I've been looking at different grip options that might allowed a lower bore axis and it seems that classic panels would be the best since there's nothing behind the trigger guard / they allow your hand to get a high grip.

So I'm looking for feedback from those that are using / have tried classic panel type grips...are they comfortable....do you find it help to get the higher grip or does the small grip actually make it harder to control?

They are my favorite grips. I like to be able to see the steel of the frame. But I put target stocks on my magnum guns. All my 38s have bare bones classic panel/magna style stocks. I used to keep them on my 686 but my beat up hands just can’t use them for heavy recoil anymore. The only gun I have rubber on is my 640. Get a set and try them out.

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No gold. Only lead. Bobby

Thanks, I'm fairly new to revolvers. I just acquired a no dash 640 and a 3" 686 so I'm having some fun personalizing them.

My preferred auto is the Glock 19...did the air just go out of the room :-)... and one of it's best characteristics is its low bore axis.

I'm looking at Altamonts... they seem to be the best for the money.

Any others that I should consider?

I would look at ahrends grips. For the prices you cannot beat them. And I think the fit is a lot better then Altamonts.

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Hillbilly with a gun

I prefer "Magna" stocks and a grip adapter on most of my revolvers. Sometimes I use the factory wooden stocks and other times I like the looks of stag or rams horn grips.

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Always Stay Strong!

There is a set of really nice stag grips for sale on this forum.They would be worth looking at.

I have medium size hands and I personally prefer the "target" grips. My wife prefers the "magna" grips. I find the space taken up by the target grips puts my hand and trigger finger in a better position for double action fire; thus, I have better control and much tighter shot groups.

S&W Model 19-3 "Combat Magnum" in 357 Magnum with "target" grips.


S&W Model 15-4 "Combat Masterpiece" in 38 Special with "magna" grips.


S&W Model 36 "Chief's Special" in 38 Special with Altamont "boot" grips


Thanks for considering my opinion.

God bless,
Birdgun

These VZ grips are the best I've felt. Get you up high with still a nice pad for the 2nd finger.

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Those grips are really nice but a bit out of my price range.

I’m a Magna Stock Fan, but I do love the look of stags on Stainless Revolvers!

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I like the looks of the classic Magna grip, especially when you add a Tyler T grip, but for most of my shooting I use Ahrends Grips.

I do have small hands and don't find any discomfort using the Magna grips, but prefer the Ahrends.

(Photography is NOT a specialty)

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On my Model 29 I have a set of Grashorn service style stags with a polished Tyler T-grip. I only shoot Skeeter Skelton loads in it, magnums are not fun. On my Chiefs Special Airweight I have the factory magna and a black T-grip.

Square butt magnas are phenomenal. Round need a t grip to even be close. Targets are great on a 6in but don't feel as good on a 4 or 3.

My 686 is a round butt and I've got medium size hands...are the classic panel grips too small to provide adequate control with heavier rounds?

Yup - I am in this same school of thought.....

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On the Oak Savannah

I prefer the look and feel of the combat grips. The magnas without a Tyler t grip are too small

It depends on the Individual, but I don’t think so. I shoot my Model 58 .41 Magnum with Magnas.

Model 12-2 Airweight with matching diamond magnas and a T-Grip.
Model 65-1 with new Thai magnas and a T-Grip.

Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk

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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

Magna stocks all the way. I even put a set on my Model 65-8.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

I must have shorter hands. The Smith & Wesson target stocks have always felt like too much of a handful. I like the magnas, with grip adapter. But, for a round butt, I thought I would try to make some of the "old fashioned"- pre-magna stocks. My thinking was that .38 special ammo isn't tough on your hand while shooting and without the extra bulk of the magnas I could "pinch" the frame between my thumb and first knuckle on my index finger to help with quick aim. (Holding magnas is a little like holding a broom, you won't drop it but without looking you don't know which way the bristles are pointing.) Anyway, my first attempt at making minimalist stocks is depicted on the bottom 64-6. I don't have any problems with control and use some pretty hot loads for a K frame. These are all K frames (K 38 Masterpiece, 10-5 and a 64-6) and depict the three basic styles of stocks:



If you are interested in the pre-magna style stocks, Altamount sells what it calls "Round Legacy", which I think look pretty nice.

You've got a great collection and I do like your custom job. It is different. A little bit of old and new mixed together. I probably said that before but I figure it won't hurt to say it again. LOL.

ABPOS-Thanks! And yes, I have posted this picture before! Ha Ha! But, seems like there are never too many pictures!

I put these Grashorns and a worn set of Tyler T's on my 17-2 and it's gonna stay like that. (unless I find a polished set to try out)
Fits the hand really well.

If I ever see the sun around here again' I'm going to take some more outdoor pictures.

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I have his grips on my 686 6" - for a shorter barrel like you have, or slightly smaller hands than mine, they might be perfect. They sure feel good, and they look fantastic.

Thanks again for the responses and great photos.

I just ordered a pair of imitation stag classic panel grips from Altamont.

I'll see how they feel and if necessary, I'll pick up a T-Grip as well.

I've also got an Original Precision lock plug on the way.

I've always like the look of the Performance Center bead blasted finish so my 686 is getting professionally bead blasted this week as well.

Once I've got everything, I'll put it together and post a few pics!

What are "classic panel grips"??



The majority of my pistols are .357 Mags and Magna's are too small for me and I don't care for grip adapters.

I much prefer Target stocks and have them on my 27s, 28 and one of my 686s.

This is from Altamont's website...

"The Classic Panel Grip began appearing after the World War II, and by the 1950's had basically replaced the Legacy Series (they are sometimes called Magna grips because the ears stick up to cover the half moon fitting surface.) We are re-creating the original rounded Classic Panels with the more elegant lines and checkering."

Thank you