Altamont Grips -

I've purchased 5 sets of Altamont grips, though none for an S&W revolver, and they all fit well. I had one pair I had to modify the right panel on because of an ambi safety but I knew that going in. On a couple of pistols I did go back to the factory grips since I thought they felt better - but were not nearly as pretty.
 
I had one issue. A simple phone call had the issue rectified. They sent me a new set. I have four revolvers with them now.
 
I can say that both sets of Altamont grips I purchased for my 629 fit the pistol superbly. They are snug and smooth with almost no noticeable seam. Honestly, however, the first set I purchased that I like the looks of fit the gun better than they fit my hand... But that was just my fault for not handling them before making the purchase.

A prior poster mentioned that they don't like grip checkering that is too small. I recommend to look for the Altamont grips with "Spanish Checkering". The diamonds are larger than standard checkering and in the center of each diamond is a small nib, which gives them excellent grip feel and texture.
 
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I've had three sets. One I bought, the other two came with used guns. Two of the three were ill fitting. Draw your own conclusions.
 
I have a single pair of Altamont grips, a solid walnut set of their Roper style grips for the S&W K/L frames. They fit reasonably well, and the general style of the checkering is reminiscent of that done for Roper by Gagne, but the shape of the grip is too flat and only suggestive of the originals. They are mass produced to specifications suitable to bean counters, not artisans. Mine were on a project gun for a while, but are now residing in a box to take to the next gun show. YMMV

Froggie
 
To cite my post, #15, please
be mindful that not
all Smith backstrap frame
contours are the same given
different years they were
produced. In older guns
the contours varied more
than you might think.
 
Personally, I have always been a Hogue grip fan for my revolvers. However, last year I ordered some Altamont high end grips for my Smith & Wesson Victory pistol and the fit was perfect and I was well pleased with the finish.
 
Altamont K L frame grips seem to have some variation. One target stock (purchased for a 686-6) needed some fitting at the backstrap. The stock was too high.

One combat grip ( for a 686-6 ) fit perfectly.
 
No problems with 3 different Altamont sets on mine.
Have them on 1911's as well.

They loosened up when I put them on an xframe but no surprise there.
OP did you try to ask Altamont about your issue?
 
OP. I don't know where you got your grips from, but every pair I have bought directly from Altamont has come with several different length screws. I have never had a pair that was ill fitting more than any other mass produced grip, and not that needed tweaking to be useable.


I have several sets, both K and L. My problem is the fit is so tight that they are difficult to remove, which is a good thing. No play or slippage here.

You can use the screw as a button to push the opposite grip out.
Just back it out enough so that the head is above the grip panel, and use it to push the other side free.


My problems with Altamont are more in that the grips look too perfect, and just not quite right on a classic gun. I also am not a fan of hot gluing the medallions in place.

The lines are all cut perfect, and the checkering is all sharp and uniform.
 
If I remember correctly, I've put Altamont round butt to square butt target conversion grips on at least 2 K frames, 1 L frame, and 1 N frame. Maybe the N frame grips were just square and not round butt conversions. Regardless, all were good fits and required no shimming or shaving.
 
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I have one pair that was on my model 36. Fit is awful, I took them off and put a pair of Hogue rubber grips on. The gun doesn't look dressed for show but it's more comfortable to shoot now. Maybe some day when I get bored, I'll try to modify them so they fit better.
 
No problems with Altamont so far, but I've encountered tight grips from other manufacturers. It's always wood grips, which makes me wonder if maybe sometimes the wood contracts just a little bit in storage.
 
I purchased a set of them for an N-frame a few years ago and they were junk. First thing out of the box the screw retainer fell out and they were ill-fitting. I know some folks like them but I would t buy another Altamont product.
 
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