Hi all,

I have a S&W 442 with the standard plastic boot grip that I pocket carry on occasion. I don't shoot it very much right now, but I should. I'd like to find a new grip for it that has thicker padding on the backstrap (right now it has none) for better ergonomics and recoil absorption, yet maintains the two-finger boot style grip length for concealment. I've been unable to find anything. I'm surprised that Hogue doesn't offer this for a J frame, since they do for a Ruger LCR. I've considered a Crimson Trace laser grip since that has nice padding, but I'm not really looking to spend that much. Any ideas? Thanks.

Chris

Lyman / Pachmyer makes the Diamond Pro rubber grip that adds to the back.

https://www.lymanproducts.com/...series.html?___SID=U

I tried some of their grips on a K-frame round butt, the were nice but I never tried them on a J-frame.

I eventually went to the Hogue grips that snap on without a screw, as the J-frame screws would always rust. It isn't a great recoil pad, but I carry it more for concealment than easy of shooting.

Brownell's shows these Hogue rubber grips for the J Frame...the pictures from the description shows the grip covering the back strap on the grip frame...that being said I do not know how much the rubber would reduce felt recoil over an exposed back strap...

https://www.brownells.com/hand...17605.aspx?rrec=true

Thanks for those replies so far, guys. Both of those grips do appear to have a rest for a 3rd finger, though, which I am hoping to avoid simply for ease of concealment. The Pachmyer grip isn't as pronounced as the Hogue though.

Hogue does in fact offer a grip that covers the back-strap for extra padding here

notice the hard plastic heal, aids in eliminating printing for conceal carry.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Ken @ Hogue Inc,

Pachmayr Compac.

quote:

Originally posted by Ken @ Hogue Inc:
Hogue does in fact offer a grip that covers the back-strap for extra padding here
notice the hard plastic heal, aids in eliminating printing for conceal carry.

Thanks, Ken. I was hoping you could chime in. The grip you linked to would be perfect for my needs if it didn't have the 3-finger length grip. If it was only 2-finger length, like a typical "boot/compact" grip, it would be awesome. Like this or this for the Ruger LCR but for a J Frame. Is something like that in the works?

Chris

Nothing in the works at this time

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Ken @ Hogue Inc,

Try crimson trace I think LG-405 that’s what I have on my 637.

I have a set of Pachmayr Compac grips for my 642. Nice for range use, and waist carry. For pocket, though, they're way too thick and the rubber is very grabby.

I tried the Hogue monogrip in nylon instead of rubber, was very much not a fan of the hard plastic.

I ended up with a set of wood service stocks and a T-grip for pocket carry. Beats up my hand, but I can get 5-10 shots off pretty well. That's about all I shoot with these grips on, I'll move to the Pachmayr for more range work to practice the trigger and sights. Just need to be careful with my hands on the small grips, remember to tuck the thumbs to keep them out of the way of everything.

The crimson trace ones from the 340 are pretty effective. I don't ever use the laser but they take some of the sting out

CT 405’s on my Smith 638. It’s a bit spendy though it feels great.

Crimson Trace has one that has a "recoil reducer" built into it. It did reduce the recoil to the pad area between thumb and index finger but the grip twisted in my hand unless I had a death grip on it. I actually like the Delta Ergo Grip shown below. I don't pocket carry my J-Frames but I do have a great ankle holster for them, along with a great IWB holster. I now really like shooting the .357 J Frames with the Delta Ergo grip.

These might do the trick. They are out of production so they can be pricey. 24AAOSwmT1cDHpb:rk:2f:1&frcectupt=true" target="_blank">Link to ebay

Not sure if they cover the back strap but they do reduce recoil. I own both the standard, the hogue and the uncle mikes.

The Hogue “Tamer” is what you want. All the others pale by comparison with respect to reccoil absorption.

Also, assess your ammo. I have found the Federal Match 148Gr wadcutter @ 690 FPS is about the mildest you can get by with. Winchester 125 gr soft FP @ 725 is pretty mild as well.

Good shootin’

quote:

Originally posted by sox:
Winchester 125 gr soft FP @ 725 is pretty mild as well.

I will second your comment.

I carry this in my 642 - it is not a hi-tech defense round but if I use my 642 for SD- I am probably firing at a distance of 5'.

Very easy to control 'quick pairs' double action.

https://www.natchezss.com/winc...25-gr-jsp-50-ct.html

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quote:

Originally posted by iraIII:
Try crimson trace I think LG-405 that’s what I have on my 637.

^This..

I had that grip on my 642.
It has a little 'pocket' on the top of the back strap.







I've since sold the grip and the gun.
But I'm considering getting another Ruger or S&W j-frame.