North American Arms Boot Grips GBGM Review

Let’s Dive into North American Arms Boot Grips GBGM

The North American Arms Boot Grips GBGM are designed to offer improved handling and concealability for your NAA mini-revolver. Manufactured by North American Arms, these grips promise a lightweight and convenient front strap carry solution with a natural finish. The adjustable boot and enlarged thumb rest/magazine well contribute to enhanced grip and control, potentially making it a valuable upgrade for NAA owners. I have used many different grips on many different firearms, so I’m looking forward to adding this to the collection.

For years, I’ve grappled with the limited grip surface on my NAA mini-revolver, especially when practicing quick draws or shooting with slightly sweaty hands. I’ve always wanted something that gave me just a bit more to hold on to when firing such a small pistol. The promise of enhanced control and concealability sparked my interest, prompting me to explore this potential upgrade.

Upon unboxing the North American Arms Boot Grips GBGM, my initial impression was one of simple elegance. The basswood material felt light and smooth in my hands, and the natural finish gave it a classic, understated look. The build quality seemed solid enough for the intended purpose, but how it held up to repeated use was a question mark.

Several similar grip options exist, but I was drawn to the North American Arms product due to its integrated boot design and the claim of improved grip. Others felt too bulky, or didn’t seem to offer the same level of concealability that I was hoping for. The GBGM seemed to strike a good balance, at least on paper.

My first impression was a blend of cautious optimism and curiosity. The design looked promising and had a low-profile design. I was eager to see if the grips lived up to their claims of enhancing both control and concealability.

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Real-World Testing: Putting North American Arms Boot Grips GBGM to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the North American Arms Boot Grips GBGM at my local shooting range, focusing on drawing drills and accuracy testing at varying distances. The conditions were fairly standard – dry, with mild temperatures and minimal wind.

The improved grip was immediately noticeable, providing a much more secure hold compared to the original grips. However, I found that the thumb rest took some getting used to, and I experienced some initial discomfort from the corner of the boot digging into my hand during rapid firing. This was something I had not expected.

Using the grips required a slight adjustment to my normal shooting stance. Once I adapted, I found my groupings tightened slightly. The “boot” design, while intended for convenient carry, did add a bit of awkwardness initially.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the North American Arms Boot Grips GBGM have held up reasonably well. There are no significant signs of wear and tear.

Cleaning the grips is straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each range session. Maintaining them has been easy. However, the natural finish could be susceptible to staining over time.

Compared to my previous experiences with other NAA grip options, these are an improvement in terms of grip and concealability, but not without some trade-offs in comfort. The added control does make a noticeable difference, but the initial discomfort remains a minor concern.

Breaking Down the Features of North American Arms Boot Grips GBGM

Specifications

The North American Arms Boot Grips GBGM are crafted from basswood and feature a natural finish. They are specifically designed as a boot grip replacement for compatible NAA mini-revolvers.

These grips are lightweight and require no assembly, offering a simple and straightforward upgrade. The adjustable boot allows for front strap carry. The enlarged thumb rest on one side and magazine well on the other contribute to enhanced grip and control.

• Mfg Item Num: GBGM
• Supplier SKU: 32916
• Category: GRIPS & RECOIL PADS
• Type: Boot Grip
• Model: GBGM
• Finish: Laminated
• Material: Wood

These specifications matter because they directly influence the overall user experience. The lightweight basswood ensures minimal added weight, while the boot design and ergonomic features contribute to improved handling and concealability.

Performance & Functionality

The North American Arms Boot Grips GBGM improve the grip surface of your NAA mini-revolver. This ultimately leads to better control and potentially enhanced accuracy, especially during rapid-fire scenarios.

One strength of this system is the lightweight design. Its weakness, however, is the lack of adjustability in the boot height, which may not fit all users comfortably. It does meet expectations for increased control, but falls short in the comfort department.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is adequate for the intended purpose, with smooth basswood and a natural finish. The weight is negligible, adding virtually no bulk to the overall firearm.

The grip is generally user-friendly, but requires some familiarization due to the unique boot design. There is a slight learning curve. The placement of the thumb rest can be awkward for some users.

Durability & Maintenance

The basswood construction should provide decent durability with proper care. However, it may not withstand extreme abuse or exposure to harsh environments.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth and perhaps an application of wood preservative to protect the finish. Repairs, if needed, would likely require professional assistance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The North American Arms Boot Grips GBGM come with no additional accessories beyond the grips themselves. Due to their specific design and fitment for NAA mini-revolvers, customization options are limited.

While the grips are compatible with most standard NAA mini-revolver models, compatibility with aftermarket accessories such as holsters may vary due to the boot design. Always check compatibility before purchase.

Pros and Cons of North American Arms Boot Grips GBGM