The venerable Smith & Wesson J-Frame is one of the most carried — and most carry-able — pistols every made. And for good reason. The eminently pocketable little gems give you five rounds of GTFO personal defense that’s easily slipped into an IWB holster or a pants pocket for stealthy concealment and accessibility.
Only one problem. The J-Frame’s diminutive size means the venerable revolver is a two-finger gun at best. Unless you have munchkin-sized mitts, you’ll be firing the wheelgun with your pinkie dangling in space.
Well not any more. Pachmayr’s GuardianGrip features a pop-out extension to give your little digit some purchase. The extension stays retracted for ultimate concealment. But when you need it, a simple press of a button on the grip just behind the trigger guard extends the pop-out to give you a full grip on the gun for more control and accuracy.
Pachmayr tells us they’ll be adding versions for other small concealed carry handguns too. Next up: The Ruger LCR. We have one on the way for the full TTAG review treatment.
Here’s Pachmayr’s press release:
Middletown, Conn. (October 2017) – Lyman® Products is proud to unveil the first in a grip that offers the concealment of a compact with the shooting control of a full-size grip: the GuardianGrip™, by Pachmayr, a division of Lyman Products. The patented design allows the user to simply squeeze the button on the front of the grip and a spring loaded finger extension drops down out of the GuardianGrip, converting a two-finger compact grip into a controllable three finger grip.
Initially available for J-frame revolvers, the GuardianGrip line will expand to include many of the popular conceal carry pistols. The GuardianGrip is made from high-strength polymers and is impervious to moisture, weather and chemicals. The ergonomic GuardianGrip includes an open backstrap for greater concealability and textured panels for a positive grip. Snag-free and comfortable, the contour of the GuardianGrip also allows the easy use of speed loaders.
“The GuardianGrip is the answer for every person that carries concealed yet feels a compact grip does not give them the control they need, whether it is during target shooting or if an actual self-defense scenario arose,” Trevor Mullen, VP of Global Marketing and Business Development for Lyman Products, said. “The GuardianGrip adds that level of confidence for the owner of a compact conceal firearm, just by providing them with a positive full-size grip.”
Visit Lyman at www.lymanproducts.com.
About Lyman Products:
Lyman® Products, founded by avid outdoorsman, William Lyman, has been innovating firearms and reloading accessories and gear for almost 140 years. Today, using advanced technologies, Lyman is in the forefront of meeting the needs of shooters and reloaders across the world. Whether pioneering the use of digital technology in reloading tools or reintroducing “antique” calibers and bullet molds, Lyman continues to improve and innovate the tools and accessories used by serious shooters and reloaders.
Lyman products and brands, are available nationally through firearms and sporting goods dealers and mail order companies. Pachmayr, TacStar, Trius Traps, A-Zoom Precision Snap Caps, Butch’s Gun Care and Targdots are also Lyman brands.
… hmmmmm, I’ve never had a problem with my ‘pinky’ finger when firing my .38 Special S&W J-frame. I just wrap it around tight into my palm, which sort of steadies the bottom of the revolver frame. And I’m about 5′-11″ with average size hands — love that little S&W.
In any emergency if I am too far away from the ‘problem’ to use this for self-defence I consider myself an escape/hide candidate.
I get three fingers on my 642. I hike up my grip above the stocks (holding where the hammer would be). My pinky grips the bottom of the handle at an angle. Seems to work pretty well.
Besides that, who cares? A two finger grip is fine for small guns anyway.
The 1.5 finger grip on my LCP and P3AT bugs me a bit though.
I might give this a try….especially on the LCR
“I might give this a try….especially on the LCR”
Is Ruger’s LCR dimensionally identical to a J-frame?
Do these fit a Taurus 85 Ultralite? Just got one…it does have a great soft grip but tiny.
The j-frames were a tight fit for average folks for decades – and by design no less. The original wood grips were skinny but still allowed a high grip that most of us could still juuuussst… baaaarely…. get our pinkie onto. The two-finger problem only came into existence when the two-finger “boot grip” became standard issue instead of the traditional wood scales.
So none of this is new or really innovative, the solution today is the same as it has always been: take off the boot grip and put a proper one on. 🤠
You’re absolutely right. I bought smaller wood grips for my 642. I needed a longer LOP. The wood grips actually reduced felt recoil for me, because the gun fit in my hand a lot better. Previously I was pulling the trigger much too low on my finger.
Having not tested this I’ll reserve judgment. That said, the 2 finger grips (Hogue Bantam) are leagues ahead of the wood target stocks. I’d rather not have the extra finger on the grip but rather be able to hold the gun with the 2 I have. My accuracy went way up after getting rid of the stock junk and it’s actually on the verge of pleasant to shoot. It’s also an air weight which makes the wooden grips trying to tear your skin off problem worse. At least it feels like it’s trying to tear your skin off. Grips (if equipped with crappy ones) and a trigger return spring/job are the two best mods for a j-frame. I wish they’d make these little guys in 327 Federal, that 6th shot would be nice. Or a 7 shooter k-frame.
Andrew Lias,
What you have said plainly is that you want a Ruger LCR in .327 Federal Magnum, which exists by the way.
Ruger LCR revolvers are small and light. And they have an excellent stock trigger unlike Smith and Wesson J-frame revolvers.
What the hell kind of magical pockets do you guys have that you can walk around with all these different kinds of guns in them?
I’ve done it. I prefer a S&W Bodyguard .380…flatter in the pocket. But I’ve pocket carried a J-Frame, even in jeans.
They must be like Dr Who’s TARDIS, bigger on the inside.
It’s got the little thingy that pops out? Is that legal?
Ask Harvey Weinstein.
The very intent and purpose of the J-frame is concealment and ease thereof.
Bigger and and stickier and bumpier rubber grips are great for the range but not so hot for actual carry in and around your clothes.
If concealment is not your concern then get some N-Frame sized target grips encased in gum-rubber traction-tread bolted onto your J-frame. Better yet, trade the J-frame for a BAR (Big Ass Revolver).
Geez!
PS
My pockets hold a J-frame, LCR, or Charter Undercover just fine and dandy – especially with smooth minimalist grips.
I don’t wear ‘skin tight’ jeans, but my j-frame with the standard wood grips fits comfortably in my pocket using a Sticky holster.
Bought some Altamont boot grips for my M36. An improvement over the factory panels, but they lacked purchase for my little finger.
So here’s what I did:
Using a half-round file, I formed a scallop on the bottom edge of each grip to accommodate my little finger where it wraps under the butt. This provides support and comfort without the added bulk of a Compac or Bantam grip.
I’m pretty happy with the VZ grips on my J-frame. Much better for drawing from the pocket than the standard rubber grips that came with it.
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