Which Lasergrip?

[Jaywalker]

I'm thinking of buying a Smith J-frame and putting Lasergrips on it, but there are different versions. I want the front activated and don't need the extended grip length, so that leaves me with the LG-105 and LG-405.

The 405 is overmolded with rubber for recoil relief - do I need that for 38 Special?

Does it print more in a pocket holster?

So, basically, do I need anything more than the basic model, the LG-105?

 

[mavracer]

IMHO the lg405 is a much nicer feeling grip it also prints a little less as it is thinner at the butt. I also had a problem comfortably activating the 105s as the grip put the button in the crease of my finger, but I have short thick fingers and this won't be a problem for everyone.

 

[Jaywalker]

Thanks, good info. I would have thought from the look that the 405 would be fatter. I appreciate it.

 

[icanthitabarn]

I wouldn't go with the hard plastic feel if that is a choice

 

[Jaywalker]

icanthitabarn, You don't like the feel of the cheaper 105?

 

[cpt-t]

Jaywalker: I carry a S&W J frame 640-1 357mag. And I have had a LG-305 front activated lazergrip on it for 4 or 5 years now. LG-305 is extremely comfortable even with shooting 357 mags. I use a pocket holster or a Fobus OSW holster and have had no problems with printing. I shoot the rig quite a bit and IMHO think the LG-305 is the best for me.
ken

 

[Jaywalker]

cpt-t, I had initially ruled out the extended grip on the 305. Can you tell me why you picked that?

 

[340PD]

I have both and the305's on a 640, and the 405's are on a 340pd which is the lightest weight snubbie Smith makes. If concealment is the issue I would go with the 405's, they are the thinnest of the bunch and they work just fine. Remember your snubbie is probably not your primary range gun so 100 round /range day comfort is not really an issue. I keep the 640 in a drawer and the larger, thicker grip is an advantage.

 

[icanthitabarn]

No Jaywalker I hated the feel of them and brushed on a few coats of rubber. Feels good now but ugly. Also melted a tiny machine screw into the button because it was a real pain to get working right because it was tiny. That worked well thou

 

[Jaywalker]

Thanks for the advice. I have short fingers on wide hands, so I think I'll do as suggested and go with the 405. I appreciate it.

 

[cpt-t]

Jaywalker: I had my choice of two Crimson Trace lazer grips, and tried both of them on my 640. But chose the 305`s because of feel and comfort. I have been very pleased with my choice, and I shoot my 640 with the 305 grips quite a bit. I have a couple of friends that I shoot with on a regular basics that shoot there subbies as well and we have a great time. And really I shoot my 640 with the 305`salot better than I ever thought I would. And as I said I find the this rig very comfortable to shoot even with 357 mag`s, and that is what I carry in it.
ken

 

[BlackSky]

+1 for the 405's. I have them on my 632 carry gun.

 

[WC145]

My BUG is a custom 9mm scandium Jframe (13oz) and I've had the 105's on it for a few years and I think they're great. They're easy to conceal, don't grab on fabric, fill the hand, and give good purchase. I don't feel that you need "recoil absorbing" grips with a .38 and when you're shooting, the 105's feel the same as shooting with wood grips.

 

[Dain Bramage]

My wife's S&W Model 431 has an LG-305, and I have no problems pocket carrying. She has arthritis and loves shooting with the larger grip. Lower recoil of the .32 mag helps too.

I just went shooting with a friend who bought a brand new S&W Bodyguard. I brought the 431 along for comparison. My Crimson Trace was like a spotlight compared to his Insight frame mounted laser. We had a hard time tracking his dot in broad daylight, and IMHO I liked my grip finger activated setup a lot more than his constant-on button.

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

I've got the 405's on a smith 442 right now in the pocket of suit slacks.

I vote 405.