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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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  #1  
Old 05-16-2011, 10:37 PM
f2 f2 is offline
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Question J-frame & Crimson Trace 305 / 405

I've narrowed it down to these two - 305 or 405. I don't want the harder 105 grips.

Are there any issues at all with pocket carry? Activation of the laser while sitting? I use a Mika holster.

Which do you prefer, 305 or 405, and why? Smaller hands, medium hands, larger hands (I have medium). It looks to me like the 405 is a longer grip, extending past the bottom of the frame.
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Old 05-16-2011, 11:06 PM
hdfinder47 hdfinder47 is offline
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I have 105's and 405's and have handled 305's: The 105's are most concealable and do not "grab" your shirt material but are less comfortable to shoot. The 305's seem longer and more likely to "print". The 405's seem to be the best of the bunch overall but are somewhat thicker for small hands. IMO.
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Old 05-16-2011, 11:33 PM
InTheWoods InTheWoods is offline
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My 642 came with 305s and I found them too long for pocket carry. I sold them and bought a pair of 405s. Much better!!! If I were belt carrying, I would go with the 305s as they are easier to shoot.
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Old 05-19-2011, 10:42 PM
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Question

I've decided on the 405 if I get one.

Any input on the laser activating (in a Mika holster) while sitting?
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Old 05-19-2011, 10:59 PM
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I know you don't like them but I've tried them all and prefer the 105's because they're more concealable and, like hdfinder47 said, they don't hang onto clothing. A lot of people are concerned about recoil and the grips being hard plastic but it's no different than shooting with wood grips.
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Old 05-20-2011, 12:09 AM
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I use hogue bantams now pocket carry and have not issues with hanging, so the 405s should be fine.
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Old 05-20-2011, 08:08 AM
Jamie Jamie is offline
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My wife had the 405s originally, they are a bit smaller/thinner than the stock grip, most people that shot the gun, a 442, thought them too small. Traded for the 305s, much better control, (I thought so, I have a Kel Tec PF9, know something about small, 'snappy' guns). No problem for her carrying, she's small, 4' 11", Kholster and also a fanny pack. We did have to slide the holster a bit because of the extra grip, it might cause an issue for an ankle rig.
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Old 05-20-2011, 08:59 AM
pipeliner pipeliner is offline
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I have all three styles. IMO 105 gives more recoil,305 is the most shootable but does not conceal very well,405 works best for me if carrying concealed.
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Old 05-20-2011, 11:06 AM
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I carry a 642 with 405s in a Nemesis pocket holster without any problems.
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Old 05-20-2011, 12:58 PM
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Here's some input I received when I started a similar thread last summer: Crimson Trace LG-305 or LG-405 for 442/642?

Last edited by Robinett_11B; 05-20-2011 at 01:03 PM.
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Old 05-20-2011, 01:35 PM
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These are the grips I've tried and I think its a choice between shooting and concealing. The 305 is by far the most comfortable grip I have. Hate the stock combat grip, nothing bruised my palm more. The Packmyer spreads the shock, but I don't care for the fit, just doesn't feel good. With the 305, I can shoot factory 158gr all day (or at least longer than the others). For concealing, short is best imho, and the S&W stubby wins there, plus it is surprising comfortable shooting. So, if it has to be a laser I would go with the 405. I carry IWB and haven't had a problem with the laser button activating.

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Old 05-20-2011, 03:14 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pipeliner View Post
I have all three styles. IMO 105 gives more recoil,305 is the most shootable but does not conceal very well,405 works best for me if carrying concealed.
IMHO, the 405 is the pick of the litter...........
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Old 05-20-2011, 07:34 PM
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I just traded off my 105 package. It was a little too painful.

Now I have a Model 60 in SS with a 3-in barrel to learn about.
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Old 05-20-2011, 10:38 PM
JayDubya JayDubya is offline
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Late to this thread, my wife came home from the gym with what they all had, and now I have it; sorry. As others above have told you, the LG105 Set are hard to shoot. I would go further by saying they turn a J Frame snubby into a bucking bronco.

As far as I am concerned, the choice lies between the LG305 and LG405 grips. Each has its unique advantages. I purchased my S&W 637 some nine years ago with the only version then available: LG305. When I fired range load, I could withstand twenty of them before a blister had formed, and popped, in the web of my hand. Pretty soon, I stopped shooting it at the range.

Then the LG405 grips came out. I quickly fell in love with the concept, and went to my range/gunshop to try them on. Nope. So I will analyze for you the differences.

LG405: Has a most welcome 'shock absorber' high up on the webstrap; leaves my pinky looking for somewhere to hang on to.

LG305: Backstrap covered but no 'shock absorber' high up; pinky finds a home.

I have stayed with the 305. Your choice should be based upon your pinky.

Cordially, Jack
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Old 05-20-2011, 11:17 PM
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I've got the 305s on my 642 and like them a lot. I hated the stock grips that came with it. I don't like my fingers hanging off the bottom of the grip.
The 305s are a little less concealable but are very comfortable to shoot and the trade-off is worth it to me. I carry in a Mika pocket holster.
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Old 05-21-2011, 03:37 AM
Double-O-Dave Double-O-Dave is offline
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I have CT LG-205 (now replaced by the LG-105) on my Model 60, and LG-405 on my Model 642. The LG-205 conceal well, but the LG-405 are my favorites. I primarily pocket carry and haven't noticed any problems with inadvertent laser activation.

Regards,

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Old 05-21-2011, 10:15 AM
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great input, thanks guys.
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Old 05-21-2011, 12:54 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by f2 View Post
I've decided on the 405 if I get one.

Any input on the laser activating (in a Mika holster) while sitting?
The 405 is the way to go, IMHO. The laser will NOT activate in a holster....
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Old 05-21-2011, 01:19 PM
f2 f2 is offline
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All this talk about the 405 and your pinky - wouldn't the grip be the same as the old uncle mike's boot, or hogue bantams?
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