Uncle Mike's Boot Grips

[Bill In Texas]

Morning Everyone!

For sometime, I have been reading on this and other forums about the original Uncle Mike's stocks that were standard on S&W revolvers, but no longer offered or made, especially the boot grips.

I decided that I wanted to try them, and as none of my revolvers, new or old, came with the UM stocks, I launched on a search to find a pair, especially for my two carry guns, a 640-1 and a 637-2.

I won an auction on Ebay for the first pair and put them on the 640. I went to the range and loved the way the 640 felt in my hand when shooting. Just a little better than the stock S&W boot grips that I had on it.

I did another auction and came up with a second pair that I instantly put on the 637. I haven't been to the range with it yet, but I expect it to feel the same as the 640. I think I love these stocks and I see what y'all have been saying about them.

Next up, I want to try the Tyler T with some Magna's and see how that combination feels!

 

[kaaskop49]

Hi Bill. Whatever you do, don't send a gun in for repair/service with a T-grip or UM boot grip on it. I guarantee you, it will not be there when the gun is returned and when you ask about it, you will be told it wasn't on the gun originally. Argue if you want, folks, it has happened to me. Cost one guy his job at the smith's. I purposely keep off-brand grips to put on guns when it's time for repair/service.

Interesting phenomenon, Bill, I recently fired a 637 and a 642 with the Smith boot grip knock-offs. The 642 handled normally, while the 637 was difficult/painful to shoot, same ammo in both cases. Did I read somewhere about the frame shape of the 642 making the gun easier to shoot?

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Cal44]

Another side benefit of the UM boot grips is they work very well with speed loaders. Much better then the current J frame stock boot grips.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Howdy Bill,

I've picked up several J-frames that came with UMs. I guess I'm one of the few who doesn't love them. Like the contemporary S&W-marked grips they allow my middle knuckle to just get hammered, even with .38s.

My first '89 DAO Chiefs came with a set of Hogue Bantams, and oh, my, what a difference: no hammered knuckle. They come down just far enough on the trigger guard to move my knuckle out of range. Since you're into experimenting you might consider giving them a try, but then again, if the UMs work for you, why mess with perfection?

Eager to hear how you like the magna/Tyler combo. I have had good success with the Tyler on a square butt, but no so much with the round butt I and J-frames.

 

[dubshooter]

I love the UM grips. They fit my hand great. Have a set on my 640 BUG for work. Trying to find another set for my new 442

The magnas and adapters are great too. I have my 38 set up with a BK adapter. I like it a lot, but prefer the boot grips for my main guns that I carry. But they don't look as good, especially on the old 38

 

[Bill In Texas]

Howdy Bill,

I've picked up several J-frames that came with UMs. I guess I'm one of the few who doesn't love them. Like the contemporary S&W-marked grips they allow my middle knuckle to just get hammered, even with .38s.

My first '89 DAO Chiefs came with a set of Hogue Bantams, and oh, my, what a difference: no hammered knuckle. They come down just far enough on the trigger guard to move my knuckle out of range. Since you're into experimenting you might consider giving them a try, but then again, if the UMs work for you, why mess with perfection?

Eager to hear how you like the magna/Tyler combo. I have had good success with the Tyler on a square butt, but no so much with the round butt I and J-frames.

Thanks Bob!

I'll put the Hogue Bantams on the list and I'll post when I get around to getting an adapter and the Magnas. I don't know if the UM's are perfection yet, I'll have to try a few others and see!

 

[Bill In Texas]

Hi Bill. Whatever you do, don't send a gun in for repair/service with a T-grip or UM boot grip on it. I guarantee you, it will not be there when the gun is returned and when you ask about it, you will be told it wasn't on the gun originally. Argue if you want, folks, it has happened to me. Cost one guy his job at the smith's. I purposely keep off-brand grips to put on guns when it's time for repair/service.

Interesting phenomenon, Bill, I recently fired a 637 and a 642 with the Smith boot grip knock-offs. The 642 handled normally, while the 637 was difficult/painful to shoot, same ammo in both cases. Did I read somewhere about the frame shape of the 642 making the gun easier to shoot?

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Thanks Kaaskop!

I had heard that about sending semi-autos back to Smith with Apex trigger parts, but didn't know that it applied to stocks as well. Thanks for the tip! I have a couple of pair of the stock boot grips to switch out if I need to.

I'll see how the 637 performs next range trip. I had a pair of the S&W grips on it that I had cut down to accept a HKS speedloader. I can always put them back on. I have cut the hammer spur off on my 637. I'll see if that makes a difference!

 

[ContinentalOp]

Grips are an individual thing, so it's good to experiment. For example, I've tried the magna/T-grip combo, but it just didn't feel right to me.

And to echo kaaskop49's advice, hold on to your factory stock grips in case you have to send the gun back. I have two 642s, one wearing Spegel boot grips (the original wood grips that the UM boot grips were based on) and the other wearing PGS Hideout grips (a good grip, but I had to modify them to work with speedloaders, FYI). But I still have a set of the S&W factory boot grips just in case I have to send a gun back.

Also, if you're looking at grips, I would highly recommend the original Spegel boot grips. There is a long wait for them, but I think it's under a year now. You may get lucky and find them for sale somewhere. One advantage to Spegels is that they're available in Centennial models with "ears" that go all the way up the backstrap/recoil shoulder. And if, for some reason, you don't like them, you shouldn't have too much trouble selling them for what you paid as they are in high demand with low supply.

Eagle Grips Secret Service grips are another good, similar design.

 

[Bill In Texas]

Grips are an individual thing, so it's good to experiment. For example, I've tried the magna/T-grip combo, but it just didn't feel right to me.

And to echo kaaskop49's advice, hold on to your factory stock grips in case you have to send the gun back. I have two 642s, one wearing Spegel boot grips (the original wood grips that the UM boot grips were based on) and the other wearing PGS Hideout grips (a good grip, but I had to modify them to work with speedloaders, FYI). But I still have a set of the S&W factory boot grips just in case I have to send a gun back.

Also, if you're looking at grips, I would highly recommend the original Spegel boot grips. There is a long wait for them, but I think it's under a year now. You may get lucky and find them for sale somewhere. One advantage to Spegels is that they're available in Centennial models with "ears" that go all the way up the backstrap/recoil shoulder. And if, for some reason, you don't like them, you shouldn't have too much trouble selling them for what you paid as they are in high demand with low supply.

Eagle Grips Secret Service grips are another good, similar design.

Thanks ContinentalOp!

I've been kind of lusting over a set of Spegels for a little while. I may get a set, because as you say I could always sell them if I didn't like them.

 

[jhnttrpp]

Spegels are over one year.

 

[def686]

Spegels are over one year.

Yep, put yourself on his list, I think I am about 6 months out at this point.

 

[D Brown]

I found a set of used Uncle Mike's J-frame Boot Grips in like-new condition at one of my local gun stores two weeks ago for $15.00. Needless to say, I bought them!

 

[326MOD10]

For my carry 442 I do have the UM's original boot grips on her.

They don't hang up and provide adequate recoil protection and great ergonomics.

I picked up a few pair when they were in closeout at S&W.

On the other side of the coin I have an older pair of Spegal's that I picked up here and they look nice and feel great.

I just received today a pair of his longer full size J frame grips (that I picked up for my 640 Pro) and a set of the boot grips. They look wonderful and I can't wait to get them on!

I first called him and got on the list in the spring (I think April) of 2016. Once he calls you the turn around time is about 1 month or so.

 

[AZretired]

I've tried them all and while I love both my Altamont Boot grips and Combats, when I plan on doing real range time I prefer the Uncle Mike's that came one my 638. The 642-1 came with e new S&W boot grips which I saved just in case I need to send either back to the mother ship.

 

[Bill In Texas]

So, all you do is call Mr. Spegel and he puts you on the waiting list? When do you make your selection as to which of his products you want? Do you need to have your choice made at the first call or second? Sorry for all the questions, but thanks for the answers!

 

[326MOD10]

When I called him I told him what I wanted and he took down my name and phone number.

When he called me back I picked two things instead of one and that didn't matter to him at all.

We went over what I wanted and discussed wood choices that he had on hand.

I would suggest looking over his website so you have a general idea and then mention it when you call him but have a good idea what you want when he calls. I would suggest that you add his number to your contacts so when he calls you don't ignore it (because it is a number you don't recognize) and then sweat it out hoping you get him when you call him back after he left a message. Not that I would have any first hand knowledge of this.

He is real easy to work with and will walk you through the process if you stumble around a little.

 

[gnystrom]

Spegels are over one year.

I have been on Craig Spegel's list for nearly two years. I have had contact with him and I am still in line.

 

[Bill In Texas]

When I called him I told him what I wanted and he took down my name and phone number.

When he called me back I picked two things instead of one and that didn't matter to him at all.

We went over what I wanted and discussed wood choices that he had on hand.

I would suggest looking over his website so you have a general idea and then mention it when you call him but have a good idea what you want when he calls. I would suggest that you add his number to your contacts so when he calls you don't ignore it (because it is a number you don't recognize) and then sweat it out hoping you get him when you call him back after he left a message. Not that I would have any first hand knowledge of this.

He is real easy to work with and will walk you through the process if you stumble around a little.

Thanks for the tips! I think I'll give him a call!

 

[dubshooter]

Just got a set of UM grips at the door this morning. Now my 442 matches my 640

 

[edkato]

Howdy Bill,

I've picked up several J-frames that came with UMs. I guess I'm one of the few who doesn't love them. Like the contemporary S&W-marked grips they allow my middle knuckle to just get hammered, even with .38s.

My first '89 DAO Chiefs came with a set of Hogue Bantams, and oh, my, what a difference: no hammered knuckle. They come down just far enough on the trigger guard to move my knuckle out of range. Since you're into experimenting you might consider giving them a try, but then again, if the UMs work for you, why mess with perfection?

Eager to hear how you like the magna/Tyler combo. I have had good success with the Tyler on a square butt, but no so much with the round butt I and J-frames.

+1 on the Hogue Bantams. They're wonderful on the j-frame. Leave it to former LAPD guys to design nice grips/stocks (Guy Hogue) and pocket holsters for wheel guns (Robert Mika's pocket holster is awesome). Anyway, yes, the Bantams work!