I carried my 4" 586 with Pachmayer presentations for many, many years. They are the old model, without medallions, and that's important because the old ones were harder and less prone to either snag or stick in your hand. They didn't thrill me with their appearance, but damn, they felt good to shoot. Yes, my draw was more deliberate with them, but once we were clear of the leather that was what I wanted in my hand.
For the last couple of years I've used a wood Hogue monogrip, without finger grooves. (In the school of combat pistolcraft I went to, [thanks Rocky and Chuck,] I was taught to stay away from finger groove stocks on combat pistols. There's a number of reasons for this, but bottom line, although they feel good when you're sitting in your easy-chair fondling your piece, when the **** hits the fan your fingers will come down on the ridges, not the grooves.) This stock doesn't snag anything, is much more concealable, and just feels right. And it looks right on my blue gun. I find I grip the gun more firmly with the Hogues, (that's a good thing,) and it sits lower in my hand (another good thing.) I'm packing/shooting regularly the Cor Bon 125gr. HP, and this round is managable with the Hogue grips, but you need to shoot it a bunch right up front to get the feel of them.
So, I guess I would it up as:
If you don't shoot much, the Pachy's will probably serve you best, but you're still going to need to practice the draw. But if you just spend a little time with your piece and your carry load, the Hogue's may work out better. I'd suggest spending time at the range with both grips and your carry ammo and see what you think. The $40 you spend on either of the grips is money well spent. Then you'll knopw what works best for you.
I like wood grips also. I think they look better and feel better. Here is my 686-0 with Hogue grips. Don
