S&W 66 2.75" grip suggestions?

[Scott321]

Hi all. I thought I might ask for some suggestions here. I just put money down on a new 66 yesterday and know that I want to put new grips on it.

The thing is, I prefer grips that have a relatively thick backstrap area, particularly at where the webbing between the thumb and pointer finger meet the handle. I am thinking of a Magna style or Banana grip style for this particular revolver, but it's hard to find pictures that show the profile of the grip from the back.

All the reviews I come across on YT show reviewers holding the handle low (not great for Magnum cartridges) when they talk about how great the grip feels. Additionally, many of the grip reviews' pictures that I come across show the very area I am concerned about (continuity of backstrap to grip; webbing area on hand) being way off.

Any suggestions? I love the target grips on my old S&W Target .38, and like the Pachmayr Presentation grips on my Redhawk in 44 mag when shooting Magnum rounds. I just want a slightly smaller profile for the 2.75" 66 but still retain a relatively wide backstrap area.

 

[Wicked Sharp]

Check out Altamont Co., or Eagle grips. I'm sure they make something that will work for you. If money is not an issue..., Rowen Custom Grips are NICE!!!

 

[Scott321]

Update. Unfortunately Rowen's grips are out of my price range ($600+, and requires you to send in your gun)... beautiful though. Altamont grips for anything smaller than the target style grips look ultra thin in the web of the hand area. Too bad for me, as they have some nice grips too. I'm curious about the Eagle grips Heritage Compact, but would still prefer the RB target style grips on S&W's 80's 9mm revolver... they're going for $200-$250 on ebay.

I emailed Ahrends a few questions and they were nice enough to respond within a few days. They said their grips are thinner than S&W's RB targets (original Banana style), and that it would take about 4 months if I ordered straight from them. I might try emailing Spegel, as I've seen some of their Banana reproduction grips on ebay. If I have to wait 4 months, I might as well see if I can get as close to what I want anyway and ask around. I'd love to get some RB Target repros with checkering, medallion, and in Goncalo Alves like Ahrends shows on their site (but w/o FG's):

Maybe I'll just try some of those new Pachmayr Diamond Pro grips in the mean time and keep an eye out for an ebay deal.

 

[EricV]

Have you checked out the Hogue wood grips? They're fairly curvy in the mid and lower sections but the upper part is usually fairly meaty.

 

[Scott321]

Update: pics below

I purchased both the older style Pachmayr Compact grips and the newer style Pachmayr Diamond Pro (DP) grips. Wow... I'm surprised at how thin the backstrap area gets toward the web of the hand on the DP grips. The DP grips are really fat in the palm area. Additionally, the DP has a cushioning area designed into that area that meets the web of the hand.

The older style Pachmayr Compact feels pretty close to exactly what I wanted for a temporary grip while researching and waiting for a nice wood grip. The seams of this older style grip are really ugly and not well executed. However, for the price and the hand filling backstrap area, I am pleased. I would think that those with medium to small hands might find it a little too chunky for getting a good trigger reach, though.

I haven't had the chance to head out to the range to test these grips out. I'm pretty sure the Compacts will be my preferred "cheap" grip for now.

Pachmayr Compact grip on the left, Pachmayr Diamond Pro grip on the right.