chaim
Member
It took me a while to warm to the 442 (I've had mine about a decade). It is not fun to shoot at the range. It is just too light. However, very few guns pocket as well, and with the concealed hammer and rounded edges, it is quite comfortable IWB.
While bigger than a pocket auto, I feel like the rounded edges of a revolver are more concealable in a pocket. The sharp corners and shape that is obviously a gun, even an LCP can print and if it does, it is clearly a gun. The rounded shapes of a revolver just look to me like I have a pocket loaded with stuff.
So, 3-4 years ago I replaced my 442 with a Taurus 856UL (without actually getting rid of the 442) because I wanted the extra round. I didn't think the extra width would matter, and when carrying a couple days a month on a non-resident permit it didn't matter. Carrying daily since Bruen allowed me to get a MD permit, I carry a small revolver more often (though admittedly, a P365 is my main carry). When I left my 856UL with a range's smith for a few days after a squib load (I let him take care of it), I started carrying my 442 when I wanted a pocket gun. Now, it is my primary pocket gun.
So, the question...
My 442 came with Secret Service boot grips. They are great for concealment, but on that light gun it was very uncomfortable to shoot. I bought some laminated Pachmayr grips, similar to their Compac grips, but laminated wood. They are better at the range, and doable for IWB, but a bit too large for pocket carry. My Taurus 856 is also aluminum, and only about an ounce heavier, but much better to shoot (still not comfortable, but not bad). It has the new Taurus grips with a little bit of a palm swell, a ledge for the pinky, but unlike the laminated Pachmayr, they don't interfere with concealment.
So, I am looking for something that splits the difference. Something with a bit of a palm swell that will fill my hands better than the Secret Service boot grips and be more comfortable at the range, but that will still be concealable.
I've considered the Pachmayr Compac Professional, but from online reviews I have concerns about their customer service.
I'm considering the Altimont boot grips. I'm a big fan of wood, so they look good, they seem to have a bit of a palm swell to more comfortably fit the hand than the mere panels that are the Secret Service Boot Grips. They are high on the list.
I'm also strongly considering the VZ boot grips (probably the "Tactical Diamonds" with texturing). I am a fan of G10 grips in other applications (knives and autos) and like the VZ grips I have for my PCR. They seem to have enough palm well to fill the hand well, but are far more concealable than what I currently have on the gun. They are the most expensive option though.
I might buy another pair of Taurus grips and modify them to fit my S&W. The only thing I don't like is grip's tread-like texture on the backstrap isn't comfortable on the web of my hand, but nothing a little sanding can't fix.
I may just put the Secret Service boot grips on. That would be the cheapest option that would be more concealable since I have them. However, uncomfortable range practice and slow follow up shots would be the cost. More likely, I'd put them up on Ebay to help defray the costs of new grips since I doubt they'll go back on this gun (I've kept them in case I ever get an all steel S&W J-frame, and I may put them on my 317).
I would love to hear what you all like for a blend of shootability and concealability for your 442, 642 and similar lightweight snubs.
While bigger than a pocket auto, I feel like the rounded edges of a revolver are more concealable in a pocket. The sharp corners and shape that is obviously a gun, even an LCP can print and if it does, it is clearly a gun. The rounded shapes of a revolver just look to me like I have a pocket loaded with stuff.
So, 3-4 years ago I replaced my 442 with a Taurus 856UL (without actually getting rid of the 442) because I wanted the extra round. I didn't think the extra width would matter, and when carrying a couple days a month on a non-resident permit it didn't matter. Carrying daily since Bruen allowed me to get a MD permit, I carry a small revolver more often (though admittedly, a P365 is my main carry). When I left my 856UL with a range's smith for a few days after a squib load (I let him take care of it), I started carrying my 442 when I wanted a pocket gun. Now, it is my primary pocket gun.
So, the question...
My 442 came with Secret Service boot grips. They are great for concealment, but on that light gun it was very uncomfortable to shoot. I bought some laminated Pachmayr grips, similar to their Compac grips, but laminated wood. They are better at the range, and doable for IWB, but a bit too large for pocket carry. My Taurus 856 is also aluminum, and only about an ounce heavier, but much better to shoot (still not comfortable, but not bad). It has the new Taurus grips with a little bit of a palm swell, a ledge for the pinky, but unlike the laminated Pachmayr, they don't interfere with concealment.
So, I am looking for something that splits the difference. Something with a bit of a palm swell that will fill my hands better than the Secret Service boot grips and be more comfortable at the range, but that will still be concealable.
I've considered the Pachmayr Compac Professional, but from online reviews I have concerns about their customer service.
I'm considering the Altimont boot grips. I'm a big fan of wood, so they look good, they seem to have a bit of a palm swell to more comfortably fit the hand than the mere panels that are the Secret Service Boot Grips. They are high on the list.
I'm also strongly considering the VZ boot grips (probably the "Tactical Diamonds" with texturing). I am a fan of G10 grips in other applications (knives and autos) and like the VZ grips I have for my PCR. They seem to have enough palm well to fill the hand well, but are far more concealable than what I currently have on the gun. They are the most expensive option though.
I might buy another pair of Taurus grips and modify them to fit my S&W. The only thing I don't like is grip's tread-like texture on the backstrap isn't comfortable on the web of my hand, but nothing a little sanding can't fix.
I may just put the Secret Service boot grips on. That would be the cheapest option that would be more concealable since I have them. However, uncomfortable range practice and slow follow up shots would be the cost. More likely, I'd put them up on Ebay to help defray the costs of new grips since I doubt they'll go back on this gun (I've kept them in case I ever get an all steel S&W J-frame, and I may put them on my 317).
I would love to hear what you all like for a blend of shootability and concealability for your 442, 642 and similar lightweight snubs.