hmp32 - first off just to double check, the 442 is the same as a 642, just anodized right? In other words, same grip and same weight right?
Sounds like you're having the problem I was having with my 340PD when using full house .357 magnum loads.
Here's what I found helped:
1) When first shooting a light j-frame, the skin is soft in that area. As you shoot it more and practice more, the skin there hardens up a little bit and it becomes considerably more comfortable to shoot.
2) You want the spine of the grip to follow the natural shape of your palm when gripping it so that you get the most support.
3) Hold it tight enough that it doesn't move a lot when you fire it. For using two hands, try using the fingers of your left hand (or non-dominant hand) to hold the fingers of your right (or dominant) hand tight, and hold down your thumb.
You're basically trying to minimize movement. Remember, with a j-frame, the majority of the energy from shooting gets transferred to you. Try to work your grip and wrist/arm angle so that you maximize the energy transferred to your arm and so that the gun doesn't move much.
These are the tips I picked up from others that worked for me with the 340PD. Also, if you're going to practice extensively, you might want to use a shooting glove. It just makes it more enjoyable for extended shooting.
Unfortunately, shooting a j-frame is never as comfortable or easy as shooting a semi-auto. That's one of the reasons I initially switched 100% to semi-autos.
I hope this helps. I'm sure others will have more and better advice.
