Pachmayr 03252 Compact Grips, S&W J Frame Round Butt,Black

Love my new Diamondback SDR (self defense revolver) - except for one thing: Grips. Factory grips were tiny "boot" grips, which work great for concealment, but if you ever actually need to FIRE the thing ... no bueno. So I called the company and did all kinds of research and found out that grips made for Smith J Frames are a good approximate fit. These fit like a glove and are a DECIDED UPGRADE because they give my hand something to hold onto under recoil. Plus they look good. So if you are seeking good practical grips for your SDR, these are a great choice.

Smith & Wesson Airweight pistols are still an industry-standard, after all of these years. They have persisted in the marketplace despite the introduction of dozens of semi automatic competitors. The explanation that I will offer is that for a permit holder who is only interested in dependable self-defense, the little gun is all that you really need. The fact that they are revolvers with a five shot magazine capacity means that they will probably never be subject to any kind of "high-capacity" ban.One characteristic of the Smith & Wesson J frame (I do not call it a flaw) is a notoriously small grip. I'm sure that the intention is to make the gun as small and concealable as possible. The conceal ability comes at a price. When the little revolver is loaded with high pressure plus P loads it can be very hard to handle and stay on target. This enhanced rubber grip does a nice job of correcting that shortcoming by offering a no slip ergonomic purchase. I have also noticed that when I am at the range, my groups are tighter. Also, it does seem to improve the natural point of aim.I am 5'10" tall, 174 pounds. When I am carrying my pistol in an IWB holster under a loosefitting sweater, this grip will print just slightly more than the factory grip would print; but I've never gotten a comment from anybody so I guess it's okay. The way that I see it, if you're carry weapon does not have a comfortable and familiar feel you're going to have trouble using it when you need it.

I will preface my review with acknowledging what others have noticed - the overall fit and finish of the grip is horrendous and definitely not what the Pachmayr of old was known for. Gaps, leftover flash from the moulding process, and misaligned edges are what I found when I mounted the grip to my S&W 360. Despite the lackluster cosmetics, the grips really do shine in use on the range. As any owner of an Airweight snubby can attest to, they can be a real handful to fire, especially so if chambered in .357 magnum.In the comfort department, these Pachmayr grips do very well. The rubber material is dense and offers a solid feel, but still has some give to allow some cushioning to mitigate recoil. The material also has a good balance of tackiness - enough to enhance one’s grasp on the revolver, but not so tacky that it snags on every article of clothing you are wearing. I frequently pocket carry my snubby and these grips still allow for a smooth quick draw.Another bonus these grips offer is a solid purchase for the pinky - something the stock S&W boot grips do not. That alone makes for a big improvement in controllability, accuracy, and follow-up shots. Yes, the Pachmayr grips are a little bulkier and longer, but I personally feel the trade off is worth it for better performance in use.Overall, I deduct one star for the poor finishing of the product. However, I don’t care too much about the cosmetics of my snubby since I don’t carry it to be displayed. Where it really counts is how it improved the overall comfort and shootability of my revolver. For that use, this grip does well and I would recommend it.

Not my 1st set of Pachmayr Compact Grips. Just a nice as those I bought 40 years ago. Makes the J frame a bit bigger but not enough to matter for concealment in the REAL world. It dose give more support for management of the firearm and recoil control.

Pachmayr quality is not what it used to be. The fit of this grip is a bit off behind the trigger guard and doesn’t quite line up. There is also a bit of a gap where the top of the grip meets the backstrap.Grip is good, even if you get sweaty hands, and it absorbs recoil well.I’d give it a higher rating, but the fit is a bit disappointing. I’ll keep it for now, but will probably for a better grip at some point

I got this to replace my Hogue grips on a S&W 640 357 Magnum.Installation was easy, and the fit was perfect.I like the full grip, and it really does help with the shock of the heavy load. It now feels like a 38+P with full house 357 Magnum Defensive loads.The material is firm, and the rear of the grip is softer. However, it's the width of the grip that gives control and comfort.Definitely worthwhile grip for a 357 Magnum.

I've purchased literally dozens of these over the years. This one was a real let down. Poor fit, poor workmanship, had to take a dremel to it to get it to fit. It's a j frame for heavens sake. They ought to have that one down by now.

I purchased the identical Pachmayr grips for my S&W J-frame some years ago. Those fit like original equipment and measurably improves the accuracy of the pistol. The newly purchased grips fit very poorly! Large, very noticeable, gaps remain between the pistol's handle and the grips, plus the front edges of the grips do not meet without gaps. I read some of the reviews stating all of the above, however I had been so satisfied with my first pair of grips that I took a chance. That was a mistake. I have returned the Pachmayr grips and will be looking for another brand.