best aftermarket N frame grip.

9

98 220 swift

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I am having trouble shooting my model 29-10 well. I can shoot all of my other S&W revolvers fine just having trouble with the model 29. After owning the gun for 6 years I have come to the conclusion that the factory grips could be the issue(I don't have very big hands). I love the Hogue monogrip on my 686. Is there any better suggestions? I hate to take the wood grips off the 29 because they look so good but I cant hit a barn with it.
 
best aftermarket N frame grip.
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No such thing as "best". Different people will have different preferences. For revolver shooting, I prefer the rubber Hogue monogrip. However, when practicing my hobby of double-action fast draw (as in the style of Bill Jordan), if find that the rubber grips are too "sticky", prefer wooden Hogue monogrips instead. I find that Pachmayr rubber grips on my revolvers are too oval and do not point well for me (albeit I like their grips on automatics).
In order for you to determine what feels right for you, you are going to have to try them out for yourself.
You are correct about the traditional wood factory grips being an issue. In my opinion they were standard issue for so many years because of tradition rather than function...there are much better grips nowadays that facilitate comfortable and accurate shooting.
SW66-4.jpg


Here is some Hogues on a Square-butt 686:
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Check out Ahrends Grips. Nice shape and nice wood. I have some on my K-frames and N-frames. Slightly smaller than factory and look nice.
 
Not 'one' best grip for anything

It depends on many things like hand size, what you are shooting and even personal preference. I have a 686 with beautiful Goncalo Alves factories that are too big for my taste. I like the traditional look, but find aftermarket synthetics to be better for most applications.
 
I agree I like the traditional look as well but its time to try something different. I have even been thinking about buying a model 69 so it will feel the same as the my 686.
 
Hogue finger groove grips work for me. The fill the gap under the trigger guard so my knuckle doesn't get smashed under heavy recoil. They fit my hand well. The wood ones look great, rubber is inexpensive and works well too.
 
"...I don't have very big hands..." That'd be the issue. 'N' frames are big SOB's. Way bigger than a 686's 'L'. Just changing grips may not help. The 69 is an 'L' though.
Best to go shopping and ask your local shop if you can try a few on for size.
 
For wood grips, get Ahrends.
I tried the Pachmayr Diamond Pro grips on the 627, liked them so much the 610 now wears a set. They cover the back of the frame and are thicker than Hogues, but still fit my medium hands very nicely.
I normally wouldn't recommend rubber for a blued frame because of possible rust under the grips, but these are nice.

2dfcbd1ec48a279436f2e70a5ff7cacc.jpg
 
The best I've tried is the Pachmayr Diamond Pro. They can create a bit of a long trigger reach, but are the most comfortable I've used on a N-frame.

I've tried many other types, Hogues seemed to skinny to me, Pachmayr Signatures were comfortable but the worst fit. Decelerators also didn't work very well.

Unfortunately, your Model 29 is probably a square butt, so the Diamond Pros won't fit. They're only made for round butt.

For wooden grips on my Model 29, I'm partial to Altamonts Fingergrooves. They fill my hand better than the Target grips on the revolver and that helps spread out recoil. Overall, I love the Diamond Pros so much, that I actually regret buying my Model 29, I don't like the square butt Smiths and have relegated the revolver to only mid range loads. If I had to do it over again, then I would have gotten a 629 with a round butt. Between round butt grips and conversion grips there are many more options available for round butt frames.
 
If you have large hands, Herrett's Stocks can make custom grips to fit your hand. On their order form is a place to trace an outline of your hand, Steve Herrett uses this and a few questions to make the grips fit you.
I had him make a set for a model 41 S&W target pistol and the fit just doesn't get any better. In the local bullseye pistol matches I shot in I won three trophies and it was due to improved scores and the Herrett grips.

Don't get me wrong, I love Ahrends, his tend to be for guys with standard size hands. I have Ahrends Retro Combats on a N frame S&W model 58. And want to try his Retro Target grips on a K frame I have next.
Gary
 
My preferred grips (Uncle Mike's) aren't available for the N-frame, and I haven't found anything yet I really like.

If I were to get serious about a search, I'd give serious consideration to the Herrett's gwpercle mentioned, or to some Nills.
 
Both my 657-4 Mountain Guns wear Pachmayr Presentations. Certainly there might be better choices, but it's what I've been comfortable with for a long time.
 
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...&mid=17182348DE13A2E0650117182348DE13A2E06501


I have been changing many of my N frame S&W from rubber back to wood. The set that I really like is Jerry Miculek’s combat grip. They do feel odd until you shoot them a while then you find when you grab the gun you end up each and every time you get the same grip. What is odd about them is it feels like you get more grip along the side. Again it feels odd but only starting out.
I have a set on my 21 Thunder ranch. I also like Hogue but the ones they offer for N frames are for me too long.
Now that he is offering them Checkered another is in line to be ordered.
I have not tried them on my 629 3 inch round but what I do like is it fills the space behind the trigger guard which reduces the battering N frames give me.

The following is a good video on selecting grips by Jerry

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...&mid=E95DDD625D34D4E0C96BE95DDD625D34D4E0C96B
 
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The .44 is on the bottom, the grips are Pachmayr, I forget the model, but I like them better than any wood I've ever had on the gun.
 
The .44 is on the bottom, the grips are Pachmayr, I forget the model, but I like them better than any wood I've ever had on the gun.
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Those look like the older two piece without the screw hole going through both sides. Those are my all time favorite N frame grips. The new versions have made a die hard Pachmayr fan into not so much of a fan. In my experience, the new version is a poor fit, I think the one piece molding is part of the problem, and the screw protrudes from the other side long before they are tight enough.
 
About 8 years ago I picked up a 29-8 MG cheaply. First time I took it out and shot it took a week for my hand to heal. I tried some nice Hogue grips and they were better but still were uncomfortable.

What did work were S&W walnut presentation grips. Only ones that worked for me. I tried my share of grips.

 
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