My J frame journey began with a 642 I picked up in a trade a few years ago. I decided to give it a try because my LCR gave me a bad case of trigger pinch and occasionally I would short stroke the trigger. The 642 quickly replaced the Ruger. Despite a little heavier trigger, I found the 642 was very smooth once broken in, and the trigger was much more predictable with faster reset so I shot it better than LCR.

The 642 served me well but I ended up trading it for a 638 because I wanted the SA option. Well, I haven’t looked back and recently traded into a gently used model 60. These two fine firearms meet the majority of my carry needs. They both have high temp engine paint on the front sight and are fitted with Altamont Bateleur grips, walnut snakeskin for the 638 and rosewood crocback for the 60.

I really, really like these Altamont grips. They are the shortest grips I have found that provide me with full three finger contact (I have pretty narrow hands though) and cover the back strap. Fits my hand perfect and also disperses recoil well. Only problem is they don’t clear speedloaders, which I don't carry but like for range use, and sometimes a spent case won’t clear...now that’s a problem.

So, I modified the grips. I used 400 grit sandpaper to get the clearance I needed, then used 1500 with oil to do a finishing wet sand. Last, I used white rouge and my Dremel to polish it up. It’s not 100% perfect but you’d have to look at it really close to notice it isn’t factory finished. I’m very happy with the results.

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Great looking grips...you’ll like them even more upon shooting. I also like Altamont grips and use their boot versions, and they all fit perfectly without any needed modifications. Great company.

One thing I learned about Altamont Grips is that you can request that they modify them to accomdate speedloaders. They made a set for my 640. I just asked them when I called and ordered.

Also like the Altamont Bateleur Grips, have them on both 642 and 638. I have large hands and they fit me very well.

I did find out Altamont would produce grips with speedloader clearance...after I ordered mine.

My problem wasn’t so much that speedloaders didn’t clear because I prefer to carry speed strips. The bigger issue was ejecting empty cases. It was a little too common that one case would get stuck on the grip and kind of lock things up, forcing me to break that last case free by hand. That issue finally annoyed me enough to modify the grips.

I shoot my j frames better with the Bateleur grips than any others that I’ve tried. And I have tried a lot of grips!

There must be a pretty low bar as to what mods they are willing to do. I wanted some thicker Roper grips (closer to originals I like) to be made by putting their version of Roper/Gagne checkering on their version of Coke-style grips. They said “no way no how” and virtually slammed the electronic door in my face!

I haven’t found any Altamont grips for J-frames I like as well as the Thai imports at half the price. See picture of ebonies on my Model 60-4 along with a big brother K-frame.

Remember though that grip fit as nearly as personal as fingerprints and YMMV!

Froggie

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Good choices! I love my 638, but I prefer the stock grips. I can see why you like the ones you got. The 638 with the stock grips will bash your palm with a stout load. To me the single action option of the 638 is essential. Mine is sighted in for 148 grain wad cutters. I can't think of a better EDC 24/7 gun. Every now and then I think about getting a 637 to go with it.

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Those Thai grips appear to be a great bargain but look too big for my carry preferences. But, I think they would be perfect for my model 63 that is currently suffering with rubber grips.

I purchased my Altamont’s for $50 shipped off Amazon. Can you really get the Thai grips for about $25-$30? If so, please point me in the right direction on how to search eBay for them. It would be much appreciated!

Great minds think alike! My 638 is always loaded up with Federal Gold Medal 38 Special Ammo 148 Grain Match wadcutters.

I was looking at Altamonts starting at prices around $79.99 and got both pairs of my Thai grips for about $50/pr. so 5/8ths instead of half.

My J-frame RB stocks are as easily concealed as any of the combat or boot type grips I have encountered, and give what I need to hold onto, but as I said before, YMMV.

Froggie

Good looking stocks, OP.
I just ordered a set myself.

Here a couple more pictures. I thought it might be helpful to see how much the grips extend beyond the bottom of the grip frame. The other picture is my 638 in its usual home, a kydex pocket holster from Alabama Holsters.

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So I'm a year late to this party but better late than never. I have a new S&W 640 inbound on which I'd like to replace the grips. I'm already a big fan of Altamont but I can't tell the difference between the Combat and Bataleur for the J-frame. Can any of you gentlemen please enlighten me? I have medium-large hands and would like room for my pinky if possible since I will probably be shooting .357 through it. Should I go with Bataleur or Combat?

ScottN I like the pictures! Very helpful, thank you. Looks like you went with the "dragon scale" walnut. Very nice choice!

Lastly I am BRAND NEW to this forum so if I break some written (or unwritten) rule, please be gentle on a newbie.

Stay safe,
Anarion

Shooting 147 gr 9mm in a 637-2, recoil is quite painful with the Altamont combat grips. Hurts the thumb. Good luck with the .357 Mag.

Didn't know the 637-2 was even sold chambered for 9 mm. Special order?

My EDC has been Model 637-2 since 2000. The Altamont Combats were a upcharge at the dealers, but once fitted and in my hands I've just not had a more comfortable grip. Previous EDC back to the early 70's were Model 36, then Model 60, both heavier of course, and both with standard service grips. I could do OK, but the Altamonts on the 637-2 along with Bianchi speed strips fill of Gold Dot +P has been a comfortable companion and I feel that I'm not outgunned.

Model 64 shown was just too big and too heavy for EDC although a real sweet range gun with some rosewood grips that came to me by Karma on this Forum

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__________________
Charlie B
SWCA#3083, SWHF#570

The Bateleur grips cover the frontstrap and backstrap and the combat style do not. More palm swell too in my opinion. I like the Bateleur because they fill my hand better. The combat style would appeal to someone who prefers a smaller/thinner grip.

I put Altamont round boot grips on my Model 36 "Chief's Special" and what a difference these grips make in tightening my shot groups. Great grips for carry and no issues with ejections and speed loaders. Cost: $43.00 on the Altamont website. I think these grips look nice also.

S&W Model 36 "Chief's Special" in 38 Special with Altamont round boot Santos Rosewood grips.




Thanks for looking.

God bless,
Birdgun

Those grips look great on your J-frame!

I like these Altamont Combats my 686-4 has been wearing for a couple years. Great grips at a reasonable price.

__________________
John