Grips for 686

[dlistello]

I have a 686 and am trying to find rubber grips that fit me. I really like Pachmayr Gripper model, have them on most of my revolvers. I received a set for 686, won't fit because grip screw hits mainspring. I called Pachmayr and they told me to have a gunsmith modify mainspring---- sounds silly to me. Does anyone know of solution or another company with similar product. The Gripper model puts my finger on trigger just right (for me), Pachmayr Compac model I'm using just doesn't fit me well. I need a covered back strap since I shoot mostly magnums, so Hogue isn't an option. Thanks and sorry for excessive babbling. Dave

 

[Jason68]

All due respect dlistello, but I'm not sure you should discount the Hogue without trying it. Sure the backstrap is exposed, but the rounded rubber shoulders / sides of the grip are where a lot of the energy is transmitted; really your whole hand absorbs the recoil.
See if you can find a used one on ebay, or even here on the forum, you can always sell it if you don't like it.

 

[minconrevo]

. . . I really like Pachmayr Gripper model, have them on most of my revolvers. I received a set for 686, won't fit because grip screw hits mainspring. I called Pachmayr and they told me to have a gunsmith modify mainspring---- sounds silly to me. . . . Dave

If you really MUST have the Grippers, the screw hole and piece that it screws into can be relocated. You'll need to fill in the old holes with black RTV or similar. I've done it for a special application.

First thing though, give the Hogue's a try.

 

[AZ Desertrat]

I would still use a Hogue Monogrip

 

[ab4ka]

for rubber on that gun the Hogue works great for me. Even shooting magnums, the 686 frame is heavy enough to absorb most of the recoil. On my 2-1/2" 686 I've got a set of (wood) Ahrend's Retro Combats and it's very comfortable to shoot. It came to me with a Pachmayr Compac on it and I just never could get comfortable with it.

 

[bassoneer]

I have tried about every grip out there. I tried two Pacmyers...grippers and decelerators. I used to be a big fan, but these just didn't fit right. I have tried the original rubber Hogues, and rosewood Hogues. Don't like them. I tried older Mustang grips (wood) that covered the backstrap...didn't like them. Right now, I'm using Uncle Mike's rubber grips I got from the S&W Website and they seem to be the best I've used. They cover the backstrap and are a conversion set (makes the round butt look like a square butt). They have two different styles...mine, and the one that looks like a round butt grip. Suggest giving the Uncle Mike's a try. I have the smaller, rounded grips on my 640-1 J-frame and love them. Grips are a very personal thing and it may take a while to find the ones that work for you. Good luck, B

ps, as far as looks, I think Ahrend's wood grips are the most beautiful thing I've ever seen on a gun, but I'm not sure how they would feel when shooting...

 

[scooter123]

IS it a round or square butt grip frame? If it's a round butt grip frame you are in luck. My 620 uses the round butt grip frame and the Monogrip for the 500 magnum is a perfect fit. You can order it through the S&W Web Store and I find that it's very similar to the sizing of the Pachmayr Decelerator I have mounted on my 610. Note, the 500 Magnum grip is made by Hogue but is only available from the S&W store. As a result it does cost more than buying from Hogue, however IMO every penny was very well spent.

BTW, I have the Pachmayr Gripper mounted on my 617 and it's only slightly smaller than the 500 Magnum or Decelerator grips. That isn't the case for the Hogue monogrip that currently ships with most of the current S&W's, that grip is IMO much better suited to a woman's hand size.

 

[cp1969]

Another vote for rubber Hogue grips.

I have them on my 586 and like them. Everyone who handles and shoots that gun seems to like them, too.

With an L frame gun, recoil isn't an issue. It just takes a little bit of acclimation. By acclimation, I mean go shoot a .44 for a while. Then the .357 seems not so bad at all.

Side note: The 586 is the only gun I have that I like the rubber Hogues on. I liked them so well on that gun that I bought them for a Redhawk and I don't like them on that gun at all.

 

[growr]

If you can still find them, you might try a set of Uncle Mikes as a solution. I usually use Hogues instead of Pachmayer, but have several Uncle Mikes and like them a lot.
Randy

 

[buck460XVR]

I have these on my 6'' 686. They are the ones that come stock on the X-Frames. They cover the backstrap and are duo-density. I also have them on my PC 629 magnum hunter.

Product: Model 500 Impact Absorbing Hogue Square Butt Conversion Grips

 

[BubbaBlades]

If your main spring is not dead center with the grip hole, you might be able to make the grip fit by reducing (grind or file) the diameter of the middle part of the grip screw along the area next to the main spring. The modified grip screw should look like an hourglass ")(".
Mark

 

[Ole Coot]

Count me in, Hogue grips are on all my revolvers. Semi-autos I make my own.

 

[mack1]

I mostly shoot 170-180 cast at 1200 fps in my 686 4" and the hogue grips are fine. I usualy only fire 100 or so mags in a session. A glove might help absorbe shock also.

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

I'd look for a set of Uncle Mikes myself..
They feel very at home on a L frame..
Also is yours a Round or Square Butt??

Welcome to the Forum dlistello
Gary/Hk