I can't help with the grip question. But, just so you know, S&W currently offers new production 642's without the IL.

I've been looking for a pre-lock 638 for a while and recently gave up and bought one with the IL. While I was searching I did find an online retailer that offers the no-lock 642's for $339 shipped. With my luck, now that I settled for one with the IL, S&W will probably offer no-lock 638's next week.....