Grips/handles for revolvers "target" and "combat" (squared and rounded)

General Firearms Handguns - Revolvers
1

I’ve been searching around but can’t quite get how each is supposed to work.

Is “target” better for firing one handed, not worrying about muzzle rise?

Is “combat” better for concealing? Or what?

I have a N-frame 627 (8 shot .357) 4 1/4 inch. It has a “rounded” butt/heal/frame. I read the gun has been made in both styles. Since mine has the rounded butt I have the option of what style to use. The gun currently has the Hogue squared finger groove grips on it. It feels a little bigger than it needs to be but does put my trigger finger in the right spot and is nice and grippy. Fingers grooves feel okay but I feel like I’d like to try something without them as it may be better.

The gun is not uncomfortable to fire at all. But it does pitch up! (158 gr to 180 gr bullets. I’ve stopped firing the 180 gr bullets…) Follow ups are slow while one waits for gravity to pull it the muzzle back down. This time is spent starting on the next DA trigger sqeeze…

So anyway what the benefits of the squared and rounded revolver grips?

2

Personal preference. Rounded usually conceals better. I shoot hot 125’s and 158’s out of my 2.25" SP101 without issue. I guess I gotta try some 180’s.

3

It’s tough ordering a $70 wood grip not knowing if you’ll like it or hate it.

The Hogue monogrip (I think it’s called on the gun now) isn’t bad but it’s not perfect. It’s a little longer than needed, and sinks down in my hand as I fire. Would like to try something without finger grooves also.

4

In the old days smith put square butts ( for the most part but plenty of exceptions) on guns designed as duty or target guns and round on guns designed for concealment. You can get what are called round to square conversion grips. Easy way to see if you will
Like it is to handle a friends traditional square butt, then you will know.
I am the odd man out and much prefer square butts

5

Thanks. Yea I’m just going to have to feel some before changing out the Hogue Monogrip.

I think the finger grooves can be fine. I’d just like the grip to be a little shorter and more solid feeling. Would probably prefer checkering, too.

Reading other peoples’ opinions it sounds like for a heavy revolver like this, the squared heel is the way to go.

6

Agree.
I used to like sq butt better just for looks. But after shooting a rnd butt revolver in competition I like that better. All my Smiths would have a round butt if I had a choice.

7

I bought some of these for a name frame. I really like them.

http://www.altamontco.com/experimental/products/pistol/smith_and_wesson/

8

Thanks. This has been a tough choice.

Rounded, squared, short, long, grooved, (one, two, or three?) ungrooved, checkered, smooth, wide, thin??!!

If I can decide on all that at least I won’t be concerned with wood TYPE by then…!

Ever walk into a gun store or been to a gunshow that has 50 different wood S&W grips for you to try out? Me either…

I guess one could read the fine print on returns, order a few, and send them all back but one…not normally something I would do, but the wife seems to do it with mail order shoes…

9

In case you were not aware, traditionally N frame revolvers had a larger grip than K or L frames. In recent years most if not all N frames now have K frame round butt size grips, which fit most of us better. Target and combat are imprecise terms, but generally they refer to grips that are larger than traditional service style(skinny)grips. You might check the S&W website for options. I’ve got a big box of grips(and holsters)–which means that I’m still searching. I should have tried to learn to shoot what I started with. It’s cheaper. Good luck.

10

Was not aware, thanks.