I carry mine in a pants pocket and pocket holster. For that, the factory grips are perfect. They conceal well, don't hurt my hand, and I can keep 10 rounds inside of 6" at ten yards. That is good enough for social work. My 642 isn't something I go out and plink with. I have other pistols for that. I put 10-15 rounds through the 642 once a month. The rest of the time it stays in its holster in my pocket.

If I want to shoot a stubby very much, I have a Ruger 101, or my all steel 2.5" model 60, or a 2.5" model 66 that are better for plinking and target shooting than is a 642.