Just wondering how many of you 642 owners keep the original grips on your gun. I got a Hogue grip (monogrip) which I love the feel of. Now I do fine with the original grip and can shoot well with it. But of course the Hogue absorbs more recoil and makes the gun easier to handle. I do like the feel better.
I've swapped handles atleast 3-4 times over the past 6 months and keep going back to the original grip just because it is so much easier to conceal. I have a hard time concealing it with the Hogue grip on it, (especially if I have to use my Smartcarry). Even IWB with a t-shirt prints more with the Hogue..Anyone else tried a larger grip and gone back to the smaller one just to conceal easier?
I think the original is much prettier. That's what mine wear in the safe or when they're just our to play a little at the range. But, if they're going to be doing any work, pachmayr or hougue grips get the call.
That said, if I were going to be carrying one on a regular basis, it would wear the fancy Crimson Trace grips.
Leaving aside aesthetics - my choice would be for Hogues, which is what I did with M85. The softer CT grips too would be fine. I prefer the look of wood otherwise.
I know some folks find that rubber grips can make cover gear hang up but I don't think that need be too much of an issue if aware of the potential. A very light dusting with talcum powder can prevent that too - without prejudicing the grip security.
I use the Pachmayr Compac.Larger than the UM that came with the gun;smaller than the Hogue.I carry appendix,strong side,IWB.If you use a pancake,etc. OWB,the UM is best for concealment IMHO.
On the 642, the difference in printing between the original grip and the Hogue is huge to me. I really prefer the feel of the Hogue but I hate struggling with trying to keep it concealed...
I added wood grips on my 642. I carry otb most of the time and I like how my shirt just slips on the grip. I don't have to worry about the rubber grabbing my shirt tail.
I added wood grips on my 642. I carry otb most of the time and I like how my shirt just slips on the grip. I don't have to worry about the rubber grabbing my shirt tail.
I like that. But it looks the same size as the Hogue grip. I know that prints worst than the original handle. You try that in a Smartcarry? I dont use a Smartcarry very often, but when I do , the Hogue prints bad. The looks or the material doesnt matter here, its the printing..
On a S&W 442, I tried the original boot grips, carved/wooden Spiegel grips, and Pachmayr Decelerator grips. In the end, best concealment resulted in my carrying with the original grips. Absolutely, the most ergonomic choice was: Pachmayr. But the simplicity and concealability of the originals was hard to beat. YMMV.
I also have a S&W 642 that came with the two finger "boot grips" in hard black rubber. I bought some fancy 3 finger Hogue rosewood grips and tried them, but they added length to the grip and made it hard to hide the gun in my pocket. So I went back to the original boot grips:
I have a 642 and purchased Houge Monogrips a few months ago. I will agree that the stock grips make concealment easier but the Hogues give much better feel while shooting. I'm sticking with the Hogues.
Guess I'm like everybody else. I can't recall if mine came with the boot grips or a slightly longer rubber grip that extended below the frame or if I just bought them at the same time. I took them off and switched to Hogue Bantams. Took them off, put on big Pachymars for something more shootable. Then went back to the Bantams for something more carry-able. I keep a couple of sets of Pachys on hand for fun shooting.
I like that too. Just hard for me to conceal.. It gets hotter than 9 kinds of hell around here in the summer and I dont want to have to wear anymore than a t-shirt. That bigger grip will print even IWB.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Defensive Carry
5.4M posts
117.5K members
Since 2004
A forum community dedicated to defensive firearm owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about everyday carry, optics, holsters, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!