What You Should Know About the Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip Rosewood No Finger Groove, Big Butt, Checkered 66935
As an equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience across diverse environments, I’ve developed a keen eye for what makes gear truly perform. The Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip Rosewood No Finger Groove, Big Butt, Checkered 66935 represents a significant upgrade for specific Taurus revolvers, aiming to marry aesthetics with tangible improvements in handling. My search for a more robust and visually appealing grip for a well-used Taurus Model 66 led me to this particular Hogue offering. I had been experiencing a slight slippage during rapid fire drills with the factory plastic grips, and the sterile look felt out of place with the firearm’s classic lines.
The initial impression upon unpacking these grips was one of immediate quality. The Rosewood material itself has a substantial heft and a rich, deep grain that speaks to its natural origin, a far cry from the uniformity of synthetic materials. Unlike some aftermarket grips that feel like cheap plastic disguised, these Hogue grips felt solid and precisely machined. I had briefly considered other brands known for their wood grips, but Hogue’s reputation for quality control and firearm accessories tipped the scales. My immediate reaction was a sense of satisfaction; these felt like a proper enhancement, not just a cosmetic change.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip Rosewood No Finger Groove, Big Butt, Checkered 66935 to the Test
First Use Experience
My testing ground for this grip was primarily the outdoor shooting range during a cool autumn afternoon, interspersed with dry-fire practice sessions at home. I focused on scenarios involving repeated draw-and-fire sequences and extended handling periods to gauge comfort and security. The checkered pattern on the rosewood provided a noticeable increase in purchase compared to the original grips, even with slightly sweaty hands from carrying. There was a very minimal learning curve, mostly just getting accustomed to the slightly larger “Big Butt” profile and how it settled into my palm.
During the first range session, I experienced zero slippage, even during rapid-fire strings with a .357 Magnum load, which typically introduces significant recoil. A minor surprise was how the natural texture of the wood, combined with the checkering, seemed to actively wick away minor moisture rather than becoming slick. This offered a confident hold throughout the entire shooting experience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent range visits and carrying the firearm concealed (when appropriate), the Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip Rosewood No Finger Groove, Big Butt, Checkered 66935 has held up exceptionally well. Daily handling, even just picking up the revolver, continues to provide that satisfying tactile feedback. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the rosewood or the checkering; it hasn’t cracked, softened, or shown any significant scuffing, despite being accidentally dropped once on a padded range mat.
Cleaning and maintenance have been straightforward; a soft cloth and occasional wood polish are all that’s needed to keep the grips looking their best. Compared to previous budget grip upgrades I’ve used on other firearms, these Hogue grips offer a vastly superior combination of durability and aesthetic appeal. They maintain their firmness and grip security, a trait often lacking in lower-cost alternatives that can become spongy or slippery over time.
Breaking Down the Features of Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip Rosewood No Finger Groove, Big Butt, Checkered 66935
Specifications
The Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip Rosewood No Finger Groove, Big Butt, Checkered 66935 is specifically designed for Taurus medium and large frame revolvers with a square butt configuration. The material is genuine Rosewood, chosen for its density, natural beauty, and durability. This particular model features a No Finger Groove design, allowing for a more flexible hand placement and accommodating a wider range of shooter preferences.
The grip also boasts a Big Butt profile, meaning it extends slightly at the base of the grip frame, offering enhanced control and recoil management for larger-caliber handguns. The Checkered surface treatment is precisely cut into the wood, providing aggressive texturing for maximum purchase. These specifications collectively translate to a grip that is not only aesthetically pleasing but functionally superior, particularly for managing stout recoil and ensuring a consistent draw.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of its primary function, the Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip Rosewood No Finger Groove, Big Butt, Checkered 66935 excels at improving handgun control. The Rosewood material, while beautiful, is also dense and provides a solid, unwavering platform for your shooting hand. The deep checkering significantly enhances grip security, preventing the firearm from shifting during recoil, which is crucial for follow-up shots.
The strength of this grip lies in its ability to balance aesthetic appeal with practical performance. Its main weakness, if one can call it that, is its specific fitment to Taurus square-butt models; it’s not a universal grip. It meets and exceeds expectations for its intended purpose, offering a noticeable improvement over standard synthetic or less aggressively textured grips.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of these Hogue grips is immediately apparent. The Rosewood feels substantial and precisely finished, with no rough edges or gaps where it meets the frame. The Checkered panels are sharply defined, offering excellent tactile feedback without being overly abrasive to the bare hand during casual handling.
Ergonomically, the No Finger Groove design offers a clean, uncluttered surface that many shooters prefer, allowing them to find their optimal hand placement without being dictated by pre-formed finger channels. The Big Butt extension is a key design element that significantly aids in managing the recoil of powerful cartridges, providing a larger surface area for the shooting hand to brace against. This thoughtful design contributes to a more comfortable and controlled shooting experience.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the natural properties of dense hardwoods like Rosewood, these grips are built for longevity. Under normal use, especially with basic care, they are likely to last for many years, possibly outlasting the firearm itself. They are far more resistant to cracking or degradation from UV exposure and temperature changes than many plastics.
Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down with a soft, dry cloth after handling is usually sufficient. For deeper cleaning or to maintain the luster, a light application of a quality wood polish or guard oil can be used periodically. There are no complex parts to fail or intricate mechanisms to maintain, making them a low-fuss upgrade.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip Rosewood No Finger Groove, Big Butt, Checkered 66935 is a complete replacement grip, meaning it doesn’t typically come with additional accessories. However, it integrates perfectly with existing firearm hardware like grip screws.
While the grip itself is a finished product, the Rosewood material offers a canvas for subtle personal touches if one were inclined towards more advanced woodworking, though most users will appreciate it as-is. Its primary “customization” is its direct fitment, meaning you are not modifying the grip itself but rather choosing the specific style (no finger grooves, big butt) that suits your hand and shooting style.
Pros and Cons of Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip Rosewood No Finger Groove, Big Butt, Checkered 66935
Pros
- Premium Material: Made from genuine, high-quality Rosewood that offers both stunning aesthetics and excellent durability.
- Enhanced Grip Security: The aggressive Checkered pattern provides superior purchase, even in adverse conditions.
- Improved Recoil Control: The Big Butt profile offers a larger contact area for the hand, significantly aiding in managing recoil.
- Flexible Hand Placement: The No Finger Groove design allows shooters to find their preferred grip without being restricted.
- Durable Construction: Rosewood is a dense hardwood that is resistant to wear, cracking, and environmental factors.
Cons
- Specific Fitment: Designed only for Taurus medium and large frame square-butt revolvers, limiting compatibility.
- Price Point: As a premium wood grip, it carries a higher price than basic synthetic alternatives.
- Requires Basic Installation: While straightforward, it does require removing the old grip and installing the new one, which might be a minor hurdle for absolute beginners.
Who Should Buy Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip Rosewood No Finger Groove, Big Butt, Checkered 66935?
This grip is ideal for owners of compatible Taurus revolvers who are seeking a substantial upgrade in both handling and aesthetics. If you frequently shoot powerful calibers from your Taurus medium or large frame square-butt revolver, the enhanced control and recoil mitigation offered by the Big Butt and Checkered Rosewood will be invaluable. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate the classic look and feel of natural wood over polymer or rubber grips.
Anyone looking for a quick, simple cosmetic change without functional benefit should probably look elsewhere, or at least consider the price. Those who prefer very slim grips or have smaller hands might find the Big Butt profile less comfortable, though the No Finger Groove design still offers some flexibility. For those seeking to refine their shooting experience and add a touch of timeless elegance to their Taurus firearm, these grips are an excellent choice.
Conclusion on Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip Rosewood No Finger Groove, Big Butt, Checkered 66935
The Hogue Taurus Med. & Lg. Sq. Butt Handgun Grip Rosewood No Finger Groove, Big Butt, Checkered 66935 is a testament to Hogue’s dedication to quality craftsmanship and functional firearm enhancement. It transforms a capable Taurus revolver into a more formidable and aesthetically pleasing tool. The combination of genuine Rosewood, aggressive Checkering, a generous Big Butt profile, and a No Finger Groove design delivers tangible benefits in grip security and recoil management.
While the price is certainly a consideration compared to factory grips, the value proposition is strong for those who prioritize performance and lasting quality. The tactile improvement and visual upgrade are well worth the investment for the discerning firearm owner. I would wholeheartedly recommend these grips to anyone looking to elevate their Taurus revolver’s handling and appearance, provided their firearm has the correct frame and butt configuration. If you want your Taurus to feel as good as it looks and perform even better under pressure, these grips are an outstanding choice.