Need J Frame Grip advice

[Blueduck]

The little stubby grips that came on my 438 feel fine, but don't work with speedloaders which I need for the qualification courses I have to go through.

In addition to speedloader compatible, need something small enough to make the gun still pocketable (I'm 6'2 and wear 38 pants so my pockets are typically...generous..) I do have to shoot a 72 round course for qualification, so a little cushion for those +P's out of the airweight in cold weather would help as well...

Was thinking of Pachmayer Compac Pro's, but not sure if they are speedloader friendly and if there might better choices out there?

Thanks!

 

[photoman]

I recommend you try some of the discontinued Uncle Mike's Combat grips. Three finger and rubber. They are a bit big for pocket carry but I've used them for that and they do work with HKS, Comp I and S.L. Variant speed loaders.

 

[gboling]

I have the Pachmayr Gripper Decelerator's on a Model 60, 357. They are the cat's pajamas.

 

[Blueduck]

I miss the assortment of grips from Uncle Mikes that used to be available, and do keep an eye out

gboling, are the pachmayer Decelerators very big on the 60? (Still able to front pocket carry) I find pics on the web, but just of the grip with no reference scale.

 

[murphydog]

How about factory J frame RB Combat (fingergroove) or "banana" style wood stocks?

 

[crabbys44]

I took some sandpaper and elbow grease to my first snubby's stocks so they would accommodate speedloaders. I think I would use a dremel these days if i didn't use Hogues exclusively.

 

[f2]

Hogue Bantam Grips. Great for pocket carry, pocket draw. You'll find yourself shooting more with these.

 

[gkitch]

for what its worth

I no longer practice nor qualify with speedloaders as I find the Bianchi Speed strip a significantly more street practical invention. With a little practice they are just a tad slower than speedloaders, but plenty fast enough for qualifications. In actual use, I found myself not carrying speed loaders as they rattled and were difficult to pocket (sometimes turning upside down in a loose pocket). The strips are flat and silent. They disappear in one's pocket yet are easy to find under stress.
One's hand and preference has much to do with it, but I am happy with Craig Spegel's boot grips. Spegels are good looking, concealable, and increase shooting comfort. I highly prefer wood grips on a carry gun as they do not print.

 

[Beancounter81]

Hogue Bantam Grips. Great for pocket carry, pocket draw. You'll find yourself shooting more with these.

Another vote for Hogue Bantams.

 

[redfisherdave]

I tried the Hogue Bantam grips on my 442 so I could use speedloaders. At my first range session after installing them, I happened to look down at my hand & I was bleeding like a stuck hog from the web between my thumb & trigger finger. Switched back to the stock grips that came with the gun. Now I just need to practice more with the Bianchi speed strips.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I no longer practice nor qualify with speedloaders as I find the Bianchi Speed strip a significantly more street practical invention. With a little practice they are just a tad slower than speedloaders, but plenty fast enough for qualifications. In actual use, I found myself not carrying speed loaders as they rattled and were difficult to pocket (sometimes turning upside down in a loose pocket). The strips are flat and silent. They disappear in one's pocket yet are easy to find under stress.
One's hand and preference has much to do with it, but I am happy with Craig Spegel's boot grips. Spegels are good looking, concealable, and increase shooting comfort. I highly prefer wood grips on a carry gun as they do not print.

I do pretty much the same thing, but with a Tuff Products Quick Strip in a Simply Rugged belt pouch on my left side. I keep too much stuff in my pockets to find a strip or speedloader in a hurry.

 

[BobR1]

I have Crimson Trace Laser Grips on my 638. Safariland Comp I speed loaders work fine with them.

Crimson Trace has a $50 rebate till June from what the advertisement on this site said.

Bob

 

[gkitch]

I do pretty much the same thing, but with a Tuff Products Quick Strip in a Simply Rugged belt pouch on my left side. I keep too much stuff in my pockets to find a strip or speedloader in a hurry.

Yes...Tuff is a quality copy of the Bianchi, only available in many more calibers. Good choice. I was happy when I could finally get Tuffs in 44! All Bianchi ever made was one speed strip in 38/357.
At first, I could not understand why anybody would buy a Bianchi speed strip when good speed loaders were readily available...then I got an undercover job where I actually had to carry a weapon and backup ammo. It soon became crystal clear. The is a bit of a gulf between the field and the shooting range. Experience is a great teacher if one is willing to listen.

 

[G.T. Smith]

I had a set of Pach compac pro's on my 37. They are speed loader friendly but too narrow for my hands.
Peace,
gordon

 

[Beancounter81]

I tried the Hogue Bantam grips on my 442 so I could use speedloaders. At my first range session after installing them, I happened to look down at my hand & I was bleeding like a stuck hog from the web between my thumb & trigger finger. Switched back to the stock grips that came with the gun. Now I just need to practice more with the Bianchi speed strips.

Interesting - that's exactly what was happening to me with the stock grips. Don't get quite the beating with the Bantams. I guess everybody's hands are different.

 

[Blueduck]

Hmm did not know about the Crimson trace deal... I've had a pair of 405's (the small ones), but could not shoot well with them, and my fingers did not activiate the laser reliably.

Anyone know if the 305's would be pocketable for fairly big guy wearing slacks (not jeans), or are they too big for that?

 

[67 GTO]

Hmm did not know about the Crimson trace deal... I've had a pair of 405's (the small ones), but could not shoot well with them, and my fingers did not activiate the laser reliably.

Anyone know if the 305's would be pocketable for fairly big guy wearing slacks (not jeans), or are they too big for that?

I have 305's on my 642, with a Mika round cut. I'm about 5'9" and absolutely no problem in dress pants. A bit bulky in jeans, but not attention-getters.

 

[Blueduck]

Went with the the CT 305's, works very well, works very well. Thanks all!