[welldoya]

I had a 642 with the IL but sold it and bought one of the new no-lock 642s that just came out. I switched my CT grips over to the new gun.
I went up to my hunting club Saturday and was practicing with the new 642.
I haven't shot either of my 642s enough to get spectacular groups but they were OK.
I began experimenting and found I shoot better if I hold it out in front of me just below chest high instead of higher like you would shoot with iron sights.
Plus, I can see my surroundings better. Anybody else do this ? Or does everybody do this and I just now caught on ?

[jfh]

After I got my 340 sighted in with CT grips, I have concentrated on learning to "point shoot" with it--e.g., NOT using the open sights. As you've found out, you can be much more aware--e.g., just concentrate on the dot placement and learn to shoot with concentration on the target.

These kind of skills are usually counter to what we have learned as (handgun) marksmen--and point shooting needs to be developed for good defensive shooting skills. Using the CT sight without the iron sights will also aid in developing good trigger skills--use the dot on a wall in front of you and watch for your bobble while dry firing--all without holding your revolver at eye level.

A good basic drill to use with these small revolvers is to work your way towards doing "quad fives"--e.g., five shots, five yards, in a five-inch (fist / heart-sized) group--in five seconds or less. Begin with an aimed group, and simply try to get all groups on a typical letter-size blank page. Then move to "flash-sighting"--but keep the laser on, and start looking only at the dot / target--and then start speeding up as the five shots form up in smaller groups and become quicker to do.

FWIW, I think what you have called "sighting in" is in fact point shooting. Google that and you'll find some interesting sites to help you in acquiring those skills.

Jim H.