Grips made for the Rock Island Armory M200 series fit both the M200 and the M206. Grips made for Colt, Smith & Wesson or other revolver frames are not built for this frame, so buy grips that name the M200 or M206.
This guide covers which grips fit, whether the two models share grips, how Pachmayr and Hogue fit in, and the accessories owners add most. It is written by Premium Grips, where we machine grips for the M200 and M206. If you own a Rock Island 1911 pistol instead, see what 1911 grips fit a Rock Island 1911.
What Grips Fit the Rock Island M200?
The Rock Island Armory M200 takes grips cut for the M200 series frame. That includes the factory grips, M200/M206 replacement grips, and oversize wrap-around grips listed for the M200 and M206.
Check one thing before you order: the listing should name the M200 or M206, or the Armscor M200 series. A grip that says “fits most .38 revolvers” is not a fit guarantee.
Our Rock Island revolver grips are made for the M200 and M206 and come with the install pins and grip screw.
Rock Island M200 vs M206: What Is the Difference?
Both are .38 Special, six-shot, double-action revolvers made by Armscor in the Philippines and sold in the US under the Rock Island Armory name.
| M200 | M206 | |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .38 Special | .38 Special |
| Capacity | 6 rounds | 6 rounds |
| Barrel | 4 inch | 2 inch (snub nose) |
| Hammer | Standard | Standard or spurless |
| Typical use | Range, home | Concealed carry |
The M206 is styled after the Colt Detective Special. The barrel length is the main difference; the grip frame is shared across the series.
Are Rock Island M200 and M206 Grips Interchangeable?
Yes. Grips made for the M200 series fit both the M200 and the M206, which is why replacement grips for these revolvers are sold as “M200 and M206” grips.
This is the most common grip compatibility question for the Rock Island M206: owners of the snub-nose model can use any grip listed for the M200, and the reverse.
Do Other Revolver Grips Fit the M200 or M206?
Usually not. Grips are cut to one frame shape, pin position and screw location. A grip made for a different revolver may look similar and still leave gaps, sit crooked, or not line up with the screw hole.
Do Colt Detective Special Grips Fit the M206?
The M206 copies the Detective Special’s look, not its exact frame. Colt Detective Special grips are made for the Colt frame and should not be assumed to fit the M206.
Do Pachmayr or Hogue Grips Fit the Rock Island M200 and M206?
Only if the maker lists the M200 or M206 by name. Pachmayr and Hogue publish fit lists by exact revolver model. If the M200 series is not on the list, a grip made for another revolver will not fit correctly.
Best Grip Types for the M206 and M200
The best grip depends on how you use the revolver. Most owners choose by size first, then material.
| Grip type | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Factory size | Concealed carry with the M206 | Small; less hand to hold on to |
| Oversize wrap-around | Shooting comfort and recoil control | Larger; prints more under clothing |
| Wood (rosewood gun grips, black rosewood) | Classic look, firm hold | Can scratch; needs occasional care |
| Acrylic pearl (pearl gun grips) | Display look, white or black pearl | Smooth surface, less texture |
| Rubber (rubber gun grips) | Recoil absorption | Can snag on clothing |
For an M206 carried daily, a smaller grip conceals better. For an M200 used at the range, an oversize wrap-around grip fills the hand and controls recoil better.
How to Install Grips on a Rock Island M200 or M206
- Unload the revolver and confirm the cylinder is empty.
- Remove the grip screw and slide the old grips off the frame.
- Fit the new grip’s pins into the frame holes. Our M200/M206 grips include the pins.
- Insert the grip screw and tighten until snug. Do not overtighten; it can crack wood or acrylic.
- Check the grip sits flush with no gap at the frame or behind the trigger guard.
Rock Island M200 and M206 Accessories and Upgrades
The upgrades M200 and M206 owners ask about:
- Grips: the most common upgrade; changes fit, recoil and look.
- Holster: buy one made for the barrel length. A 2-inch M206 and a 4-inch M200 need different holsters.
- Speed strips: hold six .38 Special rounds for faster reloads.
- Speedloader: must match the cylinder; buy one listed for the M200/M206.
- Sights: the sights are fixed. A painted front sight is the simplest upgrade for faster sight pickup.
FAQs
Are Rock Island M206 grips the same as M200 grips?
Yes. Grips made for the M200 series fit both models.
Do Pachmayr grips fit the Rock Island M200?
Only if Pachmayr lists the M200 or M206 by name. Grips made for other revolvers are not cut for this frame.
Do Hogue grips fit the Rock Island M206?
Only if Hogue lists the M206 by name. Check Hogue’s fit list for the exact model before buying.
What are the best grips for the M206?
For carry, a factory-size grip conceals best. For shooting comfort, an oversize wrap-around grip in wood or rubber gives more control.
Is there a laser grip for the Rock Island M206?
Check laser-grip makers’ fit lists for the M206 by name. A laser grip made for another revolver will not fit this frame.
Do you need a grip adapter for the M206?
A grip adapter fills the gap behind the trigger guard on small-frame revolvers. An oversize wrap-around grip fills the same space, so most owners do not need a separate adapter.
Do M200 grips come with screws and pins?
Ours do. Each M200/M206 set ships with the install pins and grip screw.
