A post on another site got me thinking - until a few short years ago, I'd always preferred round butt Smiths, whether they be J,K,L or N frames. I've had square butt guns converted to round butts and was a sucker for custom N frames that had been round-butted (Jovino's, Behlert's, etc). I have to admit I thought they looked cooler and were easier to conceal than their counterparts.

Reality for me now is that I shoot square butts a whole lot better, and even with larger grips, the square butts are just as concealable for me now. Case in point - I carry this square butt, target gripped M36 90% of the time, even when I'm carrying something else. (For me, a New York reload is much faster and more effective than a speed reload)

[Those are S&W factory j-frame square butt targets that I forgot I had and a Ken Null horshide Gibson Covert ]

RB for me all the way. I shoot them better DA. J.Michael

Square butt for me.

The purpose of a handgun grip/stock is to enable you to hold it and shoot it accurately. Cool looks, fad or fashion are of little importance I have found that larger grips are just as concealable as itty bitty grips.

If, I can make it work, here is my Chief's Special with Mustang grips. My shooting of this handgun takes a quantum leap forward when compared to the small grips I had on it.

If I am shooting bullseye, with slow, deliberate, one-handed action, then the square butt is a benefit. For any other shooting where I generally use a two-handed hold, then the round butt is better for me. S&W square butt frames tend to make me shoot high when going for a quick shot, particularly with a two-hand hold, while round butt frames are easier to find grips that point naturally for me.

I like them all!

On K-frame Smiths I like round butt snub nose guns but on N-frame guns I like only square butt. I have a Classic DX 44 with a round butt. I had to put the round butt to square butt grips on it. I have small hands and that is a factor in what I use.

For N frames I prefer RB. It works best for me for DA and just feels better in my hand. For a hunting gun that I only shoot SA doesn't really matter. For other frames I like really don't have a preference but most I have are SB. Looks wise I think RB look the best on shorter guns but that really means nothing towards performance.