New K-Comp: Grips, Sights, Leather?

[bogey3737]

Perusing the used section of the local sporting goods shop, I came across a lightly used Model 19-9 K-comp for $899...was the classic "offer you can't refuse", and it came home with me. The trigger / action is amazing, but I'm considering swapping out the furniture / sights and also looking for suggestions on carry holsters. I have experience w/ N, L, and J-frames, but this is my first K-frame .357.

Grips:

This will serve as a carry piece, so I'm balancing conceal-ability with shoot-ability. It has both the factory-supplied rubber grips and wood boot grips. I want to get a full grip, so the factory wood is out. I'll try the rubber stocks because they allow a full grip, cover the backstop, and don't seem sticky to the point of grabbing the shirt. They're a little slick, though, so I'm considering VZ round bottoms w/ tactical diamonds and Hogue Bantams.

Sights:

I'm a big fan of blacked-out rear sights and bright orange front sights w/ tritium dots. I've looked at the XS sights, but that rear sight just looks huge. I've had decent luck w/ fiber optics over the years, so that would be my second-choice setup.

Holsters:

Leather or nothing for me w/ revolvers. Typically 3-4:00 IWB carry. Consistent best have been Milt Sparks VM2's (have / had about half a dozen), but the wait time is tough (almost a year) since I'll almost certainly have to order vs. hoping to find a 3" K-frame in-stock at a retailer.

 

[RetCapt]

bogey3737,

It appears on the revolver pictured that the grips do not cover the backstrap. In my opinion this is better for DA shooting as it allows the first joint of the trigger finger to get around the trigger.

I can't believe anyone would use a revolver configured as this one is for anything other than DA shooting, but then I only ever shoot a DA revolver DA. A habit from my PPC days.

Since I am a form follows function advocate I find the color and configuration of these grips to be ideal (again, opinion here).

What I do find questionable is rubber. Rubber is known to cause rust on blued firearms on the grip/frame contact area.

If you agree with me to this point, I would suggest the nylon Hogue Monogrip. I have these for all my DA revolvers (which I interchange with Rogers grips). Besides the freedom from rust that comes with the nylon Monogrip I find the stippled surface the be the best I have ever encountered on any handgun grip. Plenty of traction for a secure grip during hot weather matches but not too much if one needs to alter their grip. (Note: I also do not like the compressible feel to rubber grips).

Except for stag or faux stag grips on my SAAs (which I think the code of west requires, or should), all my DA revolvers are set up for practical use, so I have no appearance preferences.

Should be a fun little beast to shoot.

 

[bogey3737]

bogey3737,

It appears on the revolver pictured that the grips do not cover the backstrap. In my opinion this is better for DA shooting as it allows the first joint of the trigger finger to get around the trigger.

The angle and black on black contrast camouflage the backstrap coverage. Never tried the nylon Hogues...thanks!

 

[RetCapt]

The angle and black on black contrast camouflage the backstrap coverage. Never tried the nylon Hogues...thanks!

You are welcome. The advantages of a covered backstrap:
1. Absorption of recoil if using a material with some give to it.
2. Better hand positioning for SA shooting so that the pad of the trigger finger is flat across the face of the trigger.*

*In years gone by Smith used to offer an optional wide trigger, called a target trigger. Bullseye target shooters liked them for the reason I listed above. There were also accessory trigger shoes that fit over the standard narrow trigger that accomplished the same purpose. As revolver shooting evolved to more of a combat orientation, DA took over. Most of us shooting PPC shot the whole course DA even though SA was allowed at 50 yards.

Your revolver is designed as a combat revolver. So the above paragraph would not apply to it. Your individual hand size may determine your preference between covered and uncovered backstrap. I have a large hand, but short fingers relative to hand size, so the uncovered back strap gives me the finger reach I need.

One last plug for Hogue. If you do find the nylon Monogrip to suit you, Hogue also offers wood Monogrips so you can dress your revolver for more formal occasions.

 

[colt_saa]

Very nice revolver there

Myself I do not own a K-Comp, but I do own both an F-Comp and an L-Comp.

Both revolvers are wearing grips that came with them from the factory. The L-comp came with a second set of wood Secret Service grips that I really didn't like.

The grips whose shape and feel I really like the best are on my 2 1/2" Model 19. I find these grips extremely comfortable and they do not have that common tackiness that some rubber grips have

These are Hogue LE grips

In this case the LE stands for Laser Enhanced. These grips are offered in several colors including black, pink, purple and OD Green. There may be another color but I don't recall. I have 3 or 4 sets of these mounted on various training guns, both J-Frame and K-Frame

The laser can actually be configured into several modes

Always on is great for training. It makes it amazing to watch what happens to your point of aim as your trigger finger pulls through the double action arc. You can't help but become steadier as you watch this as you watch this

There is a blinking mode which makes the dot much easier to spot as you draw the sidearm

There is also a stealth mode. In this configuration the laser.blinks three times and then goes dark allowing you to assess your point of aim rapidly. All you have to do if you want to see the laser again is release your grip and tighten it again and you'll get three more flashes of laser


When it comes to holsters I agree with you, they're supposed to be made out of leather.

The Bianchi 5BHL has always been a favorite outside the belt holster for me. The #3 Pistol Pocket has always been a great inside the waistband holster for my snubbys.

image courtesy of Midway​

I also have a preference for the US made Bianchi products over the Mexican made product.

My other favorite brand of leather is Galco. I have known the company since they had the little tiny shop in Chicago over on Western Avenue when I was a kid.

For the snubby K-Frame and nice concealability I have always liked the Galco Fletch. I

 

[10mmauto]

I like the *-Comps also. My problem is, I have 3 kids!

 

[BAM-BAM]

Been carrying a 3"65 or 66 since 1988 with Spegel Boot Grips and Bianchi Pistol pocket until I got a Sparks Summer Special II.

FWIW zi magna-ported my first 65, IMO only really works with full power .357 ammo.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I like the *-Comps also. My problem is, I have 3 kids!

So it looks like you need two more to cover everyone..... and maybe one for the wife!

 

[bogey3737]

Bantams were too cheap not to try…going to test them out next week…

 

[Rocketmedic40]

Bantams were too cheap not to try…going to test them out next week…

I’ve got a set on my Model 64 and really like the feel and grip. They also don’t stick like some rubber grips and I can get a pretty large hand on it.

 

[madmikeb]

Here's my Carry Comp. Hogue wood, Kramer belt scabbard, and cut for moonclips by TK Customs. This how I set up all my carry revolvers. One of my favorite carry revolvers, and I've shot it in some matches too.