Grip Recommendations For a 686-4

[Santos]

Presently, the gun has Hogue monogrips (rubber). Shooting yesterday, I got two blisters on my primary grip hand. I believe they came from the gun rotating back under recoil. One blister from each side of the grip.
I would like some suggestions on a grip that might reduce, or eliminate, the blistering. I'm aware my grip may not be as firm as it could be. I'm OLD.

 

[Glynngaddy]

Try some of the Ahrends grips or just go with original Smith target grips

 

[murphydog]

Smooth factory Target or Combat (fingergrooved) stocks, plus a bunch of factory alternatives. The gun may rotate higher/be less controllable with these.

 

[one eye joe]

Presently, the gun has Hogue monogrips (rubber). Shooting yesterday, I got two blisters on my primary grip hand. I believe they came from the gun rotating back under recoil. One blister from each side of the grip.
I would like some suggestions on a grip that might reduce, or eliminate, the blistering. I'm aware my grip may not be as firm as it could be. I'm OLD.

HI Santos. WELCOME TO THE FORUM. I FIND THE HOGUES UGLY, AND NOT USER FRIENDLY FOR MY MEDIUM SIZE HANDS. IN FACT NO BRAND OF FINGER GROOVE GRIPS AID ME IN SHOOTING. (MASSAD AYOOB IS OF THE OPINION THAT FINGER GROOVE GRIPS ONLY FIT 1/10TH OF THE SHOOTING POPULATION.) I GRAVITATE TOWARD AHRENDS SMOOTH TACTICAL CONVERSION GRIPS (THEY CONVERT ROUND BUTT FRAMES TO SQUARE BUTT GRIPS). THEY LET MY FINGERS FALL NATURALLY ON THE WEAPON, GIVE A GOOD COMFORTABLE GRIP, ABSORB RECOIL WELL, AND GIVE ME GOOD CONTROL. I ALSO USE PACHMAYR SMOOTH GRIPS IN HARSH CONDITIONS OR IN HARD USE--CAMPING, HUNTING OR FISHING. THEY GIVE A GOOD GRIP, EVEN WHEN WET. THOSE ARE "COMPACS" ON THE SHORT GUN, AND "PRESENTATION" GRIPS ON THE LONG ONE. THEY CONTROL RECOIL VERY WELL……….

 

[SJshooter]

I find there is nothing better than old vintage factory wood. If your hands fit the fingergrooves, the combat grips are hard to beat. And good old factory targets are wonderful. Just make sure you are grabbing that revolver high up, putting as much of the arch of the backstrap into your palm as you can.

 

[at_liberty]

I use combats for the larger round butts, so the grip doesn't stick out as much when trying to conceal. The comfort and control when shooting is excellent for me (smallish hands). Gungripsupply.com gets a lot of business from me. Their grips also include the S&W medallion.

The pic is of my 686-6 (plugged):

 

[mag318]

I put a set of Hogue Bantams on mine and they feel great even in my large hands. Not the most attractive grips but to me they are the most comfortable.

 

[gr7070]

I'd try the new style rubber grips if I were you.

I don't see how any wood grips are going to help you if your grip is too weak to handle the rubber hogue. I think recommendations for wood are terrible in this case.

Try other rubber grips!

 

[Brasky]

I'd try the new style rubber grips if I were you.

I don't see how any wood grips are going to help you if your grip is too weak to handle the rubber hogue. I think recommendations for wood are terrible in this case.

Try other rubber grips!

The rubber is too high of friction which is I'm assuming is causing the blistering. A wood grip will have more felt recoil but will not cause the same blistering effect

 

[at_liberty]

Take a look at Pachmayr Diamond Pro. They now offer it for more guns, including the Smith K/L frame. I have these on my 629 Classic and find the increased palm swell does the trick.

Pachmayr Diamond Pro

 

[bananaman]

I don't know how heavy the loads you were shooting are. I put Herrett Grips on my 586 no dash. They were used on a NYPD officer's gun. They are worn, but comfy! Bob

 

[Santos]

Thanks to everyone for the responses. I'll need to check out all of the suggestions. I shot 1911s for years and the natural grip is always high up on the frame. I think my grip on the revolver was too low so, next outing I'll be sure to put my palm as high up as possible. Hopefully, a new set of grips and a high hold will solve the problem.

 

[Matt Hooper]

Plus 1 on the Ahrends Target or Tactical. I personally like his target grips. I have smaller sized hands and not having the finger grooves really helps find just the right hold. My guns with those are my best shooters.

 

[mikeyluke]

Try the ones from Pachmayr.. I have two sets for my JFrames mod. 60 &640 pro.. #03249.
They are substantially better than the Hogue.
They fill the hand better and give you that extra purchase needed when shooting full house .357.

 

[Matt Hooper]

This is the Ahrends Target Round conversion for my new M15. Really comfortable!

 

[bananaman]

Thanks to everyone for the responses. I'll need to check out all of the suggestions. I shot 1911s for years and the natural grip is always high up on the frame. I think my grip on the revolver was too low so, next outing I'll be sure to put my palm as high up as possible. Hopefully, a new set of grips and a high hold will solve the problem.

A good thing to try, is handle guns with different grips at a shop, range, or gun show. Cool looking grips don't always feel right. Trial & error can get expensive! Bob

 

[mikeyluke]

Matt Hooper,
Is that front sight tritium filled, and where did you get it ??????!!!!!!
PLEASE let me know.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[sellersm]

Altamont grips for me:

 

[dipperdave]

Handgun grips are similar to bicycle saddles in that they can be a very personal choice based on your body and your use.

As others have suggested, Ahrends makes good looking and comfortable grips in several different styles at a affordable prices. I have several on my revolvers and they are good during use and really attractive when not in use. Others make excellent wooden grips also but some of them get really pricey in a hurry. Some after market grips are like works of art.

I do think you will find that an un-checkered wooden grip will move around in your hand during recoil a bit more than most rubber grips. Two of the often mentioned advantages of rubber grips are that they give a good secure grip and help reduce felt recoil. I have never heard of anyone getting blisters from Hogue grips, which tend to be softer than some others. Possibly you are holding the gun a bit loosely?

Finger grooves on handgun grips, or AR-15 grips, are usually a mistake. For me, the Hogue is the only one I can tolerate and that only because I am lucky in that it fits me like Hogue had used my hand as the mold. That said, I doubt Jerry Mikulek has any data whatsoever to back up his 10% claim. Jeff Cooper was also fond of pronouncing his personal likes/beliefs as absolute facts rather than simply as his own opinions.

I also have a 686-4 in four-inch with S&W factory Hogue grips that serve me well. Not as attractive as my Ahrends on other revolvers but fully functional. I have four Model 66s/19s (same gun in different steels). Two have wooden grips (factory & Ahrends) and two have rubber Hogues. In looks the wooden grips are hands down winners, but in actual shooting the Hogues are a bit better for a good secure and comfortable grip along with a bit softer recoil. Maybe it would be good to try your 686 again and hold it a bit more firmly. I'm old too (66 years old next month) and I put a firm, but not crushing, grip on my handguns. Just like a firm handshake with a good friend.

Just my opinions. Good luck with you choice.

 

[Matt Hooper]

Matt Hooper,
Is that front sight tritium filled, and where did you get it ??????!!!!!!
PLEASE let me know.
Thanks,
Mike

Hi Mike- It's actually a gold bead! Stock. Great sight picture though.