N Frame Grip Frame Thickness

[John in Yuma]

Recently bought a Lew Horton Combat Special, Model 624 (c.1985). There is a continuing dispute between my fingers and the finger grooves on the revolver's grips. I bought some JM designed smooth grips. They would not fit. Tried the JM grips on my 629-6, they fit perfectly. Measuring the two grip frames showed that the 624's grip frame is 0.355 inches thick, while the 629-6's grip frame is 0.335 inches. I tried some Hogue rubber grips that I have on hand. They installed on the 624 but over the next few minutes, started to split down the back. I find no mention of different grip frame thicknesses in the "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" (4th edition). Hogue's website offers no help. Does anyone here have any information on this?

 

[Nemo288]

Also not a fan of the finger-groove grips.
I have that exact gun and my favorite handle for it turns out to be a custom extended boot grip set by Craig Spegel.
If you use his custom fit option whereby he sends you the unfinished oversized set and you mark carefully
the exact outline of the frame on the inside and send them back, the fit ends up perfect.
Recommended. The wood is ebony.
I requested high contrast and got it.
A couple of old Pach grips have fit including the Presentation and Gripper models.
However, I don't like rubber grips for any kind of holster carry as they tend to grab your clothes.
Altamont makes some nice grips and has refit a set for me for free when I asked.
Good company.
Most of us end up with more grips and holsters than guns after trying out stuff to see what works best for us.
Hope you find something you like!

 

[John in Yuma]

Thanx for that information, nemo288. Really like the revolver but, with a semisubconsious regrip every time I grasp it, I get concerned about a 'fumble' in an actual stressful situation. I've found information about the different thickness between early steel and alloy J and K frames, but never a word about this. Weird. Again, thanks for playing.