I carry a Mod 36 with a plastic S&W hip grip, goofy looking thing but it really works.
K Frames, L Frames, N Frames, a PPC built on a Mod 67-1 and a Mod 52, all Goodyears.
I believe you were wanting comfortable grips on a .44 Magnum N-frame.
Shooting fast and furious pin matches, double action, will illuminate any "weakness" a grip might have with interfacing with your hands.
That being said, I'd always shod my various wheelguns with Hogue Monogrip rubbers before shooting a match . . . ESPECIALLY with a hot-loaded Model 29.
Now for "show and go" for the same revolver during deer season, the rubbers come off and are replaced by their "twins" in wood. Here's my 29-5 in its normal configuration. They are quite comfortable for single action shooting of the hot 300 grain, hard cast lead flat point bullets I prefer . . . don't feel 'em at all.
When I carried my 586 on patrol I used Pachmyers with the finger grooves as I found it allowed better control on followup shots.
Posted some time back regarding my 4" 57 that had what I believe were Mustang Grips and too large for me to shoot comfortably. Changed them for the Hogue's, which were much slimmer and I have much better control, especially with follow up shots.
As has been stated better by previous members, you need to find the grips that you like the best.
And I continue advocate - The joy is in the quest!
When I first started buying S&W revolvers I bought many pair of Ahrends finger groove coco bolo grips only to sell them later and go with S&W wood grips. My favorite are the S&W combats but they are expensive and hard to find.
Like its been said, it depends on how much shooting you do, the condition of your hands, and whether aesthetics is all important. Due to my advancing age, I prefer slight edge in dampening when firing heavier calibers. In my case, I prefer a layer of authentic Ostrich skin..It feels like an over-sized condom, but much more pleasant when fired...Even my PPK which I carry mostly in the summer has the same treatment.
As far as wood & plastic grips; other than the creative beauty they represent: does nothing for me on the range.
My 4" M-19 and 4" M-27 have Pachmayrs-came with them, my 6" M-28 and 4" M-57 have Herrett factory grips, a quasi "Jordan Trooper" style. Pachmayrs are a quick and simple solution-S&W factory grips do not suit me at all.
I am going to put some comfortable rubber type grips on my Model 29-2 for comfort while shooting. I would like to get everyone's opinion on the best grips for shooting. Hogue, Pachmayr, etc.
Thanks
Hi, the usual Hogue fingergroove Monogrip (with the tapered bottom) fit more hands but leave the backstrap uncovered. The ones pictured earlier in the thread with the covered backstrap and gel insert at the top may be a good compromise if they are not too large for you. Pachmayrs come in different sizes but usually have the backstrap covered; better for comfort but increase the trigger reach.
Another possibility is smaller stocks and wearing shooting gloves. I had a .44 with the Hogue Monogrip that smacked my middle finger with the bottom of the trigger guard with Magnum factory loads. I don't know if they all do that, but gloves would have offered a little protection. Best to try out several types at your local dealer or show and see which ones suit you. Hope this is helpful.