642 carry rig

[Jones]

Gonna pick up a Smith 642. Have the option of with or without CT grips. Both seem reasonably priced for my area. $175 extra with the grips on it.

Kind of leaning towards the laser option for dry fire practice; to see how much I might be twitching.

My real question is:

How are you carrying your 642's?

Does the CT grip limit your holster options?



Been lurking since the TFL days.... feels good to finally join the goup.

 

[Preacherman]

Welcome aboard, sir!

Now, for the 642: the big question is whether you might pocket-carry it sometimes, or stick to a belt holster. If a belt holster, then the Crimson Trace grips will be fine. If you're going for pocket carry as an option, then you need to avoid the larger CT grip, model LG-305, as it's too big to fit many pockets:

Rather go for the smaller LG-205 model, which is hard plastic (not soft rubber - "grabs" clothing much less) and rather smaller:

Of course, the LG-205 will be less "absorbent" of recoil than the larger, softer LG-305. You have to balance control against carry techniques. Personally, on J-frames, I go for concealment as being more important than comfort, and I use the LG-205.

Hope this helps.

 

[DDGator]

I agree with Preacherman. The 205s will not cause you any problem with pocket carry or otherwise.

I think these guns are the ultimate pocket guns. I carry my 342 in my front pocket all the time -- in one of my holsters. This is my favorite carry setup.


Duane
[email protected]
www.KDHolsters.com

 

[Catbird]

I have a 340PD (J-frame .38/.357). I am planning on buying a set of the larger, rubber-coated, LG-305 CT grips as soon as I can locate the best price. So far, $229 is the lowest I've seen.

 

[V-fib]

The LG-205’s are smaller and the hard surface doesn’t snag on clothing like rubber can. I have the LG-205’s on my 642. Ultimate Outdoors has about the best price of $161. I carry my 642 in a smartcarry holster or coat pocket.

 

[Catbird]

It seems as though neither Natchez ($229) or Ultimate Outdoors ($211) has the LG-305s in stock.

 

[Catbird]

After placing a backorder with Ultimate Outdoors, I received my 305s today.
Since my S&W 340PD is a .357 MAGNUM, I decided to go with the larger, rubber overmolded grips. I plan to carry this gun in either my SmartCarry or my IWB holster. These grips feel good in the hand. I'm very satisfied with this product.

 

[MikeB]

I've had good luck with a 340SC in both a Kramer pocket holster for pocket carry and a Galco Scout for IWB.

 

[GarySD]

I pocket carry my 642 with a LG-305. I use a Milt Sparks PCH-R for the right side, a PCS Speed Scabbard for the left. No interference problems at all with either holster.

 

[Catbird]

I took my S&W 340PD w/ CT LG-305 grips out for a test drive yesterday.
This gun was MUCH more controllable as well as comfortable to shoot. This translated into a higher level of accuracy that I was able to achieve. For the first time, I was able to hit within a 12" circle @ 10 yards. I realize this isn't great, but IS acceptable IMO. Beyond 15 yards...forgetaboutit! Just for fun, I carried this rig in a cheap Uncle Mike's IWB cloth holster. While certainly not my first choice, it worked okay for me. I may try it in my SmartCarry tomorrow.

 

[VictorLouis]

Rubber grips in pocket holsters

Are just fine, IF you can access the grip completely in order to draw. In fact, the tackiness of most of them probably helps keep it from shiftin around to some extent.

If your particular pants pocket is on the tight side, and you're depending on getting just a finger or two hooked under them to up the gun, then you better make sure you test the combination. Personally, I only use the pocket rig in pants where I can get a full purchase on the grips.