Let me be the first one to not answer the question you asked. I have hated rubber grips for over 20 years. I tried them when I bought my first handgun or two so you can't say I didn't try. When I bought a new handgun, the first thing I did was order a set of the best looking aftermarket wood grips I could find, preferably smooth. A few months ago, I bought a Hi-Power Practical and had the same reaction you did, I couldn't wait until I took them off, until I picked up the gun and held it. It felt absolutely perfect. I never in my life felt a handgun that felt that way in my hand. I have since bought a packmeyers (sp) for my AIM FN Hi-Power and couldn't be happier. I have a HI-Power, Standard Model with beautiful blue and adjustable sights. On that one, I couldn't overcome my prejudice and put a set of Walnut Hogue's on it for the sheer beauty.