grips?

[NOMADCHRIS]

so I finally got my 686+ four inch I took it to the range today for the first time and I got blisters on my thumb just between the web and the knuckle and I got a blister on my palm about a inch below of the base of my thumb. I only fired 100 rounds I knew when I picked up the pistol it didn't feel right kind of short so should I go with a square butt grip? the rubber smith grips feel to small and the part on the grip where it rounds feels uncomfortable like its pushing into my palm. any advice would be much help I'm kind of a big guy at 260 6'2 with semi large hands

 

[Rangerpat]

I'd take your unloaded revolver to a local gunshop and ask for help trying some different brands and sizes of grips. I believe you will have a good selection to choose from considering the popularity of of your 686. If you like rubber grips, check out Hogue finger groove grips that cover the backstrap of the revolver.
Next time you shoot, try wrapping the blister area of your thumb with some first-aid tape; you might want to talk to a shooting instructor about proper grip.
If all else fails you can wear fingerless gloves. You can search this forum for "shooting gloves" and get a lot of good information.

 

[Breechloader]

What were you shooting in it 357mags or 38sp?

 

[NOMADCHRIS]

I was shooting 357 mag

 

[NCguy]

Shooting 100 .357's in one session will hurt most people's hands. I know mine would hurt. Do you have wood grips? Rick

 

[NOMADCHRIS]

no just the rubber grips that came with the pistol

 

[snowman]

so I finally got my 686+ four inch I took it to the range today for the first time and I got blisters on my thumb just between the web and the knuckle and I got a blister on my palm about a inch below of the base of my thumb. I only fired 100 rounds I knew when I picked up the pistol it didn't feel right kind of short so should I go with a square butt grip? the rubber smith grips feel to small and the part on the grip where it rounds feels uncomfortable like its pushing into my palm. any advice would be much help I'm kind of a big guy at 260 6'2 with semi large hands

Sir,

Blisters mean rubbing, which shouldn't happen. If the grips feel too small, they are. And I believe that a too-small grip will tend to move in and rub your hand under magnum recoil. It sounds to me like you have diagnosed the problem pretty well. I have two of those guns, fire only heavy magnum loads, and have never generated blisters. I would start researching and looking for a larger grip.

The round butt vs. square butt thing is your call. I do not, and will not, have a round butt grip; others really like them and shoot well with them. But I just don't feel like I have a solid, firm grip on the gun when the grip curves away from my hand like that.

Best wishes,
Andy

 

[NOMADCHRIS]

thanx andy that's what I was thinking the square butt on my buddys revolver seems to fit my hand better

 

[POPPER]

Chris, I'm assuming you have Hogues on your 686 with exposed backstrap. That being said I have the same S&W my self and a couple 28-2 H/Ps that I only shoot 357 loads with. I have had the same identical problem as you with tearing up the web between my thumb and index finger as well on more than one occasion. This will cost you about $70 bucks and a little wait to get one but myself I ended up with Ahrends Tactical wood grips smooth with no finger grooves on all my 357s' and I couldn't be more satisfied myself. Might want to get on his web site and check them out. I've even got a box of presentations that eat on my feeble old hands as well. At 74yrs for me anyway I've had great luck with the Ahrends. There are lots of other options as well. Anyway take heed to what the other fellows tell you as well. What's good for the goose isn't always good for the gander. That is why most of us wheel gunners have a box full of grips. Good Luck neighbor!

 

[NOMADCHRIS]

thanx for the info popper I was just looking at the ahrends retro square butt combat and the tactical with finger grooves and oiled maple last night and wondering if they would do the trick

 

[Cal44]

Chris, I'm assuming you have Hogues on your 686 with exposed backstrap. That being said I have the same S&W my self and a couple 28-2 H/Ps that I only shoot 357 loads with. I have had the same identical problem as you with tearing up the web between my thumb and index finger as well on more than one occasion. This will cost you about $70 bucks and a little wait to get one but myself I ended up with Ahrends Tactical wood grips smooth with no finger grooves on all my 357s' and I couldn't be more satisfied myself. Might want to get on his web site and check them out. I've even got a box of presentations that eat on my feeble old hands as well. At 74yrs for me anyway I've had great luck with the Ahrends. There are lots of other options as well. Anyway take heed to what the other fellows tell you as well. What's good for the goose isn't always good for the gander. That is why most of us wheel gunners have a box full of grips. Good Luck neighbor!

I couple of comments:

I just bought some Ahrends grips myself and am very happy with them.

I ordered them directly from Kim Ahrends and had to wait about 12 weeks.

This was no problem for me, but if you don't want to wait, there are plenty of brand new Ahrends on ebay for good prices.

I exchanged emails with Kim about my requirements as I have the opposite problem -- small hands and short finders so I have trouble with N frames in particular.

He could recommend what would work best for you.

Send him an email. He is a friendly guy and responsive.

Dave