J Frame Grips
- Thread starter flundertaker
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As one who was issued J Frames and carried as a primary and later as a backup, then as a CCW for 50+ years, nothing is better or faster than the Crimson Trace laser grips. They double your speed and insure accuracy whether you can see your
Nothing is faster or better that CT laser grips on a J frame. You cut your response time in half and accuracy is guaranteed whether you can see your gun or not. But they are not very comfortable. Just depends if you actually carry for a real risk or that one in a million possibility.
As a former CCW instructor, I always recommend them for any carry J Frame, just common sense. Personally, I have several, three with CT grips on them. I can practice with any I want, but when it comes to self defense, one with the laser goes along.
In fact, a J Frame with laser makes the perfect second gun. In an emergency, you can arm a friend or family member and anyone can defend with that one. And I once had a near robbery where that actually happened. FWIW
I have them on the model 60 three inch.. If you shoot 357 that matter a lot.
walkin' trails
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Got my notice yesterday and ordered the “full set” last night. Going to try them out on my 640 and 43c.
walkin' trails
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Will do!
Any of the rubber grips should do the job and be cost effective. Hogues, Pachs, UC, just depends on your preference. I personally like the Hogues, but YMMV
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Well Armed
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They are just way overpriced for grips IMHO.
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I ordered the Hamre Forge AFRs on 6/12 and just reached out to them for a ship date. They said they're running on a 6-8 week wait from ordering. Just so ya know.
I've found I need the extra spacing over the grip frame for a J-frame to be anywhere near comfortable for me. On a K/L I prefer an open back strap, but need a closed on a J to feel and point similarly. It's a shame since I have bought MANY great looking pearl and stag grips for J's, but the little gun is too punishing on my arthritic XL hand. Need more reach to simulate the "comfort" I feel shooting a K/L.
*Of course I know that if I ever Need the J in my pocket the pain will be an afterthought, but I try to stop by the range a few times a month to keep the muscle memory / familiarity with drawing and firing it.
I'm not cheap, just lucky. I find the stock S&W 2 finger synthetic grips fit me perfectly. I've bought two extras to put on my 36 and 317. Five J frames all with the same exact fit . Makes range training pretty inexpensive with .22's. Maybe I am cheap.
walkin' trails
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Yeah, I got the same message from them. Still waiting. Remember how this used to be the norm for quality firearms related accessories.
walkin' trails
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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.
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.
HardToHandle
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Just wanted to echo your thoughts.
I think the Hamre Forge grips are great quality but not perfect for ME. They’re just a smidge too big in dimension and likewise a bit uncomfortable in Centerfire cartridges.
My Hamre Forge hooks are now on a 351PD, where recoil is minor. I can still get a sufficient amount of finger on the trigger to adequately use DA, at least with the right hand.
Hamre will likely get another order when their K Frame panels come out. I liked the rather dense weight of the Hamres, which feels heavier than wood but less than G10 composite. I think they’ll be a bit heavier and a smidge grippier than the Hideout grips that I am found of - which are like an ugly baby but still wonderful - http://www.precisiongunspecialties.com/
Take some time and learn to use it like it is before you consider grips. I have bought a few aftermarket grips and usually go back to the ones they came with. Only gun I have with other than stock grips is a model 60 I recently got; part of the reason is I don't really like the curve of the round butt (in that gun) and I found a set of Pachmyers at a gun show for 15.00.
