Choosing A Revolver Grip
With revolvers coming in all sizes and a wide variety of calibers, there are options to fulfill a variety of interests and needs. Small, J-framed revolvers are suitable for concealed carry, especially as backup guns. Classic L and N-frames can be enjoyed broadly for hunting, shooting sports, and self-defense. X-frames are the biggest and “baddest” of all wheel guns, filling the niche for powerful calibers. No matter what size or caliber revolver you have, one way to make a significant difference in how your firearm looks and feels is by changing out the grip.
When it comes to grips, there are several things to consider. From aesthetics to performance, revolver grips come in different materials. The three most common types are rubber, wood, and G10, and each offers specific benefits and features.
Rubber grips are often preferred by those who value comfort and better recoil control. Most often seen on revolvers chambered in more powerful calibers, rubber grips have a tacky feel. This means that during recoil, rubber grips tend to move less in the hands than smoother options. Just keep in mind that because of the rubber’s grippy surface, these grips can catch on clothing, making them less appealing in some concealed carry situations.
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Rubber also provides more cushion and give. Whether it’s a revolver chambered in .460 or .500 or a small, lightweight J-frame with defensive loads, rubber grips can help reduce how hard the recoil feels in the hand. If you struggle with how much your revolver recoils, switching to rubber grips can make it more pleasant to shoot.
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Wood is another extremely common grip material and it’s very popular on vintage models. Whether the revolver has a stainless or deep-blued finish, wood grips are the classic choice. From the type of wood and stain color, to ornamental cuts or checkering, for those desiring a specific look to their revolver, wood makes an attractive choice.
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Wood grips are also common for revolvers in shooting sports and it’s possible to purchase custom-fit wood grips that fit specifically to your hands. This is especially helpful for shooters with smaller hands where typical finger groove spacing and thickness can make it more difficult to shoot. Even with checkering cuts, wood tends to feel smooth, which is beneficial for wearing under clothing. Many people also prefer smooth grips because they don’t feel as rough on their skin and these grips can make gun handling easier in some situations.
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For shooters looking for the strongest and most durable grip material, revolver grips are also available in G10. G10 is a synthetic material made from multiple layers of glass cloth soaked in epoxy resin. This fiberglass-epoxy composite is extremely tough and is the hardest grip material option mentioned in this article. Available in a wide variety of colors, different looks can be achieved by how the G10 is layered and cut. These grips can also be smooth or textured. Where on some revolver grips the texture is subtle, for those who like a more aggressive feel with cuts designed for maximum recoil control, G10 will be your best option.
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Beyond grip material, one of the most important things to consider when choosing the right grip is how a grip fits your hands. Grips with finger grooves that keep your grip in the ideal spot can not only be more comfortable, but they can also help you maintain your hand placement while shooting. If you have smaller hands and shorter fingers, thin and smooth grips without finger groove cuts will help you reach the trigger and get optimal hand placement. Bottom line, a grip that fits you well, will help you shoot better.
[Insert Photo of G10 and Rubber Grip]
When deciding on the best grip for your revolver, it’s useful to consider the main purpose of your wheel gun and how it recoils. From there, you can choose what material best suits your needs and if any sort of texturing would be useful. After that, you can decide what color and finish you like best.
Julie Golob