The 642 club

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Nem,

Sounds reasonable to me. I am wondering exactly how much of a difference it will actually make between 5 yards and 15 yards. In other words if it is dead on at 5 yards and off by 3 inches at 15 yards, is that an acceptable compromise? At what distance will I most probably have to defend off an attack? I am thinking it will probably be 5 yards or less. 45 feet away seems to be a bit too far to worry about this gun being too accurate.

I guess my worry is that if I had the laser set parallel to the barrel, I have to train my mind to adjust the target 3 inches up and 1 inch over (just an example). Now if I ever have to draw this gun in self-defense will my brain kick in and tell me to do that? I am not sure it would. I would rather sight it in at a nominal distance and just worry about getting the dot on the target.

Granted if this was a target pistol, then I may be concerned with the best accuracy possible at all distances. I would want to move my target back and forth and train myself to mentally judge target position. A parallel beam to the barrel would be optimum, I would believe. That way you can set the bead on the target, adjust your aiming for laser position, and press the trigger. Just in a "H#ll break loose" situation, I am not sure I want to think at all or will even be able to.
 
Nem -

For example, if the laser is parallel at 5 yds, it will still be parallel at 10. In both cases, the laser spot will be slightly (1"?) lower and to the right of POA.

Thus, if one consistently put the laser spot at that point (slightly below, and slightly to the right) with respect to POA, then success should be achieved from 3 yds to 15 yds. One does not have to keep a chart in one's head about how to adjust the divergence due to angle at different ranges.

Exactly - Your point of aim (the red dot) will always be the same - about 1" low and 3/4" to the right, out to a resonable distance - maybe 25 yards depending on bullet performance. The key would be to make sure the laser is exactly parallel to the bore. Bench rest would do the trick.
 
This discussion about the CT grips is just great! Really enjoying it and learning a lot too.

1 question
Does the LG-405 give you more grip (or better recoil insulation--not that you need it) than the LG-105?
 
On Another Subject: Has anyone seen sheckigreen?

According to my research, his last post was here (642 Club) on 6 Feb 2007 and his last visit to THR was 26 Feb 2007.

Hope he's ok.
 
Does the LG-405 give you more grip (or better recoil insulation--not that you need it) than the LG-105?
I, too, would like to hear more about that.

In fact, if someone with knowledge of the various permutations of those CT grips would volunteer, a comparison and contrast amongst them (minus the 105's since they aren't out yet) would be really helpful.

Baring that, maybe a link to an existing review offering a comparison?

Thanks.
 
five -

http://www.crimsontrace.com/default.asp?id=533

http://www.crimsontrace.com/default.asp?id=743

The LG-305s are what I have on my gun. They appear to be a bit longer than the LG-405s. The 405s look to be about the same size as the factory grips. I like the 305s because I have large hands and they give my little finger somewhere to hold.
The biggest advantage I see in having the laser grips is for quick point shooting. When I practice with mine, I run about 50 rounds through my gun without using the sights or even bringing the gun up to face level. I "shoot from the hip" so to say. It gives you reliable accuracy without using the sights. I don't see any other use for having them - other than cool factor :cool: You are not gonna target shoot at 25 yards! :neener:
 
The LG-305s are what I have on my gun. They appear to be a bit longer than the LG-405s. The 405s look to be about the same size as the factory grips. I like the 305s because I have large hands and they give my little finger somewhere to hold.
Excellent images. Thanks! Those pictures are worth a thousand words or more.

I have small hands, but given those two choices, I'd still prefer the 305's for handling (except the problem of more discrete pocket carry). I've currently got full size Hogue monogrips on it, and really like the extra control it offers, especially with the hotter +p rnds.

I am going to experiment again soon with the stock grips, and see if I can warm up to them more than before.

The biggest advantage I see in having the laser grips is for quick point shooting. When I practice with mine, I run about 50 rounds through my gun without using the sights or even bringing the gun up to face level.
Ah, very interesting.

Wow, that opens another dimension of the lasers for me.
I'm surprised I hadn't thought more about that angle (so to speak... :D )
 
I just got and installed my CTC LG-405s. I can 't wait to shoot them. I hope minimal adjustments are necessary. They are apparemtly zeroed in at 20-50 feet. We'll see.
 
Sighted in Laser

Yes. Once I got my laser adequately tuned in at 5 yards, I no longer had to worry about holding the gun in a certain stance. Like 1Blind stated, as long as that red beam is on a spot, it will hit that spot whether the pistol is in a firing stance or sitting unnoticed near your hip.

My goal is to tune the laser (and of course get use to the gun) enough that in the darkest night, all I have to do is put the beam on a target and be confident that I hit it.
 
Nem-
I had Hogues on my 640 and replaced them with the LG305's. The size of the LG305's in very close to that of the Hogues.
When I bought my 642, the LG305's found a new home :D The 640 is much bigger and heavier compared to it's little brother (642) so it was sent back to the safe wearing the Hogues. The 640 is much more pleasant to shoot with the Hogues then with the Crimson Traces :D

Hope this pic helps in the size comparison.

IMG_2235.gif
 
I just got back from the range. The CTC laser grips work great. After 150 rounds my hand hurts but I gor it zeroed in at 7 yards and I am getting groups of 1" @ 5 yards. Almost two shots through the same hole
 
$Five for fiVe Drive - Help thank a great THR Member!

On 13 May 2005 at 0922, fiVe created The 642 Club, and fiVe saw that it was good!

Since that moment, fiVe’s thread has gone on to influence the lives of more people than he or anyone else will ever truly know. Many of us gave the snub-nosed revolver far too little consideration, instead being drawn towards the latest high tech auto. Still others were sitting on fence, unable to decide. Others loved the simple goodness of the snubbie all along, and found a welcoming home in The 642 Club. Regardless, all of us have found a wealth of knowledge and great camaraderie in The 642 Club. FiVe has earned the gratitude of many of us who today rely on the S&W 642 (and other snubbies) as a primary or BUG for the protection of ourselves, our loved ones, and those that we don’t even know.

FiVe has truly earned our thanks. For this reason, the members of The 642 Club have created the $Five for fiVe Drive.

Please click the link above to learn more; you will be directed to Oleg Volk’s Armed Polite Society (the main thread was posted on APS at the request of The High Road moderators).

We hope that you will consider participating!

(Note: This post will be reposted on every new page of The 642 Club when possible)
 
Crimson Trace Question

All the posts on the CT grips are great--so informative, but as I was perusing the Crimson Trace website, it dawned on me...........

Are the CT grips "left-handed" friendly? (I hope so.) :confused:
 
308win said:
Eye dominance isn't an issue so it doesn't make any difference.

Sorry, my question is not clear enough.

My East German Makarov came with a target grip that was for right-handers only--there is a groove for a right-hander's thumb on the left side of the grip. There is a hump just above this groove that made it VERY uncomfortable for a left-handed shooter because your hand has to reach over the hump to get to the trigger. I replaced that grip with a Makawrap.

Everyone's hands are different, but I would like to know if CT grips would feel comfortable for a lefty. Any grooves or humps? Will a lefty's thumb ride comfortably under the laser and not interfere with the laser's function?

Thanks for the info.

R/fiVe
 
Yes fiVe - if anything MORE lefty friendly then righty.
Being that the laser is on the right side of the frame a rightys had can and does cover the laser when the trigger finger is indexed on the side of the frame.

With a lefty your finger will index on the opposite side of the frame from the laser... +1

Also the activation button is on the grip it self, so a natural hand grip right or left will activate the laser.

**NOTE** on the previous pictures posted... look for the rubber button at about the 2nd finger grip position. When a firm hand hold is applied to the grip the laser comes on right or left handed.



_________________________________________________________


To answer a question about beam divergence from parallel, the best thing I could find was a "laser bullet" T
This is a laser in the center of a round that is chambered for boar sighting.

Thus by having a laser in the boar of the gun and the CT beside you 'should" be able to get parallel to most any distance.

LINK:
http://www.laserbullet.com.au/what_is.html

laser_bullet2_r1_c1.gif


Also see Laser Ammo
LINK:
http://laserammo.com/

pitch.jpg


A quick read of the sites...
Laser Bullet is $$$$$ as much as the grips, but is a convertible bullet so it can be used with different calibers.
Laser Bullet is a constant on device.

Laser Ammo is down for the pricing but the round is momentary so every time you dry fire you get a laser pulse from the barrel.
A little slower for CT parallel set up but may be more cost effective.

Enjoy.

RTFM
 
Some reading on handgun defense

I do not yet have my CCW license, but intend to complete coursework soon (including more than one class, beyond the minimal handgun safety class required for CCW license) and apply for license.

In those classes, I expect to learn some principles and practices surrounding CCW, including some guidelines, however broad, for what to do in situations where a handgun may need to be brought into use.

I'm starting my education process early - let's just call this pre-class research. (As along time student and teacher, I like to begin classes having been exposed to some of the issues but without presuming to know "the answers").

For example, I do a LOT of walking in my town, often at night, often on streets that are relatively deserted in "questionable neighborhoods". (It's just the part of town I live in.) As I walk, I often think about this: If I was carrying my 642 (or 686), and X scenario occurred (where X ranges from "large guy jumps from behind a car with a knife pointed at me" to "I've been tackled from behind and am being choked" (and other similar scenarios), what would I do?

I'm aware, for example, that one does not/should not brandish a weapon in order to defuse a violent situation, and that in general a weapon should only be drawn when immanent threat to life is perceived.

I've begun a conversation about this with a local friend (also a THR member) who has carried for years, understands the laws, and has reflected much on the challenges of concealed carry.

Now, closer to the purpose of this post: I'm seeking some threads that address CCW issues, in particular, how does one deal with situations in the real world (outside of one's home or business) that may involve a CCW handgun?

For example, I found an interesting current thread tonight entitled "Firing Warning Shots".

So, since the 642 is primarily a CCW, I thought I'd ask for advice here about threads and articles (URLs to) on the topic that you have found informative and relevant to the issue of CCW, when and how CCW should be employed, ways to diffuse volatile situations, etc, etc, etc.

I understand that this is a bit far afield from 642 per se, and am NOT encouraging discussion of this issue in this thread, but only trying to find threads and articles where such issues are discussed and good information is available.

Any URLs to informative threads or articles will be appreciated, regardless of forum, THR or not.

If you prefer not to post in this club, please feel free to PM.

Thanks.

Nem

<turning the page towards post 2000>
 
Hard to bring that up and not invite discussion here, Nematocycst. I will restrain myself from commenting on the issues as I don't believe they belong here.

Some of these questions will hopefully be addressed when you take your CCW. I suppose it depends upon the state, but in Ohio, we discussed moral and legal implications of CCW for quite a period. It was indeed helpful.

You might want to look into LFI (Mas Ayoob's school). I have read Mas characterize it as the WHEN of defensive shooting (he characterized another well-known training site as the HOW). I believe it should answer many of your questions.

I will say one thing: IMO a gun should not ever change your reaction to a situation. Think about that for a minute and I believe you'll answer a lot of questions.
 
Concealed Carry

Nema, You may wish to consider the following:

From the S&W Forum

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/550103904

http://www.packing.org/

http://www.usconcealedcarry.com/index.cfm?affID=uscca

and of course our own Strategies and Tactics Section on the High Road.

http://www.thehighroad.org/forumdisplay.php?f=5

Just to name a few.

Statistically odds are in your favor you will not have to use a concealed weapon to save/defend your life or the life of another.

In a follow-on course I took as an "elective" to the initial NRA minimal qualification for Florida CCW our instructor, ex military and ex LEO has trained about 3500 individuals. Only recently in 2006 did one of his students report back regarding having to defend himself by actually drawing and firing his weapon while being fired at in front of his house in a drive-by shooting. He did hit the perp as the vehicle used was later found.

This topic is probably best served in those venues although you will find 642/442 mentions/discussions time and time again. Best carry vs. not enough oomph and on and on. :D
 
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$Five for fiVe Drive - Help thank a Great THR Member!

On 13 May 2005 at 0922, fiVe created The 642 Club, and fiVe saw that it was good!

Since that moment, fiVe’s thread has gone on to influence the lives of more people than he or anyone else will ever truly know. Many of us gave the snub-nosed revolver far too little consideration, instead being drawn towards the latest high tech auto. Still others were sitting on fence, unable to decide. Others loved the simple goodness of the snubbie all along, and found a welcoming home in The 642 Club. Regardless, all of us have found a wealth of knowledge and great camaraderie in The 642 Club. FiVe has earned the gratitude of many of us who today rely on the S&W 642 (and other snubbies) as a primary or BUG for the protection of ourselves, our loved ones, and those that we don’t even know.

FiVe has truly earned our thanks. For this reason, the members of The 642 Club have created the $Five for fiVe Drive.

Please click the link above to learn more; you will be directed to Oleg Volk’s Armed Polite Society (the main thread was posted on APS at the request of The High Road moderators).

We hope that you will consider participating!

(Note: This post will be reposted on every new page of The 642 Club when possible)
 
Heck yah!
Another New THR member and a first post in the 642.....
Hot!

Welcome jt1

Hey a ? for ya.
How much do you use your Pentagon Elite? I looks like it has very little if any wear.
I murder my Benchmades and have been eyeing a PEII but an hesitant because of the double ground tip.
So do you beat on it like I do with my Bench Made or is a last ditch knife?


Anyway

Welcome

RTFM
 
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