need advice - thumbpiece 642

[777unch]

{{says to self >> No such thing as a stupid question... no stupid questions... no stupid questions.}}

Any advice on filing down the thumbpiece on a S&W M642?

I've had this pistol for a few weeks. Shoots well (with nice kick). I've developed a slight callus on my right thumb (strong hand)... only problem, it keeps getting ripped off! ouch.

I'm using a "crush grip" but there's still enough bounce to get my thumb knuckle every now and again.

Thanks all!

 

[JLaw]

I don't know of any, but I'll be monitoring this post to find out who does. I suffer from the same problem. The bleeding thumb syndrome is the only downside I've encountered with the 642.

JLaw

 

[Texfire]

I'm assuming that you're right-handed, have you tried holding the thumb of your shooting hand another way? Up if you're aligning it along the bore, or vice versa?

Tex

 

[Kor]

1) The bottom edge of the thumbpiece is all that should need to be filed, as it's a stainless piece no refinishing should be needed. Just get anything - needle file, sharpening stone, Dremel tool w/grinding wheel - and have at it. Don't try to dull down all the checkering, just knock the bottom edge down so it doesn't feel rough to the touch. Of course, remove the latch first.

2) If your 642 has the older-style thumbpiece, consider ordering a new-style, wedge-shaped thumbpiece from S&W. These were re-designed back around 1995 to obviate "S&W thumb." If you actually have a new-style latch on your gun, you can still try de-horning it.

3) If all else fails, try the "easy-cheesy" solution: put a Band-Aid on your thumb before your practice sessions with this gun. Since you'd be putting one on anyway after you barked-up your thumb, why not put the Band-Aid on first, and save yourself the pain?

 

[777unch]

1) The bottom edge of the thumbpiece is all that should need to be filed, as it's a stainless piece no refinishing should be needed. Just get anything - needle file, sharpening stone, Dremel tool w/grinding wheel - and have at it. Don't try to dull down all the checkering, just knock the bottom edge down so it doesn't feel rough to the touch. Of course, remove the latch first.

Thanks Kor! This is what i wanted to hear. ('just didn't want to make a newb mistake) I'll just take off those sharp little tips.

Tex, i've moved my grip a couple times. i wanted to keep thumbs forward (1911 style). but just couldn't keep good control. I think i'm also in the market for a slightly larger grip. The boot is a tad small.

Thanks for the help.