Centennial gripe and question

[Col. Harrumph]

I really want to love my 40-1 that I've had for 20 years but there's this one problem I haven't solved: It hurts to shoot. The grip safety does a superlative job of concentrating the recoil impulse on a small area of a big hand. (is there anything more useless on a DAO gun than a grip safety? So Why did I buy it? Because it doesn't have a Hillary hole. Anyway...)

I've deactivated the absolutely pointless grip safety but that doesn't solve the knife edge recoil. I shoot it anyway of course but only because I'm too ornery to give up on it.

The Ergo Delta grip looks really interesting but once the safety is removed I'd need to fill the gap it'd leave in the backstrap. I'd appreciate your thoughts!

 

[Jonny2guns]

Looks very much like the Smith and Wesson 442, which does not have the grip safety.

 

[Pat Riot]

What about a Hogue Monogrip?

HOGUE Monogrip Rubber Grip Black S&W J Frame
https://a.co/d/b4UElZ0

 

[trackskippy]

Really not much you can do, even if you switch up to a version without the GS. They all pretty much suck to shoot, especially with any kind of realistic ammo.

Maybe move up to a Model 10? A little bigger, but much more pleasant to shoot with and you do get an extra round.

 

[unclenunzie]

That might be a collector's item. Maybe consider a current production 442 or 642 no lock, both are made today. Or you could put some hockey tape on it with a strip of leather or closed cell foam as a cushion.

 

[Riomouse911]

I hate to say it, but that old lemon squeezer style S&W is just one of those that are not fun to shoot.

If you are not inclined to buy a replacement, as @Pat Riot posted there is a Hogue mono grip that covers the whole grip frame (back strap included).

It will make the grip area larger and harder to conceal, but it will cover the evil safety lever (or the gap if it’s removed).

Stay safe.

 

[Boarhunter]

Limit your shooting to light wadcutters?

BOARHUNTER

 

[lee n. field]

Yep, sell it off, get something that will let you put a bigger, maybe squishier, rubber grip on it.

 

[cfullgraf]

In my Model 642 and 442, I do not like the recoil of 38 Special +P. I stick with more standard level 38 Special ammunition.

With larger grips, the recoil is more manageable but you loose some concealment ability.

I have a 1930s vintage 32 S&W Lemon squeezer and of course recoil is a non issue. But, no issue getting the grip safety to release.

 

[halfmoonclip]

My M40 was purchased simply because I really like Centennials, but this (minty) older one is mostly a safe queen.
Have a 640-1 Pro that is pretty decent to shoot; part of the appeal of the Centennial is the lower bore axis, if you choke up to the top of the humpback. No one seems to be making 'high horn' stocks.
Hate to give a J gun a K size butt, whatever the song says about fat bottom girls.
Have Altamont Combat stocks on some of mine, Boot grips on others. Wear a bike glove for long range series.
OEM stocks on my older 340SC were really grippy; with magnums, they wanted to tear my hide off. That now wears smooth Boot grips.
J-guns really aren't made for hundred round range visits, especially alloy versions.
Moon
ETA-Centennials remain easier to shoot than exposed hammer J guns.
M

 

[Shawn Dodson]

J-guns really aren't made for hundred round range visits, especially alloy versions.

Ammo selection is key.

The gold standard defense load for lightweight snubbies is Federal .38 Special 148gr Gold Medal Match wadcutter.