I'm looking to get a set of wooden grips for my SW 442. I can do Google as well as anyone, so I can find lots of options. Just curious what you folks may have used in the past (or currently) and liked, or disliked about 'em?

Thanks, in advance folks....

It has been a long time, but I used Herrret Shooting Star grips on my J frames. I still have one set for a square butt.

My favorites are Spegel boot grips. Hand-filling without being bulky. Downside: long wait time if ordering from Spegel. His wait time had been about a year, but I recently heard it is now slightly less. You may be able to find some for sale online or in a classifieds section somewhere. Bonus: AFAIK, he's the only grip maker who makes grips with "ears" that go up the full height of the backstrap on Centennial models.

Another good option are Eagle Secret Service boot grips. I have an older set that works well, but they're not relieved for speedloader clearance. Recent production models are relieved.

A lot of people like Altamont grips. I've tried their boot grips but didn't care for them because the finger grooves were too deep (I'm generally not a fan of finger grooves). Though I did recently find out they have a compact grip available without grooves; I may give them a try at some point.

Ahrends usually have some good options. I tried their non-finger groove boot grips several years ago but didn't care for them as it didn't feel like they had enough for me to hold onto. I believe they do make a version of the banana grip, which I think would be a good option to try...relatively compact, no finger grooves, and allows (or should allow) for a full 3-finger grip. Tip: Get the tung oil finish option. The grips end up smooth and won't snag on clothing, but it provides reasonable traction when you grip it.

A lot of people like to go old school and use the old magna-style grips with a grip adapter. I didn't particularly care for it, but it might be an option worth checking out.

I have tried several types of wood grips and have found as I aged I prefer something with a larger girth. Currently I have a set of Sile round to square wood grips with a Tyler T addition.

I like these

quote:

Originally posted by NavyGuy:
I like these

Nice -- are those Altamonts?

Altamont grip company is great to work with. I have ordered 3 sets from them, they sent me very good communication, and the grips feel, and look great.

Just put a set of altamonts on a detective special. I like them, but in my opinion grips are like shoes, they can fit one guy great and the next guy not at all, even if they wear the same shoe size.

Yes, those are Altamonts.

Wood is nice but I went with these on my S&W Model 60 Pro for control.

https://www.lymanproducts.com/...series.html?___SID=U

The same grip for a Taurus Judge for the same reason.

https://www.lymanproducts.com/...series.html?___SID=U

My S&W Model 640-1 is wearing these cocobolo wood grips by Esmeralda Sheehan. She makes beautiful grips, and is worth the wait if she doesn't have any in stock.

Man, this could be an expensive thread to read.

Thanks for the input, everybody. I just placed an order with Altamont. Hopefully I get them quickly! I'll keep reading additional suggestions. Never hurts to have options.....

I am a recent convert to the Eagle Secret Service grips. They are hand-filling; small enough for pocket carry; and do not snag on clothing. I bought mine used here on the forum.

I know the ship has sailed, but another vote for Eagle Secret Services in smooth rosewood. They are approximately the size and shape of the ones in pulicords' picture. Although there is no checkering, the surface is not slippery. Putting grips much bigger than that on a gun like this defeats the purpose of its being small.

Redwood25 I hope you like your wood grips. I bought a beautiful set of checkered Ebony secret service j frame grips from Eagle. Sadly I could not keep a good grip on my 638 while firing with them. I went back to the Uncle Mike's rubber boot grips which came with the gun from S&W. Best grip for ME, YMMV.