Smith 642 Crimson Trace Laser Grip ?

[FLA2760]

Hi
I am thinking of a pair of Crimson Trace laser grips for my S&W642. I currently have the Uncle Mike's boot grips on the gun. I carry the 642 in a pocket holster,( Mika or Uncle Mike's) most days. I am wondering if the CT laser grips are going to be too large for pocket carry? Thanks for your replies.

 

[DAdams]

Fla2760

Go to the 642 thread and search "Crimson Trace" or "laser grips". The topic is well documented.

Short answer the smaller of the two CT 405 will fit in about any pocket holster, Mika, UM, DeSantis. Since they are shorter they conceal better. The longer 305s allow for a full handed grip but may stick out of the pocket.
If you planned on carring IWB or OWB regularly the 305s would be the way to go. For pocket carry stick with the 405s. Unless all your pockets are deep or the pocket is always covered with a shirt or jacket.

 

[jfh]

there's a mini-review of the three j-frame grips

in this thread.

DAdams gave you an excellent summary. I'm a firm believer in the boot-grip size for (front pocket) carry.

FWIW, I find the 405 recoil pocket does make a noticable difference in recoil, and with my "normal" hands (proportionate to my size, at 6'1", no fat fingers, etc., etc.) the 105 is too small.

Jim H.

 

[crankshop1000]

Look at the lasermax before you buy the CT. I have the Lasermax on my 642 and like the laser being mounted closer to the bore axis than the CT.The Lasermax also requires more positive action to activate the switch than the CT. Plus the LM is cheaper. The grips are the same size as the originals.Chuck.

 

[vermilion]

I bought a pair of CT 405(boot grip) laser grips for my S&W M&P 340 and the grip is actually thinner and maybe a touch smaller than the Hogue boot grip that came on it. I carry mine in front pocket with a DeSantis Nemesis

 

[DAdams]

jfh

Brings up an important point....

I find the 405 recoil pocket does make a noticable difference in recoil,

Laser pointer is an important aspect of course but the recoil pocket is an added benefit some of the others don't incorporate. If recoil mitigation is not a factor, then by all means look at some of the others.

Crankshop says "The Laser Max is cheaper". Don't forget first cost may not be the least expensive over time. Warranty, customer service, battery life, laser power, adjustability, comfort, ease of installation, all play into TCO (total cost of ownership).

 

[RustyShackelford]

master control/CT laser grips

Hi
I had a CT laser grip for my small frame/pocket carry Taurus Protector .357 snub. It worked well and had no real issues.
I would suggest if you get a S&W j-frame model lasergrip that you get the type that has the master control. Some S&W models do not, . Your CT grip could snag and be on for hours while you walk about. NOT GOOD!

I kept the Protector snub's grip in the off position. It's not hard or slow to reach in your pocket to turn it on either. I know many members here may say it defeats the purpose but I'd rather turn it on and glow red then pull it out and have a dead battery, .

Rusty

 

[BryanP]

I bought a pair of CT 405(boot grip) laser grips for my S&W M&P 340 and the grip is actually thinner and maybe a touch smaller than the Hogue boot grip that came on it. I carry mine in front pocket with a DeSantis Nemesis

Yep. I have the exact same arrangement for my S&W 638. Very nice.

 

[SAG0282]

Just now bought some LG405s for my 638....love the feel and looking very forward to hitting the range.

 

[welldoya]

Rusty, the manual says that it doesn't make any difference in battery life whether the master switch is on or off. I just leave mine on all the time.
That's on the 305s.

 

[RustyShackelford]

Pocket carry- CT grips

So let's see....

You put your S&W j frame in a pocket holster, put the rig in your pants pocket, walk skip run and there's ZERO chance that the button that turns on the red laser will NOT be set off by accident by the leg/pant pocket material?

I'd rather not risk it, .

Rusty

 

[jaydubya]

When I bought my 637 Airweight (the clone of the 642 with a visible hammer) five years ago, I had Crimson Trace grips installed. All they had then was the 305 model, so that is what I got. If the 405s had been available, and if I knew then what I know now, I would have gotten the 405s. Even with standard pressure range loads, that sucker beats the web of my hand up. The 405 grips have that little shock absorber high up on the grips, right where I need help. I don't carry but, as I wait for a new sheriff to be elected (this is California), I practice at home. I can carry my 637, with Crimson Trace grips, in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster (thrrrrifty, and won't retain moisture) all day without printing. (I wear slacks, not jeans, so that could be a different matter) I leave the switch on all the time, even in the special place I hide it at home, because the instructions state that no current passes until the activation button is pressed. Indeed, I don't know why they have an on/off switch. As for something accidentally activating the laser in your pocket, if you have it in a name brand pocket holster, it almost certainly won't happen. And even if it does, enjoy being the center of attention.
Cordially, Jack

 

[vermilion]

Rusty, I would have to say that you WOULD be right if at the range or something BUT, if you ever have to pull the little pocket pistol out of your pants and your adrenaline is through the roof, your nervous, your on edge.. do you think you could remember to toggle that TINY little switch onthe bottom of the grip? I know I wouldn't. I'd MUCH rather keep it on and it either be there or not then know for sure it will not be if the switch was off.

 

[welldoya]

My point exactly. You aren't going to have enough time to turn the master switch on in a tense situation. The way the button is positioned, chances are it's not going to turn on in your pocket . Zero chance it won't turn on ? I wouldn't go that far but then, I wouldn't say it's zero chance that Martians will land in your front yard tomorrow morning.
I'll take my chances leaving the master switch on but to each his own. If you think you will have your wits about you enough to turn the switch on if you need to pull your CCW, by all means leave it off.

 

[Downrange]

Another vote for the larger CT grips (the ones that come on the 642CT from S/W). They really manage even full +P loads very nicely. I wear khakis a lot, like Dockers, and khaki shorts in the summer, and most of my pants pockets are large and deep enough that I don't worry about the grip showing, at all.
I've become a huge fan of the Crimson Trace and will be outfitting all my carry guns with them. 1911s, etc., all of them.

 

[RustyShackelford]

CQB incidents/ CT laser grips...

I do not dispute that in a fast paced/CQB type incident you may not remember to turn on the lasergrip BUT if you do want to keep it off and use it later on or use it after you have IDed a violent threat that is the plan I'd go with...

If you feel safe carrying the small frame DA revolver with the CT laser on then do it. I'd avoid that method for pocket carry though...

Rusty

 

[freebird]

I just got my 642 yesterday. Mine has the LG-305 from the factory but looking at the 405 it looks like it may be a better feeling grip. My 305 seems kind of small. Is that what you all feel as well? I am now wishing I would have maybe not gotten it. I got a great price on it though I feel at $539 with CT LG-305 grips. I have not had a chance to shoot it yet but worry about the feeling of the grip in using +P loads.

 

[jaydubya]

Why would anyone carry their Crimson Trace equipped handgun with the on/off switch in the off position? One might as well carry the weapon in one pocket and the ammo in another! The handbook clearly states that no current flows until the actuator button is pressed -- itself a very natural event. I have read a lot of criticism about laser sights. Some of it comes from people who have a great deal of experience in the various ways to use handguns effectively. I respect their expertise. However, some also comes from people who tried them and were stunned at how that red dot wandered all over the place. That's YOU, not the laser.

Cordially, Jack