Pachmayr Compacs - with 38 Spl +P

[38SPL HV]

I've always liked J frame checkered "splinter" grips coupled with a T grip. They work well for extended shooting sessions with standard velocity 38 Special loads, but shooting a box of factory 38 Spl +P 158 gr SWCHP FBI loads can make your hand and finger hurt a bit.

I've since retired these grips on my Airweight J frames and put on Pachmayr Compacs. These grips are great at controlling 38 Spl +P loads and I shoot more accurately with them...I amaze myself how I keep rolling empty 1 gal water jugs out to 25 - 30 yds mainly in single action mode. Double action mode (which I use 75% of the time during a shooting session) is a breeze as well with quick follow up shots.

 

[stu1ritter]

Agreed, I have Compac's on all of my J frames. They are real recoil tamers.

Stu

 

[Dieseltech56]

I have a set of compacs on a round butt K frame. I'm really surprised how much I like them.

 

[oldbrownhat]

I've been thinking of these for my Model 10, which bites the web of my hand shooting slightly +P loads (4.0 gr 231 and 158 gr. RNFP). I don't think they're avail. for a square butt, though. The Grippers might be OK, although I'd prefer no finger grooves. I have Presentation grips but I find they're a tad too big for my hands as they cover both the front & back straps.

 

[Birdhunter6]

I love the Pachys. I use Presentations on most square butts and Compacs on all round butts except Js.

I have been using the Ergo Delta grips on my Chief Specials for several years. Back of the grip is similar to the Compacs, but the front of the grip fills the space behind the trigger guard like a Tyler T. All my Chiefs are steel framed and +Ps are very comfortable and controllable.

 

[Moo Moo]

I've got them on my Model 65.

 

[Jimmyjones]

I have them on my 3" 686+, no finger grooves, high grip, covered backstrap, I can shoot anything out of it, all day.
Love em.

 

[mikerjf]

Love 'em on a J. I did take a dowel/sandpaper and cut a groove into the top left for a "thumb relief", which helps me with recoil.

 

[dfariswheel]

I prefer the Pachmayr Professional Compac on my S&W Model 66 short barrels.
It's about as small as you can get and fills in behind the trigger guard.

 

[chief38]

Yes, the rubber style J Frame Grips do absorb recoil however they also preclude pocket carry most of the time. They also sometimes tend to stick to clothing resulting in a hindered draw. Those two reasons are why I went back to non-rubberized grips when carrying a J Frame. Practicing is harder on the hands but is realistic so that's what I did when carrying a M60-7.

Now my EDC is a Sig P365 which holds 11, has very moderate recoil, is spot-on in accuracy, quick to reload, much easier to shoot, and actually is smaller and lighter than a steel Chief's.

I am not badmouthing a 5 shot Chief's Special (carried one for 40+ years) - just stating what the new modern technology has come up with and why I switched.

 

[Borderboss]

The Compacts are a bit large on a J-Frame for my use, which is pocket carry. I prefer the Hogue Bantum. They do a great job on my 940, even with 9mm +P. And they don't cause issues with pocket carry.