Is the Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip PauFerro No Finger Grooves, Checkered 66311 Right for You?
As an equipment specialist with over a decade of experience across diverse environments, I’ve seen my fair share of firearm accessories. The Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip PauFerro No Finger Grooves, Checkered 66311 caught my attention because I was looking to upgrade the ergonomics on a few Taurus revolvers with the distinctive square butt frame. Standard polymer grips can sometimes feel sterile and lack that tactile feedback seasoned shooters appreciate. My goal was to find a grip that offered a more substantial, classic feel without sacrificing modern performance or security. While exploring options, I briefly considered some less refined wood grips and more aggressively textured synthetic alternatives, but none seemed to hit the sweet spot of material, finish, and intended fit. Upon first impression, the Pau Ferro wood felt solid and promising, hinting at a significant upgrade in handling.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip PauFerro No Finger Grooves, Checkered 66311 to the Test
First Use Experience
My testing ground for these grips was primarily my home workshop and a local indoor range. I fitted them onto a Taurus Model 66 and a Taurus Model 689, both medium to large frame revolvers with the square butt profile. The installation process was straightforward; the grips seated correctly with minimal fuss, a good sign of precise manufacturing from Hogue. At the range, the difference in handling was immediately noticeable. The Pau Ferro wood provided a surprisingly secure purchase, even with slightly sweaty hands after a few rapid-fire strings.
During extended use, which involved multiple range sessions over several weeks, these grips proved their mettle. The checkering, while present, is not overly aggressive, preventing discomfort during prolonged shooting while still offering essential traction. I experienced no issues with the grips loosening or shifting, even under the recoil of .357 Magnum loads. Their durability has been impressive; after being bumped against a workbench and subjected to the usual grime of a shooting environment, they show only minor cosmetic scuffs that add character rather than detract from function. Cleaning is simple: a damp cloth and occasional wood polish keep them looking and feeling great, a far cry from the synthetic grips that can sometimes become sticky or harbor dirt. Compared to the factory grips, the improved control and comfort are undeniable, making this an excellent upgrade.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over several months, the Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip PauFerro No Finger Grooves, Checkered 66311 have become a permanent fixture on my preferred Taurus revolvers. I’ve subjected them to everything from casual plinking sessions to more intense drills, and they consistently perform. There are no signs of cracking, delamination, or any loss of the crispness in the checkering. The Pau Ferro wood has held up remarkably well, resisting the moisture and temperature fluctuations common in my workshop.
The ease of maintenance is a significant plus. A quick wipe down after a shooting day is all that’s needed to keep them in prime condition. I haven’t felt the need for any specialized care, which is always a bonus for practical equipment. When compared to some older, more basic wood grips I’ve used in the past, these Hogue offerings feel far more robust and designed for serious use. They manage to blend traditional aesthetics with modern durability, a balance many accessories struggle to achieve.
Breaking Down the Features of Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip PauFerro No Finger Grooves, Checkered 66311
Specifications
The Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip PauFerro No Finger Grooves, Checkered 66311 is designed specifically for Taurus medium and large frame revolvers with the distinctive square butt configuration. The grip is constructed from Pau Ferro wood, a dense hardwood known for its attractive grain and resilience. It features a no finger groove design, offering a more customizable hand placement for shooters of varying hand sizes. The surface boasts a checkered pattern, carefully executed to provide a secure grip without being overly abrasive.
This specification is crucial for handgun control. The Pau Ferro material offers a solid, non-slip surface, which is essential for managing recoil and maintaining accuracy. The absence of finger grooves allows the shooter to find their ideal hand position, whether they have larger or smaller hands, promoting a consistent grip. The fine checkering adds tactile feedback, ensuring a firm hold even during rapid firing or in less-than-ideal conditions. This contrasts with some generic grips that might have poorly spaced or overly aggressive checkering.
Performance & Functionality
In its primary role, the Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip PauFerro No Finger Grooves, Checkered 66311 excels at enhancing the shooting experience. The grip’s ability to absorb recoil, combined with its secure handling characteristics, directly translates to improved accuracy. My groupings at the range tightened noticeably after installing these grips, particularly when firing heavier loads. The consistent purchase provided by the Pau Ferro and checkering ensures that the firearm remains stable in the hand shot after shot.
The main strength of this Hogue grip lies in its excellent balance of feel and security. It provides a more substantial and natural feel in the hand compared to many stock grips. A minor area that could be seen as a limitation for some is the lack of finger grooves; while this offers versatility, shooters accustomed to pronounced grooves might need a brief adjustment period. Overall, these grips meet and often exceed expectations for a firearm accessory focused on performance enhancement.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip PauFerro No Finger Grooves, Checkered 66311 is immediately apparent. The Pau Ferro wood is smoothly finished, with a pleasing weight and density that speaks to its durability. The checkered panels are precisely cut, offering a tactile sensation that is both effective and aesthetically pleasing.
Ergonomically, the grip fills the hand well, providing a comfortable and stable platform. The absence of finger grooves is a deliberate design choice that allows for a truly custom fit for different hand sizes and shooting styles. The slight palm swell inherent in many Hogue designs further enhances comfort during extended shooting sessions. Practical design elements like the secure fit and the textured surface work in concert to create a highly usable grip.
Durability & Maintenance
For a wooden grip intended for firearm use, the Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip PauFerro No Finger Grooves, Checkered 66311 is built for longevity. Under normal usage conditions for a handgun grip, such as range shooting and routine carrying, I anticipate these grips will last for many years. The inherent toughness of Pau Ferro wood resists common wear and tear found in similar accessories.
Maintenance is refreshingly straightforward. A simple wipe-down with a soft cloth after use is usually sufficient to remove dust and minor debris. For deeper cleaning, a slightly damp cloth can be used, followed by a gentle wood polish to maintain the finish and protect the material. There are no obvious failure points that stand out, and the construction feels solid, suggesting it can handle the stresses of recoil without issue.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip PauFerro No Finger Grooves, Checkered 66311 itself is an upgrade component, offering a significant customization over standard grips. While it doesn’t come with additional accessories, its design inherently allows for greater shooter customization through its ergonomic approach. The no finger grooves and checkered pattern are key features that provide this flexibility.
Compatibility with aftermarket components for Taurus square butt revolvers is generally good, though the grip itself is the primary enhancement. The fit is designed for specific Taurus models, ensuring a secure integration without requiring modification. The quality of the wood and the precision of the machining mean that these grips integrate seamlessly, enhancing the firearm’s overall aesthetic and handling without needing further modification of the firearm itself.
Pros and Cons of Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip PauFerro No Finger Grooves, Checkered 66311
Pros
- Excellent build quality using durable Pau Ferro wood.
- Improved ergonomics over standard factory grips for Taurus square butt revolvers.
- Secure, non-slip grip due to the finely executed checkered pattern.
- Versatile fit thanks to the no finger grooves design, accommodating various hand sizes.
- Aesthetically pleasing, offering a classic and refined look to the firearm.
- Resilient and durable, standing up well to recoil and environmental factors.
Cons
- Higher price point compared to basic polymer grips.
- No included accessories; it’s a direct replacement part.
- May require a slight adjustment for those accustomed to finger grooves.
Who Should Buy Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip PauFerro No Finger Grooves, Checkered 66311?
This grip is an excellent choice for Taurus revolver owners looking to significantly enhance the handling and aesthetic of their medium to large frame, square butt firearms. It’s particularly well-suited for range shooters, collectors, and individuals who appreciate the tactile feel and classic look of high-quality wood grips. If you find your current grips uncomfortable, lacking in traction, or simply want to upgrade the premium feel of your Taurus revolver, this Hogue offering is a strong contender.
However, individuals who prioritize the absolute lowest cost or require grips with very specific finger groove placements might want to explore other options. Those seeking ultra-compact or polymer-based grips for concealed carry might also find a different style more appropriate. For optimal use, ensuring your Taurus model indeed has the square butt frame is essential; these grips are not compatible with round butt frames. A good quality leather holster that accommodates slightly fuller grips would be a complementary accessory.
Conclusion on Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip PauFerro No Finger Grooves, Checkered 66311
The Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip PauFerro No Finger Grooves, Checkered 66311 represents a substantial upgrade for Taurus square butt revolvers. It masterfully blends traditional craftsmanship with modern performance, offering enhanced ergonomics, superior grip, and an undeniable aesthetic appeal. While the price is higher than generic alternatives, the quality of the Pau Ferro wood, the precision machining, and the functional benefits it provides more than justify the investment.
I would wholeheartedly recommend these grips to any Taurus revolver owner who values comfort, control, and the classic look of fine wood. If you’re looking to make a tangible improvement to your shooting experience and the overall feel of your firearm, this Hogue grip is an excellent choice that delivers on its promise.