The search for the perfect grip begins again. J-frame "combat" grip

L

lee n. field

New member
I picked up a S&W 642 a little bit ago. Pretty much exactly the same as a million others out there. My first actual J-frame.

The little boot grip the factory put on it has got to go.

I really like the Uncle Mike's rubber "combat" grip I have on my Taurus snub. For me, it's close to perfect. But, they're no longer made, and they can be stupid expensive.

Item condition: Used
“Grip screw will not tighten up.”
Time left: 3d 22h Tuesday, 11:10AM
Starting bid: US $50.00
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:rolleyes:

Pachmayr Compacs I've had mixed luck with.

The Hogue soft rubber grips, I've not been a big fan of. Over the years, every thing I've put them on, I've take them off eventually. I probably will get the rubber Monogrip, if nothing else turns up.

Anybody got anything they like, along that line?
 
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I also don't care for the factory boot grip on my 642. The cylinder release digs into my thumb with those grips.

Looking forward to seeing suggestions.
 
I'm looking for a longer grip, like the 3-finger grip pictured. That grip is a possibility. Though I've seen some on various forums that weren't happy with that S&W grip (which looks just like the Uncle Mike's that I do like).

I know the UM grip is a copy in rubber of a Craig Spiegel grip. But, his website seems to indicate he's busy and possibly behind.
 
Have you ever shot one using the service type grips with a T grip?

I dislike the boot grips as they dont fit my hand right, and are still a tad larger than necessary. With the arrangement below, you get a good grip, and the pinkie slips under the grip naturally. The boot grips dont seem to allow that for me. Anything larger seems to defeat the purpose of the little J frames, or for me anyways.

ry%3D480
 
Those aren't much different than the Boot Grip since width isn't the problem
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I find theres a good bit of difference. The boot grips are generally wider, front to back at the bottom. My pinkie hangs up on the bottom of the boot grips because of it, and makes the grip feel off. Dont get that with the service panels and the T grip. The pinkie just lays naturally on the bottom of the grip.

Different makes of boot grips, also have different widths, and swells in different places. Ive tried a number of them. The rubber versions can vary in stickiness too, creating their own issues.

The closest I got to liking any of the boot type, were the Hogue "Barami". But they too are just a tad off.

I have a set of them on my Model 19 snubbie, and they work very well, but thats a different critter than the J frames.
 
I find theres a good bit of difference.
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Ever see a chart where the human body parts are drawn with size proportional to the nerve supply? I guess they call it a "sensory homunculus".

People's hands are the most innervated part of the body (followed by the face, followed by everything else). And they differ in shape from person to person.

Which is why threads like this come up again and again. It's as bad as buying a holster, and for the same reason.

I ordered a cheap Hogue monogrip from an ebay vendor. I'll try it, but I doubt my grip search will be over. Usually, with a new revolver I end up getting 2 or 3 different grips, beyond what it came with, before I settle on something.
 
Usually, with a new revolver I end up getting 2 or 3 different grips, beyond what it came with, before I settle on something.
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I was in the same boat until I found what I like, and what seems to work best for most.

Unfortunately, they arent real pretty (I actually think the original wood stocks are the nicest), but they are functional, and thats whats more important.

These days, those Houge Monogrips are about a perfect fit for me, for the larger revolvers. Just wish I could get them all in the old "nylon" versions. I havent seen a set of the for a long while. The rubber arent as comfortable, and suck for a carry gun.
 
My choice for these small framed guns is the Eagle Secret Service grip. They are available in rosewood or ebony, though ebony is pricey.

Here on my guns:



Bob Wright
 
There is a nylon version now of the monogrip, I noticed the other day.
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Really? Where'd you see them?
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Hogue Monogrip Grips S&W J-Frame Round Butt Nylon Black

Not many reviews, so I assume it's a new product.

Features of a nylon grip are high strength, durability and they can be worked like wood allowing a user to customize their own grip. Nylon grips also do not telegraph the location of a concealed handgun.

Technical Information

Material: Hard rubber with synthetic insert
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That "can be worked like wood" think is interesting. Start with this, end with something more like what I want.
 
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