I just did something I thought I would never do. I bought a new S&W. To tell the truth, they haven't made anything that interested me in the last 20 years.
Now that we have CCW in KS, some friends at work talked me into taking the class with them, and I realized that even with all the Smiths I own, I didn't have a suitable carry gun. I saw the new no-lock 642, and I knew it was the right one for me, along with a Mika pocket holster.
My question: I know I don't want the rubbermaids that will come on the gun, so what grips would you recommend? They need to be easy to acquire in my pocket, not print too badly, and be durable enough to stand up to heat and sweat. I also wouldn't mind if they looked nice. Suggestions, please.

Craig Spegel Centennial grips are held in high regard, but availability is limited, and they tend to be pricey. Lightnig Arms has Spegel grips in stock. http://www.lightningarms.com/spegel_boot.htm

You may consider a set of Eagle Secret Service grips. Same length as the factory boot grips, so they work well for pocket carry, but slightly wider and much nicer looking. I prefer the checkered grips, but they are also available smooth.
http://eaglegrips.com/secretservice.htm

For a cheaper alternative, check out http://www.kelleyarms.com/SWDA.htm. I beleive they are Excaliber brand grips, and at $51 shipped for checkered wood boot grips, they're a good value.

Well you've come to the right place to ask about J Frame Round Butt Grips..
I have three Centennials & have found that the Craig Spegal Boot grips are the best, But I have recently aquired a set of Eagle Secret Service Boot Grips for my 342Ti & am amazed at how they make the Airlite vanish in my pockets.
There's several great threads with many pics about J frame round butt grips..
Here's a Good One..
Show Me Your J Frame Grips
Here's a Pic of My Three with Eagle Secret Service on the 342Ti & Craig Spegal Centennial Boot Grips on the 642 & 940..
Enjoy!!
Gary/Hk

Airlite 342Ti - Airweight 642 - Model 940

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MightShowYouHisSmith&Wesson

I own a 642-1 (no lock), and replaced the rubber boot grips with...factory service wood checked and a t-grip. A classic look, easily handled and even easier to conceal.

There are the Hogue wood bantam grips also. They are about $60 at Natchez shooters supply.

I have a Model 640 and also hated the Uncle Mike's grips that came with it.It shares the honor of my carry gun with my Chief's Special 9mm.I use the Badger Wood Grips.It fits my hand beautifully and for the 69 dollars they cost the quality is there.....God Bless....Mike

Nothing like wood for the "no snag" thing!

Rubber is only good for shooting NOT carrying IMHO!!

Rugskipper, I picked up a new 642-1 last month. I replaced the rubber grips with a set of S&W magna grips.
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The quest is over, thanks to all for your suggestions. I fell head over heels for a set of Spegel boot grips which the guys at lightning arms were kind enough to send me a picture of. Honduran rosewood, which looks a little like spalted maple. I'll post a pic when I get everything together.

crimson trace.I just picked up a 637 I want some ct for christmas.

A set of Barami hip grip's with a Tyler T-grip adapter makes a nice combo and permits either IWB carry, sans holster, or in the pocket with an Uncle Mike's #2 or other suitable pocket holster.

This rig really simplifies accessory logistics.

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Bill


COL USMC RET
NRA Benefactor Life Member

Those are GREAT looking grips..... who made them?

Here's mine with stock classic service grips from the S&W site. They'll only get better with age, don't print and just look good.
I can get three fingers on the grips and hold it better that the stock rubber ones. See the picture below for comparison. The walnut grips really clean it up in my opinion. If you look behind the trigger gaurd you can see there's a 1/2 inch of rubber getting in the way.

Altamont grips are the way to go. They are the supplier to S&W, Colt, and other brands for their OEM wood grips. Here's a sampling for the J frame...

642talo.jpg

J_RW_Crooc_MD_CBG.jpg

N-Combat-_Rose-Snake.jpg

image018.jpg

Spegels are great but, my favorite, especially in the pocket...

IkenI, did you have to fit your grips to the frame? I had a gap at the top and had to sand down the inside until the gap was gone. I just figured it was done to get a perfect fit.

I have had two 642s and both were equipped with the CT grips. The laser helped me hit the target easier and were pretty comfortable. LG305s I think they were. Wood does look better though.

+1 I am trying to get tyler grips for all my j frames, but the flat black #1 I have orded since 12/29/12 and still have not received it yet. Love the look and feel of them together.

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JW
VietNam25 Inf/11th ACR CIB

I'm from Oklahoma City and I quit using Tyler T-grips long ago because of their poor service. Mine are BK grips and they have great service. On that particular gun they fit perfect. On an N frame I did have to take a dremel to the inside of the grip adapter. But, since it's a polycarbonate it's very easily done.
BK Grips | 2-Clip Grip Adapters for Revolvers

If you do not like the rubber grips that come on the gun, but you don't mind rubber in general, try the Hogue Bantam.

If you want wood, keep in mind the 642 is a pocket gun, so you need smooth grips that don't hang down too far below the frame, so get a smooth wood "boot" type grip. Several companies make them. Essentially, what you are looking for is wood that comes down no further than the bottom of the frame, yet has a filler behind the trigger guard. Get smooth so you don't snag on the pocket. Eagle Secret Service come to mind. Craig Spegel makes the original boot grip, but last I heard, his delivery times are way too long.

Handgun Grips | JFrame Round Butt = Smith Wesson