Inexpensive Revolver Grips Worth the Money...

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. While many of the folks here have Hi Powers, 1911-pattern pistols, as well as some wheel guns. Many have an S&W revolver or two as well.

Grips or stocks are often a topic of discussion on wheelguns just as for self-loaders and it seems that some prefer really nice wood, while others are happy with rubber grips ala Pachmayr or Butler Creek. Others like wood for holster guns, but prefer a synthetic for pocket guns out of concern for sweat eventually darkening the wood...and it does happen. At the same time they profess not wanting rubber stocks as they're "too sticky."

I recently purchased a two sets of rather inexpensive grips for S&W revolvers. Both are for the round butt versions and one set was for the small J-frame while the other was for the mid-size K.

Shown on a Model 10 4", these are "Hideout" grips sold by Brownells under their name. These are available with or without finger grooves and in "smooth" or "textured" finish. Shown is the smooth finish, but that does not mean that the grips are slick. They offer plenty good purchase even with damp, sweaty hands.

From the front...

...and from the rear...

Here is a set of the textured Hideout grips on an S&W Model 041. They have sort of a light "sandpapery" finish. I personally prefer the "smooth" option better.

From the front...

...and from the rear. These are a tiny bit wider at the top of the rear backstrap and do tend to spread out the "kick" in that area of the hand.

Out of the bag, the K-frame stocks fit better than did the J's, but it was a minor job to help the latter. Opened up the hole on the inside of the grip so that the pin would more easily enter. This was on one side only.

I am more pleased than I thought I would be with these grips. Is fit comparable to a set of hundred-dollar customs? No, but it really ain't bad, either.

"Feel" and "beauty" as well as "function" are often very subjective. Speaking only for myself, I like the J-frame hideouts as good as the rubber boot grips that come on S&W snubs, not any better nor any worse.

On the roundbutt Model 10 (or any other K-frame), I like the Hideouts better than the factory service stocks and a Tyler grip adapter. That setup is great for me with square butt guns but not the round. The size/shape of my hand is such that I don't have the lateral control I want. Other than that the factory stocks/grip adapter is fine. For me, the Hideout is just enough thicker that this is not a problem. I don't think there will be any difference in concealability for those having this concern.

The best part is that any of these versions will set you back between about $16 and $18 for a set! They are made of high-impact nylon and seem plenty stout with no plastic "feel."

Both work with speedloaders but were I putting a set on a "serious" gun, I would sand down the top left of the Hideout grip just a bit to make it a little easier. They work fine, but there's little margin for error in getting to the cylinder with the speedloader/cartridge combination and just a fraction more leeway would be nice.

I've not had the opportunity to shoot the guns with the Hideouts on them extensively, but so far, no cracks or damage is obvious to the grips. I don't expect any and think these represent a good buy for some folks.

If interested, you can go to www.brownells.com and then do a search on "Hideout" and you will see them. Sadly, they are NOT offered for the N-frames.

Best.

 

[38splfan]

Well done.

Once again, Mr. Camp, clear, concise, and very well written.
Thank you for the review, I will be ordering a set post haste for my M10.

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. After having used these stocks for a while now, I learned that the K-frame grips require no modification for use with speed loaders, at least not with the HKS that I use. However, the same proved not the case with those for the J-frame. It was necessary to dress down the upper portion of the grip to allow the speed loader to be quickly used. It would work some of the time before this, but not every time. Using a file, a dremel, and then sandpaper, I was able to relieve the grip so that speed loaders can be quickly used.

Here is what the relieved grip looks like. It can be compared to the picture of the unaltered grip in the original post.

The speed loader can now be easily used and simply dropped when the cartridges are in the cylinder. Before relieving the grip, it would sometimes bind up tight. One round wouldn't drop and quite a bit of manipulation was required to free it and the speed loader. That would be tiresome at the range and possibly lethal in a serious situation.

...and how the revolver looks with the altered left grip.

I find these stocks very comfortable and the price is certainly right, but if a person intends to use speed loaders with the J-frame, I think this modification is necessary. The unaltered grip works fine with speed strips as it comes.

Best.