I have Houge mono grips on my 629, Pachmeyr Grippers(?) on my 686, and unknown wood stocks with finger groves on my 586. All came when purchased the revolvers. With each, when shooting anything hotter than 1,000 fps or so, my right thumb gets “bit” by the cylinder release. I can’t seem to hold the guns tight enough to prevent this.

I where an XL glove. Are these grips just too small? ... or am I just a wuss? Any suggestions welcome.

Hi, I have fairly large hands with stubby fingers. I shoot target style on all of my revolvers. Never had a problem even w/ .44 magnum. Try to find a place where you can handle guns with different stocks, or if you belong to a gun club. Good luck, I have many pairs. Bob

Just for reference I measured 8” from the base of my hand(at the wrist) to the end of my index finger.

After several years of reading on the web - so, this is opinion of other persons, no my direct experience - Herrett is used to make grips bigger than other brands.
In particular Jordan Troopers fit well big hands.

You are not a wimp.

Your experience was considered quite common, perhaps even normal, when using a tight grip, with the right thumb flexed down against the right index finger, when hot loads were employed. The interphalangeal joint of the thumb got cut on a lot of hands.

I recall Jeff Cooper writing about testing a Model 66 in the 1970s with pre-war era .357 Magnum loads. He offered the opinion that contemporary .357 ammo must not have been as potent as the pre-war stuff, because the cylinder latch didn't smack his thumb's middle joint until he used the older loads. He considered that a pretty normal occurrence, I guess.

Bill Jordan also did not like the way the S&W frame hump focused recoil energy into the web of the hand. When I was shooting field pistol sillhouettes with an N-frame .44 twenty years ago, the base of my thumb got quite bruised by the top of the left-side of the factory target grips (This was shooting with the right thumb high, in a two--handed grip). I recalled Jordan's writing, and switched to plastic Pachmayr Jordan Trooper stocks, which had already been discontinued 20 years ago, but easily found back then. They did the trick, since they focus the recoil energy into the palm. Not so easy with one hand, but just fine with two. (Jordan had huge hands).

I feel your pain, I can't shoot any of my S&Ws with standard magnas even N frames comfortably. Smaller frames like Js are just out of the question even K and L frame snubs with round butts hurt like hades.
Most S&W targets are big enough for me to get a firm grip on and some larger combat work also.

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SWHF #595

Proper stock fit is hard to define, as peoples hand size, strength, and placement varies so much. I wear 3x gloves, and have no issues with my thumb when shooting revolvers that kick.

I would ask, are you using some type of thumb high - forward type grip? I shoot DA revolvers with my right thumb curled down, and my left thumb placed over the right when shooting two handed.

Larry

My 629's and 29 "N" frames aren't an issue. The model 60 "J" frame trigger guard however does impact the nail bed of my trigger finger making a small wound. I changed out to some Badger grips and they alleviated the problem.

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U.S. Coast Guard, retired CPO

Correction: measurement above was to the tip of my forefinger, not index finger.

I attempt to pull down my right thumb by placing my left thumb over it, and pulling it down. ... as Fishnfool described.

My (wife’s) J frame is not a problem. Packmeyrs and lighter .38 specials...

I shoot S&W revos for fun and in competition. I prefer either S&W Target stocks or Pachmyers. When using checkered grips I use a batting glove on my strong hand. To save your thumb use fishinfool(Larry) suggestion of holding the strong hand thumb down with the weak hand thumb. I always use a hard hold rather than loose.

Keep experimenting until you find what works for you.

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Bob.
SWCA 1821

Grips are personal choice. My choices vary by gun. My 58 has factory combat grips that are large. My round butt guns have Culina combats. I have several that have Magnas. Or Elk Stag. None of them bite my thumb. Thumbs forward may be preferred by many for Semi-Auto guns. I agree with fishinfool. Bring your strong side thumb down and out of the way. It can be the same on any grip. No matter the size.

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SWCA 3255 SWHF 615

Since it is often a trial and error, you may want to consider custom grips. Where you take a copy of your hand along with several measurements in specific locations.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244