How do you keep from ripping skin off with +p ammo and a 442?

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clutch

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I have a 442 that I like to shoot +P in since that is what will be in it if I ever need it. Generally the WWB 125 JSP that goes fairly cheap. Today MC Sports had it for 16.99 a box and I had time to kill before a meeting so I went out to the club range to touch it off along with the rest of a box I had in my trunk.

The last time I shot the gun I had firing hand thumb low resting against the top of grip and on recoil, my trigger finger scraped off skin from my firing hand thumb. That starts to hurt after a number of rounds.

We today, I try both thumbs forward, wondering if the cylinder release latch would get me (didn't) but my trigger finger now has a raw spot on the right side of my trigger finger at first joint looking at my hands palm down flat on table. That got to be pretty hurtful by the time I crossed 70 rounds so I stopped.

So do I have a grip problem as in how I hold it or is this just a reality of shooting +p in a 15 ounce gun? I suppose I could put a band-aid on my trigger finger.

Falling plates are fun with this gun but I swear there is always one that ducks ;)

Clutch
 
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On my 442 I went from the stock grips:

2418172770053667879S500x500Q85.jpg


to these:

2195079140053667879S600x600Q85.jpg


Cushioned backstrap made all of the difference in the world.

I would also recommend gripping a bit tighter, it sounds like the gun is jumping a bit allowing your trigger finger to gouge your thumb.

Dan
 
I've always worked out a lot and had a good grip, but when I started competing in kettlebell sport, it had a drastic effect on my grip strength. After that, shooting +p loads out of my 37-2 with stock grips got to be really really easy. No problems at all shooting a few boxes of +p. Try working your grip strength and endurance and see if that helps.
 
My M642 has the old style S&W boot grips made by Uncle Mike's and I think they are much better than the new boot grips being supplied by S&W. When I bought a M442 I changed the factory grips to a set of Badger Custom Boot Grips in Rosewood. I think they work very well.
 
To solve that problem I got a 4" Model 64 and carry it instead.

Yes, really. Somewhat more difficult to conceal, much easier to shoot and actually hit the target with. Utterly enjoyable to sit and put hundreds of standard pressure rounds through. These are tradeoffs that work for me. YMWV.
 
Why do you need +P ammo?
Click to expand...

Even though the concept behind +P is flawed at best most of the premium defensive hollow point ammo out there for 38 is +P.

Pachmayr Compac grips will do wonders as well.
 
Go buy a soft rubber 3 finger grip from hogue . The one pictured above is made buy hogue for sW and they make rugers. Good for control issues .
 
Any good three finger rubber grip will solve your problem. Be sure to check for speedloader function with your new grips.

I recommend the now discontinued Uncle Mike's three finger Combat grips.
 
Three years ago I started shooting J-frames--a lot. When I started, I was in poor physical condition (for a variety of reasons). Standard pressure .38 Spl. defense loads--one cylinder full in an M&P340 were all I could handle. And, I tore up the 'bottom' of my trigger finger, just like you.

Grips aside, the issue really is hand conditioning, and probably learning a gripping technique that keeps the revolver in your hand without jumping. IOW, cookekdjr and JohnBT said is what I found offered the best change in the long run. I made a point of bandaging up before going to shoot, and eventually the scar tissue held.

That is not to say changing grips wouldn't 'help'--but, IMO, it doesn't address the basic issue--e.g., the hand-arm condition.

Start with that, then go to grips you like better.

Jim H.
 
The Crimson Trace 405s are indeed a bit cushioned, but they are still quite narrow, which concentrates the recoil into a smaller section of the hand. I frankly find the stock "Magna" style grips to be more comfortable than the 405s, but best of all is the Pachmayr Decelerator I put on one of my J frames. It's the same size as the one for a K frame, so not the most concealable thing (plus, its very soft rubber is kind of sticky) but you can shoot all day with one.

For carry, though, I put the 405 back on - that laser is just too valuable not to have if the need ever arises for real.
 
Well, I usually only shoot half a box through my 642 in a range session. Sometimes a whole box, but that's absolutely my personal limit. What I usually do is switch off with a steel-framed gun to give my hand a break. It's not like it's tearing me up with its super-awesome .38 Special power, but it doesn't hurt anything to give myself a break.

Second, I hardly ever use +p. You can get standard pressure hollowpoints and wadcutters. Why make shooting your gun less fun? Shot-to-shot recovery times are important, and will be much better with standard pressure loads. Standard pressure rounds do penetrate satisfactorily, 12" plus, so why take that tiny gun and beat on it and your hand with something more painful?

Grip selection is key, as well. If the one you have doesn't work for you, get something better for you. I prefer a wood "banana" grip (S&W replacement factory grip). Mine is in Goncalvo Alves. It gives me a full grip, is completely smooth so nothing is tearing up skin, and it doesn't hang up in my clothes like rubber can. The only drawback is the additional length of the grip compromising concealment somewhat, but that's not usually much to speak of, and if it really is a problem with some outfit I absolutely have to wear, I can always switch grips back in just a couple of minutes.

-Don't shoot +p
-get a better grip
-switch off with other guns, or take breaks between drills
 
Well, perhaps because my hands are not large, the only time J-snubs have made me bleed was when I failed to tuck my thumb away from the cylinder latch. I have rarely, however, practiced with +P, not seeing the need, except for occasional familiarization with just five to ten rounds. Perhaps because a grip J-snubs really tightly, I don't find any real difference between +P and standard pressure, but the +P will accelerate wear and tear on the gun.

Based on where you are injured, however, I wonder about the face and edges of your trigger. Is it grooved? If not, are there rough areas on the trigger face or edges? Rough spots can rasp a hole in your skin, even if you are doing everything right.
 
No offense intended, but I don't understand threads like these. I usually shoot 100-ish rounds of +p ammo through my 638 every range session. I have never had a problem with ripping skin off, or bleeding. I use the stock grips because the conceal very well.
 
Practice with a piece of duct tape over the area of your hand that usually takes the abuse. During a real firefight, you won't even care if the duct tape isn't handy.......
 
How do you keep from ripping skin off with +p ammo and a 442?
Click to expand...
At the risk of sounding like a jerk, I got an LCR. The cylinder release is in a much more ergonmoic position, and I dont get smacked by a metal backstrap everytime.
 
I have put Pachmayr Compaq grips on my 442. Made a huge difference! I can now shoot 150 rounds of +P with no bleeding and not too much discomfort.
 
I have put Pachmayr Compaq grips on my 442. Made a huge difference! I can now shoot 150 rounds of +P with no bleeding and not too much discomfort.
Click to expand...

A set of Compaqs for my 642 just came in. I haven't shot it yet, but it sure gives a more 'hand filling' grip. I went with these because they looked to be the smallest grips that covered the backstrap. Bigger than stock, but I'm still able to conceal the gun in my pocket.
 
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