The Story of My Time with the Hogue Ruger GP100/Super Redhawk Handgun Grip Pau Ferro Big Butt Checkered 80325
For years, my Ruger GP100 has been a steadfast companion, a reliable tool for everything from recreational shooting to personal defense training. However, I’d always felt there was a touch of refinement missing in the grip department. The factory rubber panels, while functional, lacked a certain tactile engagement and aesthetic appeal. That’s where the Hogue Ruger GP100/Super Redhawk Handgun Grip Pau Ferro Big Butt Checkered 80325 entered the picture.
The catalyst for this upgrade was a particularly long range day where my hands, slick with sweat and the fine grit of the range, made maintaining a consistent hold a minor, yet persistent, challenge. I needed something that offered superior purchase without being abrasive, a grip that felt as good as it looked and performed. While I considered other aftermarket options, many leaned too heavily into synthetic materials or lacked the classic elegance I was after for my classic revolver. This Hogue grip, with its Pau Ferro wood and checkered pattern, promised a blend of tradition and modern ergonomic design. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of solid craftsmanship; the wood felt dense and substantial, and the checkering was sharp and precise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hogue Ruger GP100/Super Redhawk Handgun Grip Pau Ferro Big Butt Checkered 80325 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the Hogue Pau Ferro grips took place on my usual stomping grounds: an outdoor range with varying lighting conditions and a constant fine dust kicked up by the wind. Swapping out the factory grip was straightforward, requiring only a single screw. The Pau Ferro grip settled onto the revolver’s frame with a satisfying snugness, immediately presenting a more substantial and refined feel in my hand.
The difference in feel was palpable from the first shot. The checkering provided an exceptional grip, even as my hands warmed up. I noticed a significant reduction in felt recoil, likely due to the improved stability and the way the wood seemed to absorb some of the shock. Even after firing a couple hundred rounds, my hands felt less fatigued, a testament to the ergonomic design. There were no surprises, just a consistent, confident hold throughout the session.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the subsequent months, this Pau Ferro grip has become a permanent fixture on my GP100. It’s seen use during dry-fire practice sessions in my workshop, carried in a padded case to various training events, and endured exposure to the occasional light moisture from a sudden downpour during an outdoor excursion. The grip has held up impeccably; there are no signs of cracking, warping, or any noticeable degradation in the wood’s finish or the sharpness of the checkering.
Cleaning is as simple as wiping it down with a slightly damp cloth or a bit of wood polish to maintain its luster. Compared to the generic rubber grips I’ve used in the past, this Hogue offering feels significantly more durable and resistant to the oils and grime that tend to accumulate. It doesn’t feel like a disposable accessory but rather an integral, long-lasting enhancement to the firearm.
Breaking Down the Features of Hogue Ruger GP100/Super Redhawk Handgun Grip Pau Ferro Big Butt Checkered 80325
Specifications
The Hogue Ruger GP100/Super Redhawk Handgun Grip Pau Ferro Big Butt Checkered 80325 is designed specifically for Ruger’s GP100 and Super Redhawk revolvers, ensuring a precise fit. The material is a beautiful, Pau Ferro wood, known for its density and attractive reddish-brown hue, often referred to as Bolivian Rosewood. It features a full checkered pattern across the grip surface, providing aggressive purchase without being overly abrasive.
The “Big Butt” designation refers to the expanded palm swell at the base of the grip, designed to fill the shooter’s hand more completely. This increases contact area, which in turn aids in recoil management and overall shooting stability. Unlike some synthetic grips that can feel “sticky” or too slick, the natural properties of the wood and the depth of the checkering offer a balanced tactile experience.
Performance & Functionality
This grip excels at its primary function: enhancing the shooter’s connection with the firearm. The Pau Ferro wood and the meticulous checkering work synergistically to provide a secure grip that doesn’t shift, even under vigorous shooting. The improved stability directly translates to better accuracy, allowing for more consistent sight alignment shot after shot.
The primary strength of this grip lies in its combination of aesthetic appeal and practical performance. The “Big Butt” design genuinely helps manage recoil, making follow-up shots quicker and more accurate, especially with heavier magnum loads in a Super Redhawk. A minor point to consider is that for those with exceptionally small hands, the expanded palm swell might feel a bit substantial, though it’s generally designed to fit a wide range of hand sizes.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Hogue Pau Ferro grip is exceptional. The Pau Ferro wood is finished smoothly, allowing the natural grain to show through while still being resistant to minor scuffs. The checkered panels are deeply cut and uniformly executed, providing excellent grip without causing discomfort or hot spots, even during extended firing sessions.
Ergonomically, the grip fills the hand beautifully. The “Big Butt” shape is a significant upgrade from the slimmer factory grips, promoting a more natural hand position. This improved ergonomics reduces the tendency for the revolver to rotate in the hand under recoil. The transition from the wood to the frame of the revolver is seamless, indicating precise manufacturing.
Durability & Maintenance
This Hogue grip is built for longevity. The inherent hardness and density of Pau Ferro wood make it highly resistant to wear and tear. After considerable use, the checkered pattern remains sharp, and the wood itself shows no signs of splintering or cracking.
Maintenance is minimal; a simple wipe-down with a soft cloth is usually sufficient. For deeper cleaning or to restore a bit of shine, a small amount of wood polish can be applied. There are no complex parts to worry about; it’s a solid piece of wood designed to withstand the rigors of shooting. Potential users should note that like all wood, extreme and prolonged exposure to moisture could eventually affect the finish, but this is unlikely under normal shooting conditions.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hogue Ruger GP100/Super Redhawk Handgun Grip Pau Ferro Big Butt Checkered 80325 is largely a standalone upgrade, requiring no additional accessories for installation beyond the screw typically provided with the revolver. Its primary customization is the choice of material and finish itself, offering a significant aesthetic and functional upgrade over factory grips.
While this specific grip doesn’t typically come with interchangeable parts, Hogue is known for offering a wide range of grip options for various firearms. For those seeking further personalization, other grip styles from Hogue or complementary accessories like custom speed loaders or high-quality holsters would be the next step.
Pros and Cons of Hogue Ruger GP100/Super Redhawk Handgun Grip Pau Ferro Big Butt Checkered 80325
Pros
- Exceptional Grip: The full checkered Pau Ferro wood provides superior traction, even with sweaty or oily hands.
- Recoil Management: The “Big Butt” design offers a larger surface area, significantly reducing felt recoil and improving shooting comfort.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The rich Pau Ferro wood adds a classic, premium look to any GP100 or Super Redhawk.
- Durable Construction: Made from dense, high-quality wood that is built to last through years of use.
- Precise Fit: Designed specifically for Ruger GP100 and Super Redhawk models, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
Cons
- Price Point: It represents a significant investment compared to basic rubber grips.
- Potential for Hand Size Mismatch: The “Big Butt” design might be slightly too large for individuals with very small hands.
- Wood Maintenance: While minimal, wood does require slightly more care than synthetic materials to maintain its finish.
Who Should Buy Hogue Ruger GP100/Super Redhawk Handgun Grip Pau Ferro Big Butt Checkered 80325?
This grip is an ideal choice for Ruger GP100 and Super Redhawk owners who prioritize both form and function. It’s perfect for shooters who engage in frequent range sessions, competition, or carry their revolver for personal defense and want a more substantial, comfortable, and secure hold. Those who appreciate classic aesthetics and the tactile feel of natural materials will find this grip particularly appealing.
Individuals who have found factory grips lacking in comfort, especially with heavier calibers, will benefit greatly from the enhanced ergonomics and recoil mitigation. However, those on a very tight budget, or who prefer the utilitarian feel of synthetic materials and don’t mind minimal aesthetics, might find less value here. For optimum use, ensure you have the correct revolver model and consider a quality revolver holster that accommodates the slightly larger profile of the “Big Butt” grip.
Conclusion on Hogue Ruger GP100/Super Redhawk Handgun Grip Pau Ferro Big Butt Checkered 80325
The Hogue Ruger GP100/Super Redhawk Handgun Grip Pau Ferro Big Butt Checkered 80325 is more than just a replacement part; it’s a substantial upgrade that transforms the handling and appearance of a classic revolver. The combination of premium Pau Ferro wood, precise checkering, and the ergonomically superior “Big Butt” design provides a level of comfort, control, and visual appeal that factory grips simply cannot match. While it comes with a higher price tag, the enhanced shooting experience, durability, and timeless aesthetic more than justify the investment for dedicated owners. I wholeheartedly recommend this grip to anyone looking to unlock the full potential of their Ruger GP100 or Super Redhawk.