Seeking "better" L Frame stocks

[1sg]

The factory stocks on my 686 SB are a tad too large for my hands. Moreover the extra weight of the underlug gives the revolver a "nose down feel" which I don't care for. So, seeking opinions for make & model of stocks that would be worthwhile researching; there's so many to choose from I'm not sure where to start. Many thanks!

 

[regalsc]

I can suggest Ahrends Grips. The grips that came on my 329ng were too large for my hands. I saw an ad on this forum for new Ahrends N Frame round butt finger groove moradillo because they were too small on the gun for his hands so I bought them put them on & what a difference. They fit perfect on the gun & reduced the grip surface so I now have the perfect grip for my size hands.

 

[Nemo288]

My favorite L frame grips so far are the AH conversion grips from Altamont.
They are natural pointers for me and my 629 & 329.
Very comfortable.
Altamont Company - Smith & Wesson

===
Nemo

 

[domyalex]

+1 for Ahrends.
I put Retro Combat on both my 627 and 686 and they made a big difference!

 

[regalsc]

I have 2 jframes with Altamonts on them. They fit great & don't take but a few days to be delivered. I find the ahrends to be IMO higher quality & look better with the tung oil rubbed in but they can take a while to be delivered.

 

[S&W Fan]

Lots of variables to consider when it comes to grips, what works for one won't for another. I prefer this set-up on my 4" no dash:

 

[bananaman]

You can waste a lot of money buying grips! Find somebody or someplace that has a L Frame you can handle or better yet shoot wearing different grips. Invest in that type of grip. I have bought more than a couple sets of combat style. I like the looks, but so far NONE works for me. I have a 586, & 686. Both wear target grips. My hands are not that big, but they feel good. Good luck on your quest! Bob

 

[CBH44]

Nill Grips. Somewhat costlier but great workmanship and fit. Be aware that the closed back versions are for bigger hands. Kurac grips, too

 

[steamloco76]

If you wear a medium to large glove, these Altamont laser checkered laminated walnut grips would be a perfect fit. Ahrends tactical non-finger groove are also great and are made of solid, non laminated woods.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Bananaman is right....... most of us have boxes of grips (and holsters) to prove it......LOL

Combats w/ finger groves look cool..... and even feel good; but when you add the weight of a gun; not so much....... never seem to fit my medium size hand ..... they force my little finger away from my ring finger.

Two options I have found to work for me are:

Hogue wood grips with the single finger grove and open back strap.

My favorite grips are G. Spegel's Boot and extended Boot grips......the extended grips are great on guns with 4-6 inch barrels ........ full grip and not too thick w/ palm swell and open back strap...... can get a reasonable priced set in black walnut ...... but a bit of a wait......... a wait I've found to be well worth it.

 

[SWMod10]

You can waste a lot of money buying grips! Find somebody or someplace that has a L Frame you can handle or better yet shoot wearing different grips. Invest in that type of grip. I have bought more than a couple sets of combat style. I like the looks, but so far NONE works for me. I have a 586, & 686. Both wear target grips. My hands are not that big, but they feel good. Good luck on your quest! Bob

That's no lie. I have a box I call "Grips I hate". It sits beside the box marked "Holsters that suck".

 

[birdshooter]

Here's another recommendation for Ahrends. I am quite fond of the Tactical Fingergrooves. Neither of these are on L Frames but do feel comfortable with the full lug barrel. My L Frames all wear factory targets but I'm sure these would work just as nice.

 

[Camster]

Nill Grips. Somewhat costlier but great workmanship and fit. Be aware that the closed back versions are for bigger hands. Kurac grips, too

Plus 1.Both feature contours with a palm swell.I own both.Very mch more refined that some of the slabs made these days.
For Kuracs,do a search for culinagrips.com to see available products.

 

[samwood]

I have small hands and find full lug bbls nose heavy on K/L frame revolvers. Like BAM-BAM, my favorite grips on K/L frames are Spegels. On full lugged revolvers with 4 inch or longer bbls I prefer the extended boot grips. I also like them with standard bbl 6" revolvers. I prefer standard boot grips on revolvers with shorter barrels.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Samwood......nice!!! What wood??

The extended grips extend IIRC 3/8" below the grip frame


Spegel offers smooth or checkered........I prefer smooth boot grips for Concealed carry and checkered "Extended Boots"

 

[WaMike]

I have smaller hands and prefer Hogue, Altamont and Spegel (when he's caught up). I seem to have the best luck with finger groove, non-checkered (I always seem to forget my gloves when shooting thumper loads with checkered grips).

Although....honestly....if I have time to take out the ol' screwdriver, I'll put Goodyears on for extended shooting sessions. Then hope no one saw me and sneak the purdy grips back on before anyone notices.....

 

[samwood]

BAM-BAM. The wood is black walnut; I believe Mr. Spegel rated it as Standard+ grade.

 

[JCS&W]

I am a fan of Ahrends grips and have several. However, I think that Kurac makes great L frame square butt grips. Here are mine.

 

[BAM-BAM]

BAM-BAM. The wood is black walnut; I believe Mr. Spegel rated it as Standard+ grade.

I've got a couple of his black walnut.......I guess I need to go to standard +........LOL

 

[75Vette]

I bought these Hogue monogrips for my 696-1 and drive nails with it.