Best grip for J frame draw

[Cal44]

I consider it key to be able to draw quickly and get off a reasonably accurate 1st shot in an emergency.

I figure I'm unlikely to present a gun until there is really no choice to using force to defend myself.

That being the case, getting a hit with the first shot quickly seems key.

My usual pocket carry is a J frame.

I wondering what people think is the best grip to use to get the fastest first shot. Most likely point shooting rather than careful aiming.

I believe I read an article on the snubtraining web site suggesting the standard wood round butt grip on old time J frames was one of the best, but I haven't been able to find it again.

Also, what's the best J frame model meeting these criteria.

 

[white cloud]

I usually carry a J frame and have large hands. I will be called a Luddite for saying this. After trying a lot of grips, I prefer the standard Magna grips. Call me crazy but I think they are better for weapon retention, concealment and point shooting. They also make reloading with speed loader easier.

 

[bigggbbruce]

My model 60 has the Uncle Mikes it came with.

 

[blues7]

I was happy with the Magna's on my old model 36 bought in the early 80's, but I actually prefer the rubber Hogue grips that come on the current 642-1.

 

[shouldazagged]

I use Pachmayr Compacs on my pocket-carried EDC. They give a quick, secure grip with purchase for the little finger, and a high hold for reduced muzzle flip and a faster second shot. Recoil absorption is excellent. They are larger and bulkier than magnas, but I have no trouble concealing the gun in any pockets I wear.

 

[crazyphil]

As with most things concerning self defense there are trade offs involved.
For what it's worth, here's my 2 cents worth:

First, where you carry has a lot to do with speed of presentation. I believe
that an open top holster just behind strong side hip is best location for a
quick presentation.

I know it's controversial, but I also believe the open trigger guard aids
in getting off a quick first shot. The old Chic Gaylord speed scabbard
shown below on the left is a good example.

A hammer is superfluous for getting off a quick first shot. I prefer the
concealed hammer on my 642-1 shown below.

Rubber grips are a little bit sticky, so I believe they are a bit slower than
slicker grips like the Hogue Blue Lavas. Both shown on 642 below. 2nd
and 3rd from left. The standard wood round butt you mentioned would
be just as good as my Hogues.

After you have decided on where (on your body) you will carry, what gun
you will carry, and what holster you will carry it in, next comes a lot of
practice. When I was training students I always suggested at least a
thousand practice presentations. And practice is another subject that
requires a lot more explanation.

 

[Corn Fed]

crazyphil. Nice pairing with the Piranha blade.

IMO, any shrouded hammer pistol with any grip is a great option. I carry appendix and love it.

 

[BigBoku]

"I believe I read an article on the snubtraining web site suggesting the standard wood round butt grip on old time J frames was one of the best"

I agree, the wood grips and Tyler T fit my hand perfect and offer a smooth friction free draw.

 

[Imissedagain]

Sailors say to shorten the sails before the storm..... as you might not be able to even get to them once the Weather arrives.

Our first J is a 63-3 4" but the Uncle Mikes feel good.
My Colt DS as I bought it and mastering a similar style but wider set for the carving machine.

Our other snubs ....Security Six and M460 Carry are not quite pocketable... but have a Hogue Mono and making something for the 460 as the stock rubbers, even after reshaping a bit, don't work for me.

Be safe practicing the draw..... said the RO Cop who shot his foot...... good guy who when I asked were the Rattler skins came from..... he replied.... "right where you were shooting your 458.....

 

[CH4]

Sailors say to shorten the sails before the storm..... as you might not be able to even get to them once the Weather arrives. ...

You're an airman, what do you know about sails

 

[Guevera]

Lord save us from big, fat, rubber grips like Hogue produces. I'm with BigBoku on this one and prefer the slimness of the old wooden ones, supplemented by a Tyler T grip.

 

[haywood]

I have Uncle Mike's Boot Grips on my pocket 442. Good for pocket carry Easy to get a shooting grip while in most of my pockets. Not fun for long periods of shooting. My waistband 442 has Hogue Tamers. They fit most of my pockets and are carried there once in a while. Although a little longer you can still get a good grip if needed. Great for shooting practice at the Range. My Bobbed 37 has Pachmayr Compacts. They fit most of my pockets also but, I normally carry this in the waist. They are great for Range Practice. They give a good hand full of grip. They are just a touch thicker than the Tamers. I like them both for shooting. The bigger gun pictured is a 617 Taurus with Hogue Grip. Not good for pockets at around 30oz. but, I guess it could be done.

 

[Goldstar225]

The "right" grip is going to be different for each of us I suppose. For me the Uncle Mikes that came on my 642 are just about ideal whether it's on the waistband or in the pocket. The Hogue grips that Crazyphil shows would please me as well.

 

[cmansguns]

For me, for years of EDC was the Model 36, then Model 60, then Model 637-2 with +P aboard.

All housed in S&W leather carried strong side at 4 o'clock.

The Altamont's that came on the 637-2 just feel right for me, and no trouble getting holster qualified at several different ranges over the years. Some Range Officers seem to have different regimens for "holster qualifying" and I kind of like this as each presents a different threat scenario, so quick ID while drawing and presenting is as important as that first shot.

Remember..............you don't want to end up like the "other candidates" instead of Agent J in training for MIB and "off the dude just working out at the gym" instead of blowing away little Molly.

 

[Old cop]

I've tried everything for my J over the past 50 years and settled on Herritts wood grips that cover the backstrap and extend below the frame about a quarter inch. Adding a grip adapter makes it a perfect fit for my XLG hands and does not compromise pocket carry.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I'm going with, "It depends."

Everybody's hands are different, whether that's by size, strength, architecture, medical issues, etc. That's before we consider where and how the gun is carried/concealed.

You're probably going to have to try different grips to see what works best for you.

As for me, the best grip is the original Spegel boot grips. I have a cocobolo set for my 642-1. The palm swells allow the gun to fill the hand without being bulky, but I think they also help with getting the hand on the gun in the proper orientation when drawing. Being smooth wood they won't cling to clothing or add unnecessary drag on the hand as it closes around the grip when drawing, but once you have firm pressure on the grip it's not slippery. I like that.

About the only thing I don't like about them is the finger grooves. With my hands, I almost always end up with my ring finger right on the "hook" between the finger grooves when drawing. Fortunately, it's not a particularly sharp hook so it's not too bad. Generally speaking, I think grips without finger grooves work better when it comes to drawing from a holster.

I tried the Magna and the Magna/T-grip combo, and it just didn't feel right in my hand. I think it had to do with the gaps at the front of the grip.

I've also tried what's been called the "Claude Werner Carry System," which is a set of Barami Hip-Grips, a Tyler T-grip, and a Hogue Handall rubber sleeve. Didn't like that one, either.

Having said all that, my 642 is currently wearing PGS Hideout grips (smooth, no finger grooves). Similar in size to the Magna/T-grip, but the grip fills in that gap at the front so my fingers have continuous material to wrap around. The biggest downside to the grips is that they're not cleared for speedloaders unless you modify them, which I did. The plus side is that they're only about $18-20 from Brownells so it's not a big loss if you screw them up.

I will add that getting my hand in the proper orientation for drawing was not as "natural" as it was with my Spegels. I did have to practice a bit, but eventually got it right. I can now draw with either and have the sights lined up properly when the gun is brought up.

Which brings up another important point. Practice is probably going to do a lot more for drawing properly than how the grip fits you, but grip fit shouldn't be ignored, either. A grip that fits you is going to go a long way towards helping you get the gun properly oriented from the draw.

As far as best J-frame for carry/drawing from a holster, again that's going to depend on how you carry/concealed. In general, though, I think the shrouded or concealed hammer models are probably going to be your best bet as there are fewer potential snag points. Bobbing an exposed hammer spur is another option. Of course, there are several people who carry with exposed hammer spurs and don't have an issue, but I'll stick with my opinion that it could still be a potential snag point during the draw.

 

[Imissedagain]

You're an airman, what do you know about sails

Admirals daughters are a wealth of knowledge and can be appreciative of Air Force blue uniforms.
I once kissed........ an Admiral's Motor Yacht, in Newport Harbor, with the bowsprit of my rental sloop..... long funny story.

Heavy Weather Sailing: Coles
Helpful view of Uncle Mikes..... on my first J getting lawfully ready to sail to my island home town..... Manhattan.

 

[washerman]

I have Pachmayr compac professional grips on my j-frames...small enough for pocket carry but wow what a grip to hold on to...love them. I've tried many grips but they are the best of the best

 

[mikerjf]

There's a cheap rubber grip on Ebay I really like. It does an adequate job of airweight recoil mitigation, and is slimmer than most of the Pachmayr/Hogue's I've tried, so it fits a pocket better. Good compromise IMO.

$12, seller is fatboys1011. No relation, just a satisfied customer.

 

[oneounceload]

I'll add the very ugly BUT very functional Delta ERGO grip - helps act like a natural pointer which should do well for a quick shot without much aiming