Grips for S&W 686 Plus

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jad0110

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I had been considering a 4" GP100 for awhile, but now am looking favorably upon a 4" S&W 686+ (7 shot). I know a lot of people like that stock rubber Hogue grips with the deep finger grooves, but they don't work at all for me. Here is why:

I grip my revolvers as high up on the frame as possible, just low enough to avoid hammer bite. I find that, for me, this gives me greater recoil control as my wrist locks more firmly and my arm is more in-line with the recoil axis point (if that's what you call it :eek: ). I like the Hogues except for the deep finger grooves, which make it impossible for me to wrap my fingers around the front of the grip from such a downward angle. The grips on my Taurus 66 work a little better in this regard because they have much shallower finger grooves (see the pic in my signature link below & compare to a 686 at http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...d=10001&productId=12762&langId=-1&isFirearm=Y. The other problem I have heard with the stock grips is that their shape doesn't always allow the round closest to the frame to drop freely.

I am looking for grips very similar in size and shape to those on NIB Ruger GP100s, which have NO finger grooves, which I really prefer. I definitely wouldn't want finger grooving any deeper than my Taurus. I also do not want the grip to be too bulky on the top of the backstrap, as that's where the webbing of my hand goes. I do not want any feeding/clearance problems with HKS speedloaders and I want all rounds to drop freely when I hit the ejector rod. I definitely prefer rubber grips, but would be open to wood. I am also uncertain as to whether NIB 686s are round or square butt. I believe they have a square butt, is this correct??? Does this limit my choices to only square butt grips?

Note that I am 6'7", so my hands are not small, though I like the stock boot grips on my 642 just fine. I am considering the Pachmayr Compac grips or Pachmayr Gripper Decelerator grips. Any advice from you experts out there would be greatly appreciated!
 
Pachmyer or however you spell it :uhoh: makes exactly what you are looking for. You can usually find them in the bargain bin at a gunshop that does decent business.

From what you describe you would like the Concealer model for sure, and probably the Gripper as well.
 
I had a S&W M19, which has the same grip frame as the 686, with Pachmayr's Gripper Professional grips. They have an open backstrap which fit my medium size hands very well. If you have larger hands, you might have a look at the Gripper, Decelerator or Presentation Grips, all from Pachmayr. BTW, I also have a GP100. Both are fine guns so you can't go wrong with either IMO.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/73008-5507-934.html

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/73007-5506-934.html

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/73328-5203-934.html

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/73002-5502-934.html
 
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I like the Hogues except for the deep finger grooves, which make it impossible for me to wrap my fingers around the front of the grip from such a downward angle.

I'd suggest getting the Hogue in checkered wood, and have them omit the 2nd finger groove. Works very well for a high hold, or for folks with extra large OR small hands. You can have them omit both finger grips... but omitting just the bottom one is should be enough.

Good Luck...

Joe
 
I also apprecate the Pacmyer (however it is spelled) My K frame Mdl 10 has worn a pair for 20+ years.
 
Thank you for all the good info. It can probably be assumed from the girth of the 4" 686, but I don't plan on CCWing this big boy too much! As such, concealment is not an issue. I did not mention it, but I would want my pinky finger to have a nice resting place on the grips (unlike my 642's boot grips). Probably not an issue, as I imagine the L-Frame grip is plenty long as it is.

BTW, I think I was wrong about NIB 686s frames having square butts. They are round, aren't they? Would I have the option of a square butt grip though? As I recall, square butt frames can only use square butt grips but round butt frames can use either.

I had briefly considered Jerry Miculek speed grips, but decided that without any checkering that they appeared to be just too darned slippery.

I wish one gun shop in my area carried an assortment of grips to choose from. I guess once I purchase a 686 I'll have to tote it to each store and try them all out.

Thank you for all of the great advice, keep the suggestions coming!!! :)
 
I have fought with this same issue. I am using the Hogue wood checkered grip now. If you wear more than a size 10 glove check out Herrett's custom grips. They are based on the Bill Jordan design and are custom made for your hands.
http://www.herrett-stocks.com/new.htm
 
a second for ahrends...they have a new "classic" style that looks like the older target style, but are a bit thinner. good stuff and great people to deal with.

BTW most all new smiths are round butts.
cheers,
Derek
 
Herret's are awesome. They custom build them to your hand size, for about the price of many stock wood grips. Hogue wood should be considered too. I have both. I prefer the herret. Only problem with the herret, is stainless guns have to be shipped to them in Idaho for a custom fit. Get's pricey if you can't just drive over.
 
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