Proper grip size?

[rkrcpa]

I have a Lipsey FT .44Spl and I do not like the factory grips. What is the consensus(if there is one) on a properly sized grip? I do not like the fact that the grip is larger at the bottom. Who thought that was a good idea?

The problem is, there are so many grips available but nowhere to go and try them out. It sure was easier when the choice was either the factory grips or Pachmayr Presentation. I have a Bisley Blackhawk and think that might just be the perfect grip frame, but that's not in the budget. I wear an XXL glove and feel cramped on the XR-3 grip.

I was looking at the Eagle "Gunfighter" grip and that seems like it may be a possibility. I like the idea of less circumference at the bottom of the grip. My goal is to not end up with a box of rejects just to find what works. I already have a box of holster rejects, been there, done that.

So, what say you?

[edk]

What I say is that the industry needs to understand that like shoes, gloves or a good suit there is no such thing as "one size fits all".

It seems to me that all single action shooters are looking for the holy grail, whether it be Keith #5, Ruger bisley/super blackhawk/XR3, Freedon Arms, etc. - the list goes on.

That facts are I wear size 12 shoes. If you are an 8 then no amount of "adaptation/practice/playing with panels/whatever" are going to make those shoes fit you.

Somebody needs to think out of the box here.

[caryc]

The grips that I make for those grip frames are larger at the top and with less flair at the bottom. The problem with that grip frame is that it is only .437" in width whereas the original XR3 was .500". Add those extremely skinny at the top plastic grips and the flair at the bottom and holding on is a problem for most people.

Below is a drawing showing how the XR3 and the XR3-RED grip frames compare. You can see that the XR3-RED has about an eighth more room in back of the trigger guard.

[bluecow]

have hogue finger groove gripd on my 5.5 bh 44mag. not vary western but nice for hunting

[bisleyfan41]

With your FT 44, you only have a couple of choices. Swap the grip frame for one that better fits YOU or find some grip panels that change the contour and feel to your hand and fit them to the factory grip frame. Cary's grips or a set of the Eagle's may work, but the only way you'll know is to buy them and try 'em. Unfortunately, there's no way to correctly recommend something will fit YOUR HAND and get it right. You gotta find it.

[dale53]

I have discovered that the Pachmayr Colt Single Action Army grips fit the Ruger .44 Lipsey Special quite well - not perfect, but pretty dern good. The Pachmayrs have a filler behind the trigger guard, they cover the bottom of the grip frame (leaving room for ALL of your fingers) and the back of the grip frame. With my rather large hands, I get a better trigger finger position also. Pachmayr has discontinued the Colt grips also, but there are some "out there". Keep a look out on Ebay, Gun Broker, etc and the local gun shows. The Packmayr designation is "CSA".

I know that saying "Pachmayr" horribly offends the traditionalists but I am a shooter and to me, these are a GREAT improvement over most single action grips I have used. I have been shooting single action revolvers for over fifty years and all of mine wear Pachamyr grips. I get NO knuckle rap with the rubber grips and have a full grip to hold on to. That's for me!

Herrett used to make a fine wooden grip with checkering for the Ruger original FlatTop. They had a filler behind the trigger guard and extended below the grip frame. My brother has a pair on his original FlatTop .357 and they fit well and look good. However, when I contacted Herrett to see about them making a set for me, they weren't interested.

Dale53