Which of the following revolver grips do you prefer in terms of comfort, handling recoil, looks, etc. for S&W N frames and Ruger Redhawk?

1. Ahrends combat
2. Ahrends combat with finger grooves
3. Nill
4. Herret's Ropers
5. etc.

These were made by John Culinga, I asked him if he could make a pair of N frame square butt target grips for an N frame round butt revolver. He told me he could and asked me if I would like to try a pair in honey bastogne walnut, I said "You Betcha!" Here were go, I tried everything to make this a sweet shooting pistol and after all the magna porting the grips that John made did it right. Everyone that fires this pistol is amazed at how moderate the recoil is, fairly hot magnums feel like standard velocity .44 specials. I'll put my vote in for John...

Favorites, off the top of my head:

Custom grip-makers from years ago, top-of-the-line: Walt Roper (Matheis Gagne), Lew Sanderson, Charles Wendell (Kearsarge), Roy Fishpaw

Custom grip-maker from years ago and that anyone can afford: Steve Herrett

Contemporary custom grip-maker, top-of-the-line: Keith Brown

Contemporary custom grip-maker anyone can afford: John Culina (Kurac here at the forums)

Up-and-coming and worth watching: Schofieldkid81 (forum member)

Notable mentions: Don Collins, Patrick Grashorn, Dave Chicoine, Craig Spegel, all of whom are at the top of their game in their respective niches

I don't care much for mass-produced cookie-cutter aftermarket grips when there are still so many true craftsmen like the aforementioned gentlemen putting real hand-crafted wood (or stag, ivory, etc.) to steel out there. You can't go wrong with any of their work.

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SWHF #448

i havent tried a lot of different grips ,but these ahrends finger groove stocks work and look good .both sets well built ,fit well.
dont discount S&W finger groove combat stocks either i use these on my 17 .helps deliver a very consistant grip

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the rules? there are no rules

I like Ahrends and Hogue wood grips that have nicer wood. I have 3 sets of Thailand grips with great wood. I also get a big kick out of my Keith Browns, 3 sets. I only have pictures of the Ropers he made for me in exhibition English Walnut. They were made to be put on my custom .32 long made from a K-22 by Andy Horvath. This is a bucket list gun, always wanted something custom and these grips finish it off. Larry

Attached Images

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If you have fairly large hands and like finger groove grips, the S&W Combat Stocks and Fancy Wood Hogue Monogrips feel great. I like Ahrends grips too, however I must use their non-grooved versions like the Tactical Revolver and Retro-Target. The Aherends finger grooves are a bit tight for my mitts.

Older Herretts Star and Shooting Master grips are great.
The Herretts Jordan Trooper Grips are also very, very nice.

Stay away from Eagle- I've never had a set of their India made grips fit without a bit of work and they often warp.

If you don't mind laminated woods, Altamont makes some very nice, good fitting grips too, especially their J frame grips.

You forgot to list the Patrick Grashorn Elk Stag grips. They are top of the line IMHO.

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Slim, U.S. Army, Ret.

There is an older lady that sets up tables at the Tulsa show every year. I have had good luck finding Hogue grips there. You can look at many sets to pick the finish and grain on them.



Here is a set of Badger grips on my 63.

Here's an older set of Herret grips that I really like. For some reason, they just feel good.

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Pack light and cinch tight.

Craig Spegel

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Sure you did

I guess I'm just set in my ways. I can't get past Factory football target stocks. They fit my hand like no other stock. Period.

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Why, I aughta.....

Factory
Ivory
Stag
in that order.

Herrett Classics on my Model 29. Feels good to me.

Attached Images

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I like Ahrends, Hogue and Collinscraft. I also like the factory smooth N-frame targets too.

I prefer the Ahrends Tactical oil treated, square with no finger grooves. I have these on all my revolvers K,L and N frame. One of the features I like with this grip is I shoot with either hand so there is no issue of using a grip primarily made for right handed shooting. There are many fine grips out there to be sure. These just so happen to fit my hands well and recoil wise on my 357s are fairly comfortable.

Been thinking about picking up the Badger custom grips myself, I hear great things about them..and they look really really good!
badgercustomgrips.com

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Still just a kid at heart

Spegels on my 3 1/2" 27-2.

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Halfway and one more step

I can see they spent most of their exsistence as safe queens
Nice group you have.

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Doesn't hasta call me Johnson

I like Herretts Roper grips.

Charlie

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SWCA # 2294

I don't know that I've felt a better shooting grip than Ahrends Retro Combat square butt grips. It's one of those grips that feels like they used my own hand to mold the shape. I'm starting to add them to everything I can at this point.

I like the grips that Safariland put out about twenty years ago. They are Combat grips much like S&W except they were a hard plastic that resembled cherry wood.

Those were originally produced by Bill Rogers (older versions have a Rogers emblem on the side instead of Safariland) and are basically copies of Hogues but in plastic instead of wood. I like those, too.



Image belongs to SG-688

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SWHF #448

Along with others that were mentioned-Hogue-S&W combats-Excalibur.

Darn near all my N-frames , and other D/A revolvers wear Hogue hardwoods.

Bill Ruger made some hell for strong revolvers , but darn near every stock Ruger revolver grip sucks! And due to the design of the Redhawk grip frame , Hogues , as well as Pachmayr Grippers , put mine up too high in my hand. Oddly enough , slightly reshaped originals seem to work the best for me.

Ok, I'll say it. None of us can say what will work best for you. we don't have your hands , or use your grip and stance.

I have a pair of Altamont finger groove combat grips on my M64 I really like. Someone mentioned Eagle and I have a pair from the 60's on my Highway Patrolman that fit quite well. Must be the newer ones causing problems.

I want to like my K frame Bear Hugs but can't get next to them. I should look into making a trade for something that suits me better.

I like the Herrett Jordan Troopers

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	K-22 Right Side .JPG (131.8 KB, 24 views)

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Sceva
OGCA SWCA NRA

I got hooked on Badger grips a couple years ago when I saw them on a vendor's table at the local gun show. I really like their look & feel. They're comfortable shooting on my full size magnums but the light weight (Night Guards) magnums need the rubber grips for target range outings; they're just too light & recoil is too sharp.


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Did I mention I like Badger's grips ??
(I think I deserve a frequent buyer discount... Jim?)

I have and love my Kuracs and Grashorn Stags and I have a set of Keith Brown's on order that I have been waiting for and hope they are finished soon!!

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

I also happen to love the old hard rubber red and black grips. I really wish someone would bring those back. I don't have one or I would post a pic of it.

I am looking forward to the day when the forum's Schofieldkid tools up for the Farrant style for a K frame!

Till then it's these old originals ....