S&W's New Synthetic Grips?

[gr7070]

Curious if anyone has the new synthetic grips that S&W is showing on their site these days, and what y'all think of them compared to the previous ones.

I like the previous ones both function and look, actually. I'm not a fan of the look of the new ones, but wonder what y'all think of their function. Granted, we're talking about rubber grips, so looks isn't exactly high on importance.

Old:

New:

 

[H Richard]

I don't know about the fit and function as I have never held one, but I sure don't care for the looks. But then I like "old" guns with blue steel and walnut.

 

[Dave T]

The term "butt ugly" comes to mind.

Dave

 

[Ashlander]

Looks like Hogue was charging too much.

 

[markush]

Looks like Hogue was charging too much.

+1
That's the only reason they would change.

In the photo of the new one it appears that the back strap is covered as well as the front. If that's the case it's going to be uncomfortable for some with smaller hands...me.

 

[off road]

I have them on a new J-frame. The feel is definitely a bit different than the old ones, and know what, I do like the new ones better.

But...I handled one on a NightGuard, and they seem to lack the thick recoil absorbing rubber on the backstrap of the Pachmayrs that were on it previously. Would like to hear some feedback from someone who has fired both....

S&W has long needed to take a hint from Ruger, and cover their backstraps with rubber!!!

 

[Ashlander]

Off Road and Markush while on the surface disagreeing are making two different points (if I may). On the full frame guns -- if the grip covers the backstrap -- guys and gals with smaller hands (me included) have a harder time pointing the gun and pulling the trigger in a controlled double action. But on a J-frame, the extra rubber on the backstrap actually helps fill the hand (and absorbs some of the more harsh recoils).

 

[wproct]

While I have not yet held a S&W revolver with the new grips, I can't imagine them being as comfortable as the old Hogue grips. However I am biased. I've been a long time fan of Hogue grips. Wonder who makes the new ones?

 

[Palmetto Sharpshooter]

gr7070, thanks for posting this. I haven't handled one yet, but...they look cheap to me.

I agree, I like wood and steel too.

 

[Mark in GA]

I have a 629-6 and a 63-5 with the new style grips. I like them just fine. One problem I have seen with the Hogue's is that for some people the deep finger grooves don't line up correctly for their fingers. My brother and my Mom both have this problem. The new grips have finger grooves, but they are shallower so this is less of a problem.

 

[roundgunner]

While I have not yet held a S&W revolver with the new grips, I can't imagine them being as comfortable as the old Hogue grips. However I am biased. I've been a long time fan of Hogue grips. Wonder who makes the new ones?

+1
the Hogue grips point perfectly for me.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

They look cheap/old and ugly.

 

[les strat]

Although I like the feel of the stock Hogue grips, mine on my 629 did not fit right and buckle at the top of the backstrap.

 

[Snakefoot]

I have a 629-6 and a 63-5 with the new style grips. I like them just fine. One problem I have seen with the Hogue's is that for some people the deep finger grooves don't line up correctly for their fingers. My brother and my Mom both have this problem. The new grips have finger grooves, but they are shallower so this is less of a problem.

That was always my beef with the Hogues...and the reason none of my S&W or Rugers wear them. I use a very high, thumbs forward hold as I would on an auto, placing my fingers on the peaks of the grooves instead of in the valleys. I have large hands.

 

[J.Solo]

I'm looking forward to trying a set on my 686 RB and a 629 RB.

I'll trade old for new ....... Just let me know.

J.Solo

 

[Mark in GA]

I agree, my 686-5 MG has the Hogue's and I think I would trade for the new style just for consistancy with my 629-6 and 63-5.

If anyone has the new style for an L-frame and would rather have Hogues let me know.

Mark in GA

 

[Hurryin' Hoosier]

Those new ones are exactly what I'm looking for for my Model 64 (assuming that they are K frame round-butt to square but conversions), but I can't find them on the S&W site. Where did you find them?

 

[stevieboy]

Let's face it, all rubber grips are ugly. Some are uglier than others (Pachmyr). However, I have rubbers on all of my magnum revolvers for the simple reason that they are far more comfortable than non-rubber grips. I've always been particularly fond of Pachmyr Decellerators and Grippers, because they fit my extra large hands well and because they cover the backstrap, thereby minimizing the effects of recoil.

Hogues? As others have pointed out, Hogues don't fit everybody's hand equally well. I'm one of those whose fingers don't line up with the grooves on the rubber grip. I take a very high handhold and, unfortunately, that causes my fingers to rest on the points rather than the grooves.

These new grips look intriguing. They remind me a little bit of the old and, sadly, discontinued Uncle Mike's. I'd be really interested in them if they completely cover the backstrap because for me, and exposed and a covered backstrap make all of the difference from unpleasant shooting to total comfort.

 

[JayBird686]

I have a set of Hogues for my 686 square butt, and dont particularly like them on account of the lowest finger groove doesnt go well with my grip of the gun.

If those new ones are the material of whats on new jframes, the texture will be fine.

 

[Hurryin' Hoosier]

Those new ones are exactly what I'm looking for for my Model 64 (assuming that they are K frame round-butt to square but conversions), but I can't find them on the S&W site. Where did you find them?

Any thoughts on where I might buy a set? I've sent an inquiry to S&W CR but have received no reply.

Anyone???