Need some grip suggestions...

[jdub3]

For my Model 36 square-butt. After firing it for a bit, I have found that it bites into the webbing of my hand enough to be painful. I love the look of the classic double-diamonds that it came with, but would like to put something else on for functionality. It is used for CCW, so the less they print the better. Most of the grips I like are for the round-butt version.

Any suggestions for grips or places to look for grips? Any personal experiences with this issue?

Thanks in advance guys. Hope you all had a great Xmas and best wishes for the New Year.

-Jdub

 

[jdub3]

Some extra info: I have small hands without a lot of meat on them.
Here she is:

 

[TDC]

jdub3,

The best and probably the least expensive would be a set of Pachmayr Presentation or Hogues. In any case, get those diamond grips off that pretty gun and protect them.

Some grips that are numbered to the revolver are worth almost a much as the gun itself.

I don't currently have a picture of either type grips on a J frame but I do have a picture of my "shooter "k" frame with Pachmayr's on it. It's the bottom picture and they are a bit larger than the "J's". Notice I don't leave the original grips on any revolvers I'm shooting... Leaving the originals on is a big mistake, IMHO....

 

[murphydog]

Hi, nice gun. One option for smaller hands that will not add a great deal of bulk or "printability" (if that is a real word) is the factory J aftermarket stock commonly called the banana version. These were made in Goncalo Alves and walnut, smooth and checkered. See GunBroker item 151886171 (I am not the seller, and these are a bit pricey). Hope this is helpful.

 

[jdub3]

Thanks guys, the grips are numbered to the gun. Only have about 200 rds thru them. I just had to try the original grips, ya know?

TDC- Thanks for the advice. I think I will try the Compac grips. They are only $30-something; worst case, I sell them for a small loss and continue the search.

Murphdog- Thanks, those are for round-butt but I found some square butt for sale on the Hogue/ Get A Grip site.

This is definitely gonna be my next firearms related purchase, because I love the gun. I also need to send it to SW for some minor timing and I wanna have it refinished.

Thanks so much guys, this site is a great resource.

 

[Sportsterguy]

"I also need to send it to SW for some minor timing and I wanna have it refinished".

Timing yes, refinish NO! That old snub looks great to these eyes!

Get a set of Pacs or Hogues and call it quits. Make sure they are the full coverage backstrap models and your hand will rejoice!

 

[Black_Sheep]

Collectors prefer a well cared for original gun, even with a few blemishes.

I've tried a lot of different j-frame grips. The rubber grips in the attached photo are the Compaq style grips, there are Pac's on the 642, Uncle Mikes on the 60 and an unknown brand on the Detective Special. They really fit my hands well, your mileage may vary.

Factory wood with a T-Grip rates a close second.

 

[flagman1776]

I have S&W banana grip on my M36... I used to conceal it rather easily IWB with those grips.
On K Magnums I use Hogue mono-grip. I find rubber over back strap increases reach too much for me.
Russ

 

[mkk41]

Good grips are scarce for square butt J's. I have Hogue woods on my 3in 36 and 4in 64 , and a set of Pachmayr Compacs on my 37.

 

[stevieboy]

I'm not a big fan of rubber grips. I make an exception, however, for J-frames. My 36 no-dash (round butt) presently sports a set of full length rubber combats from S & W. They cost about $30 and they make a huge difference in comfort. With them, I can shoot all day long without wincing. No way with those tiny wooden grips that were original equipment on the gun.

 

[jdub3]

"I also need to send it to SW for some minor timing and I wanna have it refinished".

Timing yes, refinish NO! That old snub looks great to these eyes!

Get a set of Pacs or Hogues and call it quits. Make sure they are the full coverage backstrap models and your hand will rejoice!

Sportster, the previous owner's father (both ex-leo) kept the gun in a Bucheimer Sheriff holster, for many many years without any maintenance. I have the holster and the inside is rough and dry, texture like sandpaper.

There is some pitting where the trigger guard meets the frame, and some minor pitting and loss of finish areas of the cylinder. Should I still keep it in original condition?

 

[fyimo]

Ahrends makes great grips for S&W's in lots of different woods in finger style or non and they are very reasonable.
Model 67 with a set of Ahrends

 

[Sportsterguy]

Sportster, the previous owner's father (both ex-leo) kept the gun in a Bucheimer Sheriff holster, for many many years without any maintenance. I have the holster and the inside is rough and dry, texture like sandpaper.

There is some pitting where the trigger guard meets the frame, and some minor pitting and loss of finish areas of the cylinder. Should I still keep it in original condition?

jdub,

I would not have it refinished as it will really ruin the value of the revolver. The revolver looks great in your pics and a little wear adds character to the revolver IMO, especially being an ex LEO's weapon. I'd shoot that bugger as it will never be high on the list for collectors due to the flaws. I'm passing on a few tricks I've learned and from the experts here on the forum to help you out. These will work for rust. If it's pitted there is not much to do to remove the pitting.

I bought a 3.5" 27-2 for $350.00 due to the previous owner doing the same thing and rusting up the cylinder. Other than that it is pristine and I have not had the cylinder refinished as it doesn't look as horrible as it did after I cleaned it up. I also shoot the heck outta it.


Try using a pencil eraser on the areas that are rusted / pitted. Go lightly.

" " a piece of soft leather and saturate it in Break Free, then wipe the areas effected in a circular motion.

" " Flitz on the areas once again going very lightly with a Q-Tip. Be very frugal here as you will remove the bluing quickly with too much effort.

Apply a good coat of Renaissance wax to it after you finishing cleaning the rust / pitting up.

It's YOUR revolver sir. If you want it to look brand new send it to S&W and have them reblue it for you IF it bothers you really badly. It'll set you back some serious cash to have it done as they'll have to remove the flaws prior to rebluing it and IMO is not worth the money.

I love it the way it looks now and would personally keep it that way and enjoy shooting it. I pack a OLD nickel 36 daily that was my Mom's revolver that has some serious finish issues but love it for what it is. A trusty friend to protect my family and myself. That's what it was made for!

Good luck on whichever decision you make and a Happy New Year to you and yours!

 

[H Richard]

If you intend to carry the gun, the rubber Pachmayer's may not work for you, as they will "grap" the clothing and are larger. A smooth, non-checkered grip that fits the hand will work best. If possible visit a gun show and look up the "grip guy" and finger all the J Frame grips he has and buy the set that fits you best.

I found these at Kelly's, they are made by Altamont, that makes the current factory grips for S&W.
Shown on my Mod 60

 

[jdub3]

Yeah after all your advice, I'm not gonna have it refinished, but probably gonna have them fix the timing issues, as its not that fun getting lead fragments in your cheek during firing. There is zero rust, and the pitting doesn't bother me that much, as it has definitely improved since I have added a little TLC of my own. Plus, like you said, it adds character, and this is definitely gonna be a shooter (family members already trying to "borrow" it).

H Richard- Thanks for the heads up on the altamont grips, they look nice. I'll call them up and see what they can do for my square butt.

Thanks again everyone- decision time.

 

[NZshooter]

You may not want to put plastic on your classic Smith, but I LOVE the Fitz Gunfighter grips. Take a look at GunBroker auction # 152805535 ( Fitz Grip S&W Model 34 & 35 Square Butt Chief's : Grips at GunBroker.com ). Not my auction, don't know the guy, but I love the way these grips feel. They're old-school, no longer made, and I'm sure alot of people hate 'em, but I've seen a couple others here that like them, too. I have a pair on my round-butt J frame, and am looking for another set.