Why magna grips?

[Wfevans4]

When I see magna grips on a revolver, it looks odd to me. I like target grips by far, but I will admit I have never fired a revolver with magnas. What’s the attraction? Do they feel better? Shoot better? I assume target grips can fit on revolvers with stock magna grips.

 

[raljr1]

This article explains how one should hold a Smith & Wesson revolver. The method described works well with Magna stocks. Personally, I prefer targets.

 

[toddimusnimski]

They arent for everyone - some like to add a Tyler T-grip or similar to get a better purchase on them. Looks-wise I reckon is in the eye of the beholder. Good thing there are so many grip options to choose from, both factory and aftermarket.
Target stocks are certainly hand filling, but to me they don't seem very ergonomic. They're fat at the bottom where one's hand grip is the smallest. They actually feel more comfortable in my hand when gripped upside down! Combat stocks are good if you don't mind your fingers being kept in a certain position.
As long as you use the right frame size and type (round butt or square butt), target stocks and magnas are interchangeable. The exception is J frame target stocks which will fit either type frame. Forum please correct me if I misspoke.

Todd

 

[rockquarry]

I usually replace target stocks on any S&W revolver with Magna stocks. I think they look better and feel better. Just a personal preference. Tyler T-grip adapters have more in the way of cosmetic appeal than anything close to usefulness, as evidenced by those who like to look at and photograph them. Again, a personal preference.

 

[jeffrefrig]

I like the Magnas on my K frame .22 and .38s and the
J frame 36, but I do like something heftier with more powerful cartridges; even the .357 one needs something to hold onto. Either way the wood looks nice but rubber sure feels better than Magnas in the hand cannon category. The 15-3 seems like nothing but Magnas would look right. I have smaller hands so sometimes the larger stocks just don’t cut it. So, why Magnas? It’s what ever fits and looks good. Maybe?

 

[GerSan69]

Well, you've got to remember that the grip frame on these revolvers represents but one step in the evolution of gun grips from the time of the first pistols. Most of the time, what you see on any given vintage is simply a "better" grip shape than a previous firearm. In my opinion, the S&W frame hasn't evolved from 1899 to now because they haven't received any overwhelming evidence from shooters over those years that the frame was no longer doing the job and needed to be "updated." That, coupled with the proliferation of aftermarket grip panels in recent decades, has left the task of making a firearm fit the end user better up to that end user. S&W was actually a part of that aftermarket supply for many years with the sales of target stocks. Now, I'd say there is no longer enough money in it for them to get back in, and instead offering Altamont grips as the "official" S&W aftermarket stocks.
All of this is my opinion and my observations over the last 5 decades, of course.

 

[bananaman]

I have Magnas for a few of my revolvers. Just don't work for me. Tried the grip adapter, and not much better. So, my K's & N's all have target stocks either stock or aftermarket. You need the gun to feel good in your hand. Bob

 

[ADP3]

Smaller profile for concealed carry, no tackiness like rubber grips that stick to fabric, lighter weight, and they place the gun deeper in the hand for a lower bore axis resulting in quicker recovery between shots. What’s not to like? They’ve been working for me since 1973.

Best Regards,
ADP3

 

[.455_Hunter]

I have size XL hands. I still prefer magnas on pretty much all non-magnum I, J, K and N-frames, and also like them on the lower-recoiling .357 Ns. The .357 K/L, and .41/.44 M N-frames get non-finger groove Pachmayr Presentations (size small). The S&W "Target" grips for the K/L and N-frames are ergonomic disasters, and feel like holding a 2x2. Also not a fan of grip adapters. My fingers fit just fine behind the trigger guard- Why would I want to force them down? If you have overstuffed sausages that don't fit behind the trigger guard and get "hit", maybe a diet is necessary?

 

[Photog]

I have magna grips on most of my S&W revolvers. I have them on my two M24-3, pre M29, and M25-2. I have a set of "cokes" on my M29-2, and modified by me target grips on my other M29-2. The only one I have the original target stocks on is my first M29-2 purchased in 1975. The target grips that came out in the 1970's, IMO, feel like you are trying to hold on to a 2x4. The only target stocks that I ever really liked and fit me like they were made for me, are the "coke" style. I use BK adapters on my .44 caliber revolvers. They fit my hand better, and are easier to conceal when I do carry them concealed. It is a matter of personal taste.

 

[S&WshooterFIN]

I have Magna grips in model 36 and model 28-2. I had a model 17 (way back in 1993 / my first gun) with Magna grips.
My model 13-4 and 66-2 came with Magna grips but both have something better now.
My glove size is 11