You’re aware of the S&W/Lipsey’s special belly guns, the Centennial Ultimate Carry line, reported on here and here. The first goal with the 32 revolver was to make it even easier to shoot. You know about the sights and the action. The stocks are a great improvement, but unless the loads are light the stocks are taxing. I contacted Pat Hogue, of Hogue, Inc. with my typical complaint: most stocks for Centennials fit too low on the frame, which prevents a high hold to lower the sights relative to the hand.
He noted that I was apparently unaware of the firm’s OverMolded Rubber Tamer Grip for the J-frame Centennial and the BG38 Bodyguard revolvers.
While it’s the Monogrip (Hogue type) one piece slip-on stock, it has a strange fastener at the base of the stock. This increases the length of the unit, making it like a low-rider, the most comfortable of which I’m acquainted is the Crimson Trace LaserGrip LG-305.
And that fits in my pocket, on one of the M&P340s, and has for a number of years. I decided that I’d try it.
I had started work on the S&W M432 UC – the “Lipsey’s Special.” While the 32 with several loads is easier shooting that the 38 Special UC revolvers with the same VZ Grips high horn stocks, with other loads it stings. Instant flinch …
The Hogue version is a high horn, coming nearly as high on a Centennial as the early high horn Magnas, but is made of “Overmolded” rubber with the familiar Hogue “Cobblestone” texture. Following the instructions, I replaced the VZ factory-supplied stocks with the Hogue Tamer.
On my next range trip, I took the Hornady Critical Duty 80gr. FTX load – as it was the most likely available load I’d carry in the gun. Using Justin Dyal’s 5-Yard Roundup, a one distance-one par time exercise shot on a B-8 repair center, I sought to check close range shootability.
For the holster, I selected a sample of the Simply Rugged Holsters Boomer, a “pancake” style leather concealment holster. The pouch is configured to fit a small revolver, in this case the J-frame S&W, plus a reload – either a cylindrical speed loader or a loading strip (e.g., Bianchi Speed Strip, Tuff Products Quick Strip, AHolster “Speed Strip Loader”). The holster I have fits strip loaders.
The rig fits close to the side, with outboard belt slots. You can order it in right-or-left hand for a primary or backup gun role. Rob Leahy, proprietor of Simply Rugged, makes a similar holster for small revolvers to be worn on the less-dominant side with a spare magazine for the primary pistol you wear on the dominant side – an outstanding idea.
Getting the holster punched for the company’s “Inside the Waistband Straps” makes the rig an IWB for more discreet concealment, another perk of going with Simply Rugged.
It’s fast, secure and discreet.
Sadly, the holster didn’t save me. My time penalties killed me pretty quickly. While the Tamer is comfortable, it changes the feel of the gun enough that I’m not delivering the sight to my eyes as quickly as I’m used to; time for dry practice. The recoil wasn’t a factor; it had become the lightest shooting centerfire lightweight J-frame I ever fired.
The Tamer style works well on the Ruger LCR – and has for years. It took me too long to find the Centennial version. Now I have two sets of these stocks.
The target was scored at 98/100 – but it took too long to get there.
Using an IDPA target with an added scoring circle on the head, I tried Ken Hackathorn’s Wizard Drill. I was down one on the head shots (it was the dreaded 7-yard head shot), with one clipping the head circle. I made the times on each stage. It’s arguably a “pass,” but I’m using it as a starting place. I intend to shoot this little monster more precisely going forward.
Next, the Smith & Wesson Model 642 UC. I’ll guarantee the stocks will be changed first; I shot the 38 quite a bit in Louisiana and I know how they “feel.”
While we’re about it, I’m using a new (to me) target stand. Purchased at Scheel’s, it’s from Hatpoint Target. It’s a polymer stand, lightweight and stackable. There are three holders for uprights on each side of the target frame; the center holders on each side work for IDPA/USPA targets. The outboards can be used for the large, LE-style backers and targets. The closest set works for bullseye targets.
The “integrated clip” upright holders can hold firring strips available from the local hardware emporium and, being somewhat “spring” loaded, you don’t need shims or screws. The firm also has target uprights, made from polymer. A bullet strike doesn’t “kill” them. I contacted the firm and ordered up enough for my two target stands. The owner responded to my email.
That’s service.
I used the target frame and uprights for this range trip. Lightweight, easy to use and set up, I just need to determine how I want to stabilize these to avoid wind issues.
These target stands are highly recommended.
— Rich Grassi