J frame weight difference affected by grip choices

[FW]

There are somethings threads comparing airlites to airweights. It can cost twice as much to save three ounces. That three ounces is sometimes percievalbe when carrying. Choice of grips is always subjective for many reasons. While some may already realized this, I thought it might be interesting to show what a differce grips make in weight.

A 340pd as equiped new with the original Hogue grips is 12 oz.

A 642 as equiped new with the Uncle Mike's boot grips is 15 oz.

As stated before this difference IS significant sometimes (though many don't care).

Winter boredom results in playing with a scale and a bunch of grips.

*Old S&W checkered walnut service grips 1.008 oz
*Hogue Bantam grip 1.394 oz
*Old S&W checkered walnut service grips 1.488 oz
w/ Tyler T-Grip
*Uncle Mike's boot grip 2.178 oz
*Uncle Mike's combat grip 2.676 oz

Using the above grips and a little math....

A 340pd can weigh between 11.614 oz and 13.282 oz.
A 642 can weight between 13.83 oz and 15.498 oz.

Another interesting fact - an M&P 340 weighs 1.3 more than a 340pd all things being equal, but various grip combinations can make a 340pd heavier than the M&P 340 and almost as heavy as a 642.

There is more to consider though. Extra ammunition weight, holster weight, speedloader weight, etc.

Yes, some of this is a bit academic. Other available grips could likely add even greater differences.

For comparison purposes, here are what a few common pocket items weights...

*Small pocket knife 1.5 oz
*Bunch of keys 4.3 oz
*Cell Phone 4.7 oz
*Wallet w/lots of junk 6.8 oz
(but insufficient cash)

Obviously the above items could vary greatly, but the point is, the carry gun, even when the lightest available, is likely the single heaviest on-person item. It is also likely heavier than everything else combined.

I hope this is found to be interesting. If anyone has the actual weights of some other grips, please post them.

 

[Abner]

Great post. I also measured mine out of curiousity a while back. Interesting that S&W posts weight of the scandiums with the Hogues and 642 with the Uncle Mikes to make them seem farther apart in weight. If I'm not mistaken, my CT-405 were lighter than the Uncle Mikes.
Abner

 

[Sox]

Nice job, I am glad someone got around to doing it, because it can save ya lots of moola. I knew that was the case but it's nice to see the actual numbers. Would you be interested in weighing different rounds? Like 5 158 grain etc. I would especially like to see comparison between the same weight projectile with a brass case and an aluminum "blaser" case.

 

[FW]

The next thing on the list is to weight five rounds of differenct types. I can't immagine there is any noticable difference beteen cartridges because of aluminum or brass cases. The biggest difference should be because the weight of bullets. While total cartridge weight would have to be measured, the weight of the bullets is already known. There should be no significant difference due to powder, primer or case.

Various bullet (not total cartridge weight) of common bullets:

Five 110 grain bullets = 1.257 oz
Five 125 grain bullets = 1.429 oz
Five 135 grain bullets = 1.543 oz
Five 148 grain bullets = 1.691 oz
Five 158 grain bullets = 1.806 oz
Five 180 grain bullets = 2.057 oz

Base on this, a person could theoritically save an ounce if comparing bullets on extreme ends of the spectrum of what is available for 38 special and 357 magnum.

Since the majority of bullets for 38/357 are between 110 and 158 grains, one might save up to half an ounce based on ammunition selection. It seems most of the newly market defense loads are between 110 and 135 grains. It simply doesn't matter a whole lot. However, if one carries additional ammuntion, speedloaders, etc, several ounces of stuff-in-pockets can accumulate pretty quickly.

In the end is seems the gun and then maybe grip selection is the biggest factor in saving a few ounces. Carrying a couple speedloaders could certainly be significant in the total weight equation if a few ouces are important to someone, but that factor is independent of the revolvers themselves.

 

[jaydubya]

I don't consider the weight difference between Airweight and Airlight as being measured in "ounces". I measure it in "ouches".
Cordially, Jack

 

[Coltdriver]

After going through a progression of pistols years ago it dawned on me that a 15 ounce airweight is a very convenient carry piece. I have a Model 38 that is my primary carry revolver.

Given the number of times I have pulled my carry piece (0) this adds up to a lot of convenience.

I have nothing against anyone who carrys anything, but lugging around a three or four pound hand cannon sure seems like a lot of work and inconvenience.

I also went through the how much power in the bullet thinking along the way. I now carry a 158 grain semi wad cutter in my j frame. They are loaded to about 825 fps which is plenty but will not break your wrist. If getting off a second shot is nearly impossible because the gun is trying to jump out of your hand that sure reduces the value for me.

FW's point about the bullets is also very interesting. Imagine carrying 17 230 grain bullets? Sheesh!

Thanks FW because I have the cheap and fairly light rubber boot grips on my Model 38 and I have thought about replacing them many times but I always end up asking myself "Why do this?" and there is never a good answer. So the boot grips stay.