New, smaller grip for my 642

[lebowski]

I have a smith 642 with a CT laser grip that I've been pocket carrying for about 8 months now. It's the "overmolded" CT laser grip. The benefits of this grip is that it does give a nice perch to hold onto, making the 642 tolerable to shoot. The downside is it is big, making the 642 less concealable than it could be.

I'm thinking about switching to a smaller, smoother grip that would aid in concealment. The tradeoff will be a harsher recoil, so I'm interested in thoughts as to what the rest of you use on your CCW j-frames.

One option is the smaller grip CT: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=760917

Or I could give up the CT altogether I suppose. Generally, I'm not a big fan of laser sights, but on a gun with crappy sights like the j-frame (and no night sights), I do like having the laser, especially at night. None of my other defense guns have laser sights and don't have a need for them, but on the other hand all of these handguns (with the exception of my LCP) have a proper set of tritium sights.

If I went without the CT, options include:

Simple hogue grip: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=842242

Dress it up a bit, though would likely trade off comfort: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=616683

I guess my questions for you guys are:

1) What grips do you use on your CCW j-frame?

2) Is the wood grip a bear to shoot compared to the hogue?

3) Anyone used the grips I've listed ... thoughts?

4) Anything I'm leaving out?


I'm not overly recoil sensitive, but on the other hand the j-frame isn't exactly the most comfortable gun to shoot IMO

 

[gb6491]

Dress it up a bit, though would likely trade off comfort: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=616683

I have a set of those on my Model 60. I got them after buying and using a Taurus with a similar style grip. I really like them. I don't find them them uncomfortable at all, up to and including 158 gr. .38+P. IMO, .357 is a different animal and will quickly make you yearn for rubber grips that cover the back strap (an occasional round or two isn't going going to maim you, but you'll feel it).

Regards,
Greg

 

[lebowski]

That's a nice lookin setup

 

[Wolfeye]

I have a 642PPP, which came with a tritium front sight, 2 1/8" barrel, & barrel porting. I installed a Pachmayr "compac" grip, which covers the backstrap; it's the smallest grip I find to be comfortable for my large hands. I'd describe it as somewhere between a full-sized grip & a true compact grip.

With the 1/4" longer barrel & the not-quite-compact grips, I can't comfortably pocket the gun, but other forms of carry are doable.

Personally, I'd prefer the same sized grip in wood. The rubber helps with recoil, but the porting already makes +p loads quite manageable.

Not quite a direct comparison to what you're talking about, but I hope this helps...

 

[madwell]

I had the same CT grips on my 638. I put houge bantam grips on it. They were 17 dollars at my local store, and have made it easier to pocket carry. when the weather cools down i will probably put the CT grips back on and belt carry, but so far i am pleased with the new setup.

 

[lebowski]

I have a 642PPP, which came with a tritium front sight, 2 1/8" barrel, & barrel porting. I installed a Pachmayr "compac" grip, which covers the backstrap; it's the smallest grip I find to be comfortable for my large hands. I'd describe it as somewhere between a full-sized grip & a true compact grip.

With the 1/4" longer barrel & the not-quite-compact grips, I can't comfortably pocket the gun, but other forms of carry are doable.

Personally, I'd prefer the same sized grip in wood. The rubber helps with recoil, but the porting already makes +p loads quite manageable.

Not quite a direct comparison to what you're talking about, but I hope this helps...

It's very helpful, the posts thus far are exactly the kind of feedback I'm looking for.

 

[bhk]

Many of the j-frames come with the Crimson Trace 305s. The 405s are boot grips (even with the bottom of the frame), but still have a covered backstrap. They fit just fine in the pocket. I made the switch and have been very satified with the 405s.

 

[frankt]

I bought the LG-105 laser grips because I knew my 442 was going to be mostly a pocket carry gun.
They work extremely well in that capacity. The grip is hard and small and comes out of the pocket well.
They do not have an on/off switch but that has never been a issue for me.

 

[glassman]

I never liked the boot grip that came with my 642. It was just too small for my hand and as a result, I didn't shoot it well. I never felt like I had good purchase on the gun and after about 50 rounds down range, it hurt to shoot. I got a set of performance center grips and that has solved the problem for me. The extra half inch in length made a hugh difference in feel and function. I don't pocket carry so I can't speak to that but I do recommend them for increased control and comfort.

 

[lebowski]

I bought the LG-105 laser grips because I knew my 442 was going to be mostly a pocket carry gun.
They work extremely well in that capacity. The grip is hard and small and comes out of the pocket well.
They do not have an on/off switch but that has never been a issue for me.

Does the 105 cover the back, or leave it exposed?

 

[lebowski]

I never liked the boot grip that came with my 642. It was just too small for my hand and as a result, I didn't shoot it well. I never felt like I had good purchase on the gun and after about 50 rounds down range, it hurt to shoot. I got a set of performance center grips and that has solved the problem for me. The extra half inch in length made a hugh difference in feel and function. I don't pocket carry so I can't speak to that but I do recommend them for increased control and comfort.

There's no question that the larger grip is more comfortable to shoot. My issue more is that since this is a "carry often shoot little" gun, I'd rather have that extra concealability. I rarely shoot 50 rds down range at a time through my j-frame.

 

[41magsnub]

The 105 leaves the back exposed.

I have a LG 405 on mine which conceals just fine in my pocket on a s&w 438. It covers the top half of the back strap. The only flaw for me is the grip in the bottom rear of the grip is smaller than the frame leaving a sharp protrusion that wore holes in my pants. I committed firearm sin and filed it down to match the grip profile.

 

[lebowski]

thanks guys. I ended up ordering the CT105s from midway. If I like them I'll probably sell the overmolded CTs.

The wood grips were tempting, and the best looking. If the 642 had a big dot front sight like the M&P has, I'd have gladly given up the CT and got the wood.