Took my 638 to the range this weekend and realized I don't like the stock grips (Hogue's?) anymore.

I'd like to replace them with something that's approximately the same size (don't want to step up to anything bigger which would impede pocket carry), ideally cover the backstrap (a want, not a must have), be a little fuller in the hand and most importantly, made of rubber (less slick and better for range time).

I think the only ones that I've found that come close (they don't cover the backstrap) are VZ Tactical Diamond grips.
VZ Grips | VZ Grips - J-Frame Tactical Diamond Black G10

Any others that I'm missing out on?

Thanks!
B

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

Help a brother out . What are those?

Those look like Ergo Delta grips... not factory.

ERGO DELTA GRIP™ - ERGO Grips

here is my 638

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IMG_0139.jpg (133.7 KB, 43 views)

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JAREDSHS
LEO(retired)

I've never tried the G10 VZ grips you mentioned, but I have a set of G10 hogue grips for my LCR 357.

The are nice for pocket carry, fit my hand well, but are as hard as a rock.

They won't provide any padding if you plan to shoot 38+P in your 638.

Below is a picture of the grips that came with my M60-15. They cover the back strap, are fairly small and tapered so as not to print, and are made of rubber.



The used to be available from the S&W store on the web, but are now gone from there.

If anyone can come up with the part number, you might be able to get them by calling S&W customer service.

Otherwise, it's ebay time.

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I have a set of the VZ tactical diamonds. You said in the original post you wanted something rubber. The VZ's definitely aren't rubber. Size wise they are pretty much the same as the factory grips. Let me know if you have any specific questions about them and I'll try to answer them for you.

You got it.....

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

See if you can score a set of the original Uncle Mikes Boot Grips.

They are pretty good and were patterned by Craig Spegal when Smith used them. They are nothing like the grips that the factory provides now but you have to shop around to find them.

You also might take a look at Hideout Grips. I have not used them but some folks say they are pretty good and at $20.00 a pair a bargain.

Thanks for letting me know they aren't rubber. I saw your version and assumed those weren't but thought these were:
VZ Grips | VZ Grips - J-Frame Tactical Diamond Black G10

Uncle Mike's are the real deal.



but I also like the SILE

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

I'm going to have to agree with Cal44 - and I'm sure many others: the now (apparently) discontinued S&W banana grips are tough to beat. The Uncle Mike's in the same style are also very nice but difficult to come by in decent shape ...

Thanks for all of the suggestions guys. I think I'm going to give the Uncle Mike's a try first. If I don't like them, I'll step up to something else. I had the banana grips on a Model 60 I once had. Good for shooting but too big for pocket carry on me.

No. Everything VZ makes is G10. And I will say that the "tactical diamonds" are pretty aggressive. Almost like grabbing onto some 36 grit sandpaper. The checkering is very sharp. Still slides nicely in and out of a pocket and doesn't snag and you get a super positive grip when you're shooting it. My guess is most people would find them too rough on the hands.

I really like the Crimson Trace LG-405 grips for my Air Weight J-frames. Here's the link to a photo of my 638-1 wearing a set of them:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/139708045-post20.html

BTW - the 638 is the revolver in the upper part of the photo, below it is a Model 649-0 wearing CT LG-105 laser grips.

Regards,

Dave