442 question- grip & holster

[jasnake65]

I'm in the market for a holster and pac grips and or CTC grips. Wondering what have you guys used. Liked,hated or didn't work. Not sure what holster to get, pocket yes but also a OWS or IWB or maybe a ankle- do they work?

 

[Lenny_D]

I changed to the Hogues bantam rubber to allow for easier use of a speed loader and like the way they fell in my hand. I also use a sour dough pancake holster from Simply Rugged. It's an OWS but holds gun close to my torso and you'd have to look pretty good to see if I'm carrying when wearing a long shirt. The more I shoot and handle the 442 the more I like it.

 

[indiandave]

I also have a Simply rugged holster for OWB. Well made and not that much money. For IWB I use holsters made by Side Guard Holsters. Side Guards have a reinforced top for easy reholstering. For pocket carry look at Mika Holsters. I don't pocket carry that much but when I do Mika works for me.

For grips I use Uncle Mike's combat grips. I've got big hands and boot grips don't work for me.

 

[BobR1]

I have a Lobo Model 1 Pancake for mine, with inner hammer shield, as well as detailed boned.
Ray also makes the Enhanced Pancake. I have 6 Enhanced, and 2 Model 1's. I would spend an extra $5 and get the Inner Hammer Shield option.
Lobo Gun Leather - Home

I still have the Fish Gills on my 442 Pro "Moon Clip". I have CT Laser Grips I will probably put on it.

Bob

 

[dinooch]

Don Hume JIT slide works great as a belt holster. Fits nice and tight to the body. Uncle Mikes for the pocket works for me. The original rubber boot grips or Eagle Secret Service boot grips work well. I found the Houge too "grabby" for pocket carry. I dont IWB a j-frame. I reserve that mode for semi's.

 

[Jamie]

Regarding the CT laser, when I bought one for the wife's gun, we first bought the smaller one, closer to the stock grip size, (I forget the number, either 3-4). It was a bit thinner and harder on the hands. Exchanged it, (gotta love CT customer service), for the longer one. DEFINITELY improved for shooting comfort, yes slightly longer grip didn't help concealed carry, but she adapted and overall loves it.

 

[ContinentalOp]

For grips my favorite is the Spegel boot grip. They're compact but they have palm swells that fill the hand which, to me, seems to distribute the recoil force over a broader surface area and helps with controllability. Since they're smooth wood they won't cling to covering garments. They're also relieved for speedloaders; they don't interfere with my Safariland Comp-I speedloaders.

For holsters my favorite is the Wraith IWB by Seth's Gun Leather. I had them customize mine with a lower ride height so the cylinder is directly under the belt (something you may want to consider when selecting a holster...having the cylinder in-line with the belt helps with holster stability and comfort, IMO). The outboard straps spread out the pressure from the belt over a wider surface area for added comfort and also gives it a lower profile when concealed; it disappears under an untucked shirt. It also has a reinforced mouth for easier holstering. It's by far the best belt holster I've tried.

I rarely pocket carry, but when I do it's in a DeSantis Nemesis, though at some point I'll probably give either the Uncle Mike or Mika pocket holster a try.

Here's a picture showing my 642 with the Spegel boot grip and the Wraith IWB holster:

I will also second Side Guard Holsters. They're an excellent value. I've owned their Tuck Snap holster before and I'm currently waiting on a Quick Clip model. I prefer the models with the reinforced mouths.

 

[Joe Mannix]

Crimson Trace Laser Grips for the J Frames are priceless. The new one, the LG 405 fills the hand better without compromising pocket carry. You can interchange with whichever one of your J frames you favor for the month. Friends and coworkers complain I cheat using them in friendly shooting contests but you practice with what you carry. No apologies. I jokingly tell them the end justifys the means, especially in a gunfight. LoL After a few trips to the range you'll wonder why you didnt buy one sooner.

 

[one eye joe]

I use Crimson Trace Lasergrips model LG-405 on my 642. They cover the backstrap with a cushion of air at the top. I carry in a pocket holster....

 

[icemn]

I almost always carry my bug in the pocket, but for when I do carry on the hip, I use a Galco combat master which works fine. Have tried the CT 305(s). But I'm not a big laser guy and the extra length doesn't work for me for carrying. Good for the range though. Same goes for the Uncle Mike's combat grips. But those aren't the grips I'll be using if and when the SHTF. I go with a smooth set of short wood grips, similar to the ones above.

 

[Hapworth]

Big fan of the synthetic S&W "fish scale" boot grips currently shipping on the 442s; fills the hand reasonably well (for a J-frame), nicely grippy, and absorbs recoil quite well.

I carry IWB in an Alessi "Deep Cover". Excellent item if you don't mind the overlong wait and the so-so customer service.

 

[TAROMAN]

I went old school for my pocket carry 442.
Most often carried in a DeSantis pocket holster.
Don't care for rubber on any CC weapon.

 

[jasnake65]

Come to find out I was suppose to buy the gun today(used but like new,no lock) it looks like he sold it out from under me. Now have to find another one.

 

[photoman]

Well... That's always a bummer.

Lately, I've been using the discontinued Uncle Mike's Combat grips and a Safariland pocket holster.