Let’s Dive into Hogue Goncalo Alves Hardwood Handgun Grips S&W K&L Frame Round Butt 19200
The Hogue Goncalo Alves Hardwood Handgun Grips S&W K&L Frame Round Butt 19200 promise to elevate both the aesthetics and feel of your Smith & Wesson revolver. Hogue is a well-respected name in the firearms accessory world, known for quality grips that enhance both performance and appearance. This particular grip set utilizes Goncalo Alves hardwood, prized for its striking figure and durability. The promise of a hand-polished, non-slippery sheen adds to the allure, suggesting a secure and comfortable hold.
I was drawn to these grips to replace the worn, factory rubber grips on my trusty Model 19. The factory grips, while functional, lacked character and didn’t quite fill my hand the way I prefer. I was seeking a grip that offered both improved ergonomics and a touch of classic elegance.
The grips arrived in simple packaging, as expected. Upon opening, the wood grain was immediately striking, a beautiful interplay of light brown and darker, almost tiger-striped figure. The grips felt solid and substantial, hinting at their promised durability. My initial impression was excitement, though tempered by a lingering question: would the fit be as perfect as the finish suggested?
I considered Pachmayr grips for their finger grooves and reputation for recoil absorption. I also looked at some Micarta options, known for their ruggedness and weather resistance. Ultimately, the Hogue grips won out because of the combination of the classic wood look, the round butt specific design, and the Hogue name’s reputation. I hoped for a blend of form and function, where the grips would not only look good but also enhance my shooting experience.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hogue Goncalo Alves Hardwood Handgun Grips S&W K&L Frame Round Butt 19200 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Hogue Goncalo Alves Hardwood Handgun Grips S&W K&L Frame Round Butt 19200 was at my local indoor shooting range. I wanted to evaluate the fit and feel of the grips in a controlled environment. The range was relatively dry and the temperature was comfortable.
The initial impression was positive in terms of feel. The Goncalo Alves wood provided a comfortable, hand-filling grip with a slightly tacky texture that offered excellent purchase, even with slightly sweaty hands. However, a significant issue quickly became apparent: the fit was far from perfect. A noticeable gap, about 3/8″, existed between the bottom of the grip and the frame of my Model 19, making the gun feel incomplete. This undermined the aesthetic improvement I was hoping for.
It took no time to realize that something was not right. The grip was not correctly milled for the round butt of the frame. While the grip itself felt good, the poor fit drastically impacted my confidence in it.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Goncalo Alves wood has shown no signs of wear and tear from handling. I cleaned them regularly with a soft cloth and occasionally applied a light coat of gun oil to maintain the wood’s luster. The aesthetic quality remains high, although I am still bothered by the original fitting issue, which no amount of cleaning can fix.
The Hogue Goncalo Alves Hardwood Handgun Grips S&W K&L Frame Round Butt 19200, after several range trips, haven’t degraded further. They still feel great to hold, but the gap at the butt of the frame remains a constant reminder of the flawed milling. I have previously used Hogue grips on other revolvers and have always been impressed with the quality and precise fit. This experience has been unexpectedly disappointing.
Breaking Down the Features of Hogue Goncalo Alves Hardwood Handgun Grips S&W K&L Frame Round Butt 19200
Specifications
The Hogue Goncalo Alves Hardwood Handgun Grips S&W K&L Frame Round Butt 19200 is designed specifically for Smith & Wesson K & L frame revolvers with a round butt configuration. They are crafted from Goncalo Alves hardwood, known for its strength and distinctive grain patterns. Each grip set is hand-made and hand-polished.
The grips are designed to replace factory grips, providing a more secure and comfortable hold. The inherent specifications of the Goncalo Alves hardwood contribute to both the grip’s durability and its aesthetic appeal. However, the mounting system seems to have been changed which in turn compromised the grips’ performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Hogue Goncalo Alves Hardwood Handgun Grips S&W K&L Frame Round Butt 19200 should significantly enhance the feel and control of the revolver. The wood provides a secure and non-slip surface, even with sweaty hands. In reality the milling is not perfect and doesn’t offer the best performance.
The main strength of these grips is the inherent quality of the Goncalo Alves wood, offering a comfortable and secure feel. However, the significant weakness lies in the flawed milling and resulting poor fit on the frame. They do not meet expectations given Hogue’s reputation for precision.
Design & Ergonomics
The Goncalo Alves wood is beautiful and offers a warm, natural feel in the hand. The grips are well-shaped and contoured, promoting a comfortable and secure hold. The poor fit undermines the ergonomic benefits.
There is no real learning curve associated with installing or using these grips. Unfortunately, if they do not fit properly, it is not usable.
Durability & Maintenance
The Goncalo Alves hardwood is inherently durable and resistant to wear and tear. With proper care and maintenance, these grips should last for many years. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and occasional application of gun oil is recommended to preserve the wood’s luster.
The grips are easy to maintain, requiring only basic cleaning and occasional oiling. Long term durability seems very good.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hogue Goncalo Alves Hardwood Handgun Grips S&W K&L Frame Round Butt 19200 come as a complete set, ready for installation. There are no included accessories or customization options. However, the wood can be stained or finished to personal preferences, although this is not recommended for most users.
The grips are compatible with most standard holsters designed for K & L frame revolvers with round butt grips. No further modifications are necessary.
Pros and Cons of Hogue Goncalo Alves Hardwood Handgun Grips S&W K&L Frame Round Butt 19200
Pros
- The Goncalo Alves wood is beautiful and provides a comfortable, secure grip.
- The grips are easy to install (assuming they fit correctly).
- The Hogue name is synonymous with quality (typically).
- The polished wood finish is non-slip.
- Durable hardwood promises longevity.
Cons
- The milling is poorly executed, resulting in a significant gap between the grip and the frame.
- The grip appears to be made for a square butt, despite being advertised as a round butt fit.
- The new mounting system seems to be flawed.
Who Should Buy Hogue Goncalo Alves Hardwood Handgun Grips S&W K&L Frame Round Butt 19200?
These grips could be perfect for owners of Smith & Wesson K & L frame revolvers with round butts who are looking to enhance the aesthetic appeal and feel of their firearm. This is if the grips are properly milled and fit correctly. The Goncalo Alves wood offers a classic look and a secure grip.
Anyone with a S&W K or L Frame revolver needing round butt grips should skip this product. The gamble that the machining is not to spec is not worth it.
No specific accessories or modifications are strictly required, however, a gunsmith may be needed to adjust the grip for better fitment.
Conclusion on Hogue Goncalo Alves Hardwood Handgun Grips S&W K&L Frame Round Butt 19200
The Hogue Goncalo Alves Hardwood Handgun Grips S&W K&L Frame Round Butt 19200 are a mixed bag. The Goncalo Alves wood is beautiful and feels great in hand.
At $77.99, the price is not justified given the poor fit and flawed milling. The gamble is just too great.
I cannot personally recommend these grips in their current form. If Hogue addresses the quality control issues and ensures a proper fit, they would be an excellent upgrade. Until then, proceed with caution.