Colt King Cobra • Viper • Cobra Grip Sizing
See below for pictures of these grips on the King Cobra
Altamont Oversize Fingergroove:
This set is the smallest among the choices, we’re not sure how it was named oversize? But that is what they call it. This choice is meant for the concealed carry option, it is legitimately a 2 1/2 finger grip and does cover the backstrap. This option is for those that have good control of the firearm and want a wood grip. If you want a full grip with all 3 fingers then this is not the option for you.
Hogue Fingergroove:
This set is an open backstrap grip that mirrors the rubber grip found on newer King Cobra models in size and feel. This is a good option for concealed carry and does offer a full 3 finger hold for your firearm. This set is a comfortable option for average size hands and if replacing the stock rubber grips offers a wood option which keeps the original hold in a familiar position. All Hogue choices, with the exception of our Exclusive SilverBlack Dymondwood, are natural exotic woods, a beautiful option which requires some additional care.
Netticks FGT Fingergroove Target:
This set is the bridge between the Hogue Fingergroove option and the full size Target style grip. Netticks FGT grips are similar in length to the Target style grips in a slimmer style. This grip would be the largest option for concealed carry, the reduced thickness and rounded bottom keeps printing at a minimum while allowing a full grip on the firearm, which includes a covered backstrap. If you are looking for a target length option that reduces the bulk of the full size target grip then this is the option for you.
Netticks Full Size Target Style:
This set is the largest grip we offer for the new small frame Colt Cobra, King Cobra, and Viper. This grip is similar in size to the 2019 Colt King Cobra Target model wood grip. The Netticks Target Style grip has a smooth backstrap that keeps your trigger finger at a similar reach to the factory rubber grips. The FGT also keeps the Flat-Face concept which is a more natural hold on the grip. This is not the option for concealed carry as the large size and flat bottom will be visible through clothing without an overshirt. If you’re looking for the largest grip with a similar size to the original Colt Target grips then this is the option for you.
When considering new grips for your firearm it is important to consider all factors before making your decision
How do you intend to use this firearm?
Target/Sport shooting - Hunting backup/Hiking - Carry/EDC ? These factors are an important element to choosing the proper grips for your gun. Narrow down your choices by knowing what the firearm is intended to do.
What size is the firearm, both in general and in caliber?
A long barrel/Target firearm will usually require a full size grip, however a short barrel large caliber will also benefit from a longer grip, giving a better hold and control of the firearm is crucial. This holds true unless this is a carry pistol that is concealed, then it’s important to consider printing (showing through clothing).
Care of your new grips...
Another consideration is taking care of your new grips. While we all love the look and feel of natural wood grips they do require some extra care and attention. Exotic wood grips are beautiful, and can age like a fine wine! However they also need to be cared for with a similar attention. Exotic woods will continue to dry, especially when used sporadically. They should be oiled on a recurring basis regardless of use, cleaned when cleaning your gun, and not left in direct sunlight. A good leather holster that covers the grips is great, if your holster does not protect your exotic grips from rubbing on your clothing/skin then keep a oil-soaked towel close to your storage safe for a quick wipe-down. Exotic wood makes beautiful grips, keep them that way by caring for them and they will last a lifetime.
On the other side is engineered wood. Engineered wood has long been used for firearm grips and knife scales and is considered the optimal material for most firearm grips. Engineered wood is extremely durable, is made using real hardwood, and is the choice of all production firearm wood grips for over 40 years! Engineered wood is mostly maintenance free, requiring minimal effort beyond cleaning and oiling whenever you are cleaning your firearm. HRV Grips® are finished with a multi-step process that includes heat, soaking, brushing, & polishing using Clenzoil® Field & Range®. We use Clenzoil® exclusively on all of our firearms and highly recommend it for yours. The value and quality of their products is among the highest we have used and tested, we use it, we sell it, and it is the only product certified for cleaning and protecting HRV Grips®. Of the four grips shown above only the Hogue® grip is made with Exotic wood. For more information on both Engineered wood and Exotic wood see our wood types page HERE.
All of the grips shown above serve a distinct purpose, and is the reason for their design. When choosing your grips its important to remember that none of them will serve all purposes, and you should choose based on the realistic use of your gun. They all look nice, they all will last a lifetime with proper care. How you use your gun will determine which choice suits you best!
Hudson River Valley Customs does NOT manufacture grips!
HRV Grips® are produced by combining proven and tested grips from our manufacturing partners with the exclusive designs, trademarked patterns, unique artwork, high quality deep relief engraving skills, and hand setting of medallions, with the option of customizing all of the grips we sell. The reality is the difficulties in creating HRV Grips® requires each step along the way to be done right, our quality control ultimately decides if the grip meets our high standards, on the occasion that something along the way did not meet these standards the grips are put into a bin and the work order is put back into the rotation and is remade. The reason HRV Grips® are consistently rated 5-star is not complicated, we care and we treat each set as if it were going on our own gun. We take the time to talk to you, to help you, and to answer questions. We answer the phone, before and after the sale, and we always try to be helpful. The fact is it takes time to create each set, and the alternative is already out there. We are not interested in making cheap looking inexpensive wood grips, everybody else does that. If that’s what you want then this isn’t the website for you.
We thank you for visiting our website and hope we can help you now or in the future!
Altamont OS Fingergroove = 2½ Fingers
Hogue Fingergroove = 3 Fingers
Netticks FGT Fingergroove Target Grips = Largest Fingergroove Grip
Netticks Target Style Grips = Largest Grip