In the “old” days, there weren’t a lot of options to improve your grip on a revolver. Nothing like the variety of aftermarket stocks that are available today. If you couldn’t afford true custom stocks a great option to improve the revolver’s grip, and your control over the pistol was to install a “grip adapter.” The Tyler T-Grip is my favorite - http://www.t-grips.com . They completely change the shape of the grip, are easy to install, work well and they look very cool.
Early revolvers had small, thin stocks made of wood and hard rubber. There’s not much real estate for you to acquire a proper grip. They weren’t comfortable and never “filled” the hand properly. When I fire pistols with this style stock the recoil is painful; it’s more “grab it tight and hold on” as opposed to a controlled grip. In the 1930’s Smith & Wesson produced adapters for their “K” and “N” frame revolvers, and eventually revolver stocks evolved into more agreeable sizes and shapes. Yet, “standard” factory stocks still leave a lot to be desired, and “target” stocks are too large for people with small-medium size hands. There are aftermarket options, which can get pricey, especially for a “hard-use” pistol.
Adapters are a great solution to improving your revolver’s grip. This bolt-on accessory – there’s no modification to the pistol – adds material to the front strap and behind the trigger guard. It completely changes the grip’s shape, and its “feel” in hand. They’ve been produced by a variety of different companies; my favorite is Tyler T-Grips’ adapter.
Tyler’s adapters are made of aluminum or brass, depending on your weight preference, and available in a variety of finishes for S&W’s, Colt, Ruger, Rossi and Taurus revolvers. The adapters aren’t a "generic, one size fits all" design. Each style is for a specific model pistol, for example square or round butt K frames. Tyler is an older company, and experienced a slump in the past but is now fully operational, and still putting out a quality product.
Installation is simple. Ensure the pistol is unloaded. Remove the factory stocks using the proper size screw-driver; an improper fit between screw and bit will cause damage. Place the adapter on the front strap of the grip, with its thin metal tabs on each side of the frame. Make sure the adapter is positioned properly to both front strap and the area behind the trigger guard. Install the stocks, carefully torquing the small screw. Say, “Done,” and head to the range.
A fighting revolver needs good sights, a smooth trigger action and it has to fit your hands – grip is important. Grip adapters are a great way to transform the “fit” of a revolver. They’re simple – anyone can install them. They’re very effective. It’s not something you can look at and understand. You have to feel it for yourself. “Surprise” is usually the look on people’s faces the first time they try one. An adapter can change your opinion on a pistol from “doesn’t feel right” into “this feels good.” They’re affordable; Tyler T-Grips start at around $40. You also have to acknowledge that their “retro” look is quite eye-catching.
Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy. He is the author of The Book of Two Guns, AR-15 Skills and Drills, has a regular column in American Handgunner and makes some cool knives and custom revolvers. Visit Shootrite’s Facebook page for other details.