I like how Hogues that they show in stock can be at my house in 2 or 3 days, the San Diego area isn't that far from central AZ, too close for the post office to mess up.
But I've found most Hogues to be rather big for average hands like mine. Even the no finger groove versions.
I've took the rasp and sandpaper to these no-finger groove Cocobolo grips twice now making them thinner and not so dang long, and they are better but I'll probably reduce them again.
That clip that holds the Hogues on at the bottom of the frame sticks down quite aways, so you can't reduce the excess length much without a re-think on how to secure the grip.
Round Butt K/L frame:
They were much fatter before. I do like a thinner grip but with a palm swell in the middle.
The only Hogue grip that has felt perfect right as they come are these no finger groove, checkered Goncalo Alves ones for the J frame square butt.
They are scaled down nicely for the J frame, again with a nice palm swell and fit my hand great.
I've long liked the Ahrends Retro Combat grips and was bummed to learn that he was no longer in the grip business.
A member here let me know he had some spare Ahrends and sent me a pair to try. But they were the smaller banana grip ones, and just felt too short for my 4 inch .44 mag.
I'm keeping my eye open for some Retro RB to SQ. Conv. on E-Bay but expect they will be well north of $200.
I haven't been too impressed with most of the Altamonts I've seen, but last year when I got the Model 63 I decided to try some.
I placed the order for some Super Rosewood checkered and got an e-mail about a week later that the order was received, and I could expect them in about 2 months.
I called asking "why that long as the website said they were in stock" ? The guy said that all of their grips shown are already produced but none have the finish applied until an order is placed.
Takes 2 months to apply the finish I guess.
So I cancelled the order and got Hogues instead.
