AHRENDS GRIPS FOR 686

[Jake Benson]

Does anyone have Ahrends grips for their 686? I am seriously considering buying a pair. What I need to know is if the grips are thicker, thinner or the same size as the Hogue rubber grips that come with the gun? I have small hands and would not want any larger size grip that the stock Hogues. I am leaning toward the round butt to square butt conversion Tactical Finger Groove. I also like the Retro Combat.

I just need to know how they stack up girth-wise with the stock Hogues.

Thanks.

 

[JWNathan]

I have two pairs of the N frame retro targets and they are quite thin. I have smaller hands and they fit me great versus factory target stocks. Wish i could be more help on the combat style grips. Im sure you'll enjoy them!
-Jesse

 

[AveragEd]

I have both Retro Combats and Retro Targets on Model 66s, which have the same grip size as the 686. Both are significantly slimmer than the factory target stocks. The biggest difference between the two Retro grips are the finger grooves and tapered bottom on the Combats.

Below are two photos. The first is of two of my 66-2s with the Retro Targets (4") and Retro Combats (6"). The second is of another grip you might consider - the S&W Combat from their website. They also are slimmer than the target stocks and are extremely well-finished.

Ed

 

[Jake Benson]

Thanks for the info.

 

[fyimo]

Here's set on a 686 and yes they are thinner

 

[one eye joe]

I use Ahrends Smooth Tactical, round butt to square grip conversions on all of my S&W revolvers including my 686+ Mountain Gun. It is pictured in the center, below.......

 

[Jake Benson]

Very nice collection!

 

[GCT00427]

Here's set on a 686 and yes they are thinner

Very nice. I have one like it with the old Pachmeyr grippers on it. I need to get a pair of those. I do have the Ahrends on my 13 and 65, 3" guns.

Regards,

Chuck

 

[Skeeziks]

Here's set on a 686 and yes they are thinner

Nice pic! But the pic is marked "Retro Combat" and to me they look more like the Tactical grip.
Is it me, or is it a mistake?

 

[Neumann]

I tried both, but prefer the Ahrends grips. I have both the Tactical and Retro-Combat grips, on a 329 and 386 respectively.

Hogue grips have a pronounced palm swell, but are otherwise thinner than Ahrends grips, which are only slightly wider in the middle than at the top. I find the Hogues force my grip lower than ideal, whereas the Ahrends are most comfortable with the web of my thumb at the top of the tang. The Ahrends grips distribute the recoil better, IMO.

The Tactical model has a flat front, which gives very good control but ride a bit hard on my middle finger. The Retro-Combat grips are very comfortable, but don't snap into "the groove" quite as nicely. I like both, but prefer the newer style, once I knock off that corner. (I'm getting a callous on that knuckle from the .44 Mag).

I find the rubber grips are too sticky, and make my hands sore from the friction and recoil. They also stick to your clothes if you use a concealment holster - big time.

 

[rondo]

...I like both, but prefer the newer style, once I knock off that corner...

Me too.

Another thing, I order them unfinished. This way I can customize them then apply a tung oil finish for much less than Kim charges.

 

[M2MikeGolf]

My 619 (L-frame, same as the 686) came with the rubber hogues; I didn't care for them. I tried a couple of sets of grips and finally tried these Ahrend's combat finger grooves. I've got small hands, and these fit like they were made for my hand. They are the best grip I've ever had on a revolver. They were a little thicker than the rubber grips, and give a similar grip to a SIG 228 that I own. I have never really cared for round butt, finger grooves until I bought these, but am sold 100% on them. I am able to shoot comfortably and accurately with them.

 

[fyimo]

Nice pic! But the pic is marked "Retro Combat" and to me they look more like the Tactical grip.
Is it me, or is it a mistake?

You are right of course and I should have mentioned that. When I did the picture I labeled it incorrectly.

 

[Jake Benson]

Pharman:

I tried sending you a message. Not sure it worked. Still trying to figure this stuff out. But I have decided I want to go with the Retro Combats in cocobolo and tung oil. Thank you very much though for your generous offer.
Jake

 

[SWP357]

Good Choice!

 

[Stainz]

Below is my 'Stocking Dealer Exclusive' from 2004, a 5" half lug 686+ that came with Ahrends square conversion finger groove grips in cocobolo and a HiViz front/V-notch rear sight. Also shown is my 627 Pro sporting Ahrends retro targets in cocobolo.

I have a set of K/L-frame grips like the ones on my 627 above. Their external feel/dimensions are the same, so comparing the different grip frame sizes is fair. They are thinner - but close, in thickness, to the OEM rubber grips. They certainly look and feel better than rubber.

Stainz

 

[TAROMAN]

I've shpt with S&W, Pachs, Uncle Mikes, Herrett's, Hogues (wood and rubber) and various asian imports. After all this, I have switched all my revolvers over to Ahrends. The purists will scream, but they just work best for me.
Model 681:

Here's a girth comparison with S&W target stocks:

 

[03snake]

Here are my 686 Retro Combat, moradillo in factory tung oil. I guess I could have
ordered them unfinished and done it myself. Easy to touch up and no chipping as
with the poly coat: