chaim
Member
OK, after this thread (https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ubs-should-i-keep.823717/page-2#post-10600654) I have come to the decision to keep my 442 (the only one on that thread that will probably go is the 2" Rossi, and even that may stick around). If I'm going to use a snub occasionally as a BUG, it makes more sense than a heavier gun. Plus, used gun prices are quite low right now.
So, I want to make it more civil/useful. I don't like shooting it. It is OK with weak target loads, uncomfortable with anything else, and somewhat painful with a good +P.
My 442 has the Secret Service style boot grips that some 442s came out of the factory with as a special edition several years ago. Initially I thought about trying rubber boot grips (I did once shoot someones 642 with rubber grips which seemed much more comfortable to shoot). I love the look of the reddish wood on the black anodized revolver, but this gun is about utility, it is not meant to be a fun gun or safe queen. Though, the thin wood grips are very low profile and they don't snag on anything making them great for CCW and especially pocket or ankle carry as a BUG so they do have some utility. So, I've thought about a few options. Rubber boot grips (Hogue most likely) would tame some of the felt recoil, and they aren't too thick, but they aren't as low profile as the wood on my gun currently and the rubber could catch on clothing when drawing. I've thought about the Pachmayr laminated wood or "Renagade" laminated grips. They are a little bigger and fill the hand better so they would be more comfortable than what I have now, they are wood so they wouldn't snag clothing like rubber can, but they are definitely thicker so they may not be as good in a pocket.
Another issue is the sights and practical accuracy. Easy enough, I have sight paint, the front sight will soon be orange or florescent green. I may also get some Crimson Trace grips. They may or may not help the comfort issue, but they will definitely make it easier to make hits with this gun at a distance, and they'll make a good dry fire training tool. They are expensive though (I could get another Taurus 85 for the price of some of their grips), and I don't love the idea of relying on added battery powered optics.
For the felt recoil, one thought is to download my ammo. Not download my practice ammo when I reload, but to use a lower powered and lower recoil round. This gun will never be carried alone. I don't live in a carry state so I don't ever come home, put everything away, and realize I need to run out to pick up something at the store or gas up my car and drop a gun (with holster) in my pocket (when that happens, I have to be armed with nothing more than pepper spray and a knife). When I carry on my UT non-res permit, I am driving 45min to 2 hours (or more for vacation) to a nearby state. I'm not going out, coming home and removing my gear, and going out again. And, I'm usually dressed for shopping or sightseeing, not synagogue or work. So, when I carry, it is usually just as easy for me to carry a larger and more capable gun. If MD is ever finally forced by a court case to go shall-issue, or I finally make the move to PA or VA, that may change, but for now the only time I see myself using my 442 is when I choose to take it as a BUG. Given that something else will get drawn first, it may be OK to use the 442 with lower recoiling non-+P JHP, lighter grain bullets (maybe 110s or even the low recoil Hornady 90gr Critical Defense), or go with something that is typically more of a target load (148gr wadcutters, or target loaded 158gr SWC), or a combination of those options.
So, anyone have any feedback on these ideas? Anyone try the Pachmayr grips and have feedback on their recoil absorption? Anyone carry their lighweight revolvers with a round that isn't usually considered ideal for defense? How about the Crimson Trace for better accuracy? How are they for comfort?
So, I want to make it more civil/useful. I don't like shooting it. It is OK with weak target loads, uncomfortable with anything else, and somewhat painful with a good +P.
My 442 has the Secret Service style boot grips that some 442s came out of the factory with as a special edition several years ago. Initially I thought about trying rubber boot grips (I did once shoot someones 642 with rubber grips which seemed much more comfortable to shoot). I love the look of the reddish wood on the black anodized revolver, but this gun is about utility, it is not meant to be a fun gun or safe queen. Though, the thin wood grips are very low profile and they don't snag on anything making them great for CCW and especially pocket or ankle carry as a BUG so they do have some utility. So, I've thought about a few options. Rubber boot grips (Hogue most likely) would tame some of the felt recoil, and they aren't too thick, but they aren't as low profile as the wood on my gun currently and the rubber could catch on clothing when drawing. I've thought about the Pachmayr laminated wood or "Renagade" laminated grips. They are a little bigger and fill the hand better so they would be more comfortable than what I have now, they are wood so they wouldn't snag clothing like rubber can, but they are definitely thicker so they may not be as good in a pocket.
Another issue is the sights and practical accuracy. Easy enough, I have sight paint, the front sight will soon be orange or florescent green. I may also get some Crimson Trace grips. They may or may not help the comfort issue, but they will definitely make it easier to make hits with this gun at a distance, and they'll make a good dry fire training tool. They are expensive though (I could get another Taurus 85 for the price of some of their grips), and I don't love the idea of relying on added battery powered optics.
For the felt recoil, one thought is to download my ammo. Not download my practice ammo when I reload, but to use a lower powered and lower recoil round. This gun will never be carried alone. I don't live in a carry state so I don't ever come home, put everything away, and realize I need to run out to pick up something at the store or gas up my car and drop a gun (with holster) in my pocket (when that happens, I have to be armed with nothing more than pepper spray and a knife). When I carry on my UT non-res permit, I am driving 45min to 2 hours (or more for vacation) to a nearby state. I'm not going out, coming home and removing my gear, and going out again. And, I'm usually dressed for shopping or sightseeing, not synagogue or work. So, when I carry, it is usually just as easy for me to carry a larger and more capable gun. If MD is ever finally forced by a court case to go shall-issue, or I finally make the move to PA or VA, that may change, but for now the only time I see myself using my 442 is when I choose to take it as a BUG. Given that something else will get drawn first, it may be OK to use the 442 with lower recoiling non-+P JHP, lighter grain bullets (maybe 110s or even the low recoil Hornady 90gr Critical Defense), or go with something that is typically more of a target load (148gr wadcutters, or target loaded 158gr SWC), or a combination of those options.
So, anyone have any feedback on these ideas? Anyone try the Pachmayr grips and have feedback on their recoil absorption? Anyone carry their lighweight revolvers with a round that isn't usually considered ideal for defense? How about the Crimson Trace for better accuracy? How are they for comfort?
Last edited: