Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Rd. Butt Handgun Grip Goncalo Checkered 65201 Review

Let’s Dive into Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Rd. Butt Handgun Grip Goncalo Checkered 65201

The Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Rd. Butt Handgun Grip Goncalo Checkered 65201 promises to be a significant upgrade for Taurus revolver owners seeking enhanced control and a touch of classic elegance. These grips, manufactured by Hogue, are designed to replace the factory grips on medium and large frame Taurus revolvers with round butts, offering a more secure and comfortable hold. The Goncalo Alves wood and checkered pattern aim to provide both superior grip and a visually appealing aesthetic.

For years, I struggled with the factory grips on my Taurus 66. They were functional but lacked the secure feeling needed for accurate, confident shooting, especially during rapid fire drills. After countless hours of searching for the perfect replacement, I landed on the Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Rd. Butt Handgun Grip Goncalo Checkered 65201.

The unboxing experience was impressive; the grips were carefully packaged and the Goncalo Alves wood was rich and vibrant. The immediate sense was one of quality, with the checkering appearing crisp and precisely executed. Compared to Pachmayr rubber grips, which offer a very functional but less aesthetically pleasing option, and some cheaper polymer grips that feel flimsy, the Hogue grips felt like a substantial upgrade.

My first impression was excitement; these grips looked and felt like a significant improvement. I couldn’t wait to install them and see how they performed at the range.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Rd. Butt Handgun Grip Goncalo Checkered 65201 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test took place at my local outdoor shooting range on a sunny, dry afternoon. I installed the Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Rd. Butt Handgun Grip Goncalo Checkered 65201 on my Taurus Model 66. The first few shots revealed an immediate improvement in recoil management compared to the stock grips.

The checkering provided a positive grip even with slightly sweaty hands, allowing for faster follow-up shots. The slightly wider profile of the Hogue grips filled my hand better than the factory grips. No issues arose during that first range session, which immediately instilled confidence in their design and functionality.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, including approximately 500 rounds fired through my Taurus 66 with the Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Rd. Butt Handgun Grip Goncalo Checkered 65201 installed, the grips have held up remarkably well. There are only minor signs of wear around the edges, barely noticeable. Cleaning is easy; a quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth keeps the wood looking its best.

Compared to a set of rubber grips I had used previously, which became sticky and attracted debris, the Hogue grips are far superior in both comfort and longevity. The Goncalo Alves wood seems to resist scratches and dings quite well. They have definitely exceeded my initial expectations and provide added security that I sought.

Breaking Down the Features of Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Rd. Butt Handgun Grip Goncalo Checkered 65201

Specifications

The Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Rd. Butt Handgun Grip Goncalo Checkered 65201 is specifically designed for Taurus medium and large frame revolvers with a round butt configuration. The grips are crafted from Goncalo Alves, a durable and visually appealing hardwood known for its strength and rich color. The checkered pattern is precisely machined to provide a secure and comfortable grip, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

The grips weigh approximately 4 ounces, adding minimal weight to the handgun. This small increase in weight does not significantly affect the balance of the revolver, but it can improve recoil absorption.

Performance & Functionality

The Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Rd. Butt Handgun Grip Goncalo Checkered 65201 dramatically improves the user’s ability to control the handgun during firing. The checkering offers excellent traction, preventing slippage and enhancing grip stability, especially during rapid fire or in wet conditions. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit in the hand, reducing felt recoil and improving accuracy.

The grips fit perfectly on compatible Taurus revolvers, requiring no modifications for installation. The increased surface area and improved grip angle provide a more natural and comfortable shooting experience. They definitely meet the expectations of a premium aftermarket grip upgrade.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Rd. Butt Handgun Grip Goncalo Checkered 65201 excels in both design and ergonomics. The Goncalo Alves wood is not only aesthetically pleasing but also provides a solid, durable platform. The grips are perfectly contoured to fit the natural curves of the hand.

The checkering is aggressive enough to provide a secure grip without being abrasive. The smooth finish of the wood ensures comfortable handling, even during extended shooting sessions. The grips are exceptionally user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

The Goncalo Alves wood used in the Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Rd. Butt Handgun Grip Goncalo Checkered 65201 is renowned for its durability and resistance to wear. With proper care, these grips should last for many years, with just minor wear and tear.

Maintenance is simple and straightforward; regular cleaning with a soft cloth and occasional application of a wood preservative will keep the grips looking and performing their best. The grips are designed to withstand the recoil and abuse of regular shooting, making them a reliable and long-lasting upgrade.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Rd. Butt Handgun Grip Goncalo Checkered 65201 themselves don’t come with any included accessories. However, they are compatible with most standard Taurus medium and large frame revolvers with round butt configurations. There are no additional customization options for the grips themselves, but the user can explore other modifications to the revolver, such as trigger upgrades or sight replacements, to further enhance performance.

The grips are designed to be a direct replacement for the factory grips, ensuring compatibility with existing holsters and other accessories.

Pros and Cons of Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Rd. Butt Handgun Grip Goncalo Checkered 65201