"T" grip adapter comparison thread

[Rodan]

This forum seemed like the most appropriate for this topic, since S&Ws from this era are the most likely to have/get 'T' grip adapters.

I would prefer if we can steer clear of opinions regarding the manufacture/delivery time of the various manufacturers, and just discuss the fitment of the adapters. I currently have only one original Tyler for comparison, so feel free to add pics if you have some on other frame sizes/shapes.

This comparison includes an original Tyler #3 (sq. butt K), current production Tyler #3R (rd. butt K), and one each from BK grips and Robertson Trading Post, who is now selling cast aluminum adapters on some of the auction sites. Both BK and Robertson advertise theirs as fitting both round and square butt guns.

First is a pic of all four together. It was almost impossible to get a square on picture of all four together, and apologies for that, but I wanted them together for a reason.

Pay particular attention to the shape at the bottom of the adapter, and how it compares to the straight line on the grid behind it. Both the original Tyler and BK have a more pronounced curve away from the vertical line on the trailing edge of the adapter. I believe this is key to a great fit on the gun, and I would guess that the BK is molded from an original Tyler.

The current Tyler is not so pronounced, and the Robertson is even more straight. We'll see the effects in a little bit.

Here is the original Tyler on my K22 Combat Masterpiece, a great fit.

The BK fits perfectly as well.

The new Robertson/eBay grip, not so much...

Since the current Tyler I have in a K frame is a 3R, I made that comparison on my 2 1/2" 19-3, a round butt gun.

Here is the current production Tyler:

And the Robertson/ eBay, much better on the round butt than the square butt:

Again, posted just to show a comparison of the Tyler adapters and clones that are out there right now. I do have a couple of current production Tyler N frame adapters, and I'll try to post those soon.

 

[Old cop]

I have both the original & current Tyler, plus BK on my revolvers and frankly do not have a preference.

 

[ruger 22]

I have a Tyler K Square frame and several BK K frames and 2 BK J frames. I found that you can put the BK J frame adapters on the K frame guns too and they fit my small hands better that the others. However my favorites are the old Pachmayrs which feel the best for me. The latter have been known to wobble a bit but you can easily fix that. Not wanting to risk scratching my revolvers I prefer non-metal adapters.

 

[Fishinfool]

Thanks for the review. Newer Tyler-T on an early 60's 28-2.

Larry

 

[arjay]

A BK and a Pach on a pair of k frames

 

[H Richard]

I have used both Tyler, a couple different configurations, J & K Frame and several BK in K Frame. I actually prefer the BK with the two tab connection which seems to fit more square to the gun and very solid.

 

[SS336]

Rodan, thanks for your comparison thread. Very interesting. The BK adapters seem to fit really well.
I have 2 Tyler T-grips and they fit pretty well, but given they’re current problems it looks like a BK is in my future.

 

[Rodan]

I really like the BK adapter for function and fit. It just can't match the look of a polished aluminum Tyler on a classic S&W.

I was a bit disappointed in the fit of the new Robertson Trading Post adapter. I may be able to 'massage' it a bit. We shall see.

 

[arjay]

I little file work on the bottom edges might just do it

 

[mk70ss]

Have several BK’s. For the price and speed of delivery, they are great. Fitment on my guns has been spot on.

 

[pantannojack]

I put a Tyler #3 on a 66RB and can't see any problem. Is the 3R different in any way?

 

[PatriotX]

Excellent write-up, pics are very informative.

Thanks for sharing !

 

[boykinlp]

Excellent write-up, pics are very informative.

Thanks for sharing !

I agree with this. Maybe this explains why collectors/serious shooters are willing to pay big bucks ($100+/-) for a boxed original Melvin Tyler TGrip. It may seem crazy, but it is happening quite often. I wonder how hard it would be for the current TGrip and Robertson Trading Post makers to adjust their products to be more similar to the original?
Larry

 

[S&W Fan]

I really like the BK adapter for function and fit. It just can't match the look of a polished aluminum Tyler on a classic S&W.

I was a bit disappointed in the fit of the new Robertson Trading Post adapter. I may be able to 'massage' it a bit. We shall see.

I too recently bought a K grip from Robertson, which is supposed to fit both round and square frames. It definitely does not fit properly on the round, waiting to get some magnas for my square to see if it fits better.

I had a "wtb" ad up for a while, hadn't been successful here or on the net prior to seeing Robertson's. Oh well.

 

[S.B.]

I prefer grip adaptors on most S&Ws to the oversized target grip(to me anyhow).
Steve

 

[wrangler5]

< snip > I found that you can put the BK J frame adapters on the K frame guns too and they fit my small hands better that the others. < snip >

As you might expect, you can also put a K adapter on a J frame. The toe of the adapter reaches almost to the bottom of the grip frame, but it gives an even larger circumference to the gripping surface than the standard J adapter.

If you have a J frame and a K adapter, it costs nothing to try it. Who knows, you might like it.

 

[Walter Rego]

I have big hands and really like having a filler behind the trigger guard that a T-Grip or one of the old Pachmayr or S&W branded rubber grip adapter provides.

But what REALLY appeals to me is when I see photos posted of custom made wooden grip adapters that mimic the shape of a Tyler or Pachmayr adapter. It would be great if one of the grip makers who obviously use some kind of CNC equipment to shape and inlet their grip panels would offer wooden T Grips. Maybe Altamont ? I'll bet a lot of folks here would love to have one, especially if they were a close color and grain match to the Magnas. Of course they could easily be stained to match as well.

 

[PatriotX]

Here are a couple of round-butt L-frames wearing Magnas and the Robertson adapters.

 

[NY-1]

Here are a couple of round-butt L-frames wearing Magnas and the Robertson adapters.

Is it safe to say that Robertson had round frames in mind (or to use as a template) when crafting their grip adapters? Those fit pretty well to say the least.

 

[chief38]

I don’t doubt that BK’s version is well made and he is probably 1000% better to do business with, but I personally prefer the original aluminum Tyler’s.

For those who simply don’t want the long wait times, rude and neglectful customer service of Tyler these days, vintage Tyler’s in great condition are still found on eBay.