combat grips versus target grips

[roar]

I am thinking about picking up a pair of some nice wooden S&W grips for my 686. I don't know if I want to get target grips or combat grips for it.

Post any pics you have of a 686 with these grips as well!!

thanks

 

[roar]

I am thinking about picking up a pair of some nice wooden S&W grips for my 686. I don't know if I want to get target grips or combat grips for it.

Post any pics you have of a 686 with these grips as well!!

thanks

 

[lunde]

I prefer Nill grips, specifically their combat-style ones:

 

[roar]

Those are really nice looking.

I should mention that I have a square butt 686, and I would really prefer to purchase grips straight from S&W with the medallion in them.

All wooden grip pictures are welcome though!

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

These are N frame combats, but they are identical to the K/L frames that I've owned, except that these are noticably larger.

 

[Allen-frame]

These are K-L square butt finger groove combat grips. New old stock made in the 1980s.

They are a bit large if you have small hands or short fingers. I would definitely suggest handling a pair before you shell out the 100 plus dollars to buy them.

Regards ,,,Allen F.

 

[H Richard]

I like the finger groove combat style, but not necessarily the S&W brand.

 

[roar]

nice! keep the pictures coming.

so far I am leaning towards combat grips.

 

[357Nomad]

What length tube?

For short Bbl. (4" or less) I prefer combats.

Longer gets targets.

 

[roar]

my 686 is a 4"

 

[ezb57]

I second the thought that you try some combats before buying them. I'm guessing you have the smaller Magnas or rubber now? I have both factory combats and targets for my 586, and frankly I'm still not sure which I prefer. The combats are definitly more sexy, but they do put your fingers in very definite positions, and if those positions are not right for you, they're not much fun. Also, for me anyhow, the narrower bottom doesn't wedge your hand up into the frame like targets do, so they kinda feel like the gun could slip up and out of my hand. (Although thats never come close to happening.) I suppose the small bottom are of the combats allows you to get your hand on the grip faster in a high speed draw situation. Get some beater targets first and see what you think. ezb

 

[ENH]

Wow, I like those Nill stocks.

 

[ChinaSeaSailor]

these are nice at a reasonable price:

 

[Andy Taylor]

I can't answer your question because you didn't say if your gun is round butt or square butt. On RB guns I prefer the combat grip, on SB guns I prefer the target grip. Hope that helps.

 

[jrm53]

Funny thing this afternoon I came across a 1984 Gil Hebard #32 catalog and the S&W combat grips were listed @36.40 and dealer price 25.50 I got three pair and still have them I should have got a lot and used for an IRA I would have made a little.

 

[fyimo]

Combats are sized well, comfortable, amd look great.

 

[Swabby]

On a square butt, 4" L-Frame, I prefer the combats. Targets are a good second choice, but look very blocky on the bottom. I just have a hard time paying $150+ for a set of grips. I bought my M686-4 used in 1998 and only paid $299 for the entire gun. But I guess the times they are a changin'.

 

[northslope]

Like Lunde, I'm a big fan of the Nill combats:

...but I'm also a fan of Ahrends' new "Retro Combats" --

 

[jimbo-indy]

Yes, Nil grips are awsome but come at a high price. As a less expensive alternative, I too recommend Badger Grips. Have them on my Super Blackhawk and used them on a GP-100. Both fit and feel great. Highly recommended.
Suggestion, if you don't like the feel of Hogue rubber grips, try Pachmeyer. They have different series which are smaller/larger so you can get a good fit to your hand. I have a big hand but short fingers. Their gripper pro series on my square butt L frame fits me perfectly. Sorry, they don't look as nice wood but what do you want for $30? worth a try.

 

[andyo5]

For lookin', I prefer wood.
For shootin' I like rubber.