Ahrends and Spegel

[SteveG]

I know both of these are quality grips and have a pair of Ahrends on my 620 (retro combat square to round in oiled maple), which are terrific. I'm thinking about grips for my 315NG and find a lot of people here also like Craig Spegel's work. I've searched most of the threads and read only good things about both, but remain curious. If you have both, would there be a reason to choose one over the other other than how they fit your hand (which I know is perhaps the most important thing). I'm looking at the finger groove tactical stocks in Ahrends so will compare to the equivalent Spegel.
I always like to hear what you folks have to offer. Thanks.
Steve

 

[pinkymingeo]

You'll find that Ahrends grips have a square profile in the front, finger groove section, and are "chunkier" than Spegels. Kind of a matter of taste which you like. If you decide on Spegels, call Craig and order directly. Much cheaper that way, and depending on what he has in stock, can be fast. I recently saw some Spegels sell in the forum classifieds for about $40 more than he'd charge if you simply gave him a call. Oh, well.

 

[Dpris]

I have Spegel's grips on three or four Smiths & I've worked with other Smiths that came with Ahrends wood.

I don't own any Smiths with Ahrends wood.
Wood-to-hand fit has not been very good for me, and one extreme (not saying they're all like that by any means) example on a new Smith had a wood-to-steel gap almost big enough to insert a dime.

Others like Ahrends' products, I've found Spegel's grips to consistently fit my hand extremely well, on L-Frames & N-Frames, in bootgrip style & larger "service" styles.
His grips also tend to fit the guns extremely well.
I need to order a couple more.

Denis

 

[SteveG]

Thanks. I already determined to call Craig if I go with his. Anymore input would be appreciated. I have a medium to large hand... and just don't like the way I shoot with the Pachmayr's that came with the NG.

 

[pinkymingeo]

I was just over at Photobucket and remembered this pic. Five of my six 45's wear Spegels. The -12 just wouldn't look right, or it would get them too.

 

[Skeeziks]

If you decide on Spegels, call Craig and order directly. Much cheaper that way, and depending on what he has in stock, can be fast.

Could you please list Craig's ph. # and/or web-site?

 

[jughed440]

when purchased, this 66 came with Spegels. they fit my medium sized hands better than any other wood grips i have ever had on a K frame.
love the looks of Ahrends and have considered buying a set for the 19, but they appear to be bulkier than Spegels. i'll have to try them in person first

 

[Professor Cassidy]

His web site is:

Craig Spegel

Craig Spegel
P.O. BOX 387, NEHALEM, OR 97131
(503) 368-5653 (8 AM to 5 PM Pacific Time)

I have quite a few of his grips on J,K,L and N frames, on my K,L RB
frames his grips are usually a little shy on the backstrap, otherwise
great.

Shawn

 

[azgunz]

how's the recoil on these wood grips vs. the rubber? Quite a significant difference?

 

[Skeeziks]

Thanks, "Professor" Shawn. Much Appreciated.

 

[SteveG]

Are those black grips Craig's Macassar Ebony?

 

[pinkymingeo]

The dark ones are rosewood. The 4" and 5" 625's are macassar ebony. When he made them, he told me that was his last board and he wasn't getting any more. That was then, though, and things might have changed. I don't find wood grips that fit your hand to be any more painful than rubber. The smooth boots tend to roll with recoil, and aren't bad at all.

 

[AKAOV1MAN]

I just received a set of new grips from Ahrends, a new product called the "banana grip" for K/L round butt frames. Bought them from Brownells. They are a close copy of the smith grip, but somewhat longer in grip length from backstrap to front. I have been trying them on various of my K/Ls, and I really like them, gives a little more meat than the smith models and are very reasonably priced. May have to buy a couple more-like I need any more grips lying around.

 

[SteveG]

Thanks to all. I went ahead and ordered macassar ebony grips with the extension from Craig this morning. Four month wait for those who are wondering or interested.
Cheers,
Steve

 

[one eye joe]

Both the Spegels and Ahrends are quality grips. You REALLY have to handle each to see what fits you best---ESPECIALLY finger grooves........

 

[Poohgyrr]

For myself, recoil (lack of pain with magnum loads, and accuracy) seems to be the key thing. Spegels work better for me so far. And any quality grips that don't work can be sold here without much trouble.

Congrats and pics would be great.

 

[ladder13]

Ahrends are nice, but I prefer Spegels

 

[edw794]

spegels on a 640 38. special:

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

You'll be glad you went with Spegel..
These are J Frame Boot Grips but maybe a few pics will help you cope while your waiting!! These are both Cocobolo the smooth set is BTS+
Note how nice the checkering is & how the palm swells look from the rear
642/942 & 940 Craig Spegel High Horn Centennial Boot Grips

 

[Stainz]

I've bought one S&W that came new with Ahrends' square conversion grips with fg's in cocobolo. They came on my 5" h-l 686+ 'Stocking Dealer Exclusive'. I've bought plenty more! Never a fit problem, either, to the S&Ws or my medium+ hands.

Below is my 4" 629 sporting the Retro Targets while the 696 sports the Square Conversion - both sets are cocobolo and non-fg.

The 696 is fine with any .44 S&W Special as gripped - so is the 629, of course. For Magnum use with that 629, I prefer the Hogue X-frame rubber, as supplied on .460/.500 Magnums, and their backstrap padding... must be getting old...

I have never tried a Spegel grip. I am happy with my Ahrends - no complaints since my first one - still on my original S&W - a 625MG in .45 Colt.

Stainz