Model 19 Boot Grip Suggestions

[Jdmp]

Recently bought a model 19 carry comp 2.5. It came with wood boot grip style handle. I really like the size of the handle as I have small hands and can get all my fingers on the revolver. Problem I am having is the top of the grips are a little thick and blocks the use of speed loaders and I would prefer a nice rubber grip.

So my question is this, does anyone have any suggestions for a nice boot style grip made of rubber that fits the model 19? I have seen other wood ones but I cannot find any rubber ones. Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[Chuck Edwards]

Hogue makes their Bantam grip. I tried it and it didn't work for me, but I'm 6'1" with average hands for my height. It'd be worth a try. I know from experience that Hogue grips work well with speedloaders.

 

[CH4]

Hogue Bantam grips, wood or rubber and Eagle Secret Service.

 

[oink]

Yeah, Hogue is your answer. They make the Bantam in both wood (various) and rubber.

 

[BC38]

Round or square butt M19?
If it has a round-butt frame there are several viable options.
Uncle Mike's boot grips, Hogue Bantams, Pachmayer Compacs or Compac Pros.
If it is a square-butt frame, that will limit your options somewhat.

 

[Doug M.]

A 2.5" should be RB. My M66 4" was cut to RB by BMCM and I am pretty sure the grips I use are the Hogue Bantam in rubber.

 

[crows]

For me the Uncle Mike's Boot Grips are the Goldilocks of the rubber grips. The Hogue Bantams are good, a little bit rounder, and they have the little finger ledge below the bottom of the grip frame if you are so inclined.
If I recall correctly the Pachmayr Compac Pro has the open back strap and feels the smallest to me.
Another option is the Crimson Trace laser boot grips.
I know a lot of people poo poo rubber grips, but they are my preferred grips on my k frames that are carry guns. For that matter, most of my guns that I enjoy shooting have the Uncle Mike's on them. Even with .357 158gr Hydra Shoks in a 3" Mod. 65 the gun feels solid in my hand.

 

[wgg]

Another vote for Hogue Bantam grips. I recently bought a S&W 65 3" RB. I was looking for something that was enough to grip but not to much to conceal. I have qualified with the S&W 65 and I am very satisfied with the grips.

 

[413Maxwedge]

Jdmp, search online for "Smith & Wesson K/L Frame Grips". K or L or K/L are the important part as K frame and L frame guns take the same grips (the model 19s are all K-frames).
If your carry comp is new or new-ish it is definitely a round butt frame (RB) like the picture below.

 

[WCCPHD]

I have these Badger finger groove grips for my original Model 19 Carry Comp. They are cut for a speed loader.

 

[Grayfox]

For me, the long discontinued Uncle Mike's/Butler Creek boot grips is the best. You'll have to do some searching, but they can still be found occasionally on e-bay or Amazon.
Here's a set on my 3" Model 13.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Bases covered on options.

My favorite are Spegel Boot Grips in wood..... the Uncle Mike's Boot Grip seen above are a licensed copy in rubber

 

[tdan]

Another vote for the Uncle Mike’s boot grips. They were designed by Craig Spegel. While they have not been made in many years, you can still find them every now and then on the auction sites. The boot grips are the hardest to find. I remember the good old days when they went for $9.99 at the local Sports Authority. That ship has sailed. Be prepared to pay for a mint pair these days. I keep a pair on my 66 snubby.

 

[flintsghost]

I have used a 66 2.5" for 45 or so years. It is one of my carry options and the first choice if I'm going to use magnum ammunition. My carry ammo is 135 grain Gold Dot 357 magnum. I have used, Spegel grips, the Uncle Mikes rubber version of the Spegels and don't like either with magnum ammunition because the recoil is intensified with thinner grips like these. I prefer a grip that is a bit wider and rounder into my palm so that recoil is more evenly distributed. I eventually settle on the Boot grip that was originally sold by Smith and Wesson. But this grip was made by Altamonte. They still make it and it can be found all over but especially on Ebay out of various woods and with medallions or checkering as one might want. I still use Spegels and really like them but not on high recoil guns. These grips also allow speedloaders. I use Safariland comp type as well as others and they all work well. The grips in the picture on 413Maxwedge's reply are the exact ones on my 66.

 

[BC38]

Another vote for the Uncle Mike’s boot grips. They were designed by Craig Spegel. While they have not been made in many years, you can still find them every now and then on the auction sites. The boot grips are the hardest to find. I remember the good old days when they went for $9.99 at the local Sports Authority. That ship has sailed. Be prepared to pay for a mint pair these days. I keep a pair on my 66 snubby.

Just a side-note. S&W replaced the UM boot grips with their own version - maybe when UM went out of business?
They aren't exactly the same, but they are the same basic shape and look like this. A set of these may be a bit easier to find...

 

[Jdmp]

I really appreciate everyone's input. I snagged a some Hogue Bantams that should be here by end of the week. I will post a pic and some thoughts when I get them.

 

[BC38]

I really appreciate everyone's input. I snagged a some Hogue Bantams that should be here by end of the week. I will post a pic and some thoughts when I get them.

FWIW, I've never tried the Bantams on a K-frame. I tried them on one of my J-frames and didn't like them. So, I never even tried the K-frame version.
Please post a follow-up to let us know how they work out for you.

 

[Jdmp]

Update

Once again I wanted to thank everyone for the suggestions. I snagged some Hogue Bantams for my K frame. I really like them and it was pretty much exactly what I was looking for. Its about the same size as the wooden boot grip that came with the gun. The finger grooves are a little big for my liking but I can get a good grip on the gun without interference. I uploaded some pics to see. Keep in mind I haven't been able to test these at the range just yet but I am sure they will be fine. I will say I did not love the install of these grips with having to spred the grip apart and slide the frame down into it. It wont be fun to remove if I ever decide to but that's a minor complaint.

 

[Kansasgunner]

Be sure and save the little wedge tool that came with the Bantams. It makes removing them easier!