Does the Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip LamoCamo No Finger Grooves, Stripe/Cap 66430 Deliver?
As an equipment specialist with over a decade of putting gear through its paces in every conceivable environment, I’m always on the lookout for components that genuinely enhance firearm performance and comfort. My personal journey to find the Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip LamoCamo No Finger Grooves, Stripe/Cap 66430 began with a persistent niggle during extended range sessions. The factory grips on my Taurus medium and large frame square butt revolvers, while functional, lacked the tactile feedback and sustained comfort needed for serious practice. I considered aftermarket options from a few other well-known brands, but Hogue’s reputation for quality materials and ergonomic design always seemed to stand out. Unboxing this grip, my initial impression was one of robust construction and a promising texture, offering a sense of relief and anticipation for improved handling.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip LamoCamo No Finger Grooves, Stripe/Cap 66430 to the Test
First Use Experience
My primary testing ground for this Hogue grip was the indoor shooting range, specifically focusing on rapid fire drills and sustained marksmanship practice. I also spent time with it on an outdoor range under varying daylight conditions, noting its visibility and feel. The installation onto my Taurus handgun was straightforward, requiring no special tools or excessive force, which was a welcome change from some other grip replacements I’ve encountered.
During those initial range days, the grip performed admirably in terms of providing a secure hold, even as my hands began to sweat from exertion. It absorbed recoil effectively, making follow-up shots feel more manageable. One minor surprise was how the Lamo Camo pattern, while aesthetically pleasing, didn’t significantly impact the grip’s overall feel or purchase, which I consider a positive – function over fashion in this instance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, approximately 500-700 rounds through the firearm equipped with these grips, they have held up exceptionally well. I’ve subjected them to a few accidental drops onto a padded range floor with no ill effects, and they’ve maintained their shape and grip texture through various temperature shifts. Cleaning is as simple as wiping them down with a damp cloth or a mild cleaner, and they show no signs of stiffness or degradation.
Compared to the original factory grips, these Hogue units offer a distinct advantage in comfort and control, especially during longer shooting sessions. While they aren’t a budget replacement, their longevity and the tangible improvement in handling justify the investment. I haven’t experienced any loosening or shifting of the grip, which is a testament to its secure fit.
Breaking Down the Features of Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip LamoCamo No Finger Grooves, Stripe/Cap 66430
Specifications
The Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip LamoCamo No Finger Grooves, Stripe/Cap 66430 is crafted from Hogue’s proprietary Tamer™ synthetic rubber. This material is specifically engineered for its shock-absorbing properties and comfortable, non-slip texture. The grip is designed for Taurus medium and large frame revolvers with a square butt configuration, ensuring a precise fit.
Its key defining feature is the no finger grooves design, which allows for greater flexibility in hand placement and accommodates a wider range of hand sizes. The Lamo Camo finish provides a distinct aesthetic appeal without compromising functionality. The stripe/cap design refers to the way the grip covers the backstrap and extends to the frame’s cap, ensuring full coverage and enhanced comfort.
These specifications translate directly into improved handling. The Tamer™ synthetic rubber significantly reduces felt recoil, a crucial factor for shooter comfort and accuracy during prolonged shooting. The square butt fit means it integrates seamlessly with compatible Taurus models, providing a stable platform. The absence of finger grooves offers versatility, crucial for those who may not find conventional finger grooves comfortable or effective for their grip style.
Performance & Functionality
This Hogue grip excels at its primary function: enhancing the handgun’s feel and controllability. The Tamer™ synthetic rubber material is incredibly effective at dampening recoil, making even stout .357 Magnum loads feel more manageable on my Taurus medium frame revolver. This comfort directly translates to improved accuracy and allows for longer, more productive range sessions.
The no finger grooves design is a significant strength, offering a more versatile grip that can be adjusted on the fly. This is particularly useful when transitioning between different shooting stances or engaging multiple targets. The only minor area for potential improvement could be a slightly more aggressive texture for extremely wet conditions, but even then, the grip remains remarkably secure.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip LamoCamo No Finger Grooves, Stripe/Cap 66430 is immediately apparent. The Tamer™ synthetic rubber feels substantial and well-molded, with a consistent finish throughout. The Lamo Camo pattern is cleanly applied, offering a visually appealing look without any rough edges or inconsistencies.
Ergonomically, this grip is a triumph. The no finger grooves contour allows my hand to settle naturally, providing a full, comfortable purchase on the handgun. The extended stripe/cap design fills the backstrap completely, eliminating any potential hot spots or sharp edges that can dig into the palm during recoil. There was no real learning curve; the grip felt intuitive and comfortable from the moment it was installed.
Durability & Maintenance
Under typical range use and general handling, this Hogue grip demonstrates excellent durability. I anticipate it lasting for many years, easily outliving the firearm itself if properly cared for. The Tamer™ synthetic rubber is resistant to oils, solvents, and UV exposure, common culprits for degradation in lesser materials.
Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth after a dusty range day or a mild soap solution for more ingrained grime is all that’s needed. There are no complex parts to disassemble or maintain. The only thing to watch out for is avoiding harsh chemical cleaners that could potentially degrade the rubber over extended periods, though this is standard practice for most rubber grips.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hogue Taurus grip itself is the primary enhancement; it doesn’t come with additional accessories. However, its design is focused on being a direct replacement for specific Taurus models, meaning it integrates seamlessly without needing extra parts. The Lamo Camo finish offers a distinct visual customization that sets it apart from standard black grips.
While there are no specific “customization options” for this particular grip model itself, its primary advantage lies in its compatibility with the intended Taurus firearms. It’s designed to precisely fit Taurus medium and large frame square butt revolvers, ensuring a perfect fit without requiring modifications or additional mounting hardware.
Pros and Cons of Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip LamoCamo No Finger Grooves, Stripe/Cap 66430
Pros
- Significantly reduces felt recoil thanks to the Tamer™ synthetic rubber.
- Comfortable and secure grip for extended shooting sessions.
- No finger grooves offer versatile hand placement for various users.
- Durable Tamer™ synthetic rubber construction resists wear and environmental factors.
- Easy installation and no special tools required.
- Distinctive and appealing Lamo Camo finish.
Cons
- May not offer sufficient texture for users operating in extremely wet or slippery conditions.
- The Lamo Camo pattern, while attractive, doesn’t inherently add to the grip’s purchase.
Who Should Buy Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip LamoCamo No Finger Grooves, Stripe/Cap 66430?
This Hogue grip is an excellent choice for any owner of a Taurus medium or large frame square butt revolver who seeks improved shooting comfort and control. It’s particularly well-suited for individuals who experience hand fatigue or discomfort during shooting, or those who want to mitigate the effects of recoil on their follow-up shots. Enthusiasts who prefer a customizable grip position without the constraints of fixed finger grooves will find this model ideal.
Those who should probably skip this product might be users who demand an intensely aggressive, sandpaper-like texture in all conditions or those who exclusively shoot in environments where the grip would be constantly submerged in water or oil. For such specific needs, other specialized grips might be more appropriate. A quality gun cleaning kit and eye and ear protection are always recommended alongside any firearm modification.
Conclusion on Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip LamoCamo No Finger Grooves, Stripe/Cap 66430
Overall, the Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip LamoCamo No Finger Grooves, Stripe/Cap 66430 is a stellar upgrade for compatible Taurus revolvers. It delivers on its promise of enhanced comfort and recoil management through its well-engineered Tamer™ synthetic rubber and thoughtful design. The no finger grooves configuration provides welcome versatility, and the Lamo Camo finish adds a touch of personal style. For its price point, the value proposition is strong, offering significant improvements in handling that justify the investment. I would wholeheartedly recommend this grip to any Taurus square butt revolver owner looking to elevate their shooting experience.