do cost a little more then your average grips but they are worth it.

Culina LLC

Joe

Get these

It's not terribly difficult if you're careful with it. Mine we're pretty tight, so after removing the screw in the grip, I took a thin hex wrench and put it in the screw hole at an angle so it was pressing against the inside of the opposite grip. I then gently tapped on the hex wrench until that side of the grip came off.

After than you can just push the other side off through the frame with your hands.

Altamont makes nice magna-type (skinny) grips. I don't care for their larger target grips.

Ahrends makes great wood target or boot grips.

Hogue wood grips are nice too, but for the price I like Ahrends more.

Hard to go wrong with Ahrends......

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I'm a fan of Ahrends on my 3", L-Frame, 7-shot 357's...

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

I'm a big fan of the Hogue wood grips...see attached for my 586 on the bottom with Hogue coco bolo wood grips. Also, the included grips with the Talo 3-5-7 series are Altamont Ku grips (or at least they look exactly like them)...see top of the photo. These are also very comfortable for me. Although I like both of these very much, I'd give a slight edge to the Hogue for feel/comfort and the Altamont Ku's for price, etc. Also I've tried two different types of Altamont target grips for 586 and 686 and I didn't like either of them for different reasons. The 686 with Altamont round butt conversion that I purchased separately felt a little too small. And the stock 586 target grips (that I think are Altamont also) were quite beautiful but unfortunately had very aggressive checkering that caused my right hand ring finger to bleed with moderately warm 38 specials.

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I'm trying to remember if the 3-5-7 grips have dowels for alignment. If so, they can be pretty tight to get off. When it comes to grips, it is all personal preference. What fits one person may/may not fit another. My one 3" 686+ has Hogue bantam grips. They aren't as long as full size Hogue grips that are on my 5" 686. Two different animals with different purposes. The bantams help with concealment and fit the 3" like a glove. My 2nd 3" has VZ grips. Almost identical to the bantam grips as far as size, but obviously a high end grip. G10 material in various colors and option for checkering. Very nice grip.

I have several sets of Ahrends and Altamonts, but I have a slight preference for the Ahrends, when I can find a set I like - fit my hand better. Here's my 627 wearing the latest set of retro combats in moradillo.

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I want to thank everyone for their input. posted above is my 686 with the new rosewood grips (I just decided I like them better than silver black). They fit perfectly and came within 3 days. needless to say I am very happy with them!

I guess I should add these are the Altamont rosewood combat grips.

I went with Altamonts as well on my 686 snubby. The fit and tolerances are very tight and the surface engraving is very precise. I'm really impressed with the quality of these grips for the money. I have three other revolvers with Altamont grips and they are all very well made.

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