Hogue OverMolded Rubber Tamer Grip - Purpose-Built for S&W J-Frame Centennial & Bodyguard 38 Revolvers

The Hogue Tamer Grip transforms compact J-Frame Centennial and M&P Bodyguard 38 revolvers from snappy pocket guns into comfortable, controllable defensive firearms. Specifically engineered for enclosed-hammer Centennial models, this OverMolded rubber grip features Hogue's legendary Tamer technology with an integrated Sorbothane recoil insert that reduces felt recoil by up to 50 percent. Whether you're carrying a 442 Airweight for concealed carry or shooting your 640 at the range, this grip delivers superior comfort, control, and all-day shootability without compromising concealability.

Key Features

• Centennial-Specific Design: Precision-engineered exclusively for Smith & Wesson J-Frame Centennial revolvers with enclosed hammers and the polymer M&P Bodyguard 38. The higher backstrap profile matches the taller frame of Centennial models, ensuring perfect fit and function. Will NOT fit exposed-hammer J-Frames like Chief's Special.
• Tamer Recoil Reduction Technology: Features a strategically positioned Sorbothane insert in the palm swell that absorbs and dissipates recoil energy, reducing felt recoil by up to 50 percent. Makes shooting .38 Special +P defensive loads significantly more comfortable and controllable.
• Full-Finger Grip Surface: Provides enough gripping area for all four fingers, eliminating the "pinky hang" problem common with factory J-Frame grips. The extended grip surface improves control and accuracy while remaining concealable for everyday carry.
• Speedloader Relief Cut: Incorporates a relief cut at the top of the grip frame that provides clearance for speedloaders and speed strips, enabling fast reloads without grip interference. Essential for defensive use and competitive shooting.
• OverMolded Rubber Construction: Manufactured from premium thermoplastic elastomer using Hogue's advanced molding process. The material provides firm yet comfortable grip without being spongy or tacky, maintaining performance in all weather conditions.
• Cobblestone Texture: Features Hogue's signature Cobblestone stippling pattern that delivers exceptional traction without being abrasive. Maintains positive control in wet, sweaty, or adverse conditions while remaining comfortable for extended shooting sessions.
• Proportioned Finger Grooves: Three precision-molded finger grooves naturally position your fingers for optimal trigger control and consistent grip placement, promoting repeatable accuracy and reducing grip shift during recoil.
• Gentle Palm Swell: Ergonomically designed palm swell fills the hand for improved comfort and control, distributing recoil forces across a larger area to reduce fatigue and enhance shootability.
• Two-Piece Design: Utilizes a two-piece construction that wraps around the frame for complete coverage and secure installation. The design ensures a tight friction fit that won't shift or rotate during use.
• Easy Installation: Installs in minutes without gunsmithing or special tools. The two-piece design slides onto the frame with a secure friction fit. Complete installation instructions included.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: Hogue
• Model: Tamer Grip - J-Frame Centennial/Bodyguard
• Manufacturer Part Number: 60020
• SKU: 60020
• UPC: 743108600207
• Material: OverMolded thermoplastic elastomer rubber with Sorbothane recoil insert
• Texture: Cobblestone stippling pattern
• Color: Black
• Design: Two-piece grip with finger grooves and speedloader relief
• Frame Compatibility: Smith & Wesson J-Frame Centennial (enclosed hammer only) and M&P Bodyguard 38
• Weight: Approximately 0.2 lbs
• Made in USA: Manufactured by Hogue in California

Complete Compatibility List

This Hogue Tamer Grip is precision-engineered for the following Smith & Wesson revolver models:

J-Frame Centennial Revolvers (Enclosed Hammer - Round Butt):

• Model 342 - Airweight Ti Centennial (.38 Special +P)
• Model 442 - Airweight Centennial (.38 Special +P) - hammerless
• Model 640 - Stainless Centennial (.38 Special +P / .357 Magnum)
• Model 642 - Airweight Centennial (.38 Special +P) - hammerless, stainless
• Model 638 - Airweight Bodyguard (.38 Special +P) - shrouded hammer
• Other J-Frame Centennial variants with enclosed or shrouded hammer

Polymer Frame Revolvers:

• Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 38 (polymer frame, .38 Special +P)

CRITICAL COMPATIBILITY NOTE

This grip is ONLY compatible with J-Frame Centennial models featuring enclosed or shrouded hammers. It will NOT fit exposed-hammer J-Frame models such as the Chief's Special, Model 36, Model 37, Model 60 (exposed hammer version), or other J-Frames with traditional exposed hammers. The Centennial models have a taller backstrap to accommodate the internal hammer mechanism, and this grip is specifically designed to match that profile. If your revolver has a visible external hammer that you can cock with your thumb, this grip will not fit properly. For exposed-hammer J-Frames, please see our other Hogue grip options.

Why J-Frame Centennial Revolvers Need This Grip

J-Frame Centennial revolvers are incredibly popular for concealed carry due to their compact size, hammerless design that won't snag on clothing, and reliable double-action-only operation. However, the factory grips on these lightweight revolvers—especially Airweight models—can make shooting .38 Special ammunition uncomfortable and .38 Special +P defensive loads downright painful. The small grip surface concentrates recoil energy into a small area of your hand, causing discomfort and reducing control. The Hogue Tamer grip solves these problems by providing more gripping surface, absorbing recoil energy, and distributing remaining forces across a larger area of your palm.

Perfect for Airweight Models

The Hogue Tamer grip is especially transformative on lightweight Airweight models like the 442 and 642. These aluminum-frame revolvers weigh only 15 ounces unloaded, making them easy to carry all day but challenging to shoot comfortably. The Tamer technology's Sorbothane insert dramatically reduces the snappy recoil characteristic of lightweight revolvers, allowing you to practice more frequently with defensive ammunition and maintain proficiency. Shooters consistently report that the Tamer grip makes their Airweight revolver "a different gun" in terms of comfort and control.

What's Included

• Hogue OverMolded Rubber Tamer Grip (Model 60020) - two pieces
• Installation instructions

Installation Guide

Installing your Hogue Tamer grip on a Centennial or Bodyguard revolver requires no tools or gunsmithing. The two-piece design is engineered to slide onto the frame with a secure friction fit. Start by removing your existing grip panels. Clean the grip frame to remove any dirt, oil, or residue. Position the grip pieces on either side of the frame, aligning them carefully. Press firmly to seat the grip pieces fully onto the frame—you may need to work them into position gradually. The grip should fit tightly with no movement. The entire installation typically takes 5-10 minutes. For visual guidance, Hogue provides installation videos on their website showing the step-by-step process.

Speedloader Compatibility

The relief cut at the top of the grip frame is specifically designed to provide clearance for popular speedloaders including HKS, Safariland, and 5-Star models, as well as Bianchi Speed Strips. This clearance is essential for defensive carry and competitive use, allowing you to perform rapid reloads without the grip blocking access to the cylinder. The relief is precisely positioned to provide maximum clearance without compromising grip comfort or security.

Ideal For

This grip is perfect for concealed carry permit holders carrying J-Frame Centennial revolvers for personal defense, law enforcement officers using lightweight backup guns, competitive shooters in revolver divisions, firearms instructors teaching with J-Frame revolvers, recreational shooters who want more comfortable range sessions, and anyone who finds their factory Centennial grip too small or uncomfortable. The Tamer technology is especially beneficial for shooters who practice regularly with +P defensive ammunition or who have arthritis or hand sensitivity. The improved comfort encourages more frequent practice, leading to better proficiency with your defensive firearm.

Concealed Carry Advantages

Despite providing significantly more gripping surface than factory boot grips, the Hogue Tamer grip maintains excellent concealability. The grip extends only slightly beyond factory dimensions—just enough to accommodate all fingers without the pinky hanging off—while the rounded contours prevent printing and snagging. The rubber material also provides better grip security in IWB holsters and pocket holsters compared to slick factory grips. Many concealed carriers report that the added comfort from the Tamer grip makes them more willing to carry their J-Frame daily, which is the ultimate goal of any defensive firearm modification.

Performance Benefits

Shooters who upgrade to Hogue Tamer grips on their Centennial revolvers consistently report multiple improvements including dramatically reduced felt recoil (especially with +P loads), ability to shoot longer practice sessions without hand fatigue, improved accuracy from better trigger control and consistent grip placement, faster follow-up shots due to reduced muzzle flip, enhanced confidence when carrying defensive ammunition, and greater willingness to practice regularly. The full-finger grip surface also improves draw consistency from concealment, as you can achieve a proper firing grip more reliably compared to the minimal surface area of factory boot grips.

Material Science: Why OverMolded Rubber Outperforms

Hogue's thermoplastic elastomer is engineered specifically for firearm grips and offers significant advantages over traditional rubber materials. Unlike natural rubber or cheap synthetic alternatives that can become sticky in heat, brittle in cold, or degrade when exposed to gun cleaning solvents, Hogue's material maintains consistent properties across a wide temperature range and resists chemical degradation. The material is firm enough to provide positive control but soft enough to absorb recoil and provide comfort. It won't leave residue on your hands or clothing, won't absorb moisture or oils, and maintains its texture and appearance for years of service.

About Hogue

Hogue has been manufacturing premium firearm grips and accessories since 1968 from their family-owned facility in California. Founded by Guy Hogue and now operated by his sons Aaron and Patrick, along with grandson Neil, Hogue remains committed to American manufacturing and producing the finest grips available. Hogue pioneered the use of advanced synthetic rubber materials in firearm grips and continues to innovate with new designs and technologies. Every Hogue product is made in the USA using advanced manufacturing techniques and stringent quality control. Hogue grips are trusted by law enforcement agencies, military units, competitive shooters, and discerning gun owners worldwide. When you choose Hogue, you're choosing over 50 years of innovation, craftsmanship, and dedication to improving the shooting experience.

Maintenance and Care

Hogue rubber grips require minimal maintenance. Simply wipe down with a damp cloth to remove dirt, powder residue, or oils. The material is resistant to common gun cleaning solvents, but avoid prolonged contact with harsh chemicals. The grip will not crack, peel, or deteriorate under normal use and will maintain its appearance and performance for years. If the grip becomes dusty or loses its texture temporarily, a quick wipe with a slightly damp cloth will restore the Cobblestone pattern's effectiveness.

Warranty and Support

Hogue stands behind their products with comprehensive warranty coverage. This grip is backed by Hogue's limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Should you experience any issues with your grip, Hogue's customer service team is available to assist. With over five decades of manufacturing experience, Hogue has earned a reputation for standing behind their products and supporting their customers long after the sale.

Why This Grip Changes Everything

Many J-Frame Centennial owners purchase their revolvers for concealed carry but then avoid practicing with them because the factory grips make shooting uncomfortable. This creates a dangerous situation where your defensive firearm is the one you're least proficient with. The Hogue Tamer grip solves this problem by making your J-Frame pleasant to shoot, encouraging regular practice and building the proficiency necessary for defensive use. The investment in a quality grip pays dividends in comfort, accuracy, and most importantly, confidence in your ability to effectively use your defensive firearm when it matters most.