Best Grips for J-Frame Pocket Carry

[TheTinMan]

I’ve been carrying a 642 and more recently M&P 340 in a pocket for over 2o years. Picked Hogue Bantam grips back then and never thought about it again. They fit my hand and I can shoot these little fire breathers with them.

Looking through a holster manufacturer site, I came across a statement that wood grips were much better for pocket carry due to lower friction on the draw. Hmmm…

I do not want grips that are any thicker. This is for discreet pocket carry. Even if wood grips draw better, can you shoot as well or is there a tradeoff?

I also have Hogues on a 3” Model 66, but that is outside the waistband carry. In that situation rubber grips seem to offer more friction in the hand and better recoil control.

I am open to suggestions. Pics greatly appreciated. An old dog can learn new tricks…

Chip

 

[Breakaway500]

For actual shooting I prefer rubber grips. The Ergo is my go-to pocket carry grip. I have great control (can hit targets) and easy to "draw" from the coat or pant pocket.

Just works perfectly for me.

 

[FLJoe]

I've tried several for pocket carry on a 642. I had some wood Hogues for a while and liked the way they shoot and look, but they're thick at the butt and I didn't like that for pocket carry. I liked the profile of the stock boot grips, but didn't like the rubber. I tried Altamont falconia rubber and wood combo grips and really liked the way they shoot, but the rubber is too grippy for the pocket. Finally I tried Altamont checkered wood grips and love them. Very similar profile as the stock boot grips with good enough friction for a firm hold, but no grabbing clothes at all. My perfect pocket grips.

 

[1chessiefan]

Dear Tinman,
I carry smooth wood Spegels. They fit my hand perfectly and do not catch on my pocket material. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

1chessiefan

 

[Kansasgunner]

I have Crimson Trace 405s on my 642. I like the “pad” at the top of the grip frame, in a Milt Sparks holster. My other go to is Craig Spegel’s Boot Grip, holster is horsehide by Ken Null.

This pair has been carried over 20 years. I find both of these work very well for carry and I like them equally at the range.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Spegel Boot grips on my 2" 36, 640 and 337PD... extended Boot's on my 3" 60-10 micro 686

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Have these on my 642.

 

[Bob L]

On my 340, I really like the S&W Grips and don't seem to have any issues with them. Happy Thanksgiving to All and Be Safe Out There!

 

[billj47]

Hogue

Still like the Hogue grips on my pistols.

 

[rockquarry]

If you can tolerate the factory stocks long enough to become accustomed to them, these are the best in terms of concealment (the sometimes forgotten purpose of these small revolvers) and work pretty well for shooting also. It seems some don't take the time to familiarize themselves with the stocks that the gun came with.

There are uncommon instances where these stocks might not work well, but they are few. If I wanted larger stocks, thereby reducing the compactness, it makes more sense to go with a k-frame snubnose.

 

[skywag]

Can't go wrong with factory.

 

[demkofour]

The Bantam grips are about the lightest available and work well. Although rubber grips may not be as smooth drawing as wood, I’ve personally never had a problem with the Bantams.
As a neat available and not too costly alternative, try the VZ Grips J Frame Boot Grip. S&W J-Frame Boot Grip (G10) with VZ 320 Texture

 

[Jimmyjones]

I have these Eagle Secret Service stocks on all my AirWeights.

 

[shawn mccarver]

I’ve been carrying a 642 and more recently M&P 340 in a pocket for over 2o years. Picked Hogue Bantam grips back then and never thought about it again. They fit my hand and I can shoot these little fire breathers with them.

Looking through a holster manufacturer site, I came across a statement that wood grips were much better for pocket carry due to lower friction on the draw. Hmmm…

I do not want grips that are any thicker. This is for discreet pocket carry. Even if wood grips draw better, can you shoot as well or is there a tradeoff?

I also have Hogues on a 3” Model 66, but that is outside the waistband carry. In that situation rubber grips seem to offer more friction in the hand and better recoil control.

I am open to suggestions. Pics greatly appreciated. An old dog can learn new tricks…

Chip

As the Bantam grips, which are barely, if at all, stickier than smooth wood, will not be touching the material of your pocket as your hand will be at least partially wrapped around them when you present the revolver, it makes no difference. If you want expensive, fancy wood just because, well that is ok, but it is not necessary for functionality with a pocket holster presentation.

 

[flintsghost]

I use Spegel smooth rosewood boots on one and Altamonte smooth boots on another. I use them for pocket and belt carry. On my 3" 650, I have checkered Spegels but I never use it in a pocket carry, only in a belt holster.

 

[Anton Chigurh]

Just switch to the Hogue G10 bantams. The Piranhas are grippy but not sticky, and the smooth feel like 200 grit unfinished wood. They only come in funky colors though (smooth).

 

[haywood]

Oh The best grips I’ve used for carry are the original Uncle Mike's Boot Grips but, since my hands are old and beat I have been using Pachmayr Compacts on most of my J-Frames and Hogue Tamers on one. I can practice on the Range and they fit all my pockets. I can walk around gripping the gun in my pocket

 

[SmithNut]

Another vote for Spegel boot grips..... mine are checkered, no issues over the years.

 

[otis24]

Have these on my 642.

These are my favorite J frame grips. A little bulky but they absorb the recoil better than any other J frame grips that I know of.

 

[instymp]

I have these Eagle Secret Service stocks on all my AirWeights.

Had them on mine & liked them a lot