While the OEM boots are about the least comfortable grips, they do promote pocket carry in a Mika pocket holster in any of my pants' front pockets. My 642 is a horrible plinker, but that isn't it's forte - it has a single function here - to protect my life. Shoot it enough to keep 'current' with it - adrenalin will make you forget about the recoil, should you need it.
Now - if you have a belt holster for it, you can choose your grips more freely. You can go overboard - witness my 642's 'big brother', my L-frame 296, first in a CCW mode, with OEM boots and a Mika pocket holster:
It's a lot more comfortable to shoot, however...
with S&W/Hogue .500 Magnum grips!
Yeah, that takes a real holster! I prefer to leave it's boots on for CC use, too.
Stainz