Will the New Redi-Load Grip for S&W 642 Store .357 rounds too?

[rawoolsey]

Good day! This is my first post to the S&W forum.

I read in the recent Handguns magazine (Apr-May 10, page 14) that there is a Redi-Load pistol grip for the S&W 642 revolver.

It holds 4 .38 specials and provides an answer to carrying extra ammo.

I was wondering if this same grip could be used for a S&W model 649 in .357? Or if there is a grip storage system out there for the .357?

I am looking for a CCW and would prefer a .357 to just a .38 special - gives me more ammo options and frankly a bigger slug to protect myself.

Anyone out there had a chance to see this or try this yet?

Thanks!

 

[shawn mccarver]

Good day! This is my first post to the S&W forum.

I read in the recent Handguns magazine (Apr-May 10, page 14) that there is a Redi-Load pistol grip for the S&W 642 revolver.

It holds 4 .38 specials and provides an answer to carrying extra ammo.

I was wondering if this same grip could be used for a S&W model 649 in .357? Or if there is a grip storage system out there for the .357?

I am looking for a CCW and would prefer a .357 to just a .38 special - gives me more ammo options and frankly a bigger slug to protect myself.

Anyone out there had a chance to see this or try this yet?

Thanks!

This grip storage system seems like an idea that is not particularly well thought out, however, if you like it, feel free.

The same grip is used for the 642 and 649, so the grips will probably work, but the space inside may not fit the longer magnum cartridges. You will have to ask the manufacturer.

The "slugs" (bullets) are the same size - bore diameter .357 for both 38 Special and .357 Magnum. The only difference between the two cartridges is the length of the case and the velocity of the "slug."

In the J frame, it is best to use 38s or, if you are a real glutton for punishment, load with mags and use 38s in the "grip storage." A magnum in the J frame is, in my opinion, too much of a good thing.

 

[Captain38]

Here's a down-loadable brochure on the product:

http://www.aresdefense.com/images/redi-load-web.pdf

and a source for ordering:

Redi-Load™ Revolver Grips 2

Personally, I'm NOT interested as an HKS speedloader makes a lot more sense to me!

speedloaders

 

[Dale53]

Before you buy a light weight .357 "J" frame revolver be sure you shoot it first. Most will find you can't stand the recoil. It's not a macho thing at all, those things HURT!

I would rather shoot full house .44 Magnums all day long in my 629 with 4" barrel as one shot of an Air Light .357. Clint Smith tells about a gentleman that brought a brand new one to his class (had never shot it before the class). The first cylinder full put him in the hospital with broken bones in his hand.

I carry an S&W 642 for daily carry with Plus P.s (the 158 gr H.P. FBI load). My grips are the larger Crimson Trace #305 (I have rather large hands and need the extended grip) and I have no problem with control. The 642 is an Air Weight. Reduce the weight further or use a .357 in a "J" frame revolver and it is WAY too much for me and I am veteran of the PPC and IPSC "wars" and hunt with .44 magnums.

There is a limit to everything and we are talking about "over the top" using a .357 in a "J" frame.

But, that's just me....

Dale53

 

[Robert B]

357's in a J frame

+1
I am never going to fire another 357 out of a J frame either! 38+P's out of my 442-2 is my limit. In fact, they are fun to shoot from my 442-2.

 

[SC_Mike]

Actually the 4 rounds in the grip isnt a bad idea... anybody have one?

 

[tsh7769]

I find the idea interesting but wonder about the feel and fit of the grip.

Also, I think it would be nice if they offered a version that also included a barami hip gript type thing. That would be nice to just grab and tuck in your waistband.

Tsh7769

 

[dbarale]

Looks like an interesting idea, it even looks compatible with a T-grip.
BUT, $80 for some plastic grips !?!
And I would have to try them first to see how the square profile agrees with my hand.

 

[Bwilli88]

Looks like a great idea, with a Hip grip thing added and a T grip it might be a great thing. But $80, no way.

 

[murphydog]

The concept is interesting, but 4 rounds in it would alter the gun's balance, more so with one of the Airweight or other alloy J frames.

Also, from the photo that "tactical latch" looks a little small to operate under stress, and may be susceptible to an accidental opening with the bottom of the palm with a firing grip, unless it takes a bit of pressure to release. Seeing one in person might change my mind, though.

 

[DRYHEAT]

My trouble with this is the company that makes it. By just announcing one of its products (the Shrike) Ares caused a whole market to go crazy. This was a true belt-fed upper in 5.56mm for AR-15 rifles and M16 machineguns. The trouble started with the use on M16s. Prices for registered guns and even registered drop-in auto sears and lightning links more than doubled. Ares offered to pre-sell the Shrike for less than $3K. Some folks have now been waiting 4 years++ with no delivery. The Shrike is here but goes for $7K and up and Ares seems to be in no hurry to send out the sub $3K units. With 5.56 ammo going for $.40/ea. and up, the appeal of an 800 rounds per minute belt-fed upper is not quite what it was several years ago. Now to be fair, Ares has always offered a complete money back offer to any depositors who are tired of waiting. A lot of people who signed up years ago feel that Ares was just using their $$$ for R&D and to get the final version out for $5K, $6K, and up while dragging their feet getting their "cheap" versions out to them. I admit many years ago I wanted one but I would wait until the "vaporware" actually appeared to see if it worked as promised. I always knew it would cost me more, just not THAT much more. The cost of ammo also helped in that decision.