Smaller Sized Target Grips?

[Martowski]

Finally got my "new" 14-3 TTT out yesterday for the first time and wow, it is a dream. I shot consistently better with it than with my 6" 686. Anyway, it has target stocks which I like but they are not very comfortable to shoot with due to my smaller size hands. What options are out there for target style stocks that are smaller? I know Altamont makes the Roper style grips and I was almost sold on ordering those, but then saw posts where people indicated the squared shape of the shoulder of those grips on the upper rear were pretty uncomfortable. Any other experiences with this grip or other recommendations? Thanks!

 

[tflt]

How about magnas with a BK adapter?

 

[HardToHandle]

I have some Altamont K Frame conversion Targets that are a bit smaller than standard. I have short digits and find them workable. No issues on the shoulder for me, but my hands are not too fleshy. The fitment of those quasi targets is pretty good at the shoulders, on more than one of my K Frames (front fitment not, good, but still usable).

On that topic, I was out shooting an Airweight this last week in the unseasonably warm weather. Unfortunately, my aging, hand sanitizered and otherwise dry skin was beat bloody by the recoil. I realized I need hand lotion in my shooting bag!

 

[Pine_Worker]

How about magnas with a BK adapter?

What ^^^ said!

 

[rct269]

Many (most?) custom grip makers start the process with a tracing of your hand. They finish with grips that fit your hand.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

You might try Pachmayr SK-S Presentation grips. If you like them enough and are allergic to rubber, you could probably buy some custom or even factory production duplicates in wood.

 

[glenwolde]

For those that don't fit standard stocks I recommend just biting the bullet and ordering a set custom made to your hand. You'll likely spend more time and money trying different things than you will just getting a set made to fit from the git-go.

Old school solution: Gun stocks by Herrett's Stocks, Inc.

 

[Martowski]

Thanks. Yes, custom made could work. I may try the Altamonts.

 

[PeteC]

....Unfortunately, my aging, hand sanitizered and otherwise dry skin was beat bloody by the recoil. I realized I need hand lotion in my shooting bag!

Tennis racket grip tape? Soft surface, non-slip, cheap and disposable, and in your choice of colors, too! $5 for a packet of three at my tennis club, or $10~15/dozen online. I doubt I could get a good spin and avoid bloody blisters without it (on a tennis ball that is, the 38's seem to take care of themselves.. )

Back to revolver grips, herrettstocks.com used to make semi-custom target grips from the outline of one's hand. Not sure if they still do that, but their grips show up on ebay fairly often.


edit: Ooops, I see someone said it already!

 

[Doug M.]

On that topic, I was out shooting an Airweight this last week in the unseasonably warm weather. Unfortunately, my aging, hand sanitizered and otherwise dry skin was beat bloody by the recoil. I realized I need hand lotion in my shooting bag!

*
I presume you mean a J frame in .38. I find even the standard weight ones to be unpleasant to shoot with typical duty ammo, so an Airweight being a nasty little beast is no shock. Back when I had one, I only shot it with target WC because that's adequately effective ammo and it kept the suck down to a manageable level.

 

[Gearhead Jim]

^^^
I used to carry +P in my Airweight/Airlight J-Frames, and used the tiny wood stringbean grips so they worked in my pocket. I also practiced with +P reloads, 500+ rds/yr for 30 years. The web of my hand and thumb will probably never fully recover.
The problem was finally fixed by switching to a Glock 42 (.380) as my pocket gun, I can blow through 100 rds per day and still enjoying it.

 

[bananaman]

Only my opinion, but Herrett Targets are my favorites. Nothing super fancy, but do the job. I have them in k/l round, and n square. New S&W supplied wood stocks are slimmer also. Bob

 

[HardToHandle]

*
I presume you mean a J frame in .38. I find even the standard weight ones to be unpleasant to shoot with typical duty ammo, so an Airweight being a nasty little beast is no shock. Back when I had one, I only shot it with target WC because that's adequately effective ammo and it kept the suck down to a manageable level.

Close, but it was a K Frame Airweight.
I have a sort of affection for the Model 12 in .38Special. It certainly feels @$'s($! special when shooting anything much hotter than wadcutters.

They carry wonderfully, but they do not shoot much better than JFrame (I also have the 442). I have another Model 12 with some decent boot grips, but this is an experimental pair of Hideout grips that needed some more strategic fitting/polishing that drew blood from two hands.

To the OP, a fourth on Herretts. Call Robin, she can set you up and the Model 14 likely deserves something bespoke.

 

[Patrick L]

Two things come to mind.

If you can find a set of Ahrends, probably on ebay, his retro targets, smooth tactical, and finger groove tactical all feel great, they are " target like" but noticeably smaller than Smith targets. Ditto most Pachmayrs, but at my age I like wood, not rubber. Just my opinion.

Second option, as others said, bite the bullet and get a custom set. It appears Herrets is NOT closing, their Ropers are very comfortable, and they still ask for a tracing of your hand.

Oh, and the suggestion about magnas and a BK adapter is also a good one!

 

[Tom K]

If you can find them, I prefer the feel of Sile grips over S&W target grips. Not particularly attractive but you can leave the regular grips on if you just want to look at the gun. They are long discontinued but still show up from time to time. For K frame, the part number is SIL065. Here is what they look like.

I don't have pictures of the K size mounted, but here are N frame. The shape and profile are similar. On the left are standard N targets, Sile in the middle, and Cokes on the right. As you can see regular S&W target grips are fat and chunky by comparison. I guess that's fine if your little finger is as long as E.T.'s.

 

[Pocketrocket]

Target grips

I like Toms recommendation of the Sile grips. They are smaller than the Factory targets and look good. I had some on my M28; they didn't provide very good control, as they were a little slippery, so I kept them for display.
I went with Pachmayr Presentation rubber grips There are two sizes, a large and a small, I got the small and it works great. Oh yeah, Magnas with a Grip Adapter work well on the smaller guns.

I realize two grips may not be practical but this is the S&W Forum