Crimson Trace 305 or 405 on SW 642

[kkebs]

OK, after reading many inputs on whether to get a SP101 or SW 642 for CCW with laser grips I have decided to go for the 642.
My next problem is that the SW 642 only comes with the CT305 as a package. I have read that the CT405 is better for ccw pocket carry.
I can only get the CT642 with the CT305 at the dealer as the CT405s are not offered. If I only go for the 642 and get the CT405 later it would cost met $75 more than if I go for the package with CT305.

I called Crimson Trace and would not accept exchanges of the grips so my question to all is your opinion if the 642 with the CT 305 grips are
too large for ccw pocket carry and what has been your experience with both grips.
Thanks again for any input....

 

[welldoya]

I've got the 305s on my 642 and like them. They are a little larger in your pocket than the 405s but I can grip them better.
And, if it matters to you, the 305s have the S&W logo instead of the CTC logo. You can order the 405s directly from S&W with their logo but they are $252 whereas you can get them with the CTC logo for around $220.
And , you already know this, you can get a better deal if you get your gun with the CTs already installed.

 

[jaydubya]

My 637 is the hammered clone to your 642. When I bought it five years ago, I also bought the CT305 grips, which were all they had then. I've fired about two thousand rounds from the combination, and find it punishing to shoot fifty at a time. If I forget to tape the web of my hand, by the time I've fired twenty rounds, I'll have a blister -- and popped it. My trigger finger will also be throbbing from trigger slap, but that comes with Airweights. The CT405 grips come with a little pocket at the top of the backstrap which really helps prevent blistering. Some say the 405s "print" less than the 305s, which are longer. I do not carry, but while I wait for a new sheriff (this is California with all its interesting gun laws), I practice with an Uncle Mike's pocket holster. In the pocket of my chinos, the combination does not print at all, and is easy to forget about.

To sum up, if you plan to practice often, get the 642 without CT grips and then buy the CT405 grips separately. They are easy to install, and your hand will thank you. Don't let a few dollars' difference make this decision for you.
Cordially, Jack

 

[davidconatser]

I have the 305s on my 640 and 642 and 60.

They conceal well in a Mika pocket holster.

I find them quite comfortable. They allow a fuller grip, and for me better control.

I shoot the 640 more. It is my primary, the 642 is a BUG in an ankle holster. I have never had a blister.

When you get used to shooting the 640 with its extra weight, the 642 is only slighter brisker. I have tried .357s, but only use them in my 686 or Marlin 1894C now. The snubbies perform well and are manageable with 158 grain SWCHPs.

 

[FranklyTodd]

I'm pretty sure the M&P340 comes with the 405s. Maybe you could get the factory 305s, then find someone to trade with?

I personally like the 405s, and for pocket carry would not want the 305s. I bought the 340 with nothing, then got the S&W branded CTs from Smith. Probably the most expensive way to do things, but 8 months later I don't really remember the extra few bucks.

 

[MVF]

I just bought the combo and two days after buying discovered the smaller CT grips were available. I have no experience with the smaller grips, but after shooting the gun, I think I'm happier with the longer grips.

At first they did seem a little hard on the web, but half way through the first 50 rounds I wasn't having any trouble and my hand wasn't sore the next day.

YMMV

 

[csmkersh]

Thanks for giving me the info I needed to decide. I'll be getting the 405 for my S&W 442 and put the Sambar stags on another j-frame.


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[glockman19]

i have the 405's on my 642. I like them very much.

 

[jfh]

and another vote on the 405s for pocket carry.

For those of you wanting a visual comparison of the three j-frame CT grips, follow the links in this thread.


Jim H.

 

[bigjohnson]

I bought a pair of 405s for my 637, and took them back the next day and traded them for a pair of 305s. The 305s are much more comfortable, even though they are about 1/2 inch longer.

 

[DAdams]

CTs

I have 405s on two J frames. Although I am not 100% certain, but based on my trial of some Hogue Monogrips to simulate the 305s length, the 305s might hang out in some pants/shorts. I didn't want that to happen, hence I went with the 405s to err on the concealed side.

 

[bhk]

I bought a 642 with the factory 305s and loved shooting with them. They were, however, a little too large for pocket carry. I sold them on line (SW forum) and bought 405s. Much better for my purposes. I probably lost a little money on this deal (not much), but had the chance to try both styles.