629-3 Grip Suggestions? HELP!

[Wildpony]

Well this is half to brag and half to ask for help. The other day I picked up a 629-3 in like new condition. I have always wanted a 44 magnum revolver and I finally took the plunge.

It came with Hogue rubber mono-grip stocks which are way to small for my hands and prevented me from shooting it very well. A buddy at the range let me try some grips that were made for a Square N-frame and my group sizes and shooting comfort instantly increased.

Turns out they are some old N-frae football grips. What I liked about them was actually that the extra bulk increased the grip radius to where they place my trigger finger perfectly over the trigger. I also liked how they get really wide at the base of the grip. The extra width seems to really wedge the grip into my palm and make it much easier to hold that heavy 6 inch barrel steady because I can get a much better grip.

The problem I am running into is that I can't seem to figure out who offers this type of grip, or a grip of similar width and profile, for Round But N-frames.

This gun is the revolver I have always wanted since it comes with all the endurance upgrades, is stainless steel, yet lacks the MIM and frame mounted firing pin.

If you guys could PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help me find some grips that mimmic the feel of these old football grips that fit the round butt on my revolver that would make this gun the PERFECT gun for me.

Much obliged!

 

[2hawk]

I think you might like a set of Kurac's grips. He is a forum member here, and does some superlative grips. If you do a search, you will run across his work.

As an alternative, I have several revolvers with Ahrends on them, and find them to be very serviceable grips as well.

Of course, pics always make a post better:

Kurac Fiddleback Claro on a 27-2:

Ahrends Cocobolo on my 629-3:

Lot's of other good one's out there, but I don't particularly care for the newer rnd. to sq. targets that are commonly available from S&W. ymmv

 

[brokenprism]

I don't have any, but I can tell you that square butt target were made for round butt frames. The wood comes up and covers part of the backstrap. If you want factory S&W, I think they're out there. Can't swear to it.

Some places make rd-butt-to-sq-butt conversion grips. The wood comes up and covers part of the backstrap, but it has a sq butt profile. This link is to Ahrends, the first place I found in a Google search. These probably don't flare at the base as much as the factory targets, but I believe you'll find them very close to the same hand-filling profile. They're thicker than Pachs or Hogues, I'm sure.

Ahrends S&W, N Frame, RD to SQ Butt, Cocobolo - RETRO TARGET - Top Gun Supply

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

I agree, the RD butt stinks on long N frames.

You could fit a piece there to fill the gap. Pin it in place.
or
Hogue has conversion grips that may suit your fancy.

 

[Dale53]

For shooting comfort I am a real fan of Pachmayr Decelerators. Here is a pair on my 625-6 .45 ACP. I also have a three S&W .44 Magnums (one 29, two 629's, so I am quite familiar with shooting full house loads with them):

Dale53

 

[Wildpony]

Thank you it looks like I'll be getting in touch with kurac for some custom grips.

The problew with common conversion grips like hogues is that they are either to slim or to short, front to back, to replicate the feel of the old style grips. Those old grips just feel perfect so it looks like I'll have to have some custom reproductions made.

I'm looking foreword to talking to Kurac. From what I've read he's a nice guy to deal with.

 

[2hawk]

Kurac rules!

You won't be sorry if you get some grips from John (kurac). They are some of the best feeing grips going, no question.

I don't know if you saw this thread, but it has lot's of good examples of his work:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/130246-outstanding-stocks-kurac.html