J frame grip question

[tocohillsguy]

My wife doesn't like the exposed backstrap on her 442. She says it hurts her hand to fire the gun. She has small hands so I don't think she really need a set of full size grips. Instead I think a rubber boot grip that covers the backstrap may do the trick. Does anyone know if such an animal exists?

[vytoland]

i put a hogue grip #60000 on my S&W 649 j frame and it provides for better control and comfort. it covers the back and front strap.

[photoman]

The Hogue monogrip or the full size Pachmayr would be worth a try. The old Uncle Mike's three finger grip is what I use the most but it might be too big for her. The new three finger grip that S&W sells is just a bit smaller. She might like that one.

[tocohillsguy]

I forgot I had the old Uncle Mike's 3 finger grip on another J frame. Her preference is to avoid the fingered grips. When she holds the 3 finger grip her hand is so small the bottom finger of the grip isn't used. In other words she has 3 fingers going into two finger cut outs. Kinda awkward. I then had her try a Pachmayr Compac for a D frame Colt. Not sure how they compare to a Pachmayr Compac for a J frame, but when she holds the gun the pinky finger hold isn't used. Still she likes that better because the rest of the grip doesn't have any finger cut outs. But for the finger grips, I suspect she would prefer the Hogues because they tend to be softer than the Uncle Mikes or Pachmayr's.

Ultimately I'm wondering if any grip will solve the problem, or if the inherent recoil of a light weight revolver is just too much for her. If I go for a heavier all steel model that has less recoil, then she complains it's too heavy. If I go with the semi-auto, then she has issues racking the slide, and gets intimidated by the slide release. If I move it down in caliber, then it's of questionable utility. Ugh.

[indiandave]

You could have her try 148gr wadcutters. They are very good for folks that are recoil sensitive. Also check out Crimson Trace Laser Grips. I think the 405's are boot grips. They cover the backstrap.