laser for 'J' frame snubbie

[Jamie]

I was thinking about getting the wife a laser for her 38 special 'J' frame, saw the Crimson trace, (even have a pink one), the harder polymer ones are cheaper, some sales on, don't know if that would work since the gun has a rubber grip now, though it doesn't feel like it would make that big a difference, but it ain't my gun. Any thoughts from those that have gone this route?

 

[windypoint]

I can tell you on my wifes K frame 66 snubby, the rubber grip helps her and the laser builds a lot of confidence. It is also a great training help for trigger control. I train with her using 38 mid range wadcutters and the light recoil really boosts her confidence.

 

[BrianE]

For a J-frame I have the CT405's. Theyre pretty nice and have a little extra padding for the recoil.

 

[Jamie]

For a J-frame I have the CT405's. Theyre pretty nice and have a little extra padding for the recoil.

What's the difference between the 305's and the 405's? So you think I should stick to the rubber instead of the harder polymer cover, (but then I can't get the pink one, which makes it easier for me to 'borrow', LOL)

 

[Pepi4]

Hi Jamie:

I've done hours of reading about the 3 available grips from CT for the J frame. Do yourself a favor and go with the LG-405. Just a big plus all around.

I just ordered a set from this place for 208.00 shipped. Only 197.00 for the set and insurance but they do jab you a bit on shipping Still the best price I've found. Good luck ...

Crimson Trace S&W J Round Butt Om FA, Boot Grip LG-405

 

[InTheWoods]

Actually, if your wife is not pocket carrying I would get her the 305s. They are soft and provide for using all three fingers on the grip. The 405s are better for pocket carry, but only allow two fingers on the grip.

 

[Jamie]

At present I'm trying to get her to carry it, it's her first gun, (she hated guns, then learned and once started shooting, had a BIG grin!), she's small, 4' 11", don't think she will 'pocket' it,it'll be in her purse or when we/she decide on a holster. I have seen the harder material about $100 cheaper on sale at the moment, so had to look into it. But the link Pepi gave me is interesting, although the though of her being able to get a better hold on it makes sense also, three fingers is better than two. She hasn't complained about that though, I need to see if she is using 2-3 fingers, (small hands). Thanks for the feedback so far, now that we decided a laser makes sense, want to do it right.

 

[JohnK]

I purchased the 105's, before the other models were available.

Most any load HURTS with this hard plastic grip.

I plan to use my NRA Instructors discount, to get the 405's soon. Will sell the others.

 

[APS]

As some others have said, if she's not carrying it in her pants pocket, go with the 305s. They are a little longer so she can get more of her hand on them and they still cover the backstrap to help cushion recoil. Otherwise the 405s are small and great for the pocket plus they help with their cushion.

 

[Hugh]

I prefer the feel of the 105's in my hand. They also ride a tad lower in my pocket than the 405's because of the latter's padded backstrap. As one poster noted, they "smack" with hard-kicking J frames. I have them on an Airweight using 158 gr. LHP and that borders on uncomfortable after 50 rounds. The 105's would be ideal on a 63/317 or a 3" Model 60 shooting .38"s. I'm always looking for another pair at a good price.

The 405's are admittedly more comfortable and I have them on my .357 loaded (actually loaded, not chamgered) J frames, even the steel Model 60. They do not point as naturally for me and, looking down at my pocket, I can just see the revolver below the edge of my front pocket in Carhart jeans. The extra length may not pose a problem depending on the depth of your pant pockets.

As I said, the 405's don't point as naturally for me. I have short fingers and palms. But they are significantly more comfortable on the hard-kickers. They would be my only choice for Scandium framed magnums.

I've been shooting for over 40 years and originally scoffed at laser sights. I've come full circle and believe they provide great benefits for short barrelled self-defense guns, particularly those with fixed sights.

God bless,

Hugh

 

[JayDubya]

Nine years ago when I bought my 637 snubby j-frame, the only Crimson Trace grips available for it were the LG305s. So that is what I got. The combination kicks like a mule. If I forget to put a bandaid on the web of my hand first, twenty range loads will create -- and pop -- a blister. Often I have considered replacing the 305s with a set of 405s to get that wonderful shock absorber high up on the backstrap, right where I need it. I tried a j-frame fitted with 405s, and found that my pinky had no place to play -- which pretty much ended my interest in it. For what it is worth, the LG105 grips also have no place for my pinky and might as well be made of cement. Their only value in my opinion is price, and I've seen LG405 grips offered for less than $200. As I see it, your wife's choice (and it should be hers) is between the LG305 for a full handgrip and the LG405 for more hand protection.

And yes, it make excellent sense to put CT laser grips on her revolver. I have them on three handguns, two revolvers and an autoloader. I would not buy a handgun that Crimson Trace did not make a set for. That's how sold I am!

Oh! Follow the installation (just about dirt simple) with lots of dry fire at home, using door knobs, candlesticks and whatnot for targets. Get over the jerky red dot in private. Hey, we're the jerker, not the laser.


Cordially, Jack

 

[Skyblazer]

Great Price

That is a great price. Only this morning I ordered a LG 307 from Red Dot and it was almost $30 more. Wish I had known.

 

[zoom6zoom]

You could have saved that thirty bucks and gotten free shipping if you'd used code LSR30. It's supposed to be good through Christmas. (direct from CT)

 

[oldtexan]

My wife and I have three pair of LG-305s and definitely recommend them for anyone who doesn't need the absolutely smallest package. Have never experienced the rubber material of the LG-305 catching on my pocket interior. They're on a pair of 642-2 and a 649. The LG-305 definitely allow all fingers on the grip and are not too bulky for my pockets. They allow much better control IMO than the OEM boot grips which allow only two fingers on the grip.

Can't compare to other j-frame LG, as I've never tried them.

 

[Jamie]

So the 305s leave room for all the fingers, the 405s have a bit more padding? The wife doesn't seem to have any trouble shooting, and controlling the gun, she has small hands, (heck, at 4' 11", whaddaya expect?), gotta check her grip, see what she thinks about a larger grip versus 'pocketability', (is that a word?), is now!

 

[BrianE]

If not carrying in a pocket Id go with the 305s no question, IF I had to choose. Its worth spending the extra money if shell be comfortable shooting the gun and in return thatll bring being more comfortable carrying that say gun .

Jamie, the 305s and 405s have equal padding, just the grip on the 305 fits 3 fingers rather than 2 on the 405.

 

[oldtexan]

The 305 and 405 appear to have similar padding, except that the lower portion of the backstrap of the revolver is exposed when using the 405. The 305 completely covers the backstrap of the revolver from top to bottom.

If you go to Crimson Trace's website you can see a 360 degree view of both types, IIRC.

 

[robmcd]

I have both the 305 and 405. The hollow rubber channel in the upper rear of the 405 really helps absorb recoil - takes the sting out of +P's. I have no trouble controlling my 642 PowerPort Pro with them, and they conceal better in a pocket holster, ankle holster and belt holster due to the shorter grip.

 

[Combat_Diver]

First I've no experience with the CT grips for the J frames but have used several other models from them. I am considering a set for my 442 Pro.

LG105 other advantage is while hard plastic doesn't stick if carrying in the pocket/IWB. Rubber grips have a tendency to grip fabric when carrying concealed.

Laserite markets a laser that goes up closer to the sights. A verison is now included on the new Smith Bodyguard .38. Again no experience with this model but just throwing it out there.

CD

 

[IvanW]

I'll add another vote for the CT 405 grips. I have a small hand and have no problems with the grip. Try to find a GS that has guns with the CT grips for your wife to try and let her feel the difference and see which she likes better. If you have a local gun range ask around there, someone may let you try their gun. I've always found helpful people at my local gun range, so that's a possibility.