What Is The Big Deal With Uncle Mike's Grips?

[kbm6893]

I really would not care whether Spegel or Leonardo da Vinci designed them.

But back when they came out, they offered much better ergonomic options for different hand sizes than the then-ruling Pachmayr and Hogue rubber grips, both brands which tended to cater to people with ham-sized hands.

All my Pachmayrs were replaced with UM’s in no time. If I were still buying new revolvers as shooters and for carrying, I would be willing to pay quite a bit for UM grips on the used market.

I have one pair of UM rubber grips for a K frame square butt and they are great, but Pachmayr Gripper grips fit my hand like they were made for them. The UM grips sit in a drawer. I won’t sell them because I might put them in something else one day and I won’t be able to replace them easily.

 

[GypsmJim]

A combination of a great design and the fact that they're no longer in production causes prices to rise.

I have bought numerous "goodyears" for various revolvers. None met my requirements as good as the Uncle Mikes.

If I want or need rubbers, Mikes are the only ones I'll accept.

 

[loeman]

I think the short answer to the OPs original question is...THEY FIT! I only have two guns with OEM UMs. One is a 696, .44 special and my trusty 649-3, .357. They are just perfect for my medium sized hand.

 

[Buford57]

I replaced the factory grips on my 642 with UMs because the originals interfered with speedloaders. Then I bought a BHP with UMs. Tried other grips but not for long. As the Monkees said "I'm a believer".

 

[Grayfox]

Speaking of rare and hard to find.....
Back in 2014 I bought a S&W 696. I love the .44 Special cartridge, but absolutely hated the round butt frame on this gun.
After doing some on-line research, I stumbled across a set of the ultra-rare Uncle Mike's round to square conversion Combat grips. I bought them immediately! IIRC the price was $40. I happily paid it.
This is one of my favorite shooters! And those grips are a big part of the reason why.

 

[Borderboss]

When I got my 940, I went looking for UM Boot Grips but couldn't find any at a reasonable price. I ended up getting a Hogue Ultra Compact Bantum grip that looks to me to be functionally equivalent. They're in current production.

 

[cmansguns]

S&W factory issued Uncle Mikes grips...How late date wise?

This is a very interesting thread to me. I always learn something every time I log on

I have not really been a big fan boy of rubber grips, but with one big time major exception...my Model 66-6. This gun is the only 357 Magnum I kept when selling off my Magnums last year. My daughter LEO has wanted this gun and she shoots it very well.

This gun is all original, in THE box (actually a blue plastic case), all documents and fired case dated May 28, 2002. Per Dr. Roy it shipped June 2002. It is a 4" one piece barrel, product code 162706 on the case. I've shot this gun many times with full house rounds and it does absorb recoil very well with these grips.

Are these factory supplied grips the same Uncle Mikes (Spiegel style) that are being discussed above? When did they stop being issued on S&W wheel guns?

I always thought Uncle Mikes stuff (holsters especially) were Walmart el-cheapo, lowest cost, made in China, junk and avoided them at all costs in lieu of leather or decent made in USA brands.

If these grips on my 66-6 are the real thing I guess I'll have to rethink my opinions cause I do agree that to me and my LEO daughter, they are the only way full house maggies can be handled by our average size hands.

 

[drumminor2nd]

The only Uncle Mike's I have is on my 59, and I'm a big fan -- the beaten-up Pachmayrs that came with it make N Targets feel slim in my hands. Texture is good, and I can shoot it very well.