Got mine Monday and tried them on my 43c and 640. They're a litte tight at first getting them onto the grip pins, but will wear in after a bit. Overall quality was great and you see evidence they are more than just a quality, customer oriented business.
Went to the range on Wednesday. I'd been using Hogue Bantams on everything J-round butt. The extra material covering the back strap tends to alter the trigger pull dimensions and takes some getting used to.
I ended up sidelining the 43c as its going back to warranty for the third time, so I put them on my 640, the old .38 Special version. First five shots were with Federal 158 grain LWCHP +P. I noted this was loaded a bit more stoutly than I remember, and maybe even more felt recoil than the Federal 147 grain Hydra Shok +P+ I used to have to carry in it.
My hands are medium size. With the belt hook panel, recoil tended to be rather harsh and shift the impact closer to my shooting hand thumb. Put the regular panel on. Again recoil with the Federal 158 was harsh, but a bit less uncomfortable. I switched ammo to some old Winchester 158 grain LSWCHP +P I'd had for a while and found it a bit more manageable. Shooting Winchester White Box 130 grain FMJ flat point was. extremely pleasant.
The AFRs seemed to provide a more point of aim grip angle than other J-frame grips I've used. S&W revolvers and Glocks both tend to point a bit high. Maybe shooting S&W revolvers is why Glock and I got along good for a number of years.
At the end of the day, I switched the 640 back to the Hogue Bantams. I'd run my LEOSA qualification with these grips and 148 grain wadcutters last week and scored 100 percent for the first time with that revolver (normally 90-96 percent). I had used the Bantams when I was working, and despite the open back strap, the spongy texture, easy to grip side panels tended to soak up recoil better, even with the aforementioned Hydra Shok +P+. On the other hand, I admit to becoming a bit recoil sensitive. Thats why I'm making plans to incorporate more .22 LR into my long term plan as I get older.
The AFR grips will probably go back on the 43c when it comes back from repair, assuming that they managed to get it to work or hopefully replace it with one that will. Then, I can get used to the UC belt hook panel and and use it as it is intended. If I change my carry ammo to Georgia Arms or Buffalo Bore wadcutters, then I'll consider acquiring a second set of ARFs.