Pros and Cons Of Finger Grooves?

T

trky chsr

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I am considering getting a nice Hogue grip for my M17 and possibly my M29 and I would like to know the pros and cons of finger grooves on a grip. I kinda like the plain look but if there is an advantage to finger grooves I may give them a go. TC
 
Finger grooves are a personal fit thing. If you have big meat hooks as fingers then you might not like the feel or position of your fingers over a plain grip.

Best advice would be to try them out and see how they feel.

CS45
 
I hate them, on rifles, pistols, or knives. I can't see how some joe in a factory will be able to anticipate where my fingers feel comfortable. Usually, they feel uncomfortable. That said, I am ok with one finger groove, on a pistol grip that would be a groove for my middle finger. That is just enough to anchor my grip, without telling the rest of my digits where they should go.
 
For the occasions where I find that my fingers fall into the grooves without stretching or reaching they are wonderful. But when they don't fit then it completely ruins the efficiency of the grip. I'm running around 50-50 for success to failure. But then I'm only working with a sampling of a total of 4 finger groove style grips. All Hogue and all for revolvers. The black rubber ones fit me like a glove and position my hand naturally in just the right spot. The two sets of wood grips I've had were sold to folks which they actually fit.

You will need to find and try them for yourself. And as you try them be aware of the proper method for holding a revolver that positions the web of the hand up at or slightly bulging over the rear hook/corner of the frame.
 
Depends on fit. Got a set of Pachs on my old .45 Colt Hand Ejector, perfect for me. Ugly as H-E-double hockey stick, but they work. Had a set of aftermarket laminated wood finger grooves on my S&W 27, didn't fit for me at all, spacing was really uncomfortable. I prefer a revolver to sit low in my hand. My 17-3 now sports a nice set of grooved grips courtesy of a fellow member, and my incoming 29 will wear a similar (although scaled up) set.
 
As another solution or option, have a look at these 1911 grips that I just saw in the latest edition of Rifleman magazine:

TimbersmithUSA.com

Maybe they have ones in the firearm you want.

CS45
 
I kinda had the thought that finger groves would work semi well in duty/combat situations. Where you had to grab the gun quick and draw. The groves helped get the hand grip more where it should be.

I had the the chance years ago to try out S&W Model 10s with various grips and them. And this is what my thoughts were from that experience.
 
I won't touch a revolver without Hogue grips and prefer them on pistols.

I find they help getting a consistent grip quickly when drawing from a holster.

I also find they really help when firing a heavy recoiling handgun one handed. They keep revolvers from sliding upwards in the hand and for me, they keep my knuckles from hitting each other.

If you don't need them or like them more power to you.
 
I have them on the GP100 and than on a S&W revolver and now I have bought Hauge grips for some semi-autos and I really like them. I have big hands though. Made a huge difference for a Ruger .44 Mag Super Black Hawk, I couldn't shoot it before the rubber grips. It was painful! The grips are not expensive so if you don't like them what's $20 or so.
 
Gettin' in the groove...

Some of those finger groove grips feel really nice to hold, as long as they are the same as my grip and finger size.

I'd ask myself what kind of shooting I'd be using the gun for?

If you always shoot slow and always make sure you get the "perfect" grip before you shoot a precision group, then they may be for you.

If you do a lot of fast draws from the holster they may not be the best because sometimes you aren't going to get that perfect grip. I like to shoot IPSC and some days I might work on my draw and shoot 50+ times from the holster. Although I work on consistantly getting a correct grip each time, I know that sometimes that does not happen. Those are the times when the grooves would really work against you!!

If you are new to pistol shooting your grip will probably change quite a bit from how it started and grooves could really work against you. Know yourself, know what you plan to do and have fun! :)
 
Get a set made for your hand from Herretts. Once you try a set that fit properly you will understand the attraction. I prefer a smooth grip on heavy recoiling handguns, but up to 44 Mag they work well, if they fit. Having said that, Pachmeyer Presentation N frame S size grips would be my choice for serious social work on an N frame revolver. At least for my hands. - dan
 
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