S & W Model 442-2 Airweight J Frame .38 Spec 5 shot

[K_Dubbya]

Greetings,

I recently purchased a Speedbeez speedloader after reading that the stock grip was inhibiting HKS and Safariland loaders from quickly being inserted. The speedbeez does have a slightly slimmer profile but the grip is still preventing an efficient reload.

Some shooters stated they had taken a dremel to the left side of the grip to cut out a deeper channel which is fine but Im curious if anyone else has found any aftermarket grips that do not get in the way of a speedloader. TIA

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Safariland has 3 different speed loaders. I use the Comp1 speed loaders with my J frame revolvers, some with the same grips you have and they work perfectly.

https://www.safariland.com/products/holsters-and-gear/gun-accessories/speed-loaders-and-trays/

Cheaper here:
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...-arms-s-and-w-5-shot-38-special-polymer-black

 

[Pat Riot]

Have you tried the HKS speedloader yourself?
That’s what I use and the grip doesn’t interfere too badly but it is definitely in the technique you use to load the cylinder.

I use my right hand thumb to unlatch the cylinder. Transfer the revolver to my left hand and using my thumb against the outside of the cylinder and my middle finger through the frame opening I hold onto the cylinder keeping it out from the frame so I can insert the speedloader.

It takes practice but can be done fairly easily.

 

[mcb]

Those grips interfer with the Safariland Comp I's and the HKS also. Both of those speed-loaders are basically the same outside diameter. Thought they are a slightly better/smaller-OD than the Speed-beez. Safariland does not make the Comp II or Comp III for the J-frame. The only thing that works well with those grips are speed strips and Moonclips.

 

[edwardware]

I solved this. . . with a Pachmayr Compac Professional grip. It also doesn't turn to sticky goo after a hot summer like the OE grip.

 

[cfullgraf]

My solution was to have the cylinder cut for moon clips on my 442.

I'm a fan of Pachmyr grips. One or two Pachmyr j-frame grips work with speed loaders, others do not. I'm afraid I do not remember which.

 

[mcb]

I bought my 442 from the factory moonclip ready. I also then made mine ugly with some Ergo grips... The are ugly as sin, do have slightly better clearance for speed-loaders, and really do make the +P loads a bit more controllable. Hate the looks but it feels good in the hand.

 

[GRIZ22]

I solved this. . . with a Pachmayr Compac Professional grip. It also doesn't turn to sticky goo after a hot summer like the OE grip.

Pachmayr Compacs on a J frame with HKS Speedloaders is a combination I've used for over 30 years.

 

[Gary A]

The old Uncle Mike’s grips worked great. I do not understand why Smith and Wesson has not tweaked their current OEM grips just slightly to correct this known issue. I have found the Hogue Bantams work very well though some may find them a tad small and a tad sticky. I like them pretty well and use them without trouble. I lament the passing of the Uncle Mike’s boot grips.

 

[John Joseph]

Pachmayrs and HKS for me, too.

 

[GRIZ22]

If you want to get more to hold onto the Pachmayr Gripper grips give a full three fingers on the front strap and extend a little below the grip frame resulting in less perceived recoil.

They also work with HKS.

 

[rodinal220]

I have a 442-2 and several other newer(with lock) S&W J -frames(638). I too found that the stock/factory rubber grip did not work with HKS or Safariland speed loaders(I/II). I use the Hogue Bantam style grips, they fit my hand, take some shock out the airweights, and work with both speedloaders, I'm more of a HKS guy, but the Safarilands work.

https://www.hogueinc.com/s-w-j-frame-round-butt-rubber-bantam-style-grip-black

 

[Haywood]

All you have to do is hold the grip to a bench grinder. All speed loaders fit now.

 

[8ring]

I use Five Star Speedloaders with a Hogue Monogrip on my 638. The work perfectly without any modifications. IMHO, the 5 Star speedloaders are superior to the HKS.

 

[5-SHOTS]

With the current S&W grips, HKS 36-A doesn't fit well.
I have Hogue Bantam Monogrips in my S&W 36-2 and the HKS works well. You can also try to find a set of Uncle Mike's Boot Grips, the grips mounted before current production grips.

 

[K_Dubbya]

I solved this. . . with a Pachmayr Compac Professional grip. It also doesn't turn to sticky goo after a hot summer like the OE grip.

Got one and it worked flawlessly, thanks bud!

 

[K_Dubbya]

Thank you to everyone for your input! THR never disappoints. Until next time!