Smooth vs checkered grips

[4Patriot]

Thinking of buying some wooden grips for my Smith 9mm semi. Any thoughts on smooth vs checkered?

[Calif Hunter]

I like smooth, but others will cite the more positive grip of checkered grips - no slipping when wet, etc. I really prefer smooth on hard-recoiling magnum handguns as I don't have callouses on my hands and I prefer to shoot a lot at a time. I had a pair of sharply checkered Herrett grips on a short-barreled Ruger Blackhawk in .41 mag and did not like them after a box or two of ammo.

[Paperchasin]

Its all preference. I personally prefer g10 + checkered

[nikki#2]

wooden grips for my Smith 9mm semi.

You mean like a Model 39? I want one!

If you want the S&W emblem, which I think is cool, you're going to be limited on choice.
Unless, of course, you embed your own... That way you can have whatever you want!

[Wordupmybrotha]

Depends on how sweaty your hand gets.

[Rhyyke]

I have yet to discover the grip that is too checkered for my hand. Then again I don't CC which I believe is the only situation where less aggressive checkering might be beneficial.

[Garv]

I tried smooth grips on my .357 and after a few shots I was paying more attention to my grip than the target.

Went back to the Hogues.

[teflondog]

I prefer checkered grips. The only smooth grips I have are rubber Hogues.

[Thesource161]

I prefer the checkered. Like someone mentioned once you start putting some rounds down range your hand starts to sweat. The smooth ones are nice looking though.

[stix213]

I like smooth grips on low recoil firearms. Otherwise medium or higher checkering.

[JustEd]

Show or Go.

Buying nicely grained wood and destroying its looks by checkering is something I never understood. I do understand nicely grained wood nicely finished to show off.

Sooooo. If you want grips for shooting go checkered
If you want grips mostly for looks, go smooth.

[1911ShooterPhil]

Checkered VS smooth...

Thinking of buying some wooden grips for my Smith 9mm semi. Any thoughts on smooth vs checkered?

For a duty/exposed carry weapon -- checkered. For a concealed carry gun -- smooth. Why? For a duty/exposed carry weapon, you want something that, when you reach for it, will stick to your hand like a magnet. For a concealed carry gun, you want something that will not catch on clothing and concealment garments, and likewise will not print. For that purpose, you want a smooth grip surface that won't catch on or print on clothing. As long as your grip doesn't catch or print, it's fine. Just pick the grip to fit your shooting preferences and how you choose to carry, if you do. --1911ShooterPhil

[Dr.Lou]

For me it doesn't matter, it's more about the aesthetics of a particular grip. Most if not all my grip/purchase comes from the texture on the front and back strap.