642 Club Part Three

[AStone]

...about your experience with the Hogue Monogrips. I'm trying to gather data about how much comfort it adds to the shooters hand

Ten words: Buy a set; don't look back (except in SD tactics).

 

[Mizsophie]

Well, I have not put the monogrips on yet, because, quite frankly, I just love, love the looks of this little gun just the way it is. I will suffer through the discomfort a bit longer. That and I don't want to screw it up if I do it wrong.

 

[sixgunner455]

SwissArmyDad - the recoil bite is a good reason to reload, or at least seek out lighter bullets and standard pressure loads. My 125gr lead loads don't really sting to shoot, unlike a 125gr +p or 158 gr +p.

I carry 125 gr JHP, usually Speer Gold Dot, in standard pressure. They are very accurate, and effective.

 

[Old Bull Lee]

The Hogue monogrips make it a different, better gun for me.

The main problem I had with the originals was there was nothing between the web of my hand and the metal backstrap. Recoil sting + awkward grip.

Not only do I feel less recoil with the Hogue, but the gun fits my hand better for a faster drawing grip and more control.

I also have better finger placement on the trigger. (long fingers)

 

[MO-642]

Do you give up pocket carry with the Hogues?

 

[AStone]

I think most of us with Monogrips use OWB rather than pocket.

Well, at least I do.

 

[Mizsophie]

Does anyone use shooting gloves? I went online and saw regular ones, fingerless ones and some with gel inserts in the palm. I have never used them but am just wondering. I wouldn't want anything to take away the feel of the gun.

 

[Scott30]

IWB or OWB with monogrips. Too big to pocket carry except cargo pocket or jacket pocket.

 

[Warp]

Do you give up pocket carry with the Hogues?

Larger grips will be harder to fit/conceal in your pocket. Pachmayr compact grips on my 642 mean the end of the grip can sometimes be slightly visible from the correct angle, when that was almost never the case using the stock grip.

Does anyone use shooting gloves? I went online and saw regular ones, fingerless ones and some with gel inserts in the palm. I have never used them but am just wondering. I wouldn't want anything to take away the feel of the gun.

I have a pair of hatch gloves I wear for range trips and shooting events, but I don't always wear them, because I want to be able to do everything well with or without gloves. The gloves help to keep me from tearing my hands up too much over the course of a full day or full weekend, and keep me from burning my hands (more a rifle thing there).

A 'shooting glove', IMO, isn't something I'd use too much for a defensive pistol because if I can't handle the recoil, I would figure I need to do something to the grip or ammo or gun choices, as there would be no padded glove in a defensive use

 

[Sistema1927]

Just contacted S&W. Mine needs to go back. Cracked frame.

 

[MO-642]

Does anyone use the Hogue Bantams and still pocket carry? I bought the 642 mainly for pocket carrying and would like to try a different grip, but really don't want to give up pocket carry.

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

Shot the 442 no lock yesterday. Carrying in a Mika pocket holster with Buffalo Bore now. Ran some 5-5-5 drills on an outdoor range with the CT-405 grips.

Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy .38 Special Ammo - 150 gr. Hard Cast Wad Cutter (850fps/M.E. 241 ft. lbs.)

I feel pretty good about it.

 

[west.22]

Finally, I have waited four months for this revolver to arrive. I am very happy with it, I changed the grips because they fit my hand better, I know less concealment, but they just feel that much better. With the factory grips my groups were averaging about six inches to the left, consistent, but to the left. with the pachmayr grips I was averaging about two to three inches to the left, once again consistent, but to the left. What do you guys think, is it my lack of practice with this gun or is it slightly off, causing it to shoot to the left. I am right handed by the way. For slow shots I stage the trigger slowly to the second click when the cylinder is fully locked up, then finish with a slow squeeze.

 

[Old Bull Lee]

Hogue grips/pocket carry

I pocket carry with the Hogue monogrips. The butt of the grip is still well inside the pocket and perfectly concealed on me.

I use a Mika holster. I'm usually wearing either tactical pants or work pants, both of which have DEEP FRONT POCKETS, which I think is the key. My own height and weight is probably also a factor. I've found it doesn't work so well with regular cargo pants, definitely not jeans.

 

[Stainz]

I found a way to pocket carry my OEM-gripped 642-2 in a Mika pocket holster without having to frequently pull my britches up. I carry my 351PD instead! Here is my 'new guy':



That thing is lite - and I found a use for the screwcap poly bottles - they hold seven Hornady 45gr FTX Critical Defense .22 WMR for reloads. I only average carrying it once every week or two, even though I know a BG/attacker would eventually notice seven leakage holes. My 642 is still my main carry.

Stainz

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

West.22, the S&W manual that ships with the 642 and 44e states, in bold, that you should not stage the trigger.

Instead of staging the trigger, try gripping the revolver a little higher with your dominant hand and fire it with one smooth and consistent trigger pull.

After a few sessions I am sure your groups will improve.

 

[west.22]

Thanks Tony, I will give that a try next time, the trigger and reading the manual.

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

We need some pics of it now

The 642 and 442 are really handy. They do take a bit of practice. You might consider picking up some light target loads like Remington umc lead-less .38 to get your technique squared off prior to shooting hotter +p loads. In most cases shooting to the left indicates anticipation of recoil.. That or the way you are squeezing the trigger is causing your hand to let the front sight drift which is exascerbated by the short barrel.

Although a bit pricy, laser sights are great training tools because you can practice dry-firing and observe what is happening to the laser and hence the front site. If you practice dry firing, still be aware of where you are pointing the gun!

Another point to note is that time and practice will smooth out the burrs on the action and likely smooth out that trigger pull. A drop of oil through the grip-frame can go a long way as well.

To be honest, I still struggle with accuracy and so I make it a point to train my J frame whenever I'm out at the range.

Good luck and report back soon

 

[west.22]

When I staged the trigger my groups were consistently off to the left, this picture is of my groups when I used the method that the manual states should be used, and that Tony reminded me of. group shot at about 24 feet. Thanks again Tony.

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

That is actually some pretty sweet shooting! Congrats also on getting the no-lock version of the 642. That is definitely the way the gun was meant to be made. I bet you would fare pretty well with some 5-5-5-5 (5 rounds in 5 seconds from 5 yrds and within a 5 inch circle) drill challenges.

Stainz, I am hereby charging you with violation of the 642 thread, evidenced by introduction of the 351PD. Your punishment will be forfeit of all firearms to a 642 club lottery and 10 lashes. I call dibs on your UDR.

 

[west.22]

I could have had a lock version the first day at the store, but I did my best to be patient for the no lock, and in the end it paid off. Only took four months.

 

[sixgunner455]

Tony -

We allow other Jframes here. We're not that Pharisaic about things. Stainz is, after all, an officer in this club.

Frankly, I'm finding myself strangely jealous of that 351PD.

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

Sixgunner has dibs on the 351!

 

[Dr. K]

New member, new 442

Hi! Just joined today after reading so many great posts on this thread... And buying yet another j-frame.

I'll post a pic when i figure out how.

 

[Stainz]

First... Welcome, Dr. K, to the madness here! A 442 is a fine example, indeed - congratulations! What will you 'carry' in it? Also, what will you 'carry' it in?

Second... is it safe for me to come out of hiding? What is the statute of limitations here on posting a non-642/442 picture? I knew that 351PD would get me in trouble...

I should get 'special status' for this picture:



What is 'special' about an S&W 632 Pro, SKU #178046? They didn't start delivering them until 9/11 - and they are gone now. Some neat features - no IL - loads/fires: .32 ACP, .32 S&W, .32 S&WL, .32 H&RM, and .327 Fedral Magnum. Shown, (L-R) 2 each: .32 S&WL 96gr; .327 FM 115gr Speer GD; and .327 FM 100gr Federal JSP. The first two are mild while the latter two pair make +P 158gr LHPSWC's in a 642/442 seem mild! The real irony - try as I might - the 642 is still my 24/7 EDC protector!

Stainz