New Crimson Trace grips or a new gun?

[beaverislander]

I have carried a 342PD with Crimson Trace 105's daily for 17 years but the laser grips recently quit working. Now that I'm getting up there and have deteriorating joints I am trying to decide if I should get new C.T.'s or a different carry gun altogether. The 342PD was never "fun" to shoot so I have been thinking about a small semi auto 9mm..... but I'm not sure if that would make that much difference.

On the other hand they now have C.T. 305's which sound more forgiving due to a 3 finger grip while adding very little to the size. (Very seldom do I pocket carry... generally I use an OWB or ankle holster.)

I like the size and weight of the 342PD and don't even realize it's "there" anymore so I suppose I'd be happier with the 305's if they will make a difference.

I am in a location where I can't try them out before buying so any advice would be welcome.

Thanks,
Beav

Edited to add, I just noticed they have 350's too! More reading to do.

 

[uncleted327]

I would order a new pair of CT grips and keep what you've been accustomed to for edc. If you wanted to try a smaller 9 I would get one but keep carrying your J. Small 9s aren't a joy to shoot either, so you probably wouldn't be gaining anything by switching over.

 

[H Richard]

One of the few advantages of a semi 9 is the trigger will probably be quite a bit easier to pull. Most double action S&W (stock) will be in the 12-14 lb pull range, and most small 9's will be in the 5-7 lb range. That could be a deciding factor.

 

[629shooter]

Maybe you should pick up a 640-1. Yes, it weighs more but, not as hard on the hand. All of your current holsters would probably work as well.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

 

[BE Mike]

I'm "up there" too. If you are having trouble with your joints you may not want to go semi-auto at this stage of the game. You may have trouble with retracking the slide, slide release and magazine release. You may have to relearn your two-hand grip, as well. This might require some range time, which you infer may not be an option. I'd suggest sticking with your revolver and upgrading your Crimson Trace laser. If and when the chips are down, you will do what you have been accustomed to doing for the past 17 years.

 

[colt_saa]

The 405s provide a very good cushioned back strap that should make the revolver a little less of a strain on arthritic joints. This grip is pictures on the 340 in the lower left corner

The 350 offers a red or green laser. The green is much easier for our older eyes to pick up, even in moderate daylight and it has better padding along the back strap than the 305. I do not have a 350 pictured, it came out after I took this picture

If you were local, I would let you try then. I keep variety of grips on J-frames for students to experience

 

[LCC]

An elder with his own hand and wrist issues, I have found multiple firearms suited to task best serves.
My 'going to town' carry is a 642 with CT 350 grips. The 3 finger hold with rear strap recoil buffer space makes firing non +P ammo very doable, and +P doable. The longer grip does make it less ideal as a pocket carry, however, so mine is carried either waistband holstered or in a jacket pocket.
My 'going to the city' carry is a Sig P365. The same size as my J-frame with CT grips, it has excellent grip ergonomics, highly accurate with the very good 3 dot sights, has proven reliable, features 10 to 12 round capacity, and recoil with high velocity 124 gr is much the same as firing wadcutters from my 3 finger grip J-frame. Mine has the ambi manual safety, and carry it either waistband or jacket pocket.
For at home and running local errands, I pocket carry in a Nemesis a LCP gen2 with stainless steel slide and aluminum skeleton trigger, featuring a full DAO trigger, much like a J-frame. With an installed frame pinned Hogue sleeve grip it is more recoil mangeable then a two finger grip J-frame, and 8 rounds of Gold Dot 90 gr ammo on tap does not leave one unarmed.
Previously had a Ruger LCP II which is a fine little handgun, however, carrying a cocked single action semi without a safety in my pocket, even in a kydex holster, kept me uneasy. The longer DAO of the LCP gen2 makes that a non-issue.

 

[roo_ster]

Replicate what you already have. You already know it works and likely shoot it well enough. If you have to, move on down the ammo-power ladder. At the bottom for .38spl, the target wadcutters are still effective and recoil is negligible.

 

[white cloud]

There is some good wisdom here. I tried the small 9mm (Kahr CM9) and found it reliable but I just didn't like it as much as a J frame. I like the 640/649 revolvers a lot.

 

[beaverislander]

Thank you all.

I really appreciate all of the reply's to my post, and as most of you have suggested, I have decided to keep the 342 and get another set of Crimson Trace in the near future.

Thanks again,
Beav

 

[wrangler5]

I usually carry a 632 with +P loads that I can't stand to shoot more than 6-12 of at a range session. These are slightly more powerful (energy wise) than 38 Special +Ps. I could tolerate more of 'em with a cushioned backstrap like the green CT350 has, but I still couldn't shoot 'em all day (even if I could afford the $1.50/shot.)

OTOH, my IDPA gun is a 9mm Shield, which I also carry on occasion. Five or 6 stages over a couple of hours are just a fun, 100-120 round day of shooting, and I probably could do another complete match with no pain. (A match is typically 18 rounds about as fast as you can shoot and reload, then a 20 minute or so wait until it's your turn at the next stage.) I can NOT shoot these matches with a steel K frame unless it has a grip that cushions the backstrap, even with minimum power 38 Special loads, but I can shoot the stock Shield with no problems. It's a mystery and a miracle to me, but that's my experience.

So I'd say if you like your 342PD, the easiest "upgrade" would be a cushioned CT grip for it. I'd choose the green one, as that dot is visible out to at least 25 yards, even in bright sunlight, on the black bull of a target, that tends to absorb a red dot. It's a sight you will always be able to see, in any light, out to the limits of defensive shooting range. If it turns out not to soften the blows of recoil enough, you won't lose much by reselling it.

If you do need a softer shooting gun, I would be surprised if one of the micro 9mm offerings didn't suit you. I first rented one at a local range to prove to myself that they kicked way too hard for me to tolerate, so I could get a good friend, who was pushing a micro Kimber at me over the gun counter where he works, off my back. Nobody had a Kimber to rent, so I tried the Shield and was astonished. Tried the small Glock (43), and the small Walther (PPS) and was equally astonished. All were a pleasure to shoot. (I even tried the 45ACP Shield. I can't stand a full size 1911 any more, but I shot a box of 230g FMJ out of that Shield with no problem - no idea how that can be as a matter of physics, but it was my experience. If I hadn't given all my 45 reloading gear to my kid, along with the GI 1911, I'd have been sorely tempted to buy a 45 Shield.)

So again, if you decide to look at 'em, I think you'll be surprised at how comfortable the little 9mm autos can be to shoot.

 

[ajgunner]

I have had issues with 2 different sets of CT grips. Lucky for me they are only a 20 minute drive away. Both times I walked in expecting to leave them and return for a them after being repaired. Both times I walked out with new in the box grips for no charge. Might be worth sending them in with a letter or at the very least making a phone call to see if they will help you out. You will never know if you don't ask.

 

[Mehutch]

A gunsmith screwed up my Crimson Trace grip, so I sent it back to CT and they gave me a new one. I have CT on three of my guns and would buy another if needed. At 67 years I need all the advantages I can get to stay on target. Crimson Trace is a top notch company.

 

[colt_saa]

A gunsmith screwed up my Crimson Trace grip, so I sent it back to CT and they gave me a new one. I have CT on three of my guns and would buy another if needed. At 67 years I need all the advantages I can get to stay on target. Crimson Trace is a top notch company.

Crimson Trace has always been a GREAT company

I pass this on to all my students, but many folks are unaware that if they register their grips on-line, Crimson Trace will supply them with FREE batteries for LIFE (one set per year) . . . click on the word FREE below

FREE​

So I change out all the laser grip batteries every year if they need it or not. This way the average shooter can never be caught with a dead battery when they need it the most. I have always thought this was a super idea on their part

Another thing about Crimson Trace that many folks do not know, is that they are now owned by American Outdoor Brands Corporation which also owns Smith & Wesson. They are now sister companies

 

[roo_ster]

In case I have not said it lately, CT lasergrips are THE killer accessory for J-frame or other small frame revolvers.

 

[m41]

I also am over 70 and I have CT on 3 pistols I was wondering if C T would change out the red laser for green lasers or would it be cheaper just to buy new green lasers

 

[colt_saa]

I also am over 70 and I have CT on 3 pistols I was wondering if C T would change out the red laser for green lasers or would it be cheaper just to buy new green lasers

It is not possible to drop a Green laser into a grip where a red laser was

They are totally different LEDs and supporting parts. Even the power source is different

Most red grip based lasers use two batteries located in the same grip as the electronics. The green laser draws much more power and uses four batteries (two in each grip)

Crimson trace will often propose a trade in discount if you send your old one back

 

[Daniel Howe]

I would vote for the LG-405 and stick with the gun you are familiar with. Us old dogs are getting to old to start learing new tricks. The 405's will make it easier on your hands. I would buy a pair for my Taurus 605 if I knew they fit.