J Frame Snub Owners: What is your favorite "carry" grips?

gdogs · Sep 7, 2023

This Mod 38 is the only J frame that I currently have in my carry rotation. The grip is a Desantis Clip Grip that is wrapped in Brooks Tactical Agrip (I buy it in sheets and cut to fit after making a paper pattern). Depending on the pants I'm wearing, I will occasionally use the kydex triggerguard "holster". It ensures the gun stays tethered to me and provides some additional AD protection. I've got a set of Spegels on a 640-1, but it rarely leaves the safe these days.

As to your questions:
1. The factory rubber Spegels are pretty good, other than that I have no time for factory grips.
2. Doesn't make much difference to me, wood for looks, synthetic for practicality
3. Agrip Agrip Agrip, did I mention Agrip
4. Desantis at the moment, but I'm interested in trying the new Hamre Forge
5. Not really a concern for carry guns... but I'll spend more on some nice wood grips than I will on some guns.

sprscientist · Sep 7, 2023

1. Do you prefer the S&W factory grips over aftermarket grips?
Depends on the era. The vintage J frame target grips in goncalo alves or rosewood are exceptional. Too nice for carry though. Spegel grips are exceptional. Culina and Esmeralda J frame grips also look exceptional. The Uncle Mike's rubber grips that were offered for a while are very nice.

2. Rubber, Wood, or Synthetic?
Depends on conditions. Rainy and open carry when hiking means full-size rubber grips. Concealed carry favors boot-type wood grips

3. Modifications: i.e. Double sided friction tape aka Hockey Tape over wood or rubber, etc., and or ??
Never
Lastly, do you prefer your grips for better shooting mechanics such as control, comfort, accuracy, etc.? or do you prefer concealment over the latter?
Concealment grips (wood boot-type) trades off against shooting control, comfort, accuracy. Full size rubber grips favor shooting control, comfort, accuracy but trade off against concealability.

4. Favorite brand?
Spegel for J boot grips for conceal. Pachmayr Compac Grips for open and rainy.

5. Is price a factor for you? (Aftermarket)
Well I'm not paying asking prices of $250-$300 that many are asking for Spegel grips.

Spegel

Altamont

dobegrant · Sep 7, 2023

My 649 Bodyguard has Pachmayer grips , my 638 and 642 have the factory rubber grips.

riverrat38 · Sep 7, 2023

For my only J frame, a M442, I ordered Ahrends Cocobolo boot grips, unfinished. I reprofiled them for my hand, by thinning and reducing the finger groves. Than several coats of Tung oil. I carry in a Lobo Original Pancake holster, or in a Mika pocket holster. I don't see the point of carrying a J frame with a large grip. Might as well carry a K frame, probably a M66, with a 2.75" barrel.
No rubber grips for me. I think they are over rated.

73,
Rick

3S16 · Sep 7, 2023

Her is a Model 60 (No Dash) circa. 1979, Big Mountain Man Grips, Tyler T. I'm not a fan of carrying a 5 shot J frame as an EDC. There are better choices out there Just my opinion. I know, "Blasphemy", right. It is kinda cute though.

lawandorder · Sep 7, 2023

Have kept my eyes open over the years and been very fortunate to find several pair of Sambar Stag boot grip style. They fit my hand and they provide an excellent grip surface. Second choice Spegel boots, glad I got a few sets years ago.

SS336 · Sep 7, 2023

I only have one J-frame a model 649-2. It wears Spegel boot grips.
The factory grips really are not very comfortable for me, not enough to hold on to. Uncle Mikes rubber boot grips that are the same shape but are sticky on clothing.
I don’t carry it much anymore but take it to the range every so often just for fun.

AJ · Sep 7, 2023

lawandorder said:
Have kept my eyes open over the years and been very fortunate to find several pair of Sambar Stag boot grip style. They fit my hand and they provide an excellent grip surface. Second choice Spegel boots, glad I got a few sets years ago.

Like these? They came into the LGS from an estate The shop owner thought they were plastic. Sold me the snubbie for $300. Got them home and figured out they were Sambar. Sold them to someone I know who wanted some Sambars for $300. I got a free gun. As an aside, I do not really like Sambars.

lihpster · Sep 7, 2023

I carry 2 J frames occasionally. Not at the same time, mind you. If it's pocket carry, it's the 60ND with a pair of bigmtnmans elk stags and a grip adaptor. Not bulky but still hand filling. Pretty too.
For holster carry on the waist, it's the 60-14 and a pair of custom grips from Curt Harlow. Sort of a 2 1/2 finger boot grip made in thuya wood. The larger and more controllable grip is a plus with the .357. He also built it to my specs so the back of the grip is less tapered to the backstrap, giving a narrow profile, but broad at the back to help absorb recoil across a broader area of the hand. The slight extra bulk is easily concealed with proper holster and cover garment selection and the added controllability is the point. These are beautiful grips also.
The thing is, grips don't take very long to change, so you can get several pairs and select the appropriate ones for the occasion. In a pair of cargo shorts and a t-shirt, business suit, peacoat and watchcap or a BBQ. Grips, and holsters, can be tailored to what need at the time.

model17 · Sep 7, 2023

J frame boot grip

I like these "boot" grips!

Birdhunter6 · Sep 7, 2023

I carry a 640 P. My round butt Js all have Ergo Grip Deltas. I have large hands that don't play well with small grips. Before I found the Deltas I ran Pachy Compacs.

My grips are Glock ugly rubber but my Js shoot better with them. Pleasant to shoot under recoil and follow up shots are quicker. The timer doesn't lie.

They appear bulky but the added material fills the space behind the trigger guard, much like a Tyler T. They run $20 on Amazon, and are worth a try if you have large hands.

ISCS Yoda · Sep 7, 2023

No rubber grips for me. I think they are over rated.

Funny - that made me think! Do I have any these days? YES! Factory rubber on two 686+s, a 3" and a 4". They came that way and I left them alone. Otherwise, no rubber grips for me anymore and I used to have quite a few.

ruger 22 · Sep 7, 2023

Crimson Trace Laser grips on my 649-2. Gets me on target faster than any other.

Walter Rego · Sep 7, 2023

I'm generally not a fan of rubber grips but I'm sure glad my Model 640 came with the original Speigel design boot grips from Uncle Mikes. Some of the wooden boot grips look like they would feel good and they certainly are attractive but that little J frame isn't the easiest to control with +P loads and the rubber texture helps keep the gun form twisting in my large hand.

Baltimoreed11754 · Sep 7, 2023

I tried a few different wood and rubber boot grips but these Ergos are the best for me.

Model46 · Sep 7, 2023

I carry a Model 49 and it's bone stock. I have a M36 with older Mustang wood grips on it and those are fine too. Generally speaking I like my Smiths as they came from the factory.

Forefinger · Sep 7, 2023

Im using the factory rubber grips that came with my 360 PD. They work well enough for me that i decided not to start buying other grips like I've done with so many of my other handguns. I think I'm getting old and complacent.

eb07 · Sep 7, 2023

Altamont boot grips hands down.

OldBoldPilot · Sep 7, 2023

Crimson Trace LG-405 grips on both my 442 and my M&P 340. Wouldn't be without them, both for their aiming and their cushioning effect. Of course, I'm 80 years old so cushioning is important! Oh, and Apex trigger kits with polished internals on both as well.

MajorD · Sep 7, 2023

While I prefer the look of wood, I just picked up a 442 ( lock version) and the factory grips suit me just fine

J Frame Snub Owners: What is your favorite "carry" grips?

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