686 Talo, Rosewood Grips

[Bob1943]

A nearby LGS has one of these in stock, 3" barrel. For you guys that already have one of these, are these wooden grips comfortable to shoot with?

I am starting to feel a real attraction to this gun, but would like to get some feed back on the grip function (under firing conditions) before pulling out the credit card.

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

I own one. The grips are really beautiful but not meant for my hands. I'd recommend them if you like shallow cut finger grooves. I never have so ended up replacing with a classic set of magnas.

 

[Bob1943]

I own one. The grips are really beautiful but not meant for my hands. I'd recommend them if you like shallow cut finger grooves. I never have so ended up replacing with a classic set of magnas.

I have pretty big hands. Would you classify your hands as small, medium , or large? Were the grips uncomfortable during shooting?

I might be better off just buying a regular 3" 686 and then putting some non-finger groove Hogue grips on it. I don't want to pay a premium price just for these grips and then have to turn around and replace them with a different set. Waste of money.

 

[bigwheelzip]

I had a beautiful wooden grip on my 2.5 inch PC686Plus. Neither my large-handed husband or I could hold onto it shooting 158gr factory loads. Put Hogue Bantams on it. If I could have only one revolver, the 3 inch 686 plus with rubber grips would be it.

 

[UNCLE PAULY]

Yes they are comfortable to shoot with. I have that gun and have large hands with fat fingers and the wood grips on the TALO 3" are comfortable for me.
I have both rubber and wood boot grips also. The 3" 686+ is very well balanced and shoots well.

Buy it, you'll like it.

 

[shell627]

I have a set of them on my 686 3in.The grip to frame fit was terrible.But everything else on gun was fine.So I switched to pach compacts and have been very happy.My Talo grips did have very sharp checkering and I was worried about leaving skin on them.

 

[Ashlander]

I have the gun and had to change the grips (as pretty as they are). The finger groves were too big and too far apart for my medium sized hands (going by glove size). Ahrends and Hogue finger grooves fit my hands perfectly.

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

I have pretty big hands. Would you classify your hands as small, medium , or large? Were the grips uncomfortable during shooting?

I do have small hands for a guy. That might be why they did not work for me. They were okay when shooting 38's but with 357's it did not feel comfortable at all. I agree with with Ashlander's comment above. They are such nice looking grips though that I could not bring myself to ever get rid of them, so have them stored away for now.

Over the years have had a few friends shoot this revolver and some love those grips and some don't. It's the same gun on my profile pic.

 

[kaaskop49]

Be advised these grips have a bolt/pin underneath the grip frame; they are not merely secured by the grip screw. I have found these pins on other modern-era S&W wood grips. Had to use a thin knife blade to pry them apart and off.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Fire Dog]

I just bought this pistol and the grips really feel good in my hand. I am told that I have bear paws. I also have a Ruger Wiley Clapp and the Talo grips feel better in my hand. I hope this helps.

 

[Bob1943]

I just bought this pistol and the grips really feel good in my hand. I am told that I have bear paws. I also have a Ruger Wiley Clapp and the Talo grips feel better in my hand. I hope this helps.

Thanks, good info. Have you shot it yet?

 

[Kifaru]

Be advised these grips have a bolt/pin underneath the grip frame; they are not merely secured by the grip screw. I have found these pins on other modern-era S&W wood grips. Had to use a thin knife blade to pry them apart and off.

This is true. But before you try to pry them off, unscrew the grip screw about 1/3 or so, and gently tap the head with the handle of a screwdriver. This should dislodge the grip on the opposite side enough to pull it off with your fingers after you completely remove the screw. To get the remaining half off, just poke it on the now exposed inside surface with your finger or other non-marring object. That is a fine revolver. Enjoy!

 

[regalsc]

I have found that a razor blade works best for me. I slide it in to the little gap on the front strap & just wiggle the blade a little & the grips separate.

 

[SS57]

I have this gun. The Talo grips fit my medium size hands nicely. Magnum loads in this 3 inch gun are stout but not punishing. I don't plan on shooting many magnum rounds through it. I have my 6 inchers for that. Medium mag loads and 38's are a dream to shoot. I didn't want to pay the premium price for the pre IL 3 inchers(686)so I bought the 686-6. I am glad I did. It is a great gun.

 

[ofnsaz]

Take a screwdriver and insert it near the trigger guard. It will allow you to push the wood away from the metal and create a gap in the front. Then insert the screwdriver in the gap and twist to separate. Works for me, at least.