Ahrends Retro Combats for the new 617

[vette2002]

I just got a set of Ahrends Retro Combat Grips with the conversion from round butt to square for my new 617. They were a little pricey at $70 but the Moradillo wood and square butt conversion gives the 617 a nice vintage look. With vintage S&W combat grips going for $250 and up, the Ahrends provides a good looking option.

 

[S&W1006]

Where are the pictures?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk

 

[qrachel]

I have the same setup on all my S&W wheel guns: 629 (Maple),686+ and 617. The guns look great, handle terrifically, and permit me to shoot much better.

Great choice as far as I'm concerned. You'll enjoy those grips a lot - I really do too.

R

 

[NHKen]

I love my Ahrends.
Cocobolo

 

[Camster]

$70?

Why do you say that they're a little pricey? I'm hard pressed to think of nice,solid wood grips for less,the how or why that they could be offered for less..

 

[RacinbobSW]

I love Ahrends Retro Combats. I think the price is reasonable. I also have moradillo on my 67. Beautiful.

 

[NHKen]

I agree... $70 is a great value, IMHO. I actually bought a set for a gun I don't even own yet.

 

[ryxlyx]

I'd never really looked at Ahrends I guess cuz mostly what I see on threads like this are the Retro Targets, and they just look too PHAT to me. But these Retro Combats for $70?? (I'd have guessed $100 by the looks)-- I might have to try a set.

Can anyone compare the "feel" to either Spegel or Hogue K-frame SB 3-fingers, both of which I'm familiar with? Thanks!

 

[RacinbobSW]

I've never handled Spegels but I like the Ahrends much better than the Hogues. Some folks think they are a bit small. I have pretty large hands (long fingers) and I find these perfect for me. Here's a shot of mine before I was done with the 67. I was in the process of polishing it when the new grips arrived. The revolver is done now and I installed S&W medallions in the grips.

 

[ryxlyx]

Man, those are absolutely gorgeous. And from the shot I can see they are a little thicker/fuller than the Hogues-- PERFECT. Hogue 3-fingers work for me, but a bit more of a handful (my fingers also a bit longer than average) would be the icing. I see on Ahrend's website you can supply your own wood for a $10 fee....

I love Spegels but his 3-finger K's, while fairly broad toward the bottom, do feel a bit small-waisted up top.

Thank you VERY much.

 

[RacinbobSW]

Actually, I don't think they are larger than the Hogues. I prefer for my hand to dominate the grip more than some folks and these allow that.
It would be cool, especially if you had a special piece of wood, to have him make a pair from your wood.

 

[ryxlyx]

Actually, I don't think they are larger than the Hogues.

Would it be accurate to say tho that the average depth of the slabs on your Retros is a bit greater than on the Hogues? That's more accurately what I meant. The Hogue's have a mound in center w/ a valley on either side-- your Retro Combats would seem to have less of a valley, therefore "fuller", as I look at them.

 

[RacinbobSW]

That could be. I haven't handled Hogues in quite a while. I guess it's what feels best to the individual. I'd suggest trying to find somebody that has the Ahrends and see what you like better.

 

[Green Frog]

It may be the angle, but the set in NHKen's post (#4) seems a little short and stout. By the time I got down to RacibobSW's post (#9) the grips there looked more like the ones I know and love from the old original style that came from S&W. I can't get too excited about the J-frame style of grips that look kinda like short stubby K-frame combats, but that's just me, YMMV!

Froggie

 

[RacinbobSW]

NHken's are the 'square butt finger groove' on Ahrends site. They also make them as a square to round conversion. If you search on Ebay for 'Gripseller' he has pictures of the actual grips you'll receive so you can select the style and graining you like.

 

[RacinbobSW]

Oops! I mean round to square. He also has them all at a fixed price so you can immediately purchase them. You'll get them within a week.

 

[NHKen]

Gripseller on ebay is awesome to deal with. Terri is highly recomended!