My Grip, or the Gun's

[RDW]

Hey, everyone. I hope you're all doing well. Good thoughts to those of you in Joplin, Missouri, and other areas recently hit by tornadoes.

I recently purchased my first Smith (a 642), and I finally got it out to the range this past weekend. Great gun so far, and no complaints, but I had a minor problem with the cylinder release striking my right thumb, just to the right of the knuckle, when I was firing (I'm right-handed). For the most part I was hitting what I was shooting at (metal targets at 15 yards), and I managed the problem by using a glove, but I'd like to get your thoughts on what's going on. I was shooting 130 gr fmj, 38 special (not +p), and the gun has the stock synthetic grips. This is my first time shooting a small-frame revolver (I have a Taurus 38/357, which I think is medium frame, and I have a Ruger Super Blackhawk)

Based on what I've told you (and I realize it's hard to say anything too definitive based on just a brief written description), does is sound like I might be holding the gun "improperly," so I should think about changing my grip a bit? Or does it sound like it might be the gun, and I should think about changing out the gun grips (I've read a lot on this and some other forums about alternative grips for the 642)?

I thought my grip was OK, based on my accuracy, but maybe I'm gripping it a little too loosely? Or maybe it's just a small gun thing and that's why they make shooting gloves (I actually use an Easton batting glove).

Thanks.

 

[Jeb21]

You may try a grip that covers the back strap to see if that helps. For me the most comfortable grip is the Pachmyer compact carry for the J-frame. Unfortunately it is difficult to use these grips with pocket carry. They do work extremely well for belt carry though.

 

[BCRider]

I found I got that when shooting a .44Mag model 629. It's due to the recoil impulse moving the gun in your hand far enough to let the release hit your knuckle. Granted your 642 isn't a .44Mag but it's a very light gun so the recoil is probably up there on par with a .44Mag so it moves in your hand the same way.

Jeb's solution of a fuller grip that covers the back strap is likely a good idea. If you can set it up with a grip where the web of your hand between thumb and forefinger is more filled in the gun should not kick back as far. Alternately if you wrap your support hand thumb over this area and push forward lightly that too will aid in preloading the upper rear grip and likely stop the gun from rotating and kicking bad so far as to jam the release catch into your knuckle.

Oddly enough I recently got my own .44Mag revolver and it's a Ruger. I'm pretty happy about this as although I'm a huge fan of S&W for my .38Spl and .357Mag guns I'm more than happy with the Ruger for it's placement of the cylinder release button well ahead and out of the way of my knuckle.

 

[RDW]

Update: Changed the Grips, Worked Great

Thanks for the replies. Just wanted to update on the results.

I changed out the grips on the 642 to the Pachmayr J-frame Compac model and went to the range last week. A little adjustment on my grip because the new grip is bigger around, but after just a few shots I settled in and was getting good accuracy on the metal targets. And no issues with the cylinder release striking my thumb.

The comment that the new grips make the gun a little bulkier is exactly right, but that's not a problem for me (I don't concealed carry). If for some reason I need the gun to shrink down a bit, I can always put the old grips (the stock ones) back on.

Thanks again for the advice.