I picked up a 4" model 66-1 (square butt) a couple years ago and it's mostly been sitting in the safe. Now I'm getting ready to retire and plan on some hiking/fishing/photography activity, and I'd like to carry that .357 with me. Problem is, it came with a set of Pachmayr rubber grips that are just too big around for my smallish hand. So I'm looking for some aftermarket grips, similar to the regular open-backstrap K-frame target grips but smaller in diameter (and preferably shorter front-to-rear). Checkered is good, but I can make do with smooth ones if that's the best fit I can find.

I know a newer round-butt model would probably be a better option size-wise, but with a (very) few exceptions those also come with some changes that I don't care for.

I use hogue’s grips on my 65. The back strap is still exposed. Don’t know how that will work for you

https://www.hogueinc.com/grips...monogrip-black-black

VZ makes a number of styles of G10 grips for S&W revolvers. One of them would probably meet your need.
I've got a couple and I like the way they fit my hand and the way they feel.

My hands aren't overly large (good size palm with short fingers) and the Hogue Monogrips work well for me on the 66.

quote:

Hogue Monogrips work well for me on the 66.

Excellent advice...I have Size "L" hands but like a smaller grip generally for carry purposes. Monogrips by Hogue suit me just fine in both "K" and "J" frame revolvers. They have a moderate palm swell while retaining the elongated oval shape that's conducive to maintaining shot to shot uniformity.

Col. Cooper called it, "an index of deflection" and meant that it was easy to keep lateral dispersion minimized in rapid fire. I concur...The semi-hard Monogrip is also helpful in absorbing stout defensive load recoil.

While I'll agree they're ugly when compared to a good set of wood grips, but do a better job in DA shooting. Best regards, Rod

For smaller hand, I'd like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Pachmay...d_i=B0002INPFM&psc=1

I usually prefer VZ or HOGUE. I avoid finger grooves.

quote:

Originally posted by DonPoon:
For smaller hand, I'd like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Pachmay...d_i=B0002INPFM&psc=1

I've got a pair on a nickel 2 inch square butt model 10 and love them.

I’ve run these for years on my K and L frame round butt snubbies. They cover the back strap nicely.

https://www.amazon.com/Pachmay...-Frame/dp/B000VUFPJ0

Another good option is the standard S&W magna wood grips plus a grip adaptor.

Used to be gun shops had boxes full of magnas taken off police service guns which were replaced with rubber. Not so much anymore as many people now search out the wood grips making them harder to find these days.
Also Tyler T grips was the go to for grip adaptor but they are basically out of business, but over on S&W forum many have indicated they were happy with a new maker called bk grip adaptor.

I've used Pachmayr Signature grips on my full-sized revolvers since the mid-1970s. They were offered in two overall sizes, and mine are the smaller version, no finger grooves.

Good grip under any conditions, helps absorb the recoil of the magnum calibers. Carried them for years working uniformed patrol, grips always bouncing off car doors, etc, and they don't show a scratch or ding at all.

quote:

Originally posted by mikey357:
For my K & L-Frame SB Smiths I go with the rubber Hogue's as suggested by MikeinNC, the rubber Pachmayr Gripper Professionals that have finger grooves as suggested by DonPoon or smooth wood Hogue's without finger grooves like these: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1151219470

Experience has shown that these choices work best with my medium-sized hands.

That’s a heavy gun for hiking. Maybe a 357 LCR would be more appropriate?

quote:

Also Tyler T grips was the go to for grip adaptor but they are basically out of business, but over on S&W forum many have indicated they were happy with a new maker called bk grip adaptor

I can vouch for the BK grip guy. I just ordered a set a couple of weeks ago for one of my J-Frames, and it was a seamless transaction with quick shipping. The product works as advertised...lets you retain the slim grip profile and classic look of the original magna grips while providing a much better grip purchase on the gun. Here's my model 31-1 with the BK grip adapter on it...I ordered the blemished model to save $5.

Eagle grips has a few styles.
" secret service" style fit the hand nice.

https://www.eaglegrips.com/163-secret-service-series

quote:

Originally posted by Greymann:
Eagle grips has a few styles.
" secret service" style fit the hand nice.

https://www.eaglegrips.com/163-secret-service-series

I put Eagles on my 66 3 inch round butt years ago,,

a set like this,

https://www.eaglegrips.com/com...-revolver-grips.html



I have medium hands, and they fit very well, (but are a bit long)

I like rubber grips on my competition revolvers and revolvers that I carry in the woods. Seems nice wood grips get beat up!. My favorite are the Uncle Mike's (Butler Creek) rubber grips. They are no longer in production but new old stock pop up every now and again on eBay and Numrich. Unfortunately, they are pretty popular and hard to find - so folks are pricing them accordingly.

For Reference These are a little rough and I'm not sure you want used but this at least shows a picture.

S&W has factory sq butt grips that are similar to the original service grips. But they are smaller in diameter. If that helps

quote:

Originally posted by SR:
I like rubber grips on my competition revolvers and revolvers that I carry in the woods. Seems nice wood grips get beat up!. My favorite are the Uncle Mike's (Butler Creek) rubber grips. They are no longer in production but new old stock pop up every now and again on eBay and Numrich. Unfortunately, they are pretty popular and hard to find - so folks are pricing them accordingly.

For Reference These are a little rough and I'm not sure you want used but t
his at least shows a picture.

Plus one on these grips. I'm a huge fan of these Uncle Mike's grips.

They are maybe not so nice to look at but they are great for actually shooting.

They were supposedly designed by Craig Spegel who is rightly famous for his grips.

quote:

Originally posted by bubbatime:
That’s a heavy gun for hiking. Maybe a 357 LCR would be more appropriate?

Yes it is, but by then I'll be retired and on a fixed income, so it may be hard to justify a new lightweight gun just for the occasional foray into the woods. But who knows, if I come up with some extra cash between now and then...

I do need new grips for the 66 anyway. I like the smaller Pachmayr's that DonPoon linked to. I wasn't aware that Pachmayr made grips with an open backstrap. Some of the Hogue grips, both wood and rubber, are interesting too. I'll probably get something on order over the weekend, thanks to everybody for your contributions!