L Frame Grips

[CyberPunkSpartan]

I am looking for some nice looking grips to use for a 686. I have combat grips on one of my 686s and really like them. I just picked the gun up but it feels a lot nicer than the target grips. I haven’t had a chance to shoot the gun yet as I just got it and will do so next weekend for the first time. But I am looking to purchase a second one for myself and one as a gift for my uncle who carried one in duty many many years ago.

Can anyone recommend some grips that are nice but practical? I would also like them to be easy on the eyes. Are the combat grips available anywhere for a reasonable price?

 

[toddimusnimski]

No personal experience but lots of nice offerings coming out of Thailand (and Turkey) at good prices, if you're not concerned with factory originality. They're like shoes, just swap them out whenever you feel like it. Plus you'll save your more expensive ones from damage and wear. Get on the 'bay and type your search, and sort by "distance, nearest first". Then go to last pages and you'll find a lot of choices, combat styles included. Check feedback; several sellers are available I believe.

Added: Oh! I see you are in Denver. Looks like some nice ones are being made in your neck of the woods too.
Todd

 

[Thaddeus Beauregard]

What materials? Are you wanting exotic hardwood, less fancy wood, laminated wood, G10?...

Altamont offers several styles of grips for S&W revolvers that I like, and they are all very reasonably priced. I really like their "Roper target" style grips, but you said you prefer combat style.

https://www.altamontco.com/pistol-grips/smith-and-wesson/

Honestly, if you just type in "S&W L frame grips" on the search in Ebay, you will get literally hundreds of choices. There are several makers in Thailand that sell surprisingly very nice grips for S&W revolvers on Ebay for very reasonable prices.

 

[toad67]

I'm not sure what you're asking, if you like the factory combat grips, just pony up the money and buy a set, but if you're looking for a substitution, are you looking for finger groove style grips since you don't care for the target style?

 

[CyberPunkSpartan]

No personal experience but lots of nice offerings coming out of Thailand (and Turkey) at good prices, if you're not concerned with factory originality. They're like shoes, just swap them out whenever you feel like it. Plus you'll save your more expensive ones from damage and wear. Get on the 'bay and type your search, and sort by "distance, nearest first". Then go to last pages and you'll find a lot of choices, combat styles included. Check feedback; several sellers are available I believe.

Added: Oh! I see you are in Denver. Looks like some nice ones are being made in your neck of the woods too.
Todd

Who is making them out here in Denver?

And any recommendations on grip sellers from Thailand? Just a little skeptical as I’m new to revolvers.

 

[CyberPunkSpartan]

I'm not sure what you're asking, if you like the factory combat grips, just pony up the money and buy a set, but if you're looking for a substitution, are you looking for finger groove style grips since you don't care for the target style?

I am looking for the finger groove style. I just can’t find a pair of factory grips. I couldn’t find them on the S&W website. I did find one seller but he wants $475 plus shipping for them.

 

[toad67]

Factory Combat grips are out there, but they're spendy, $200-$300 a set depending on condition. Post a WTB ad in the classifieds, just make sure you know whether you need square, or round butt.

 

[413Maxwedge]

And any recommendations on grip sellers from Thailand? Just a little skeptical as I’m new to revolvers.

I like Vitoonmakers on epay (Thailand). I have bought several sets of grips from him and they always fit great and ship fast. The S&H is steep but he combines shipping so if you order 2 or 3 sets it's only one shipping charge.

I have had bad luck with the Turkish grip maker(s).

 

[Thaddeus Beauregard]

Also "thaigrips" and "jaruwan.p" offer some really nice combat finger groove style grips on the E out of some nice woods. The Thais do really good work for a very reasonable price for the quality you get.

Another domestic source with a nice variety is NC Ordnance. I've bought from them before and was happy with the grips I received. Just keep in mind that the photos of a given grip style may be just a representation of the style and type of wood and not necessarily the actual grips you will receive, if you are really selective about wood figure. So it's best to ask for clarification.

N.C. Ordnance Inc - Powered by Network Solutions.

gungrip.com

 

[kframe357]

For carry guns I like VZ G10 grips.

 

[Jim_Sl]

These are the grips I have on my 686. Unfortunately there are no manufacturers markings on the inside. There are several similar grips like them on eBay though. I can tell you that they are very comfortable and make the pistol easy to handle when using heavy loads.



These grips came on the 586 from the factory.

 

[CKPOMEH]

Also "thaigrips" and "jaruwan.p" offer some really nice combat finger groove style grips on the E out of some nice woods. The Thais do really good work for a very reasonable price for the quality you get.

Another domestic source with a nice variety is NC Ordnance. I've bought from them before and was happy with the grips I received. Just keep in mind that the photos of a given grip style may be just a representation of the style and type of wood and not necessarily the actual grips you will receive, if you are really selective about wood figure. So it's best to ask for clarification.

N.C. Ordnance Inc - Powered by Network Solutions.

gungrip.com

I have bought Combats from both NC Ordanance and from Taiwan (ebay), and the ones from NC Ordnance are of higher quality - a little bit thicker and closer to the original ones. Both fit fine, I am commenting on how close they are to the original C&W Combats.

 

[Doriangray6]

I put a set of Hogue single piece grips on my 4" 586-8.
Not fancy but very comfortable and easier to shoot with than the factory grips.

 

[bones001]

These are N frame grips from vitoonmaker (Combat) and tonwoodd-n (Square style for round butt) both from Thailand. They also make K/L frame grips.

As stated above, vitoonmakers shipping is pricey but they showed up within one week. Tonwoodd-n shipping was more ecponomical but took about three weeks. Both excellent quality. I'll be shopping for L frame grips for my 686-SSR soon.

 

[wproct]

I have always liked Hogue grips, you can't beat rubber for durability and comfort, but I also have the same in wood for nice looks. I have Hogue woods both in checkered and smooth, both have their own appeal and I have them in both finger groove and plain. I also bought a set from Jaruwan .P. They fit well and looked nice also.

 

[FatHorns]

I put some of these on my 686. Bought them on Amazon from Gun Grip Supply.

 

[trulyapostolic]

These are N frame grips from vitoonmaker (Combat) and tonwoodd-n (Square style for round butt) both from Thailand. They also make K/L frame grips.
View attachment 778891View attachment 778892
As stated above, vitoonmakers shipping is pricey but they showed up within one week. Tonwoodd-n shipping was more ecponomical but took about three weeks. Both excellent quality. I'll be shopping for L frame grips for my 686-SSR soon.

stippling... So upset that Nill is working this texture out of their production.

 

[gerhard1]

Pachmayr Compacs are good comfortable grips.

 

[toddimusnimski]

Who is making them out here in Denver?

And any recommendations on grip sellers from Thailand? Just a little skeptical as I’m new to revolvers.

Misa's Camera and Outdoor Store, in Golden. Not sure if making them or just distributing.
I can't vouch for Thailand sellers but some Forum members have reported good results with at least one of them. Try searching the Forum for "Thailand"

Todd

 

[CyberPunkSpartan]

I will stop by them next week when I am off work. I never heard of them but I am happy to check them out. Thank you for the recommendation.