M36 Grips - what's the biggest?

[trikster]

I have found out recently that I am extremely recoil sensitive (bad accidents and being pre-arthritic makes me a dull boy). I have the M36, have wanted one FOREVER, but even with standard pressures and even cowboy loads, a box of 50 = a month of wrist recovery. My M36 has a set of Hogue Monogrips which are about the size of the Pachymar Decelerators. I am wondering if there is a set of grips that might be slightly larger (like the grips of the Victory model, those were very comfortable) that also offers good recoil absorption/reduction.

The time I went out shooting, I only had one flyer that didn't hit the 10x10 target at 10 yards...53 rounds in a chest-sized area. I would like to keep the gun and I think a better grip set will help. It isn't a CCW weapon, its a SD/HD. I may explore CCW later, but not now.

Help! Here are the targets from the last time I went out. One is SA the other is DA with some notes on the pics. I look forward to your commentary.

 

[Dragon88]

If even super light 38 loads cause you pain, I don't think you will find a set of stocks that help enough. Might I suggest looking for a Model 34 in 22lr? I hate recommending a new gun since it doesn't answer your question, but I think it would work very well for you. A 2" 34 has pretty much the same weight and feel of the 36, just with adjustable sights. Very soft shooting thanks to .22, and practicing with it would translate nicely to shooting your 36 when you do take it out. Or if you decide to carry the 36.

As to stocks, you might consider a set of oversized fingergroove Altamonts:

Altamont - Pistol Grips

S&W did market a set of "target" stocks for J-frame, called banana grips now by collectors.

Moving on to rubber grips for your 36, which would probably be best for you, Hogue and Pachmayr make good products.

Gunsmithing - Shop Gunsmithing Tools & Supplies at MidwayUSA

 

[-db-]

If you look through some of the J-frame picture threads here, you'll find some guys have managed to put some pretty big grips on J-frames, usually round-to-square conversions of various types. Some of the larger ones approach K-frame size if handling a Victory model felt good to you.

 

[trikster]

These are the exact grips I currently have. If they were a little fatter/rounder to fill my hand better, I think they would be a very good choice.

Monogrip Grips S&W J-Frame Round Butt Rubber Black

 

[mtheo]

Trikster,

Pain from peripheral neuropathy and residual affects of carpal tunnel syndrome leave me recoil sensitive as well.

I am not a reloader....I do not have anyone that can reload for me at this time. The last time someone reloaded for me they failed to load the powder in several cartridges. Primer only makes for very light recoil! Consequently I only use factory ammunition.

I generally use a 125 grain hollow point non plus P in my 642 as my serious walk about cartridge. Hopefully adrenaline will be helpful.
My other serious walk about alternative is target wadcutters.

I shoot .22 J frames a lot as a practice aid. When I practice with the 642, I generally only fire 10 to 25 rounds per session. The extra weight of a 3" heavy barreled all steel "J" can sure make things a lot easier but, that is not my carry gun.

Larger grips did not do as much for me as wearing a glove. My favorite "practice shooting glove " is the Ansell Hyflex Foam 11-801 work glove available from Menards for about $4 a pair. They are a stretchy synthetic fabric glove with a thin foam coating. These gloves are thin and as advertised are like a second skin. I cut the finger and thumb ends off to the first knuckle. Make sure you have a snug fit. Do not buy too large a glove.

I looked at golfing gloves and batter's gloves but found them either too thick (gel cells) or to stiff and restrictive resulting in a skewed grip on the revolver.

Good luck

P.S. If you are not already doing it exercise the hands....google hand exercises...I squeeze a soft tangerine sized rubber ball while watching the news... alternating hands. For me it is a help with my every day activities.

 

[trikster]

I posted this same question on another forum and after 5 pages, didn't get anywhere as good of a response as yours mtheo. Thank you very much for your insight. Although how our wrists were injured is different, it seems our wrists behave the same. I know the type of glove you are talking about. I think I have a similar set in my toolbox. I will have to try them! I have 10 rounds of the ammo type you mentioned in +P and they kick like a mule. I will have to try the non +P and see if it is manageable. I really don't want to get rid of the M36, it has always been my favorite. This has thrown it a lifeline.

Thank you very much everyone!

 

[mtheo]

Trikster,

I don't want to hijack the large grip question but, you might also try a velcro adjustable carpal tunnel brace with the aluminum striffener pulled out. I use this when doing anything that strains my wrists such as hammering, digging or chain sawing. I generally take an Aleve or an Advil prior to the activity and after I'm through I either run cold water over the arms and hands or ice down the wrists for about 15 to 30 minutes....This can make a big difference later.