Pachmayr Compac Pro J frame discontinued, apparently

[jamesallen]

It appears that the Pachmayr Compac Professional grip for S&W J frames #03254 has been discontinued. No one has it in stock. Midway, Pachmayr, even Amazon only has one seller with one copy. One online retailer even listed it as discontinued. I guess it wasn't that popular?

That is too bad because it seems to be the perfect balance between concealability, allows a good grip, and non-interference with speedloaders on my Chiefs Special.

Original magna grips: beautiful, allow good grip, very concealable, but interfere with speedloaders

Pachmayr gripper: allows good grip, works with speedloaders but too big so makes the gun look unbalanced and not concealable

Hogue boot: small, doesn't allow good grip, looks OK; works with speedloaders

Pachmayr compac pro: looks nice, has a good classic look and is the right size to make the gun look balanced; works with speedloaders; a little bigger than the Hogue or magna so slightly less concealable, but big enough to allow good grip.

It looks like they're going to be gone. Knowing that, I bought a used inexpensive one off ebay as backup. What if I get another J Frame one day, or the one I have gets worn out or something? So now I have an extra in my collection.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

It pays to get a Grip or a dozen and Stock Up!

 

[M29since14]

If you find something you really like, whether a winter coat, a writing pen, frames for your eyeglasses, or whatever, it’s almost always best to buy spares - as your budget and prudence allow. Sure as sin, that item will be “discontinued.” (And replaced with an “improved” model. )

 

[.455_Hunter]

The current theme with J-frame grips appears to be "the bigger, the better", so I am not surprised that anything less than "hand filling" for size XXL inflexible paws is being discontinued.

 

[L-2]

Compac Professional Grips

I have the subject grips currently on my M60-7 .38SP. The grips work very well, but there are various competitors with a similar enough shape/size, whether more or less $.

Anyway, the referenced Lyman/Pachmayr webpage still lists the grips for now. We'll see if the product actually disappears eventually, even though hard to get right now.

 

[jamesallen]

The current theme with J-frame grips appears to be "the bigger, the better", so I am not surprised that anything less than "hand filling" for size XXL inflexible paws is being discontinued.

I wonder if that has to do with the fact that J frames are now lighter and shoot more powerful rounds. The original Chiefs Special was all steel, about 20 oz, and shot .38 special. Now the most popular ones are 14 oz. and shoot .357 Magnum.

 

[jamesallen]

It pays to get a Grip or a dozen and Stock Up!

Thanks. I was wondering if there was something wrong with me because I have also put together a grip library of sorts, and I'm thinking, each gun only needs one grip at a time, so do I really need to have about 15 grips for four different revolvers?

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Since I’m a Bona Fide Grip Grabber, I’m probably not the best person to seek out when it comes to Grip Moderation.

 

[1sailor]

Are you talking about these guys?

 

[jamesallen]

Are you talking about these guys?

No, that is the Compac. I'm talking about Compac Professional
SJ/CP aka 03254.
The one in your picture is Compac: SJ/C 03252
Chiefs-Special-J-frame-compac-professional hosted at ImgBB — ImgBB

 

[mikerjf]

The SJ/C 03252 is my best grip ever.

 

[slabside2]

There is a set on eBay now.$$$$

 

[kbm6893]

Are you talking about these guys?

I have a set of those. Very good compromise between concealability and comfort. I really like Pachmayr grips. Much better than Houge although the Houge J frame grip is very nice. I also really like the Pachmayr medallions in the grip panels.

 

[Model 15-4ever]

The Compac/Professional is/was an excellent grip.

Unfortunately, the quality of Pachmayr grips began a long slide in 1996 when they were bought out by Lyman Products, which is now a conglomerate of brands. Traditional Pachmayr grips of the past 5 years have been ill-fitting and unsightly, often supplied with incorrect grip screws. I returned the last 3 grips purchased and would not consider them now.

 

[Frailer]

The Compac/Professional is/was an excellent grip.

Unfortunately, the quality of Pachmayr grips began a long slide in 1996 when they were bought out by Lyman Products, which is now a conglomerate of brands. Traditional Pachmayr grips of the past 5 years have been ill-fitting and unsightly, often supplied with incorrect grip screws. I returned the last 3 grips purchased and would not consider them now.

While I tend to be skeptical of some “they don’t make ‘em like they used to” claims, in this case I wholeheartedly agree.

Earlier this year I purchased a set of Pachmayrs (coincidentally, Compac Pros—but for a K-frame), and I was disappointed. The fit was poor, the polymer material was overly stiff, and the overall level of quality was low.

 

[sndbggr1484]

This place says they have 2 in stock but you have to log in to get a price.

Just a moment...

This place says they have them but they want $64.51

Welcome to A Plus Gun Accessories

Never heard of either of these 2 places so use due diligence before buying

 

[kaaskop49]

I'm the cat that swallowed the canary. S&W's website used to have a remainders section: UM Boot Grips were $14.95 while their boot grip knockoff was double the price. Guess who bought 10 UMs? Also, the finger groove K RB/SB was available. Was. This is why I bought a big house. Used to love the $1 "junk box" at the range, good for all types of grips, AND! the IWB suede pouches for snubs. Now, as pointed out above, one pays $50-$60 for something ill-fitting or hardened from sitting unpurchased for years.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[M29since14]

Also agree with the “they don’t make them like they used to” sentiment when it comes to modern Pachmayrs. For those of us with bigger hands, that’s a darned shame. Hogue’s overall quality is much better, but they have always been way too thin for my hands and the blasted finger grooves aren’t even close for me. I keep using my old stuff with no real chance to refurbish/replenish my supply.

 

[white cloud]

If you find something you really like, whether a winter coat, a writing pen, frames for your eyeglasses, or whatever, it’s almost always best to buy spares - as your budget and prudence allow. Sure as sin, that item will be “discontinued.” (And replaced with an “improved” model. )

I am 71 and can attest that this is most certainly the truth. This wisdom applies to more than material products. Places to hunt turn into subdivisions, laws and attitudes change and your abilities degrade. Use prudence for sure but enjoy life now.

 

[Beju]

I bought a set of Pachmayr Gripper for K/L frame grips to use with a K-frame.

The bolt hole is exactly where the mainspring is on my pre-MIM Model 10 and my newer Model 64. Works with the 686, though.