Crimson Trace LG-305 or LG-405 for 442/642?

Robinett_11B

Robinett_11B

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Hey, everyone. I just recently bought a 442, which is (unfortunately) currently at S&W being worked on. Regardless as to whether or not I keep that exact 442, I know I want to keep a 442/642 for my pocket carry gun...and I've been researching the Crimson Trace LG-305 and LG-405 pretty extensively the last month or so. I know about most of all the common arguments for and against lasers on a carry gun, and I've decided that they are something I ~am~ interested in. So, I'm looking for all your thoughts and opinions for and against these 2 particular models.

I've held and like the hand-filling grip of the 305, but with it's extended grip and increased width...I was wondering what you guys thought about the 305's for pocket carry. I've tried looking up thoughts on this in this forum and several others, but I could never really find anyone talking about trying to pocket a J-frame with these grips on. So, what do you guys think about the Crimson Trace 305's? Pros, cons?

I have not held or seen the LG-405's, they don't have them displayed with the other lasergrips in the shops around here. As good as the other grips felt in my hands, they aren't as compact as the 405's. I like how these grips more closely match the factory grips and seem more suited to pocket carry. What are your thoughts on the 405's? Pros, cons?

Thanks for your help, everyone...I have really come to appreciate all the experience and knowledge everyone here has to share. *I just added the pics for reference* Any pics you guys have to share are more than welcome, too! Thanks...

LG-305.jpg

LG-405.jpg
 
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In my experience, the slightly longer CT grips are less easy to always avoid printing in a pocket. However, you may find that they are easier to bring to hand and aid in gun control. A lot depends upon your hands and what kind of pockets you have to use. Weight difference is negligible. You will probably prefer one to the other after testing them on your gun.
 
I have the 305s on a 642. I carry in a pocket holster or in a belt holster w/o a problem---no printing, easy purchase and draw. IMHO the stock grips are too small. Why replicate them with the 405s ? ?
 
I prefer the 105's, they're smaller and not tacky, easier to conceal and draw but still comfortable in the hand.
 
If you have big hands the 405's are hard to grip. I changed the boot grips on mine for Uncle Mick's Combat grips. They make it easy to shoot.

I can pocket carry with them no problem. I would go for the 305's.
 
Thanks for the replies, everyone. One of the x42's greatest selling points is it's concealability and I like the way boot grips fit for pocket carry. But if the longer/wider 305's would work for most pocket carry, that'd be great because of how much easier they'd be to shoot with. I don't see the smaller 405's being an issue for pocket carry...anyone have anymore thoughts on the longer 305's for pocket carry?
 
I have tried the larger 305's on my 340PD and had a harder time getting them out of the jeans pocket that I wear. I wear jeans daily, so that is a problem. I do not wear khakis or casual-slacks. Luckily, these are my son's grips and I did not have to purchase them to try them. I have "average" size hands. I, too, like the 105's for their slicker finish, but the 405's are not too bad. If I had to choose between the 305's and the 405's, I would go with the 405's for myself. But, this is my personal opinion and that is what it will work out to be for you.....personal.
 
Thanks for your thoughts and opinions, guys. I'm really just looking at the 305's and 405's, for their comfort and recoil reducing qualities. The 105's seem like they'd be replicating wooden boot-style grips, which are good for carry, but not very pleasant for practice. Does any know if the 405's feel much like a standard boot grip? They seem a little "thickly cushioned". Anyone have any other thoughts on why they'd choose one grip over another? Thanks...
 
I bought my Airweight (a 637, the hammer-visible version of the 642) with dealer-installed LG305s about eight years ago. Being a San Diego County (CA) resident, I cannot carry, but I have practiced around the house with an Uncle Billy's pocket holster. In my trousers (slacks) they do not print. In tight jeans, who knows. I have fired many thousand rounds from it, and find it brutally punishing. If I have not taped the web of my hand first, I will create, and pop, a blister within twenty rounds of range loads. I have handled the LG105 and LG405versions. Given my experience with the 305s (which cover the backstrap), I am seriously thinking about getting a set of LG405 grips for that shock absorber high up on the backstrap, right where I need it. On the negative side, whereas the 305 grips provide a place for my pinky, the 405s leave it hanging out in space. The LG105s do that too. In addition, they are made of rockhard polymer and do not cover the back strap. Given my reaction to recoil with my LG305 grips, I would never consider getting the 105s. To put things in perspective, my hand is seventy nine years old -- but it also went to war seven times.

Cordially, Jack
 
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A point not mentioned is that the 405's are heavily cushioned front and rear for the recoil of the J frame magnums and of course it helps with 38's also. I carry a 442 with 405's in my 511 pants pocket with no printing at all. Certainly, if I was planning a day at the range, a set of 305's would be the way to go or if I used a holster every time. I use and sell the 405's a bunch in my CCW class. Certainly look at the 405's before you decide. Bob!
 
Roadranger said:
A point not mentioned is that the 405's are heavily cushioned front and rear for the recoil of the J frame magnums and of course it helps with 38's also. I carry a 442 with 405's in my 511 pants pocket with no printing at all. Certainly, if I was planning a day at the range, a set of 305's would be the way to go or if I used a holster every time. I use and sell the 405's a bunch in my CCW class. Certainly look at the 405's before you decide. Bob!
Click to expand...
Thanks, Roadranger. I think I'm leaning towards the 405's because, although I own a Galco Concealable, I almost always use my Galco pocket holster. I wish there was a way I could toss a 305-gripped J-frame into my pocket! I wear mostly looser-fit basketball shorts and kakhis, so I'm not crazily limited in pocket space. The 405's seem better for carry. How do you and those you've seen shoot with the 405's? Thanks!
 
I just scored a pair of lightly used 105's off ebay for 113$ I noticed some other good deals too.
 
I have the older boot grip size (205 ?) on my 642 and they work great except these are hard plastic and no fun with +P rounds. Also lasers aren't worth sh** in bright sunlight so I usually carry my 638 during the day with UM boot grips.
 
I have 405's on my J. I was pleasantly surprised at how comfy they are to shoot with.
 
Living in Michigan, I swap the 405 grips between my 642, 640 and 649 depending on the season.
 
I like my 305 on the 442 and carry in a pocket all the time or OWB. I like the hard plastic so you don't have to worry about it grabbing the cover shirt or pocket.
 
Appreciate it

Thanks for the input, guys. I'm thinking about going with the 405's just to keep the same general profile as the factory boot grips, for pocket carry. Is the material a lot different ("gummier") on the 405's vs 305's?
 
Ended up with the 405's

I wrestled with the same decision. Went with the 405's for the pocket carry.
Also have been happy with the extra pad on the top of the back.
Have fun with whatever you decide.

Bill
 
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