Preacherman
How do you like the Crimson Trace grips? First of all, does the laser help a lot with accuracy? Second, is it a bit more comfortable than the factory grips (if you have the rubber ones, that is)? Third, do those grips affect concealability?
I'm sure that the laser helps with accuracy, and that the concealability isn't affected much, but I'd like to hear it from someone who didn't write the CT brochure, or who doesn't make money selling the grips.
I agree with you about the "ouchy" thing when firing quite a number of shots. I had mine out for the first (and, so far, only) time last weekend. You definitely know that you've been shooting the thing, even with light .38s. Maybe rubber grips will help. The trigger is very heavy and rough, and hopefully 30-40 dry-fires per night will help smooth out the trigger a bit and increase the strength of my finger (I'm used to, and spoiled by, the 4.5 pound pull on my .45).
All things considered, I'm very happy with the 642. It goes virtually everywhere with me, including to work (I'm the guy who decides the carry policy, and it is "bring 'em if you hav'em").