need grip help > M&P340 J-frame

[Volgrad]

I have a M&P340 that I put Crimson Trace grips on back in the Spring. I just pulled off the CT grips and sold them to a buddy. I put the factory rubber grips back on but I guess when I removed them it jacked them up. They don't fit. There is a gap down the back of the frame and they don't "snap" back together. I can't carry it like this. What do I do?

I guess I could glue it to the frame but that seems lame.
I could wrap some duct tape around it to hold it flush but that is even more lame.

I am guessing I will just need to find some other kind of grips, preferably ones that hold together with screws. I want something no thicker than what it has. Rubber would be nice but wood would be fine too, no rigid plastic. I wouldn't scoff if there was a bit more room for my pinky.

Suggestions?

I seem to recall seeing some nice wood ones with the finger grooves cut in that are sort of a burled or marbled color - black/grey/white. Anyone know of anything like that?

 

[HUMONGO]

What about taking them off again and squeezing them back into shape, then reinstalling?

 

[Indiana George]

Volgrad,

First of all . . . Welcome!

Secondly, I've got a drawer-full of various J Frame grips as a result of my search for the ones that I felt were the most comfortable & concealable.

The manner in which you carry and the size of your hand makes a huge difference.

Good luck! I'm sure that you'll find a pair that suits your specific needs.

 

[Volgrad]

Thanks for the quick responses.

I took them off and squeezed them but it didn't seem to make a difference. I think when I pulled them off I must have "opened" them a bit too wide and they just won't stay "closed" enough to fit well now.

George - I hear you about the grips ... sort of like holsters. I am really looking for something simple and relatively inexpensive. I really like the original grips that were on it but am not sure if I purchased another set just like them (if I can even get them) if they would fit properly or if I would have the same issue. Does anyone know? Has anyone purchased a new set from the factory (if you can do that) and have them fit like the original ones did?

If not, I would settle for something else thin, rubber, that attaches with screws. I just don't know where to begin looking. I guess I will do some major GOOGLE-fu tomorrow.

I am a regular on many forums and know a little bit about semi-auto pistols but revolvers are another story. I have actually been on this forum a bit but not in a while. I guess my post count was started over earlier this afternoon when I had an issue logging in and had to have a MOD hook me up.

Anyway, thanks for the responses and if anyone has some ideas or links for me I would really appreciate them.

 

[s&wchad]

Welcome to the forum.

If you want to replace the factory stocks, you want Hogue Bantams for a J frame (round butt).

http://www.getgrip.com/main/overview/revolvers.html

Credit cards are good for something!

 

[Volgrad]

Chad - That's a great post. Thanks.

Note the part where it recs NOT spreading the grips too far apart of they might "deform" or "break"? I believe that is what I did when I removed them.

I will look over some of the Hogues tomorrow when I have more time. I did a quick look and like some of the wood grips fairly well too but want something black or with black in it I think.

Keep the suggestions coming.

 

[Volgrad]

How do you guys think these would look on a matte black M&P340?

J Frame Round Butt Lamo Camo Bantam [61450] - $69.95 : Hogue Inc., The Best Value In Handgun Grips, Rifle Stocks and Accessories - Bar None!
- or these -
J Frame Round Butt, Lamo Camo [60400] - $69.95 : Hogue Inc., The Best Value In Handgun Grips, Rifle Stocks and Accessories - Bar None!

I really wish the swirl pattern was black, grey, and white.

Does anyone make a set of thin rubber panels that attach with a screw(s)?

 

[AR-Trvlr]

Here's a few threads to give you some idea of the possibilities:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/100068-need-help-grip-selections-640-a.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/64160-show-me-some-j-frame-pics.html

 

[srgvaz]

Try Pachmayr grips I use them on a few of mine. The Hogue brand does have a better feel to them but from what I read you should stick to the simple ones like the Pachmayr ones. Try gunbroker or ebay prices are better than retail most of the time.

 

[Volgrad]

Try Pachmayr grips I use them on a few of mine. The Hogue brand does have a better feel to them but from what I read you should stick to the simple ones like the Pachmayr ones. Try gunbroker or ebay prices are better than retail most of the time.

This is perfect. Thanks so much. I knew someone made what I was looking for.

I think I will go this route. I am looking at the SJ-C or SJ-G/D models. It appears these will work from the "chart". Anyone tried either that can make a recommendation? I want something small enough to pocket carry but expect either would work fine for that.

 

[coach22]

Hi,
If you are near a gun store, I'd suggest going there with your gun and trying the grips on the gun.
You'll know right away whether the fit is good or not and whether they feel comfortable in your hand.
If you pocket carry, the Bantams grab fabric more than Pachmayr Compacs or Uncle Mike's boot grips. The Pachmarys are the biggest of the 3 and the Bantams are the smallest. The Uncle Mike's grabbed fabric less than the other 2.
Also, having owned J Frames for over 30 years,
I find that the grip frame size will sometimes vary, causing a replacement grip to not fit quite right. The same grip with fit one of my J's perfectly and won't on another. The insides of grips can vary too. I had to go through 4 Pachmayr Compacs on a 442 from the early 90's to get a pair that would close front and back.
Another member posted a link to a thread about J Frame grips. I put up a post there too.
Ordering grips mail order can be hit and miss as far as fit goes. Then if they don't fit perfectly, you have to pack and ship them back. It can turn into a big pain. That's why I suggested taking your gun to a store that has a nice selection of grips
and see for yourself how they fit and feel BEFORE you buy them.
Good luck and welcome to the Forum.

 

[Volgrad]

Coach - all good info. Unfortunately, I don't have anywhere locally to go look at and try them. I ordered some Pachmayr Compacs earlier today to try until I find something else I like better. They are the right price and I read some decent reviews. The also attached like I wanted ... with screws.

I did read they have some QC and fit issues quite frequently. Like you said ... I might have to send them back and try other sets. I am going to hope for the best. I will post up when the get here and I get them on.

Keep the ideas coming though in case I don't like them.

Thanks to all for the posts.

 

[Volgrad]

So I bought the Pachmayr Compacs ...

I installed them and slipped the pistol (and holster) in my pocket. It felt like I had my G19 in there ... way too large for pocket carry IMO. They did feel good in the hand and fit the frame very well. I think they would be comfortable while shooting. Alas, I sent them back.

I just bought a set of the Hogue Bantams ... like the OEM ones ... off eBay for $20 shipped NIB. I will be extra careful and hope they fit nice and snug.