New 642...Laser grips?

[famturn]

Hello everyone, I just purchased a new 642, (the limited run with no lock), and I was wondering about the addition of laser grips. What are the pros vs cons of adding them? I'm on the fence. I don't really like the way the look on a revolver but, maybe the usefulness out weighs the appearance.
Just curious to see what people think, thank you.

 

[WC145]

I have a set of CT LG-105's on my 360J and I love 'em. They're compact, lightweight, don't drag on your clothing, and they work great - put the dot on the target and squeeze. Plus the 105's don't have an on-off switch to mess with.

Some people complain that this model doesn't cover the backstrap and doesn't cushion recoil but it doesn't bother me, it's like shooting with wood grips. Besides, I don't want my grips to add unneeded size to a gun I'm trying to conceal.

I also put a set of pink ones on a Taurus 905 I gave my wife. They made her an instant bullseye shooter.

 

[MO_mule]

WC145:

You are a good husband and, unfortunately, have raised the bar. I think my missus would quite like those pink CT grips.

famturn:

CT has different sizes (as you can see from WC145's pics). The S&W site has a 642 model with the black 405 grips if you want to see a black set.

Chris

 

[Wee Hooker]

I've been considering a set of 405's for my 360PD but wonder if it's going to make my current holsters obsolete? I'll be watching this tread closely.

 

[InTheWoods]

I have a set of 405s on my 642 and love them. The front and rear covered backstrap are made of soft rubber while the sides are harder. They fit in the pocket well. The covered backstrap not only cushions recoil to a degree, but increases the length of pull to a more manageable distance. The lazer swell on the grip does not interfer with any of the several holsters I have. It may with yours.

 

[hdfinder47]

I've been running LG-105's on AirWeight "J" frames for years with no negative issues. Keep in mind that you must still train using the sights in case the laser dosen't work when you most need it (Murphy's rules apply). The Crimson Trace web site has good info. No interference with any holster I've used to date.

 

[famturn]

Thanks for all the replies. I just returned from the range, someone was there with the LG 105's. I asked how he liked them, and he said he was removing them. I asked why and he said, "the laser is hard to activate, I have squeeze real hard. I'm constantly adjusting my grip." I think I'll go to my local dealer and see if he has a demo model, then decide from there.

 

[WC145]

Thanks for all the replies. I just returned from the range, someone was there with the LG 105's. I asked how he liked them, and he said he was removing them. I asked why and he said, "the laser is hard to activate, I have squeeze real hard. I'm constantly adjusting my grip." I think I'll go to my local dealer and see if he has a demo model, then decide from there.

Interesting, I've got fairly large hands and my wife has smallish hands with kind of short fingers and neither of us have had any trouble activating the laser on either of our guns.

 

[5Wire]

Thanks for all the replies. I just returned from the range, someone was there with the LG 105's. I asked how he liked them, and he said he was removing them. I asked why and he said, "the laser is hard to activate, I have squeeze real hard. I'm constantly adjusting my grip." I think I'll go to my local dealer and see if he has a demo model, then decide from there.

Make an offer to the guy at the range!

 

[jframefreak]

+1 for the lg105's, I have them on my 640. They're reasonably priced too, when compared to some of the others. Excellent for concealed carry.

 

[JayDubya]

I have Crimson Trace laser grips on three handguns, including a S&W 637 Airweight (the visible hammer version of your 642). The Airweight has the LG305 version installed -- I bought it that way seven years ago, or to put it another way several thousand rounds ago (stopped counting). I have been tempted to replace them with the LG405 version to get that shock absorber at the top of the back strap, right where I develop (and pop) a blister on the web of my hand on the 20th round of range loads if I haven't put a bandaid there first. Airweights have sobering recoil, even with the 148gr WCs I shoot, so anything you can do to minimize this problem is useful. Just my 0.2, but I would not buy a set of LG105s. They leave my pinky out in space, do not cover the back strap, and are hard as glass. The LG405 set also tends to leave my pinky out yonder. That is why I probably will keep the LG305s -- they fill my hand and the handgun wearing them fits in an Uncle Mike in the front pocket of my slacks.

Cordially, Jack

 

[sonofthebeach]

Jack, I just picked up a 642, and am ready to put together some 148 WC loads for practice. I haven't taken the gun to the range yet, and I know that the recoil is gonna be pretty stiff. You mentioned that even with 148 WC's you find shooting the gun challenging. Can I ask whether your target loads are the traditional mid-range loads, or are you using slightly faster loads? Thanks. ---Andy

 

[Dale53]

I have a set of LG-305's (extended grip with covered back strap) on my 642 and I LOVE them. I have rather large hands and needed the extra size. I daily carry in a Mika pocket holster and have NO problems concealing in dress pants as well as khakis.

I am about medium size (5'10" tall and weigh a porky 230 lbs).

Dale53

 

[famturn]

I have a set of LG-305's (extended grip with covered back strap) on my 642 and I LOVE them. I have rather large hands and needed the extra size. I daily carry in a Mika pocket holster and have NO problems concealing in dress pants as well as khakis.

I am about medium size (5'10" tall and weigh a porky 230 lbs).

Dale53

Thanks Dale, if I end up installing laser grips I will give them a hard look. Frank.

 

[JayDubya]

Sonofthebeach: I get my 148gr DEWC from www.mastercast.net, a reload service that I highly recommend. I have fired at least six thousand of their reloads (mostly .38sp but also 9mm -- as for exact number I have quit counting). The 148gr DEWC are described as clocking 760 fps as I recall, which is pretty standard. You can save a bundle if you send Mastercast your spent brass in exchange, same caliber and case count. If you choose to do that, do it by USPS Priority Mail. I send a thousand cases that way for nine bucks and change. Any other way I know of costs over twenty bucks.

As for recoil in real life conditions, the wisdom is that you won't even notice it. But you will at the range.

Cordially, Jack

 

[WC145]

I'll fix that address for you - Mastercast Bullet Company

 

[JayDubya]

WC145 said: I'll fix that address for you - Mastercast Bullet Company.

And so you did! How? I've often clicked similar references that took me directly to the web site, but I don't know how to set it up myself! By the way, I fixed the web site reference in my post -- changed .com to .net.

Cordially, Jack

 

[Fla_Sun]

Lg405

I bought the LG405 and don't regret it. This addition makes me look real good during practice, my eyes aren't what they used to be. I appreciate the extra web pad for recoil. Best addition to a PD weapon I can think of.

 

[DAdams]

CT Grips

I have 405s on a 642-2 and a M&P 340.
In addition to the aforementioned positive remarks I like the on off switch on the 405/305, I like to shoot with it on sometimes and off sometimes.
If you are going to OWB you may prefer the 305 with a bit more full handed grip.

If you decide to wait on the CTs at least try a Hogue Bantam for Pocket Carry or Hogue Monogrip for OWB. Both very comfortable when taming those Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 135 gr Plus P.

EDC Gear

Bianchi Speedstrip in the jt 2/2 split format faster than 5.

In a Mika Roundcut Pocket Holster

In a Blachawk Speed Classic OWB

How to grip your 642 per Jerry Miculek.

The J-Frame solution

Good Article on the J Frame and J Frame with CT.