New 642 CT, a few questions

[eggfarmer]

I just got my new 642 with Crimson trace.
I fired about 25 rounds at the range, mostly
with 38sp regular pressure, but a round of 5 +P to see how they feel. I have a blister/abrasion
already between my thumb and index finger.
I was firing at the 15 yard target using the
laser. I was consistently low and to the right
from the laser mark. Is there an adjustment to
my technique I should make before I adjust the laser? I have read that the wrong kind of squeeze can cause different types of accuracy errors (too much thumb, milking, too much trigger finger etc). I am new to handguns, but
I am very accurate with my 22 with a 4" barrel.

 

[eggfarmer]

I just got my new 642 with Crimson trace.
I fired about 25 rounds at the range, mostly
with 38sp regular pressure, but a round of 5 +P to see how they feel. I have a blister/abrasion
already between my thumb and index finger.
I was firing at the 15 yard target using the
laser. I was consistently low and to the right
from the laser mark. Is there an adjustment to
my technique I should make before I adjust the laser? I have read that the wrong kind of squeeze can cause different types of accuracy errors (too much thumb, milking, too much trigger finger etc). I am new to handguns, but
I am very accurate with my 22 with a 4" barrel.

 

[JimmyZ]

I've got a few guns with CT grips and what I've done in the past was to see what round shot best to point of aim by using the sights and shooting off the bench. Once I found a round that my gun like best is when I would zero the laser. YMMV, but it's how I've typically done it. Either way, you've got a nice piece and I'm sure you'll enjoy it for years to come.

 

[JayDubya]

eggfarmer: I have the 305 CT grips on my 637 (the visible clone of your 642), and even with range ammunition I have a problem with blisters on that spot if I fire more than twenty rounds. I solve that by placing a J&J knuckle bandaid on the web. You will hear it both ways, but I find that Airweights kick big time, especially with +p loads. Not an enjoyable handgun, but perfect for its intended purpose. My Airweight is hidden in a special place in the house, loaded with Remington +p 158gr LSWCHP -- in my opinion the best of the FBI loads for a snubby. Check www.brassfetcher.com for its very impressive performance in ballistic jelatin. This is a stout load, but if I ever fire it in a situation, I doubt if I would notice.

Cordially, Jack

 

[USAF385]

Wow that is very interesting. I haven't encountered any blistering with my 642 (but I don't have CT, so perhaps the grip is playing a large role is the laser bump causing it?). I absolutely love firing this gun. I don't have any issues with kicking when shooting +P rounds. As far as shooting from 15 yards, most self defense situations will have you being much closer to your target.

As far as the blistering, a bandaid would work or even a shooting glove, but I'm not one to use them so I couldn't recommend any.

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

Move the dot towards the point of impact. Make very small adjustments, no more than 1/4 turn at a time. It helps to put a piece of brightly colored tape on the Allen wrench in case you drop it...makes it easier to find.

It is also recommended to remove the grips when cleaning the gun. It will not change your point of impact when reinstalling the grips. Do not over tighten the screw when reinstalling. Do a lot of dry firing practice with the laser...it will help with your trigger control.

Go here for more info:

http://forums.crimsontrace.com/index.php

__________________________________________

 

[AKsRule]

Originally posted by eggfarmer:
I just got my new 642 with Crimson trace.
I fired about 25 rounds at the range, mostly
with 38sp regular pressure, but a round of 5 +P to see how they feel. I have a blister/abrasion
already between my thumb and index finger.
I was firing at the 15 yard target using the
laser. I was consistently low and to the right
from the laser mark. Is there an adjustment to
my technique I should make before I adjust the laser? I have read that the wrong kind of squeeze can cause different types of accuracy errors (too much thumb, milking, too much trigger finger etc). I am new to handguns, but
I am very accurate with my 22 with a 4" barrel.

Because the Laser is offset both vertically AND horizontally from the Bore/Sights , the bullet and the laser spot
will only intersect at ONE point depending on your adjustment.

I suggest firing from a solid rest at a 10 yard target - then adjusting the laser to the center
of the fired group.

 

[eggfarmer]

At this point it is very difficult to get a load that I will call my main ammo, since I am having to buy whatever I can get my hands on .
I have a hodgepodge of standard and +P loads.
I will test again at a closer target range, since the CT is set for 50 feet at the factory.
They come installed on the 642 CT, but not
adjusted once installed.
One thing you notice with the laser, is that no matter how steady you think you are, and I am pretty steady handed, the laser is jumping all over the target at 15 yards. Lets you see the difference between thinking you are steady and really having your sights steady on the target.

 

[460v LAC du FLAMBEAU]

These " 15-ounce airweights" are snappy little things.

I use weightlifting gloves ("finger coverage" stops at the knuckle) when shooting my 642 w/CT's...just enough palm cushion. Wal-mart sells these gloves for about $10.

+P ammo is a hand full with these snappy revolvers. Your grip should be as high on the back strap as you can go & squeeze the grip as tightly as you can when shooting.

If the CT grips were factory-installed (should have the S&W logo on the grips...not Crimson Trace)then the laser should be pretty well sighted.

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

If the CT grips were factory-installed (should have the S&W logo on the grips...not Crimson Trace)then the laser should be pretty well sighted.

I bought my 642 from S&W with the CT grips installed. They still required adjustment to align the laser with the POI. Simple procedure, took me about 10 minutes with 10 rounds.

 

[eggfarmer]

I have also found that the Crimson Trace laser
can help you improve your technique when dry firing. Just point at target and dry fire and see what you can do to keep from having the red dot jump all over the place. It is incredible feedback and does not cost any ammo. Of course
you cannot see how recoil will affect you, but it sure shows how much you throw the gun around when you squeeze the trigger.