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S&W .38 Target Revolver, Part Deux.
MG1890
Member Posts: 4,649
So, I'll buy a model 14 6". What do you fellas suggest for alteration level? Should I stay with a "-3" or earlier, "-4", what?
Also, I see these 14's with standard grips and oversized target grips. I prefer the larger grips. Can I put the factory oversize target grips on a revolver that originally came with the standard size grips?
Sorry, although I love me a nice S&W revolver, I am a neophyte about the particulars. I have a 29-5, 8-3/8", never fired it.
Also, I see these 14's with standard grips and oversized target grips. I prefer the larger grips. Can I put the factory oversize target grips on a revolver that originally came with the standard size grips?
Sorry, although I love me a nice S&W revolver, I am a neophyte about the particulars. I have a 29-5, 8-3/8", never fired it.
Comments
The oversize "Target" grips on the K-frames are great for one handed competition shooting. I prefer Pachmayr grips for general use with K-frames. Hogue monogrips are great also.
The Pach's, (unless changed their formula from 15 or 20 years ago?), are of a harder rubber, slipperier, almost a no-cushion give plastic feel to them. But that's all just my spin from experience what I do and do not like about the two makers.
Go hog wild, and there are custom grip makers out there, too, with all the exotic woods and shapes.
EDITTotally understand about grips being personal choice as to, fit, feel, etc. "Just my spin" is for the more info gathered before purchase, the better. That "other" major brand I do not care for, I wish had chance to examine out of the plastic packaging or would not have wasted time/money on them from the get go.
45er
So, I'll buy a model 14 6". What do you fellas suggest for alteration level? Should I stay with a "-3" or earlier, "-4", what?
All else being equal, earlier is considered more desirable, but any of these will be good. If you intend to shoot it a lot, I'd be more concerned about finding a good revolver for a reasonable price, than which "dash" it is. EG, I'd take a nice -4 over a beat up -3.
quote:Also, I see these 14's with standard grips and oversized target grips. I prefer the larger grips. Can I put the factory oversize target grips on a revolver that originally came with the standard size grips? Grips are not an issue at all.
You can put any grips for any medium/K frame revolver on any model 14, including factory target grips, or any other target grips you like.
K frame revolver grips also happen to be the most popular revolver grips out there, making them relatively easy to find in a wide variety of configurations.
As to WHICH grips, I'm not going to jump into this "debate". As it is, right now I have individual K-frame guns with Hogue grips, Pachmayr, factory regular, and factory target grips on them! Its different grips for different guns for different purposes. This is mostly a matter of personal preference, and I'd say most of it comes down to how YOUR PARTICULAR anatomy interacts with the grips in question! Rubber has certain advantages, but so does wood. Also, needless to say, the bigger manufacturers offer different styles of grips. Its up to you to try different ones to determine what you like. I'd just add that what's optimal for pure target use probably is *NOT* optimal for combat.
Edit: Just as food for thought, there are MANY other makers of nice grips for Smith K frame revolvers than the big name makers above. Again, next to 1911s, K-frames are probably the most popular/varied aftermarket grips out there. If you want a set it mostly comes down to what wood and style you want, and how much you want to pay.
For solid wood, check out: Karl Nill (super expensive German imports, but a good match of function with appearance), Eagle grips, Altamont grips, Ahrends. Craig Spegel is known for combat type wood grips, though he has others (and you may have to wait a while for them!). Ajax has nice wood and other materials. VZ and Badger grips have nice laminates (if you're into that sort of thing). Smith itself has a bunch of grips on its website, those are probably worth a look.
If you're super-serious about target revolver, I'd look for something like these Karl Nill match grips, though make sure you're sitting down when you get the price quote:
quote:Sorry, although I love me a nice S&W revolver, I am a neophyte about the particulars. I have a 29-5, 8-3/8", never fired it.
You wouldn't be the only one to buy one of those and not fire it.