I just got my 617-6 today and before I had the gun home I was trying to figure out which grips I was changing to.

Now that I have the gun in hand I kind of like the new style grip. I mean it's rubber but the old Hogue was awful. The new one covers the back strap and has way less pronounced finger grooves. The only thing they could have done better IMO was made it with no finger grooves. The new one also does not hang way down below the steel grip of the gun if that makes sense. It seems shorter in the butt of the gun, which IMO makes it look better.

Heck I may have to buy this new style for my 686-6 and my 629-3. I think I'll throw these on my 686 and see how they feel. Does S&W sell them separately?