Small Hand Struggling with Grip

[chiltech500]

Hello all,

Have a K38 14-4 which I really like but cannot get comfortable with my grip. I shoot one handed for Bullseye but switching to two hands doesn't help much, it feels crowded around the stock.

I am using the smallest grip reportedly - the Pachymar Small Presentation grip. With my trigger finger close - I use the crook of the finger and will not compromise that - I don't feel like I have the butt firmly enough. If I seat the butt firmly the reach to the trigger feels too long.

I'm wondering about the Hogue with finger grooves or one of the custom makers who could make a narrow grip with finger grooves.

Don't want to give up on the pistol for Bullseye use yet so any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Old cop]

I can't tell much from your post but the BK Grip Adapter at bkgrips.com might help. He's a member here and I've used his product before.

 

[TenTea]

I know at least 2 people who say:

"Magnas with a Tyler T-grip are the most comfortable and practical on a K-frame revolver."

Good luck with your Bullseye!

 

[WaMike]

I have small hands as well, and am really uncomfortable with the standard K or N frame target stocks (although for some reason, the targets on my Mdl 24 seem to fit OK, but not those on my K or L frames).

Two ideas: 1) contact Herrett stocks and ask about their Roper grip Roper Gun Stock.

It's designed specifically for smaller hands, and when you order it, you'll be asked to trace your hand so the grip will fit you specifically. I ordered one for a K/L frame and couldn't be happier.

Second, you could grind down a set of target grips. This thread http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/393505-n-frame-grip-question.html poses a question about a seemingly stock square butt grip, but the thread consensus was that it was altered. There are several photos by various posters who've done the same.

I though it was a terrific idea, grabbed a pair of beater target grips that had chips and scratches, so started grinding and sanding away. There's certainly enough wood in the originals, especially in the front and bottom.

The result was a nice altered grip that fits my hand well, and I put it on my 586. When I shot it, it almost rolled similar to my SAA and the recoil with my .357 thumper loads was much easier to handle.

It's no Herrett Roper grip, but it was a little cheaper!

I have another beater set of grips that I might try to convert into a set of finger groove grips when I feel ambitious enough. Although I'm not sure that my woodworking skills are up to that task, nonetheless, that set of grips is also headed to the sander if only to grind away the superfluous wood.

 

[H Richard]

If you are handy, you might be able to modify a pair to fit your hand much better. The pair shown on a N Frame Mod 24 were originally much larger Rb to Sb conversion grips, with finger grooves. I took aprox 1/4" off the base, then filed/sanded the finger grooves off. It was trial and error, remove a little then test fit, and repeat. I started with a set of rosewood grips from Kelly's in Texas. They are impregnated wood, and no finish was used.

 

[chiltech500]

Thanks so much for the ideas. I can tell you that my skills are such my finished product would never look as good as yours H Richard.

Perhaps I should look to buy a set of used Hogues with finger grooves and get out the sandpaper.

BTW, what grit would you start out with - med, fine?

 

[Sgt 127]

Try a set of these. They are pretty thin to begin with and the start filing/sanding on them. I have small hands and the feel pretty good to me.

Hogue Monogrip Grips S&W K L-Frame Square Butt Nylon Black

And it's a cheap way to start.

 

[Sgt 127]

220 grit should give you a good start. If you really want to remove material faster, maybe 100 grit. But remember, all the deep scratches from the 100 will need to be removed before you finish up. Down to about 400 and then either polish or finish with a grey Scotchbrite pad.

 

[bananaman]

I know at least 2 people who say:

"Magnas with a Tyler T-grip are the most comfortable and practical on a K-frame revolver."

Good luck with your Bullseye!

I tried magnas with BK grip adapter. did not like it. I gave the adapter to my shooting buddy to try on 1 of his guns. He gave it back. It is sitting somewhere now. Bob

 

[Hapworth]

I know at least 2 people who say:

"Magnas with a Tyler T-grip are the most comfortable and practical on a K-frame revolver."

Well, I won't say the magna and Tyler set-up are the most comfortable and practical on a K-frame, but in my hand they are the best compromise I've found between maintaining an absolutely minimal profile while having enough real estate to keep good hold under recoil.

Might be perfect for what the OP describes...

 

[TenTea]

Well, I won't say the magna and Tyler set-up are the most comfortable and practical on a K-frame, but in my hand they are the best compromise I've found between maintaining an absolutely minimal profile while having enough real estate to keep good hold under recoil.

Might be perfect for what the OP describes...

I should never (haha!) speak in "absolutes"...like my wifey always (haha!) does.

How about, "one of the most comfortable and practical"?

 

[murphydog]

I believe all Pachmayr Presentation grips have a covered backstrap. As you noted if you have small hands you need to have thin stocks with fingergrooves, and (I think) with an exposed backstrap.

Also, if you require using the first joint of your index finger for trigger control, having extra material on the backstrap makes the reach that much farther. Good luck in your search.

 

[MN2944]

Small handed shooter here that has had good luck with Ahrends.

 

[Hapworth]

Small handed shooter here that has had good luck with Ahrends.

Which style?

 

[OKFC05]

I can't use the Presentation Pachmayr either, but the Pro Gripper with exposed backstrap and flat sides works for me.

 

[ironhead7544]

I can't use the Presentation Pachmayr either, but the Pro Gripper with exposed backstrap and flat sides works for me.

+1 on this. It is about perfect for the K frame IMHO.

 

[MN2944]

Which style?

Either Retro Combat or Retro Target

 

[Cal44]

Ahrends round butt smooth grips are nice for small hands.

Here is a picture of them on my 242Ti (L frame):

 

[chiltech500]

Thanks so much guys. Good thought about the the backstrap cover making for a longer reach, thus it's elimination potentially being a good thing. But, maybe I need a grip with less difference in size between the butt and mid-grip - see below - not necessarily thinner all around?

Yesterday my (new to me) N frame M1955 25-2 just came back from the Smiths who installed a weaver rail . Oddly the larger N frame with Small Pachymar presentation grips actually feels more natural to hold than the K frame. Very strange. Maybe because with the N frame it doesn't feel like I need to grip the butt as firmly and can have my fingers next to each other higher up the grip in a more natural position? Proportion difference vs pure size difference ???

I'm thinking of wrapping a little tape around the mid grip of the K frame to see if it's a proprtion thing. Definitely not running out and buying expensive custom grips initially!

 

[k22fan]

Have a K38 14-4 which [...] I shoot one handed for Bullseye [...] I use the crook of the finger [...] the reach to the trigger feels too long. [...]

We're rowing the same boat. I shoot indoor .22 Leagues with K 22s. It’s either thumb cock for rapid fire or use the first joint of your trigger finger for leverage DA. The best advise you’re gotten so far is to get stocks that do not cover the back strap. That’s basic but what’s been left out is you need good friction or checkering. While ugly, rubber Hogues work very well if their finger groove placement doesn’t bother you too much. I’m sure that for every stock with finger grooves there is a shooter who’s hand fits them perfectly. I’ve just never met one of those shooters. If you are willing to pay the price Hogue will make you a pair of checkered wood stocks without the finger grooves. Before spending that much I would first form an opinion of Hogue’s general shape by using an inexpensive used rubber Hogue. I suggest trying a set of Herrett’s Shooting Stars. They are about $30 used. All the ones I’ve seen have been checkered walnut with no finger grooves. Of all the stocks I’ve used they have the least wood over the side plate to reach around with your trigger finger. Their diameter at the butt is barely any larger than what your second finger wraps around.

You didn’t say whether your 14-4 has a target trigger but if it does a narrower trigger will increase your leverage DA more than a better stock design. I prefer the standard .265” trigger that was factory equipment in millions of model 10s but the slightly wider smooth combat triggers are also good.