Grips for S&W L frame M-69.

[Crazy Dane]

What is the S&W equivalent size/shape to the full-size Lett grips for the Ruger GP100?


These narrow grips on this M-69 are brutal with full on magnums. I shot some Federal Hi Shok 240gr magnums today. I quit after 3 rounds.

After several hours on the internet and some gin, ok a lot of gin, this is what I have come up with;

I have ordered a set of Hogue's but what else is out there?

Altamont's targets may be a solution... not concerned about concealment. Speaking of Altamont, does anyone know anything about the Bateleur, Alatai or KU grips? I have an email in to see if they have pic from the back showing the thickness.

Herrets doesn't seem to be in the business of revolver grips anymore...

Amazon doesn't seem to even have Chinese knock offs of anything...

VZ 320s RtoS conversion could be an option too.

I don't think Pachmyer has a solution for me.

[03RN]

What is the S&W equivalent size/shape to the full-size Lett grips for the Ruger GP100?

I don't think Pachmyer has a solution for me.

96549

[Crazy Dane]

96549


Out of my hours of drunkenness searching, I have yet to find those and I am sad that I wasn't invited to the clam bake...

[03RN]

Out of my hours of drunkenness searching, I have yet to find those and I am sad that I wasn't invited to the clam bake...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/144791838304?hash=item21b6441e60:g:kIgAAOSwbjdjYW7 N&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoOs2vC0bz0ksXclQfjx8E0kcAG4hH 2ZcQnfYQmsQZXUpd0uyZJOCUzHMZ0hY0o36zeHD4MWXukLDVeN We93q8BWXg%2BBGrpODaBKQBuqMSaKoDocZyUcCte7O1Xbdb1H HsIJLdhbvqXXCvt%2FRBTGTRcnWzDymxbf3PatwvNDfrXFLqZL w96Q5AqYgtyFVFMuy4Y7vkfIn3UJDwPp87Ka8Pvg%3D%7Ctkp% 3ABk9SR9br1ryHYQ
;)

[Crazy Dane]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/144791838304?hash=item21b6441e60:g:kIgAAOSwbjdjYW7 N&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoOs2vC0bz0ksXclQfjx8E0kcAG4hH 2ZcQnfYQmsQZXUpd0uyZJOCUzHMZ0hY0o36zeHD4MWXukLDVeN We93q8BWXg%2BBGrpODaBKQBuqMSaKoDocZyUcCte7O1Xbdb1H HsIJLdhbvqXXCvt%2FRBTGTRcnWzDymxbf3PatwvNDfrXFLqZL w96Q5AqYgtyFVFMuy4Y7vkfIn3UJDwPp87Ka8Pvg%3D%7Ctkp% 3ABk9SR9br1ryHYQ
;)



This says these are compacts but they don't look too compact in your pic. I have been trying to find a size comparison photo.

I gotta feeling that trying to find a suitable grip is going to get costly.

[03RN]

This says these are compacts but they don't look too compact in your pic. I have been trying to find a size comparison photo.

I gotta feeling that trying to find a suitable grip is going to get costly.
They have the covered back strap. The compact pro has an open back strap.

If I didn't have Ahrends those would be what I use on my m66.

[OlongJohnson]

Why are you shooting .44 Magnum from an L frame? That's a .44 Special gun. 240 gr @ 950-1000 FPS.

[HeavyDuty]

Why are you shooting .44 Magnum from an L frame? That's a .44 Special gun. 240 gr @ 950-1000 FPS.

I’ve been working my way through a couple boxes of .44 Magnum in mine with the intent of working up a Special level load in those nice nickeled cases.

[okie john]

What is the S&W equivalent size/shape to the full-size Lett grips for the Ruger GP100?


These narrow grips on this M-69 are brutal with full on magnums. I shot some Federal Hi Shok 240gr magnums today. I quit after 3 rounds.

After several hours on the internet and some gin, ok a lot of gin, this is what I have come up with;

I have ordered a set of Hogue's but what else is out there?

Altamont's targets may be a solution... not concerned about concealment. Speaking of Altamont, does anyone know anything about the Bateleur, Alatai or KU grips? I have an email in to see if they have pic from the back showing the thickness.

Herrets doesn't seem to be in the business of revolver grips anymore...

Amazon doesn't seem to even have Chinese knock offs of anything...

VZ 320s RtoS conversion could be an option too.

I don't think Pachmyer has a solution for me.

S&W X-frame grip. https://www.hogueinc.com/grips/grips-for-smith-wesson/x-z-frame-revolvers/s-w-k-l-n-x-z-frame-round-butt-rubber-conversion-monogrip-black

Add this https://parts.bowenclassicarms.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=17 and you should be set for all manner of adventures.


Okie John

[MDFA]

What is the S&W equivalent size/shape to the full-size Lett grips for the Ruger GP100?


These narrow grips on this M-69 are brutal with full on magnums. I shot some Federal Hi Shok 240gr magnums today. I quit after 3 rounds.

After several hours on the internet and some gin, ok a lot of gin, this is what I have come up with;

I have ordered a set of Hogue's but what else is out there?

Altamont's targets may be a solution... not concerned about concealment. Speaking of Altamont, does anyone know anything about the Bateleur, Alatai or KU grips? I have an email in to see if they have pic from the back showing the thickness.

Herrets doesn't seem to be in the business of revolver grips anymore...

Amazon doesn't seem to even have Chinese knock offs of anything...

VZ 320s RtoS conversion could be an option too.

I don't think Pachmyer has a solution for me.

I have the Hogue Bantam in both rubber and cocobolo. The backstrap is not covered. The cocobolo isn't speedloader friendly, but they are beautiful grips.

I'm considering trying the Pachmayer Pro like what 03RN has in his photo.

Are you looking for a covered backstrap?

[jtcarm]

96549

Those grips look too expensive for me.

They cost a lotta clams.

[Crazy Dane]

Why are you shooting .44 Magnum from an L frame? That's a .44 Special gun. 240 gr @ 950-1000 FPS.


Because it says .44 MAGNUM on the barrel, duh. :p So I started out with 240s on top of 10 grains of Unique for 1070. I shot my chronograph with the first 245gr on the same powder charge I assume that load will be 1000ish fps too.

[Crazy Dane]

I have the Hogue Bantam in both rubber and cocobolo. The backstrap is not covered. The cocobolo isn't speedloader friendly, but they are beautiful grips.

I'm considering trying the Pachmayer Pro like what 03RN has in his photo.

Are you looking for a covered backstrap?



I am looking for wider? flatter? down the backstrap. I ordered the set 03RN linked and if I don't like them I will pass them on to you to try.

I have a set of Houges coming along with a set of Altamont Altai's and I have a few sets I'm watching on Gun broker.

[Crazy Dane]

https://i.ibb.co/6tFntHZ/6898-FD5-C-9-FAA-41-BD-8-B0-B-6-ACC2-D4-FA948.jpg (https://ibb.co/1XTvXrn)


These come in today, I could almost like them but they have a huge problem. They don't come together in the front.

https://i.ibb.co/pX3cdRR/86-F8-BF4-B-8-E4-E-4-B29-8686-374-C39-FD1744.jpg (https://ibb.co/4NjzpYY)

I think the frame is thicker than the inlet. I don't think I am going to try Dremel surgery on them yet.

[Lon]

What is the S&W equivalent size/shape to the full-size Lett grips for the Ruger GP100?


These narrow grips on this M-69 are brutal with full on magnums. I shot some Federal Hi Shok 240gr magnums today. I quit after 3 rounds.

After several hours on the internet and some gin, ok a lot of gin, this is what I have come up with;

I have ordered a set of Hogue's but what else is out there?

Altamont's targets may be a solution... not concerned about concealment. Speaking of Altamont, does anyone know anything about the Bateleur, Alatai or KU grips? I have an email in to see if they have pic from the back showing the thickness.

Herrets doesn't seem to be in the business of revolver grips anymore...

Amazon doesn't seem to even have Chinese knock offs of anything...

VZ 320s RtoS conversion could be an option too.

I don't think Pachmyer has a solution for me.

I vote VZ R2S

[03RN]

Try shooting with them to see if they settle in.

I recently got a set of vzs I had to file because I could not get them to fit. 5 minutes later... Perfect.

[Crazy Dane]

https://i.ibb.co/GWrRw8Y/E07-B46-F3-981-C-489-F-87-B8-4-B5-E25-F3181-E.jpg (https://ibb.co/pfkdDMV)

Altamont KUs from Gun Broker. I had to dehorn them and to be fair, the ones they sell on GB state that they could be blems, over runs etc.

They force a high grip, good. Level press out, good. Recoil, ok no pain. Speedloader binds just the tiniest amount, meh I can fix. Slick finish, jury is still out.

[Crazy Dane]

https://i.ibb.co/6tFntHZ/6898-FD5-C-9-FAA-41-BD-8-B0-B-6-ACC2-D4-FA948.jpg (https://ibb.co/1XTvXrn)


These come in today, I could almost like them but they have a huge problem. They don't come together in the front.

https://i.ibb.co/pX3cdRR/86-F8-BF4-B-8-E4-E-4-B29-8686-374-C39-FD1744.jpg (https://ibb.co/4NjzpYY)

I think the frame is thicker than the inlet. I don't think I am going to try Dremel surgery on them yet.


I'm gonna quote myself just because it's easier.


I really want to like these but, they are just the tiniest bit too small. They would be great on a CC gun but that is not my intention. Also, the front seam is really soft and when preforming reloads, the seam pulls open and becomes uneven. Detrimental? No. Annoying as fuck? Hell yes.

In the best interest of the grips, I am going to forgo the dremel and off these up to whoever wants them. They are used from ebay so there is already some wear and a tiny tear on the bottom.

I also have a brand-new set of Houge no finger groove rubbers if anyone wants them.

[Zeke38]

https://i.imgur.com/fMSuiaXl.jpg

VZs on my 69s!

https://i.imgur.com/8fjK1ITl.jpg


I fire a lot of 1000-1,100 fps loads in these two trusty companions.

[Hizzie]

S&W X-frame grip. https://www.hogueinc.com/grips/grips-for-smith-wesson/x-z-frame-revolvers/s-w-k-l-n-x-z-frame-round-butt-rubber-conversion-monogrip-black

Add this https://parts.bowenclassicarms.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=17 and you should be set for all manner of adventures.


Okie John

This is the closest you’ll get. The Ruger grip peg vs traditional frame is really the problem.

[JonInWA]

For handling the magnum recoil, the Hogue tamers are absolutely the way to go. The VZs are beautiful and ergonomic-but the G10 isn't going to absorb an iota of recoil...For one or two cylinders, they'll likely be fine, though.

Best, Jon

[JTMcC]

I'm gonna quote myself just because it's easier.


I really want to like these but, they are just the tiniest bit too small. They would be great on a CC gun but that is not my intention. Also, the front seam is really soft and when preforming reloads, the seam pulls open and becomes uneven. Detrimental? No. Annoying as fuck? Hell yes.

In the best interest of the grips, I am going to forgo the dremel and off these up to whoever wants them. They are used from ebay so there is already some wear and a tiny tear on the bottom.

I also have a brand-new set of Houge no finger groove rubbers if anyone wants them.

I've put several sets of L/K frame Pachmyers on an N frame and when they fit like yours I heat them, and work them into proper position. They've stayed there for me.

That other problem with the seam separating at reloads, I couldn't live with that, but with enough heat they'll go where they don't wanna go at room temp. My experience with Pachmyer Grippers is they will rip at the top left where the thumb wraps around after a certain number of rounds on a harsh recoiling gun. May not be an issue with a steel gun. I like the "Gripper" profile, but I also like the Hogue Monogrip and they last longer for me.

[Crazy Dane]

For me on this gun, its more about the profile than material. The wide flattish back like the GP100 Letts is what I'm striving for.

The factory grips came to a sharpish narrow oval on the back, think small end of an egg and that makes them painful.

The Pachmayers are like a pair of shoes that are the slightest amount of too small. They have the wider flattish back I'm looking for. They feel great at first but after a few minutes you realize something is not quite right. I could live with that if it weren't for the soft rubber giving way. I haven't given up on them yet, maybe a little heat or Dremel work and tiny wee bit of stickum could fix the moving issue.

I have yet to find a set of Hogues that weren't way too skinny for me. I have a brand new one sitting here that I ordered in thinking it would be different this time.

The Altamont KUs are acceptable, no real complaints also no real pluses.

Still to try,
Altamont Altai and Bateleur. Maybe Falconia

Pachmayr Grippers

Something from VZ

[mikey357]

The Altamont KUs are acceptable, no real complaints also no real pluses.

Still to try,
Altamont Altai and Bateleur. Maybe Falconia

Pachmayr Grippers

Something from VZ

This will sound counterintuitive since the Pachmayr Grippers cover the Backstrap, but the Gripper Professionals with the UNCOVERED Backstrap are WIDER at the back end and may, depending on your hand shape, transmit LESS recoil to your hand than the regular Grippers do...Might be worth investigating...

[Crazy Dane]

This will sound counterintuitive since the Pachmayr Grippers cover the Backstrap, but the Gripper Professionals with the UNCOVERED Backstrap are WIDER at the back end and may, depending on your hand shape, transmit LESS recoil to your hand than the regular Grippers do...Might be worth investigating...


Unfortunately, I cannot find Professionals listed for a round butt Smith. I have them on my 3 inch Python and understand the difference.

[mikey357]

Unfortunately, I cannot find Professionals listed for a round butt Smith. I have them on my 3 inch Python and understand the difference.

Maybe try the SB Gripper Pro's? They'll fit your RB Frame okay with just a little area at the bottom back where the Grip will be "Proud" of the Frame--Hardly noticeable unless you know it's there...

[Crazy Dane]

https://i.ibb.co/PtPsb0X/6-E89-AD4-A-FA71-4926-BB7-E-8686-D2-F490-C7.jpg (https://ibb.co/d7Vs3xC)

The latest set of Altamont's from Gun Broker, conversion targets. Wide and smooth across the back, recoil feels very Python like if a Python was a.44 Mag. Speed loaders clear.

The enemy of good is perfection and these feel damn good, but I still want to try the Altai even though I think they are the Targets with a rounded off bottom.

[ralph]

98095

Another set of VZ’s! These feel great,but I haven’t shot it yet. So, we’ll see..

[BN]

S&W X-frame grip. https://www.hogueinc.com/grips/grips-for-smith-wesson/x-z-frame-revolvers/s-w-k-l-n-x-z-frame-round-butt-rubber-conversion-monogrip-black
Okie John

I have a couple sets of these X-Frame Hogue grips and they are pretty comfortable.

I think these are what Jerry Miculek was using on his revolvers when the major load revolver recoil started getting to his hands.

[Frank500]

The hogue grips for the Smith 500 for perfectly on the model 69. And if you look at them, there is quite a bit of extra material on them. I belt sand off the finger grooves and lots of the base. Gets them down to a packable size yet the cushion protects the base of my thumb. I have thousands of rounds through mine with the majority being a 250 grain Keith solid and the 235 grain hollow point version. Velocity is 1200 with the solid. Haven’t chronographed the hollow point load.
Unfortunately my hands are 68 years old and have endured piles of heavy sixgun loads. Ron Avery told me years ago I would end up shooting just 1911’s because of wear and tear. He is correct as usual. I miss his wisdom and wit

[Frank500]

Paul 105 ran his grips into a belt sander before I tried it. Thank you Paul for the help and impetus to do so.
These x frame grips only last about 3 thousand rounds before they wear through on the cushion. Toss them and buy another.

[paul105]

Paul 105 ran his grips into a belt sander before I tried it. Thank you Paul for the help and impetus to do so.
These x frame grips only last about 3 thousand rounds before they wear through on the cushion. Toss them and buy another.

.
This worn out set of x frame grips was used to test the "belt sander" modifications.
.
https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/thumbnail_IMG_5500.jpg
.
Hastily modified (belt sander) x frame grips.
.
https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/Carry%20Comp%20thumbnail_IMG_3743.jpg
.
Over zelous application of belt sander/dremel drum sander -- more aesthetic outcome can be accomplished if you take your time (can also use dremel with drum sander attachment.
https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/M69%202.75%20%20%202%20%20%20%20cropped%20%20thumb nail_IMG_4597.jpg
.
Paul

[Zeke38]

Playing with my 69 with VZ grips
https://i.imgur.com/SHF3xJfl.jpg


Do love this Smith 44.

[Crazy Dane]

Me and the square edges of the target grips was not getting along so I introduced them to Mr. Dremel and the Emory boards. After a little song and dance this morning, I can say they are much better.

https://i.ibb.co/gSc8g8s/4-AE2-A228-5210-4-B71-BE11-B40-E07-F49-A1-C.jpg (https://ibb.co/3pPbhbt)

[314159]

What did you use to refinish the wood?

[Crazy Dane]

What did you use to refinish the wood?


That pic was taken immediately after a wipe down with alcohol. After it dries, a rub down with boiled linseed oil then a coat of Minn Wood paste wax for wood floors. I have finished all of my woodwork like that since my high school wood shop days.

[358156hp]

Hogue wood grips can be ordered without finger grooves. Plus there are options like round to square butt conversion, also available without finger grooves.

https://www.hogueinc.com/grips/grips-for-smith-wesson/k-l-frame-revolvers/k-l-frame-round-butt/full/k-or-l-rd-goncalo-no-finger-groove

https://www.hogueinc.com/grips/grips-for-smith-wesson/k-l-frame-revolvers/k-l-frame-round-butt/conversion/exotic-hardwoods/k-or-l-rd-conversion-goncalo-no-finger-groove

Or even JM grips, similar to those shown above.
https://miculek.com/products/miculek-sw-revolver-grip-w-jm-lightening-bolt-logo?variant=41460177961133

[Crazy Dane]

https://i.ibb.co/Gp6BLzV/C4-C13-D94-8-B4-A-46-B6-BD06-8551-E6-E63-CF5.jpg (https://ibb.co/PjL3nq5)

Remember, sand with the grain.


I was having a bit of speed loader clearance issue when a chamber was directly against the frame.

[Crazy Dane]

https://i.ibb.co/tz4DSPJ/31-E8-FB50-74-F6-453-F-9797-A268-F0-D17-CE3.jpg (https://ibb.co/8b09J47)

Go slow and test fit often.

[Crazy Dane]

https://i.ibb.co/NpQ6Cy1/image.jpg (https://ibb.co/FJNb3Ds)

A wax and a polish makes it look like factory.

I went without the oil. I tried a test spot when I shaped the bottom and it made it too dark, almost black.