Magnas on N Frames

[brokenprism]

I have 4" 629-1 -- my only gun -- and because it's my only, it's also my carry gun. While I admit that it's easiest to control and shoot accurately with the target grips God intended for it, I also know that those big grips are more susceptible to the kind of unintended banging on things that comes with strongside carry in a Bianchi 5BHL. At $90 a pair, I'd like to spare my target grips the risk of damage (and also spare the knuckle that inevitably gets whacked on the trigger guard when the beast goes off).

I bought a set of new magnas which haven't arrived yet, and would like to hear from people who carry this combination -- any N frame with magnas, I guess -- and get their opinions on controllability. It's not the recoil element per se, as much as it is that the 4" N frame is just front-heavy when the space behind the trigger-guard isn't filled with something. Any real-world complaints about this set-up? I plan to load it with Speer Gold Dot 200 gr short barreled magnum cartridges, a recommended defense load, so I hope I've solved the cartridge controllability issue there.

I'm aware that the Tyler T-grip is an elegant solution to this problem, but I'm not ready for that -- yet.

 

[aterry33]

I haven't tried magnas on a 44 but I have tried them on my N frame 357s. While I really like magnas on my K frames, I don't think they're ideal on N frames and I have generally replaced them with something larger, be it Herrett Ropers or some sort of rubber grip, etc. Let's just say I would not want to shoot magnums in your 629 with magnas, but specials would be fine.

If you're looking for a cheap alternative, try Hogues or Pachmayrs, they come in rubber. The Hogue Monogrip can be found for around $20 and that's what S&W puts on many of their revolvers nowadays.

 

[brokenprism]

Thirty years ago when I bought a new N frame, I used to pitch the factory stocks and slap Pachmayrs on everything. I'm now paying $75-$100 for those same wood stocks because I've come to appreciate the factory-original look. Rubber is not an option (for me). The 80s-vintage 629 cost me plenty, and period stocks are part of the aethestic package.

Now that I think of it, when I see magnas and the T-grip together, I 'see' the grips, but the T-grip sort of disappears. Hard to explain that. I like magnas on N frames not only because they're smaller in their profile, but also because they look dead sexy.

Guess I'll get a brushed aluminum T-grip.

 

[flop-shank]

I have small hands and run Altamont magnas on my 629. I've thought about a T-grip, but due to laziness haven't pursued them. I agree that there is a hole behind the trigger guard that needs filling.

Targets are silly big for me.

 

[cp1969]

I have the factory grips on my 5 1/2" Redhawk, which mimic the shape of the Magnas but are smooth. I like them and I think I would probably like Magnas on an N-frame.

 

[Dan Cash]

Magnas with T grip or Herretts on all my Ns. Favorite work gun is a 24 round butt with some executioner stag magnas and a T grip. Superlative control and don't look too shabby either.

 

[brokenprism]

I have the factory grips on my 5 1/2" Redhawk, which mimic the shape of the Magnas but are smooth. I like them and I think I would probably like Magnas on an N-frame.

I've held a Redhawk, and I like that grip. It feels natural and is plenty hand filling, unlike the S&W magnas. I wonder how they did it.

 

[flop-shank]

I have a 7 1/2" Redhawk. The factory grips strike me as being halfway between magnas and targets. I like them too.

 

[cmort666]

I like magnas on my 4" Model 29-2 when shooting Specials (which is all I shoot anyway). In fact, at one time, I had the grips from a Model 1917 I used to own on it. I sold the 29-2 to a friend more than ten years ago. When I bought it back from him, he didn't want to give up either the M1917 grips or the Pachmayrs I also had. Now it's got Pachmayr Signatures. The gun had always had a "spitting" problem with magnums. I had to put a couple of boxes of Winchester 240gr. White Box through it at various stages to test it and there was no way in hell I was going to shoot those with targets, much less magnas.

 

[Jellybean]

I've shot model 58s with factory magnas using full magnum loads and have never had a problem. Everyones hands are different and the only way to tell if you are going to like it or not is wait until they get there and try them out. I know a lot of folks swear by the T grip adaptors but I hate them, it's all an individual choice.

 

[brokenprism]

The grips arrived, and they look great, but feel weird. They place my hand too high up. My trigger finger naturally rides the space above the trigger and against the frame. I tried gripping it lower, which is possible, and puts my finger about right on the trigger, but it's not a natural grip and I don't need another decision to make if I ever have to pull this thing.

But as I said, they do look great on a big N frame. ; )

 

[KSCowboy]

I have small hands and the targets didn't work for me. I fought the targets and the pachmayrs for years. Then I went to the magnas and found that I could grip the gun better and control the recoil better.

I Had Keith Brown make me some in the pre-war pattern and that's the only thing I use now. Except the 624 has some Collins smooth grips.

 

[cp1969]

I love the look of those Keith Brown's but they sell for more than my guns are worth.

 

[44forever]

I, too, have short palms and short fingers.

I generally carry with the finger-groove type combat stocks which fill in behind the trigger or the magnas. One advantage of the smaller stocks is more clearance for the speed loaders. They are also easier to hide.

I find the high positioning that was mentiond more comfortable for recoil control and somewhat of a help in getting on target quickly. With the trigger finger lying along the frame between the cylinder and trigger guard, just point your finger at the target and you should be pretty much on target.

 

[bubbajoe45]

I much prefer targets and manage to carry them. For me, it's the magnas that wrap my middle finger. But they're better with a T-grip.

 

[tommy F]

A couple options to consider, test the manas for defensive carry with 44 specials and mags. May work for for min rounds. I prefer Tylers to fill the hole magnas create. Another option is to search ebay and shows for used low $ s&w/ sile targets and cut them off at bottem of frame( boot grip style). These improve control and reduce bulk for carry. See the 1917s with $5-10 siles.

Tommy

 

[Iggy]

Find a beat up pair of targets and modify them like this.

You get the best of both worlds.
Mike, forum member VM, did these for me.

 

[keith44spl]

Find a beat up pair of targets and modify them like this.

QUOTE]



Dagumit Chip,

I've gone through two desks, every tool box and a grandma's chivarobe lookin' for a pair of stocks suitable to make some like yours.

Oh, I got one more place to look...Be right back

Su Amigo,
Dave

 

[NE450No2]

I have fairly small hands, but if I use Magnas, I have to have a Tyler T Grip Adapter.

I have used them on J, K and N frames. I like them.

 

[jimmyj]

I use magnas with a Tyler Grip Adapter on my S&W "N" frames .44mag and .45acp. For a the range and a lot of firing I use Hogue Soft Rubber Combats.
Jimmy