Author Topic: Grips Wooden or Rubber (Read 1599 times)

dougk · « **on:** May 10, 2005, 12:40:07 PM »

Im preparation for handgun hunting next year I am curious what has been better Rubber or Wooden Grips? I will be in Texas where the winters are relatively mild. Does the climate make a difference?

Thanks,
Doug

lisa1lacy2 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 10, 2005, 02:06:22 PM »

rubber yuck yuck yuck :eek: just kidding I am not sure only used wood cant stand the look of rubber just not my cup of tea but what ever work for you

rickyp · « **Reply #2 on:** May 10, 2005, 02:54:29 PM »

you did not say what you what them on.

I have a set of pach. desolater on my contender. they work great I have not had any troubles with them in the cold. they are much better then the wood grips that came with the frame.

I just got an Encore and it came with the t/c rubber grips I like them Tho I haven't used them very much.

I will say I have the same barrel for both the encore and contender and use the same load in them both. The Encore is a lot better to shoot I do not know if it is the extra weight of the firearm or the grips or both.

jhalcott · « **Reply #3 on:** May 10, 2005, 03:27:58 PM »

I tried the Pachmyer grips on my 44 revolter and on the contender.They seem to chaffe the hand badly when hard kickers are being shot repeatedly,as in sillywets. For a hunting gun ,they SHOULD work fine. They do soak up some recoil and give a better grip when your hand is damp from rain or sweat.

knight0334 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 10, 2005, 03:36:21 PM »

I use both.

A set of factory grips that have been smoothened on my Python. And the factory Pachmyr grip on my Virginian Dragoon 44 mag.

If I can find a set of wood grips for my Virginian, I'd grab them up in a heartbeat. These rubber things rub my hand raw no matter how tight I hold it.

dougk · « **Reply #5 on:** May 10, 2005, 04:18:33 PM »

Opps... The grips will be used on a Ruger Redhawk .44 Mag. I like the factory wood grips but am wondering if the rubber grips would be better suited to field use.
Thanks,
Doug

knight0334 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 10, 2005, 04:59:20 PM »

I think thats something you'll have to find out on your own. Each person has a different preference for a given firearm.

I've never experienced and weather related swelling of wood grips to cause any problems, even here in PA with deer season temps in the -10'F to +40'F range.

I prefer wood, but the rubber ones do help absorb some of the recoil of my 44. With your DA Redhawk, its not really designed to roll upwards with recoil like a single action will in your hands. Rubber might help if you have girlly wrists like me.

Pinkerton · « **Reply #7 on:** May 10, 2005, 05:04:56 PM »

I just got a Redhawk in 45 colt and picked up a set of houge rubber grips and found that I just didn't like them as well as the original rosewood. Now I'd like to get a set of the houge wood grips.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 10, 2005, 05:09:31 PM »

I think wood looks better but rubber grips work better for me.

oso45-70 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 10, 2005, 05:48:56 PM »

Dougk.
Its a matter of choice, My self i prefer wood grips even on the heavy kickers. I have bought guns at gun shows that had rubber grips and replaced them with wood or traded them to someone else. Good luck with your choice........Joe.........

Gun Runner · « **Reply #10 on:** May 10, 2005, 05:49:06 PM »

The used RedHawk I picked up had pacy. on it. They ate my hand when shooting full house loads, put a set of Hogue on it and havant had a prob. since with it eating my hand. Also find the rubber grips easyer to handle when hands are cold or wet.

Gun Runner

WNY_Whitetailer · « **Reply #11 on:** May 11, 2005, 06:23:33 AM »

I love the look of the Black/Gray laminate grip on my Ruger SBHH. I had issues with grip consistency though when shooting with gloves on or when it was really cold and I was shooting with my bare hands. I switched to the Hogue Monogrip and I have never looked back. The feel is much better and I have all the consistency I need in my grip...

muzzleblast525 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 11, 2005, 06:25:11 AM »

Rubber!

Lawdog · « **Reply #13 on:** May 11, 2005, 07:52:28 AM »

I prefer my rifle/shotgun stocks to be wood and I require my handgun grips to be the same. WOOD FOREVER!!! Lawdog

oso45-70 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 11, 2005, 03:47:22 PM »

Lawdog,

I'm sure we can agree on many things and this is one for sure, There is nothing like wood for any gun. I have a 6.5 X 06 with composit stock and its in the back of one of my safes so it don't show.........Joe..........

dougk · « **Reply #15 on:** May 11, 2005, 05:22:41 PM »

So is it Wood for show and Rubber for doe or buck... :-D

I like the look of wood and really hate the look of rubber but I have been playing with 2 .357 mag. with rubber grips. Boy are they comfortable.

So I am thinking of getting rubber for hunting and keeping the wood for display or the occasional target shooting.

Doug

Greeenriver · « **Reply #16 on:** May 12, 2005, 04:57:10 AM »

I gess I'm slightly out of step with everyone else here, I have Russ-N-Hounds imitation Ivory on all my pistols that I use reguarly. I love the look and feel of Ivory, but can't afford real ivory, Russ-N-Hounds imitation is as close as I can come. But then, the only Magnum revolver I own is a Ruger 32H&R Single Six, the hardest recoil I face if a full BP load in a Uberti 45lc. What don't have Russ's grips on them are still wood, my second preference.

Greeenriver(Was just thinking, I only got two pistols with adjustable sights. Hummmm......... gess I better think about traiding them off and replacing them with fixed sighted pistols.)

MS Hitman · « **Reply #17 on:** May 13, 2005, 12:58:39 AM »

Actually, I have ebony micarta grip panels on my Freedom Arms revolvers, which prefer over both wood and rubber grips. My Stalker and Predator conversions both wear the original wooden panels, but one day I'll have them stocked with micarta as well. My Bisley wears Hogue imitation ivory, but only because I couldn't talk the guy at the zoo out of the elephant tusk they had on display when we took the children to the zoo last time.

Mikey · « **Reply #18 on:** May 13, 2005, 02:11:37 AM »

My two older shorter barrelled S&W magnums carry black Buffalo horn grips for show and tell, and the original wood factory magnum grips (somewhat worn) for the range and field. Just my preference. Mikey.

dougk · « **Reply #19 on:** May 13, 2005, 08:43:07 AM »

I looked at all the grip options even custom grips. There are some very cool grips available, but I was looking for function. Having Hogue Monogrips and Pachmayr Gripper on my .357 revolvers I liked them both. It ultimately came down to the Hogue just because I could not find anyone selling Pachmayr grips in Austin, TX. It's sad because I was leaning slightly toward the Pachmayr.

Thanks for the info.
Doug

longwalker · « **Reply #20 on:** May 13, 2005, 12:29:38 PM »

Up here in the cooler climates I like rubber. I find when hunting with gloves on ( always ) I have a much better grip. If the rubber is that much more recoil absorbant is a question for engineers. I find I just have confidence with the rubber grips. I hunt with a super redhawk 44

longwalker

MS Hitman · « **Reply #21 on:** May 13, 2005, 05:39:49 PM »

The reason I went with ebony micartas on my FA revolvers is for function. These grip panels are tough and work well for me. I have a couple of Pachmyer grips for these firearms, but they do not get used very often.

dougk · « **Reply #22 on:** May 13, 2005, 06:53:45 PM »

MS,
where did you get the Micarta grips? My cleaning knives all have those handles, they are the best materialunder any conditions (rain, freezing etc.)

Doug

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #23 on:** May 14, 2005, 02:36:20 PM »

rubber is for condoms wood is for grips!!

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #24 on:** May 14, 2005, 03:28:37 PM »

Quote from: Lloyd Smale

rubber is for condoms wood is for grips!!

That was funny. :-D

On my handgun in 454 Casull down, I do have wooden grips, but on my 500MAG's I use the rubber grips. I have shot them with wood, but all the recoil in absorbed in the hand.

MS Hitman · « **Reply #25 on:** May 14, 2005, 04:22:33 PM »

The FAs have factory installed micarta grip panels. You can get micartas installed on Rugers by John Linebaugh and others.

oso45-70 · « **Reply #26 on:** May 14, 2005, 04:22:35 PM »

Lloyd, Works well with cars, Would hate wooden wheels and tires. Some one mentioned Ivory grips, Yes i have some too but no rubber..........Joe..........

Glanceblamm · « **Reply #27 on:** May 14, 2005, 05:22:24 PM »

Joe
I was going to mention someone mentioning the ivory grips....
They do seem to work well for me.

DakotaElkSlayer · « **Reply #28 on:** May 14, 2005, 06:33:39 PM »

Personally, I don't like the looks of the rubber grips so I stick with the factory laminate that came with my SBHH. That being said, my hottest load is a mild 255gr at 1200fps and change. If I start shooting some real hot stuff, maybe that rubber might become more attractive.

Jim

S.B. · « **Reply #29 on:** May 15, 2005, 03:36:56 AM »

Lot of controversy on this one. But for me anyway, rubber for my hunting handguns. Rubber isn't affected, as much as wood, by weather or water. Rubber help absorb recoil in the bigger stuff. I know wood is prettier than the tupperware grips but, pretty don't count in the hunting field.