Well, I was leaning toward the Stag, then I looked closely at the photos. The Stag grips don't look like they fit very well (common on S&W revolvers with grips made in an era other than when the gun was manufactured).

So I defaulted to the Ivory (always a good choice in the "looks" department). And then I see that THEY don't fit the frame very well, either, especially at the rear, where the recoil will be concentrated.

And that means (drum roll, please), that "pretty is, as pretty does", and the synthetic/rubber grips win this round in my eyes. If the fit on the other grips could be corrected, then I'd choose in the same order as the paragraphs were presented, above. If not, go with the ugly Uncle Mikes (functionally, the best choice of the three by far, IMO).

The rubber feels the best (for shooting).

The Stag fills the hand best.

The aged ivory just brings back good retro memories.

My Grand Dad was a Chief of Police in Muskogee OK in the '50's.

He carried a S&W with aged ivory grips - don't know what model - to young to care then.

Black Rubber.

I like the stags for looks, the ivory for CC, and the goodyears for the range.

Originally Posted by James NM

I like the stags for looks, the ivory for CC, and the goodyears for the range.

This. Although, I would have the rubber on more often than the others.

BTW, is that a CRKT folder?

No the knife is a SOG Topo Meridian.

It's a excellent knife - very well built

You wanting a "using weapon" or a pimp gun..? I think you know my answer...

Sully2

Oh so you voted for the aged ivory

My favorite has always been ivory or stag for the Single Actions, but prefer wood for my carry guns and heavy caliber guns. I have NO appreciation for the rubber grips. Did some shooting years ago with a Thompson Contender in various heavy calibers. The gun was fitted with fake rubber grips from Pachmyer, and at the end of the day my hand was raw and blistered.

Also found the rubber tended to "catch" my jacket of vest when carrying. Far as I'm concerned, rubber has no place in grip materials!

Bob Wright

Black rubber, they provide the gun with a more balanced look.

Ain't never been a fan of bling on handguns........to me, function is the priority. Black Rubber and stainless are made for each other. Besides, the other grips, as mentioned before do not fit the profile of the butt and IMHO take away from the graceful lines of the Smith..

Black rubber. Yours look like the old Uncle Mikes. I have a set on my old service pistol. They feel good when shooting and fit my hand like a glove. Don't think they are available any more.
I have had stag and good make believe ivory. Rubber wins for shooting.

+1 Spokes

I agree.

Is this a carry piece?

Not really - I have carried it several times.

I always like to carry my guns at least several times if I have leather for them.

It's just a pretty (imho) gun that I shoot....

Originally Posted by dondavis3

Not really - I have carried it several times.

I always like to carry my guns at least several times if I have leather for them.

It's just a pretty (imho) gun that I shoot....

IN that case, add a T-grip to the ivories and rock out.

Originally Posted by dondavis3

... It's just a pretty (imho) gun that I shoot....

In that case, I'd recommend a 4th option.

I'd go back with the factory targets. To my eye, the 4" or larger k frames in 38/357 just look better with factory targets. If you don't have a set, the S&W forum or ebay are good sources.

Vom Kriege

What's a "T" grip?

Target Grip?

Originally Posted by dondavis3

Vom Kriege

What's a "T" grip?

Target Grip?

http://www.t-grips.com/

Originally Posted by Vom Kriege

IN that case, add a T-grip to the ivories and rock out.

I hadn't considered that; good call! I'm not much of a fan of the T-Grips, but I know a lot of folks like and use them.

Here are some photos of them mounted to various revolvers (from Google Images):

http://images.google.com/images?um=1..._rfai=&start=0



.

I vote rubber. It looks more modern and the rubber reduces the felt recoil. Looks and function.

+1 Freedom1911

Your right

I finally got the fourth set of Hogues for my new-to-me model 19. Now all my K-frames pretty much feel and point the same way in my hand.
Top to bottom -- 6" model 66 .357, 4" model 617 .22, 4" model 15 .38 Special, 4" model 19 .357:



Rubber ain't much to look at, but it's hard to beat for functionality. I have some fancy-looking grips for a few of these (although not as nice as dondavis3's stuff), but I rarely use them when shooting except for the .22 (recoil and recoil recovery is not much of a factor with the rimfire).

got black rubber hogues on my s&w 686 cant say I'd ever part with em