How to grip a J-frame to avoid thumb hitting cylinder release?

[pmandayam]

I rented and shot the new polymer M&P Bodyguard 38 special at the range yesterday, and while I didn't shoot the 442, I held one and went through the action yesterday with it.

What I noticed is that with the bodyguard 38, my right thumb is free to grip the gun however I want it to, but with the 442, the cylinder release is "in the way" of my thumb and I couldn't get a comfortable grip. I like to hold high so that the web of my hand is near that top edge of the backstrap, but when I do that with the 442, my right thumb knuckle is touching the cylinder release, which will rub my thumb during recoil and cause pain (which is not an uncommon issue with these J-frames, search online).

Then I tried adjusting the grip lower and extending out my thumb, but when I do this, it hits my trigger finger on the trigger pull.

So how can I get an obstruction-free J-frame grip? Can you guys post pictures of how you grip it?

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I have owned several J-Frames in 38 Special and currently have a 36 and a 49. Most likely you have good sized hands. The Bodyguard has a rubber grip that is larger and fills up your hand.

IF you buy one of the J-Frames you will probably need a larger grip or a grip adapter. I use Tyler T-Grips on several handguns.

For Concealed Carry the rubber grips can snag on the pocket or shirt tail. So that is why I stick with wood grips and an adapter. On my 1917 Brazilian Contract, the wood service stocks are small for my hand and allow the trigger guard to hit my ring finger knuckle. The grip adapter places my hand in a position similar to target stocks but isn't as big around and allows the use of the lanyard and military holsters.

Ivan

 

[jimmyj]

The only way I can shoot my "J" frames is to use Pachemer "Gripper" grips.
And the inside of the front trigger guard still hits my trigger finger.

 

[mod57]

The cylinder thumbpiece doesn't seem to bother me too much, but then again I am left handed. Sorry I just couldn't resist. Sometimes being lefthanded is not the handicap it would seem to be.

 

[Adk.IBO]

The cylinder thumbpiece doesn't seem to bother me too much, but then again I am left handed. Sorry I just couldn't resist. Sometimes being lefthanded is not the handicap it would seem to be.

This is the reason I stay mostly silent on this and other forums, someone beats me to what I’m thinking…
(Except shooting is the only thing I do left handed)

 

[pbramlett]

I grip my centennials with my right hand and let my thumb ride on top edge of the cylinder release. I've found that if i tuck my thumb in under I get a bloody knuckle on my thumb. This method has worked well for me and i'm pleased with the control and overall grip.

My carry J frames normally wear Uncle Mikes rubber boot grips or the larger rubber combat grips. YMMV

 

[Rpg]

T he Bodyguard 38 isn’t a J frame: it’s an action that isn’t used in any other gun.

It jams reliably : a design defect Smith won’t fix.

I sure wouldn’t buy it for sd.

 

[pmandayam]

T he Bodyguard 38 isn’t a J frame: it’s an action that isn’t used in any other gun.

It jams reliably : a design defect Smith won’t fix.

I sure wouldn’t buy it for sd.

I'm sorry you had bad experience with this revolver, but not everyone has had the same experiences as you.

 

[pmandayam]

I grip my centennials with my right hand and let my thumb ride on top edge of the cylinder release. I've found that if i tuck my thumb in under I get a bloody knuckle on my thumb. This method has worked well for me and i'm pleased with the control and overall grip.

My carry J frames normally wear Uncle Mikes rubber boot grips or the larger rubber combat grips. YMMV

Can you post a picture please?

 

[pbramlett]

Can you post a picture please?

Here you go. I hope this helps

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Lefty Here - my thumb is on the other side!
I also like Pachs and similar grips.
Here’s set on my 640.

 

[FLJoe]

I just lay my thumb along the side, below the cylinder release and just above my index finger. Never had an issue busting my thumb on the release during recoil and never interfered with my trigger press. I took a picture with my phone but apparently I need to upload it to some URL and can't directly attach it.

 

[Forefinger]

Perhaps it's my small paws, but I don't experience that problem with my 360 PD

 

[scruffy]

My thumb is always folded down behind and under the cylinder release. The only time I ever have a problem is shooting .357s rapidly in which case the thumb release quickly makes hamburger out of the top knuckle.

 

[oink]

Here you go. I hope this helps

Is that a North American mini-revolver you're holding in that picture?

 

[pbramlett]

Is that a North American mini-revolver you're holding in that picture?

No. That’s a smith 940 J frame centennial.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Can you post a picture please?

+1 on using Uncle Mike's stocks on J-frames. It has a recess for your right thumb and a very comfortable fit. I also have some fairly big mitts, and I have no problems carrying/shooting my 642-2. Here's how I grip my 642 strong handed and two handed...I've never busted a knuckle.

 

[pmandayam]

Here you go. I hope this helps

I'll have to try this, thanks.

 

[Baltimoreed11754]

Try a set of these. I have long fingers and have never had a problem using the Ergo grips. They do change the recoil impulse with the grip angle not being vertical.

 

[rockquarry]

I use regular J-frame factory wood stocks without complaint. I hold all J-frames just as depicted in post #14. Holding my thumb up near the cylinder release feels awkward. There are always exceptions and my method (and apparently the method of many others) may not be best for everyone.