J-frame grips

[Guest GregRN]

Aside from the laser grips, has anyone found a replacement grip for a J-frame Smith that is vastly superior to the original factory grips? I recently aquired a 442 that has become my primary carry weapon, in just a few short days. While I know that a revolver of this size will never be the perfect plinking gun, have you found a grip replacement that makes it more enjoyable? If so, what kind of improvement does it have?

[Guest Crunchman]

Take a look at these by Esmerelda. I just got a set for a 1911 and my wife is wanting a set for her J-frame.

http://www.esmeralda.cc/smith_and_wesson_j_frame.htm

[Guest Grout]

I like the rubber boot grips that came on my 642.S&W is the only one who sells them now.Uncle Mikes used to make them.

[The Rabbi]

Aside from the laser grips, has anyone found a replacement grip for a J-frame Smith that is vastly superior to the original factory grips? I recently aquired a 442 that has become my primary carry weapon, in just a few short days. While I know that a revolver of this size will never be the perfect plinking gun, have you found a grip replacement that makes it more enjoyable? If so, what kind of improvement does it have?

Like everything else there's a trade-off. The bigger the grips the easier the gun is to shoot. But the harder it is to conceal and carry. Which was the point of getting the gun in the first place.

<y 642 has the stock plastic grips on it. My Bodyguard has some cool wood grips. But I never carry the Bodyguard.

[Guest nj.piney]

i carry a s&w model 37 i needed a larger grip but concealable . i installed the grips from a s&w ladysmith ,it solved both problems. cost, about $58 ,plus shipping.p.s. rosewood.

[Magiccarpetrides]

I like the grips that are on my 638...boot grips i think.

[VERO1]

Does Pachmayer still make the compact grip for them? I have an old pair on my Model 60 that I really like.

[Guest GregRN]

I was really hoping that someone could point toward a compact set of grips that covers the backstrap with some cushioning, not adding length, and not really being that much larger. Like the Rabbi said, I don't want to defeat the purpose of the J-frame. however, my wife is trying to move away from .38 as a carry option because she doesn't like the recoil. I will probably end up trying to find her something in .32 Mag. That is, unless I can solve this problem with grips.

[The Rabbi]

PAchmayr Decelerator for the J-frame round butt.

http://www.lymanproducts.com/pachmayr/revolver.htm

Also try 148gr LWC bullets for practice. Very mild target load that isn't a terrible self defense round overall as well.

[Guest Halfpint]

Hogue Bantam rubber grip, one-piece slip-on.

It's the same overall length as the factory boot grips, but has a slight palm-swell so it fills the hand up better. It's either my backup gun or carried in a pocket, so shorter grip is a plus for me.