J Frame Snub Owners: What is your favorite "carry" grips?

[CH4]

I use all kinds of grips on my j frames, but it's hard to beat Uncle Mikes.

 

[billj47]

442-1 Hogue grips

I have Hogue grips on all my revolvers. I have always liked them over the factory grips. I often shoot them and find they allow me to shoot a box without hand pain issues.
I carry IWB and OWB and in pocket with no problems.

 

[153]

Pachmayr …

 

[S-W4EVER]

I've been carrying and shooting snubnose J-frame .38s for more than fifty years. Whatever stocks come on them from the factory are the best stocks if you're using these gun for concealment. That's what they designed for. If you need larger stocks which take away from the concealment factor, why not get a larger revolver, perhaps a K-frame snubnose? These are also much easier to shoot well.

Grip adaptors? They look neat, but that's the bulk of their appeal, except in rare instances. If you truly find adaptors serve a real purpose, by all means use them.

J-frames guns aren't easy to shoot as is, at least at first, but they become quite tolerable after adequate shooting practice and they are accurate, even at 25 yards, once you become a skilled shooter.

Give J-frames a fair shakedown before any modifications. You may be surprised to find out they work very well straight-out-of-the-box, even with those tiny stocks.

+1. That's the way I feel about my J Frames. I've got big hands so I used the Pachmayr Compacs on my Chief's Special for about forty years. My Centennial Airweight came with rubber boot grips and I was surprised at how well I could shoot with them so I bought some more and retrofitted them to my older J frames, except my Chief's Special. Being good old fashioned blued steel I bought some wooden boot grips for it and I like the look of it.

I don't own any larger snub nose revolvers, concealment is very important to me and if I wanted to carry one of my K frames it would be my 4" Combat Magnum.

 

[yugolovr]

On my 640-1 I have a set of Grashorn stag grips with a abK grip adapter. On my 642 I have Pachmayer compac pros. They give me just a little more length for my pinky without being overly large.

 

[sheppard]

Pachmayer on my model 642.

 

[lawandorder]

A J here is a link to a sold set from the classifieds.

***SPF***Super Rare Eagle Grips Sambar Stag Boot Grips For J-Frame

 

[The Preacher]

This. Not sure what make it is. Seems to split the difference between the factory wood and the larger Pachmayrs. Very controllable
.

 

[Hawg Rider]

As has been stated earlier, Uncle Mike's are great grips for a J frame. They are big enough to give a firm grip but they do not take away from concealability. Also mentioned have been the Pachmayer Compacs. Pictured below are the Mikes on the left and Compacs on the right. The Compacs actually give a little more padding then the Mikes but I have the Mike's on all my round butt revolvers.

+1 for Uncle Mikes. Use them on my 642-2 along with a bull hide pocket holster. Very comfortable and concealable, and the stocks tame the baddest .38 Spl loads.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

1. Do you prefer the S&W factory grips over aftermarket grips?
Yes

2. Rubber, Wood, or Synthetic?
Wood, though synthetic with the right gun can be fine. I just do not like that rubber sticks to clothes, especially flannel.

3. Modifications: i.e. Double sided friction tape aka Hockey Tape over wood or rubber, etc., and or ??
No, if you have to do this your grips suck or your grip mechanics suck.

Lastly, do you prefer your grips for better shooting mechanics such as control, comfort, accuracy, etc.? or do you prefer concealment over the latter?
Comfort, concealment, and affect on draw are what I look at most.

4. Favorite brand?
Smith & Wesson wood stocks, Hogues for rubber.

5. Is price a factor for you? (Aftermarket)
No, anything functional is relatively affordable for me.

 

[Data]

As for my favorite every day carry J Frame grips, I prefer the Hogue Bantam Rubber grips for aiding maximum pocket concealment. While, the overall grip is quite small, I do find the overall ergonomic configuration helps with excellent grip retention and works adequately enough for good accuracy and recoil mitigation. Another aspect I like about the Hogue Bantam grips is that it doesn't require a retention screw, hence the grip set snaps into place.

While the Hogue Bantam is my absolute favorite (based on needs for max concealment and grip retention), I make note that out-of -production "Uncle Mike's" J Frame Boots feel the best in my hand. I am guessing that most of you might know already, but if not they were designed by CRAIG SPEGEL who is a top-notch grip maker and collaborated with Uncle Mike's to produce a great aftermarket grip. And not to forget the grips were once factory installed on the Smith & Wesson J Frames. I am lucky to have saved several sets!

Here is something that might pique your interest from an excerpt by Uncle Mike's back in the day ….

"CRAIG SPEGEL…
The man behind the design
Of these "Uncle Mike's" grips.

There are a few custom stock-makers around the country whose work is recognized by top competitive handgun shooters and gun writers. One of these is Craig Spegel, who carves hardwood grips for a growing number of serious shooters.

Spegel, a serious IPSC competitor and Oregon Combat Master has specialized in custom grips that afford the ultimate in control, accuracy, and natural aiming. A hallmark of Spegel's work is his fine checkering and detailing to make the grip fit the frame precisely while giving the shooter the greatest comfort. Michael's of Oregon commissioned Spegel to carve the original hardwood Masters of grips for popular revolvers and autos. Through the precision of injection molding, Spegel's artistry is reproduced in exact detail, so the molded grip you put on your handgun gives you all the advantages of a custom grip, plus the economy, durability, and comfort of a molded stock.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

Makes Smith & Wesson J-Frame revolvers easier to grip easier to
control, easier to shoot

Precision reproduction of Craig's original Boot Grip design

Molded of a tough, durable, specially formulated elastomer that is
lighter weight and firmer than ordinary rubber grips

Back strap is left exposed, so no extra trigger reach is added

Slight ambidextrous palm swell and comfortable finger grooves
give firmer grasp than wooden factory grips

Grip is squared off and only and only as long as the frame itself,
Keeping these small guns truly concealable

Ideal for ankle, inside-the-pant, belt slide, paddle and shoulder
holsters, as well as fanny pack holsters

100% made in U.S.A"

 

[martyj]

I like the Hogue grips on mine.
They fit my hand well

 

[Chrisj357]

I rarely carry the J-Frame since I got my new carry holster for the 686 but when I carry the snubby I really like the auto extension

 

[Magnum_PI]

I am fine with the current grips they come with. I don't "prefer them", but they work and I am good with them.

I like the current production grips and Hogue G10 boot grips. I like a small form, which is the point of a J Frame. If you add full grips, should just get a K Frame or above. Just my thoughts on size. For fit, I find the factory and Hogue G10 mentioned fit the best. Wood has been hit or miss for me for precise fit and I stick to these. Sure, wood is sleek, and classic, but less impractical these days.

As said, favorites are current production and Hogue G10.

Price is always a factor in all I do. I can appreciate some really fine grips but am I dropping $300 to slap some wood on my guns? NOPE. To each their own, of course! I'd rather buy more guns and ammo with that cost.

 

[Data]

@ The Preacher

"This. Not sure what make it is. Seems to split the difference between the factory wood and the larger Pachmayrs. Very controllable"

The grips on your revolver are the Uncle Mike's Boot Grips, designed by Craig Spegel.

Sadly, they are no longer produced, and sold as an aftermarket item by Uncle Mike's of Oregon. Likewise, the Uncle Mike's Boot Grip, used to be the stock grip on S&W's J frame back in the day. As well as the Hogue Bantam Boot Grip on the Scandium / Ti J frames.

 

[HamHands]

Her is a Model 60 (No Dash) circa. 1979, Big Mountain Man Grips, Tyler T. I'm not a fan of carrying a 5 shot J frame as an EDC. There are better choices out there Just my opinion. I know, "Blasphemy", right. It is kinda cute though.

That is pretty much the "Near Perfect" J frame...

Good Job!

-Hams

 

[majick47]

Chief Special/J frame never intended as a target/range gun. Ideal size for someone stationed at a desk, backup to primary weapon or off duty weapon. Compact size helped with concealment in pocket or holster. Oversize stocks/grips would defeat purpose of the J frame. Exception might be a very tall/large person.

 

[Bumpus13]

Magnas plus a Tyler T grip are the grips I prefer.

Same here.

 

[Brian Parrish]

I have Hogue grips on all my revolvers. I have always liked them over the factory grips. I often shoot them and find they allow me to shoot a box without hand pain issues.
I carry IWB and OWB and in pocket with no problems.

I concur. Mine is a Model 38 Airweight Bodyguard with the Hogue mMonogrip. The grip is not tacky at all. I have it in my left front pocket in Uncle Mike's pocket holster. I have found no advantage to the smaller factory grips and I find it much easier to get a good firing grip on the Hogue in my pocket.

 

[honu8019]

1. After Market, save the original wood grips.
2. Rubber, better wear/corrosion resistance.
3. None, control is the key.
4. Uncle Mike's Boot grips.
5. No.

S&W M60-4, back-up for many years.