I have some experience with wood v/s rubber. My Encore 460 had a 12" barrel , I had a real nice set of Walnut grips. I thought they fit me ?? After about 20 rounds , I had blisters , bruses , and blood in places I didn't know existed. Put the Hogues on.......no more blisters , could actually shoot it again. My son has a S&W Moutain gun , with 240 gr , 44 mag loads ( not max loads), it was almost unbearable , again we put a pair of hogues on..problem solved..........The rubber works for felt recoil reduction , at least for us. Good luck.......Regards