Struggling with the perfect grip...looking at Nills

[SW CQB 45]

First, I have 3X hands with long fingers.

The grip on this particular 586 SB is some old Bill Davis rubbers. Its the only contour that I got used to but its too small. Sometime I will take strips of inner tube and build up certain area. Looks like ****...but it works.

I don't like a thick grip in width....like factory Targets or Bill Jordan, however I like the extra material fore and aft to make a longer grip.

With this particular grip...my support hand grips my primary hand. I don't like smooth wood as it feels slippery to me.

For years I have been checking the boards, eBay for a used pair of Nills....well I still don't have a set.

unless someone directs me to a different grip....I think its time for some Nills (maybe for Christmas this year)

Those who went with custom Nills, tell me your experience, was it worth the extra $$ and did it make a difference in your shooting. This grip will mainly be for a competition gun but need the grip to be ambi.

 

[Laketime]

Try a pair of sile grips for k frame.

 

[Iggy]

Have you considered Herrets? You trace your hand and they build a set of grips to fit.

 

[andy52]

I only have one pistol with Nill grip and it's not a revolver. The grips are well made and attractive. There are a lot of grip makers in the market place some better then others. When you get into the 250-300+ range Nills would be right up there with the best of them.

 

[-db-]

I would also suggest Herrett's. They'll make you a grip any way you'd like.

 

[M29since14]

I’d suggest the custom-sized-to-your-hand Heretts. Nills, in my experience, tend to be on the thin side. Figure out whether you want an enclosed or open backstrap. I have big hands, but rather of the long and thin persuasion, and I prefer an enclosed backstrap model. It also straightens up the grip angle a bit, which seems to make the gun point more naturally. If you tend to favor a thin grip, Nills might work fine for you.

BTW... have you tried the LARGE size Pachmayr Presentation grip? If you can stand rubber, they might be just what you need.

 

[Kurusu]

I suggest... A Colt New Service.

Runs away.

 

[NSEGE]

I got a pair of Herrett's Jordan Trooper made-to-measure (hand tracing). I have XXL glove-size hands and they were "huge". A few hours with rasp, sandpaper and hacksaw and they're tolerable.

I, too, prefer an enclosed backstrap since the S&W "hump" hits my thumb knuckle (base of the thumb) pretty hard with full power loads. I may thin the backstrap more to where the bottom half of the frame is exposed, and the frontstrap part to where the bottom part of the frame is likewise exposed. I think that would be just right, but will require glass bedding to prevent breakage.

 

[SW CQB 45]

I should have mention the 2nd grip that works for me is the Pachs Presentation but prefer the Bill Davis grips slightly.

It is my guess that a covered or enclosed backstrap is what I would want. I am guessing that my preference is for the meat of the grip to be in the front and back.

I bought the plastic version of the Bill Jordan (I think they were Pachs) and while the felt good in my hand...it changed the position of my trigger finger and pressing through felt odd. I used them for one match and took them off.

I was favoring Nills over Herretts because of gripping surface. Smooth or checkered just does not invite grippiness.

I know Nills will be pricey however their stippling appears to be the gripping surface I need.

I shoot in humid weather with sweaty hands. I am looking for grip tackiness. I once had a set of Herrett Shooting Stars. Too small and slippery for me.

I would much prefer the price of Herrett to start out with ..... so suggestion of exterior that grip with sweaty hands...please.

 

[SW CQB 45]

I am looking at these

SW046XL Nill Grips

or

SW046PHG8XL Nill Grips

ouch on the price on something that I have never handled. Phil Hemphill is a big guy with big hands.

I just wished I knew someone to test out these grips before I commit.

 

[otis24]

Can I get a better pic of those Bill Davis rubber grips? Looks like something that I might possibly like for my 686. I really like the Uncle Mike's 59005 Combat Grips, designed by Craig Spegel I think.

 

[SW CQB 45]

this grip (Bill Davis Large) works but it feels small to me.

I wonder how it would feel if it was an enclosed backstrap.

They stop making these grips many years ago. They don't fit tight. If you tighten the screws too tight....they push away from the frame.

well I guess I am wrong. A google search netted this.... Davis Custom Grip - BILL DAVIS ENTERPRISES

I removed the single finger groove.

 

[AzShooter]

Try Hogue grips. He can make them to fit your hand if you want. There is a wide variety. I like the Big Butt grips for my 596 and 627s. I have Pachmeyer Presentations on another gun and they also fit my hands well.

 

[Filo McShoe]

maybe look at something that covers the backstrap? would be a more filling for a large hand / long fingers.

 

[H Richard]

Here's a picture of Nill grips on my 617. I did not buy them originally so don't know if they were stock off the shelf or custom ordered. I'm guessing stock. I have medium sized hands, and a K Frame with factory target grips fit me just fine. The Nill's are thicker front to back and are a stretch for me in double action. I have considered sanding the backstrap down for a better reach. But, they are perfect for single action shooting which I do the most of with this gun.

 

[SW CQB 45]

H Richard....I want to put my hands on them to test for feel.

I had the opportunity (I know a guy who knows Philip Hemphill) and I was able to speak to Hemphill.

Very nice guy and gave me a lot of information. He gave me a cheap option of rubber tape but that cannot be used for NRA matches. He recalled the Bill Davis grip and said he used to rubber tape them for a better grip.

He had 10 pairs of Nills at one time and now down to 2 pair. He suggested I contact ROCO and see if they can help me out.

I have been so busy these past few weeks at work...I forgot about this post.

 

[H Richard]

Well, if you are ever coming in my direction you are welcome to try them and shoot them on any K Frame you like. I still have a pair of Bill Davis grips, also carved on, and always felt small to me. Used them on a 686 for PPC shooting.

 

[SW CQB 45]

Thanks H Richard. Who knows what the future holds.

I had this 586 reblued as it had some cosmetic issues. Anyway....I got it back last year and parked it. I brought it out this season and while I did decent in the first match this year....the action felt funny.

I decided to take it apart. Well I am glad I did. All screws were loose (even the tiny rear sight screw in the front. When I took off the side plate...I found the lack of snappy click of the cylinder stop. The spring was inserted in the cylinder stop but it was rolled upward and only had half a spring against the portion of the frame.

while it was apart....I did some judicious stoning/polishing here and there. Reinstall the cylinder stop spring correctly and HEY....back to normal.

that did nothing for my grip though....HA!

 

[SW CQB 45]

This feels better to me....looks like ****

however, I am adding to the entire circumference not just the front and back.

 

[Imissedagain]

If the tape makes the grip right.... you just need to measure or remove the halves.... and duplicate.
While measuring or tracing hand size often yields acceptable results.... perhaps a foam, think custom orthodics, might be possible.

Grip/Stock making for firearms and bows should be required in all high school programs in order to graduate.
Real hand....y skills for life.

Or
Get an oversized inexpensive set and some tools/sandpaper.
You only live once! My choice as to duplicate the taped grip after measuring.

Or
Scan and CNC?