I am sure there will be a few opinions on this and I am still fairly new to the revolver world, but I like the looks of the wood grips better than the black rubber style grips, and I have a few models that I would like to pick up some nice-looking S&W grips for. Certain manufacturer, certain site, etc? Best ones to look for? I would like them on my 625-8, 686-6 (3" and 6" both) and maybe a set for my 442-2.
First off, since you're an admitted newcomer
to revolvers, I suggest you become somewhat
proficient with the 625's factory rubber
Hogues and the 686's rubber Uncle Mike's
style grips.
This is to decide if you like the design or
even very much like the rubber grips. Then
look to other grip models in wood.
Depending on hand size, you might like open
backstrap (Hogue) or enclosed backstrap (Uncle
Mike's) designs.
For clarity, are you looking for grips from S&W or for S&W's...???
Well, I am not sure. LOL. I like some of the exotic hardwoods but part of me wonders if I need to find some that are actually from S&W. Later on, if I decided to sell the firearms (which likely won't ever happen), would it matter if they were real S&W's or after-market?
First off, since you're an admitted newcomer
to revolvers, I suggest you become somewhat
proficient with the 625's factory rubber
Hogues and the 686's rubber Uncle Mike's
style grips.
This is to decide if you like the design or
even very much like the rubber grips. Then
look to other grip models in wood.
Depending on hand size, you might like open
backstrap (Hogue) or enclosed backstrap (Uncle
Mike's) designs.
Thanks. Let me clarify. I have been shooting for 40+ years but just recently getting deep into the S&W revolver world and starting my collecting. Currently shoot S&W revolvers from 38, 357, 45, 44 and 500 Magnum (which I won't put wood grips on, lol). I have large hands and have shot large handguns for many years, and when shooting my 44 or 45-70 TC Contenders, I always have Pachmayrs on them, but I like the looks of wood grips on the S&W revolvers.
IMO, factory stocks always improve the value of a S&W, IF, the gun is in good+ condition. If it's just a shooter grade gun, then the factory grips really don't add that much to the gun.
IMO, the factory target stocks seem to fit larger hands better, but can be a bit rough on harder recoiling guns.
I really like the shape/feel of the Altamont Roper grips for my larger hands.
What works for my large hands may not work for someone with smaller hands.
Rubber is forgiving as it is not as solid as wood so it is "comfortable" with a wider segment of shooters.
If you have a shooting club near you or shooting buddies with various revolvers your best bet is to handle some in person to get the feel for what you like. I have bought and sold many, Many grips over the decades before I settled in on my current preferences
I am VERY fond of the no longer manufactured Factory Combat grips on the round butt revolvers. There have been three or four variations on the design over the decades. The finger groove size and spacing fits by fat fingers very nicely and some of them have been very attractive. I often buy these when I come across them even if I do not have a current need for them. The prices are always going up. The last revolver is wearing smooth Factory presentation round butt grips, sometimes called banana grips because of their shape
On square butt revolvers I like both the Factory presentation grips and various Hogue offerings. On the Hogues I order them without finger grooves since Hogue's finger grooves do not fit my hands. I will often my Hogues with the white line spacer and contrasting butt cap
French Cake Walnut
made by Cullina
Hogue also makes some very comfortable round butt to square butt conversion grips. These are Tulipwood. I have some very nice Coco Bolo examples but can not find a photograph
As to resale value, I seldom care.
15-20-30 years down the road, the revolver will sell for more than I paid for it anyway so why sweat an extra hundred or so dollars. If it is an unusual grip that came with the revolver, I will put it in the box and save it for the future.
I think it is a company out of Turkey. Extremely well made grips and they can do several different types of textures, woods, etc. Can customize with logos, initials, etc.
Check out, Altamont grips, and Herret grips who went out of business are frequently on eBay where I have got some very good prices. There are also grips from Taiwan that are much cheaper than American made grips and also look good on Smith revolvers.
I have always preferred the factory grips and especially the target grips the way the once were. I do not particularly care for the new target grips they are using....too long and too narrow. That being said, if it's a shooter, use what FITS YOUR hand the best. I would stay with original grips on a safe queen though. Your gun and your hand. Use what ever tickles your fancy.
Later on, if I decided to sell the firearms (which likely won't ever happen), would it matter if they were real S&W's or after-market?
It WILL matter to some buyers, and also whether or not the grips (stocks) are from the correct era, and/or serialized to the gun. Upgrades in stocks can certainly help the value, too.
If wooden stocks are serialized to a gun, do not part with them, even it ugly or uncomfortable or whatever. Just store them in the gun's box or tie a label to them stating which gun they are for. Then put on whatever works for you. It's best to hold on to even your original rubber stocks for future uses since manufacturing can change or stop altogether, like Uncle Mikes...
I recently purchased a 60-4 that initially had a set of the current production rubber S&W stocks. Fit fine, felt fine, but I knew the gun originally shipped in 1993 with no-longer-made Uncle Mikes Combat grips. We were able to find them and get them switched out easily enough during purchase. I didn't think they felt a whole lot different but knowing the stocks were from the wrong era would bug me to no end. Rubber grips, no big issue most would say, call me weird.
Included in the deal was an older set of factory wooden target stocks that never came with that gun, but they look great and are a common user upgrade with that model. They definitely increase the gun's value and I'm happy with the result.
Last edited by toddimusnimski; 06-19-2023 at 09:40 PM.
Reason: Clarification
My 686 no dash had pachmayr grips on it which felt great but a set of smooth factory stocks just set the gun off in the looks department and the value I think. I’m a SW wood man myself or Houge wood with stripe cap!
Thanks. Let me clarify. I have been shooting for 40+ years but just recently getting deep into the S&W revolver world and starting my collecting. Currently shoot S&W revolvers from 38, 357, 45, 44 and 500 Magnum (which I won't put wood grips on, lol). I have large hands and have shot large handguns for many years, and when shooting my 44 or 45-70 TC Contenders, I always have Pachmayrs on them, but I like the looks of wood grips on the S&W revolvers.
50 years ago the first thing we (cops) did was removed the wood grips and buy Pachmyr or Hogue grips.
Now I like the wood grips and really it is a nostalgic thing. When the revolvers come out of the Gun Safe I remove the ivory or nice wood grips. Put the rubber grips on for shootingand after cleaning the nice grips go back on.
if I decided to sell the firearms (which likely won't ever happen), would it matter if they were real S&W's or after-market…
It matters to collectors. They want the original stocks that came on the revolver. If those are gone, a correct era stock may or may not be acceptable but at a reduction in price.
Personally, I like the Service style stock or the Magna stock with a grip adapter. That set up fits my hand well.
I tried S&W Target stocks but they were all wrong in my hand. Rubber grips could not be tightened enough to prevent shifting and causing two distinct but overlapping groups on my targets (not good for high scores!).
Material? Very personal. Some like wood, some like fancy wood, ivory, antler, and several other choices.
My favorite aftermarket stocks are Kim Ahrends'. Back when he was in business Kim made several for me using a outline of my hand to fit the finger grooves. He also made grips for the factory. His stuff is available on the secondary market.
For actually shooting S&W revolvers, the S&W "target" grips are the worst grips for me. Hogue grips have always allowed me to shoot double action pretty well. If you are into collecting, then get grips that are original to the handgun.
Best S&W Grips to purchase?
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