first time shooting my 642,love it.

[bubba626]

went to the range saturday and ran 50 rounds of 125 gr and 25 rds of 158 gr, noticable recoil difference but both managable. 1st time to shoot a revolver in YEARS so have some things to get used to(large hands)finger hitting other finger when trying to pull trigger and couple times got pinched between trigger and frame.I am sure I will get used to gun with practice.
I shot high and to the left from POA most of the time and had a few that didn't even hit the paper let alone the target, but with all that said, LOVE the gun.practice will fix most of the problems if not all. and can't get over the COOL factor of power felt and flames from my snub.
little discomfort from back strap being bare but nothing that is to much.

 

[Dale53]

bubba625;
I also have large hands. My 642 is my daily carry in a Mika pocket holster.

I have the #305 Crimson Trace grips (they cover the back strap and extend below the frame). They work extremely well and I am a fan of CT grips for the laser (duh-h-h).

There is another good solution for the grip "problem". That is the Pachmayr Compac. It iS compact but it covers the back strap and has a place for your little finger. I find them VERY comfortable.

This is a picture of my Stainless Bodyguard with Pachmayr Compacs:

There are those that complain of them being "sticky" and catching on their clothes. I haven't personally found that a problem.

FWIW
Dale53

 

[Robert B]

642-2

I bought my 642 last friday, and went to the range today. I have combat accuracy at 5 yds. Shot Speer 38+P's, and love this little gun. I am going into my living room to clean her now.

 

[bubba626]

grips

will look into the Pachmayr Compacs, they look good and don't look to b e that much bigger than the factory. are they same type rubber compound as factory? do they slip on/fasten to frame?

 

[wheelinthesky]

Went to the range last week. Put 100 rounds of 135 gr Remington MC through my new 442. Love this gun as well.
Got a box of MagTech 158 gr ready to give it a go when I get a chance.

Certainly takes some getting used to. Recoil isn't that bad, though certainly know you've fired a box or two after having done so.

Very confident in the gun and myself with it.

Just ordered some Hogue Bantam grips today..

 

[67 GTO]

I also had a problem with my index pinching on my 642. I switched to the Pachmyer Compac and got improvement. I then switched to a Hogue Monogrip (same size as a CT-305) and found a massive improvement in control and comfort. No more backstrap sting or finger pinch.

Bubba, the Compac is a 2 piece & has a side screw similar to your original grips. The Hogue is a 1 piece slip-on with a screw in the bottom.

 

[Dogguy]

I also use Pachmayr Compacs. They are comfortable and a good fit for my large hands. They are not particularly "compact" however. I tried the Compac Pro model but they are not a very good fit for me. One of my J-frames wears a Hogue Monogrip and it is also a good fit. It's thinner but longer. Works well in a holster but not in the pocket.

I really prefer the small S&W J-frame wood grips for maximum concealment. While I can control the gun pretty well with the small grips, I came away from every extended range session with a bruise on the web of my hand. Hence the Pachmayr Compacs.