Ahrends Grips - Retro Combat or Tactical?

[SemperFi1]

I picked up my S&W 617 revolver a few days ago and I'm looking to swap out the stock rubber grips. I've pretty much decided on Ahrend grips and like both the Retro Combat and Tactical grips but like the Tactical's a bit better, as far as looks are concerned, due to the rounded edges. Does either one have a thinner profile than the other or are they pretty much the same? I have medium sized hands and obviously will be looking for the best fit.

 

[waffles]

I had a set of tacticals on my 66, I loved them. They just look so much more *right* than the others.

I'm now in the process of hunting down a lighter set for my N frames, you really wont be disappointed.

 

[SemperFi1]

I had a set of tacticals on my 66, I loved them. They just look so much more *right* than the others.

I'm now in the process of hunting down a lighter set for my N frames, you really wont be disappointed.

I thought I was sold on the Retro Combats until I saw the Tacticals. I just like the shape of that grip with the smooth rounded edges. I just hope they're thinner than the stock grips.

 

[ma deuce]

Depends on how bit your hands are, IMHO. Kim Ahrends', too. Somewhere on his website he comments that a lot of customers with smallish hands say the Retro Combats work best for them. I've got smallish hands, and they definitely work well for me. I've also got a pair of the Retro Targets, and while OK, the Retro Combats are my choice.

If you've got bigger hands, the Tacticals may work for you.

 

[SemperFi1]

Depends on how bit your hands are, IMHO. Kim Ahrends', too. Somewhere on his website he comments that a lot of customers with smallish hands say the Retro Combats work best for them. I've got smallish hands, and they definitely work well for me. I've also got a pair of the Retro Targets, and while OK, the Retro Combats are my choice.

If you've got bigger hands, the Tacticals may work for you.

I guess I've got medium sized hands...definitely not big. I'm just stuck on how nice the Tacticals look.

 

[2hawk]

I like Ahrends, and have a few sets of the Tacticals. I tried the Retro Combats, but they are thinner than the tacticals, and just didn't feel as good to me. hth, ymmv

 

[waffles]

Another thing to consider is that finger grips are a one size fits all kind of deal, if your hand doesn't match up just so they can be uncomfortable or at least compromising your use of a proper grip. The tacticals, being smooth, don't suffer from this.

Plus let's be honest, they just look so much cooler. And why do we buy these things if not to look awesome, right?

 

[SemperFi1]

Another thing to consider is that finger grips are a one size fits all kind of deal, if your hand doesn't match up just so they can be uncomfortable or at least compromising your use of a proper grip. The tacticals, being smooth, don't suffer from this.

Plus let's be honest, they just look so much cooler. And why do we buy these things if not to look awesome, right?

They do have that "cool" factor going for them.

 

[civil1977]

617s are made for Ahrends. I chose the Retro Targets and Tactical Finger Groove in Cocobolo with the oil finish.

 

[SemperFi1]

617s are made for Ahrends. I chose the Retro Targets and Tactical Finger Groove in Cocobolo with the oil finish.

Do you have a preference for one over the other as far as fit and comfort?

 

[Neumann]

If have both. The Retro Combat grips are rounded, and feel very comfortable. The Tactical grips have a flat front, which is an enormous asset for alignment and consistency. The Tactical style facilitates holding with little or no side pressure, which mitigates the effect of recoil and minor variations in grip strength.

 

[SemperFi1]

If have both. The Retro Combat grips are rounded, and feel very comfortable. The Tactical grips have a flat front, which is an enormous asset for alignment and consistency. The Tactical style facilitates holding with little or no side pressure, which mitigates the effect of recoil and minor variations in grip strength.

That's good to know. I would have thought just the opposite.

 

[DR505]

Not a 617, but a 629-4. These are oiled Retro-Combats and feel great on an N-Frame. FWIW - I can palm a basketball.

 

[SemperFi1]

These are the ones I'm considering. They are Tacticals and the wood is Moradillo.

 

[mr-mom]

I have and use both models of the Ahrend's grips on my 617's and like each style. Some days one feels better in my hands than the other, but you won't go wrong with either type.

Dave

 

[SemperFi1]

I have and use both models of the Ahrend's grips on my 617's and like each style. Some days one feels better in my hands than the other, but you won't go wrong with either type.

Dave

I'm glad I'm not going to regret one over the other. All things being equal between the two I just like the looks of the Tacticals better. Plus I think I found a type of wood that is really sharp.

 

[SemperFi1]

Just bought them on eBay. The really good thing about it is the picture you see are the actual grips you get. Sometimes the same type of wood can have very different coloring so if you like how they look in the picture you won't be disappointed.

 

[ma deuce]

617s are made for Ahrends. I chose the Retro Targets and Tactical Finger Groove in Cocobolo with the oil finish.

Beautiful grips. I've got several pair in cocobolo, but sadly, Ahrends has discontinued them because of new import restrictions on that wood. However, he's got others nearly as pretty.

I've never tried his 1911 grips, but I think I'm going to get a pair of his diamond checkered in ebony for my stainless SW1911E.

 

[ma deuce]

Just bought them on eBay. The really good thing about it is the picture you see are the actual grips you get. Sometimes the same type of wood can have very different coloring so if you like how they look in the picture you won't be disappointed.

I've bought all mine from Terri Redmond, who sells on eBay as "gripseller". You're right about how it's good that she posts each individual pair - they can vary radically from set-to-set both in color and grain.

 

[RKmesa]

For a RB gun - these are my favorite Ahrends:





I think that they are "Retro Combat" grips. I love the taper at the bottom.