Need to Increase Trigger Reach on S&W 642

[GAP]

Do any of the Altamont or VZ grips add width to the grip (compared to the factory grip)?

I would like to keep the grips short, but it looks like the only thing that would work are grips that wrap around the back. Every offering from Altamont or VZ appear to be either short and don’t wrap, or longer and wrap. Is either wrap around style shorter than the other?

The other option I saw was trying the Taurus brand grip that is short, but also wraps around the back. It looks okay...but, meh.

Any other options or recommendations based on what you own?

[Dave T]

I faced the same problem/question when I acquired a 642. Every solution I found made the gun bigger, harder to draw from a pocket, and harder to conceal. I had to give up on the thing as a carry gun, which was the whole reason for buying it. Sigh!

Dave

[HeavyDuty]

You probably won’t like this, but the Ergo Delta grip is the best thing that ever happened to my J frames.

[Scal]

You probably won’t like this, but the Ergo Delta grip is the best thing that ever happened to my J frames.

So, I really do like how my j-frame shoots with the flipper baby grips, but I eventually switched over to hogue tamers with the bottoms chopped down to make it flush with the frame. It works about as well for me as the ergo grips, and it looks wasaaaay less weird. Not sure if it will help much with trigger reach, but the Tamer grips do cover the backstrap.

[UNK]

I think it was HCM who took a set of wrap arounds and cut them flush with the bottom of the grip.

[Scal]

I think it was HCM who took a set of wrap arounds and cut them flush with the bottom of the grip.

It think so. I got the idea here, and kudos to them for posting about it.

[GAP]

Are the wrap around VZ or Altamont much longer than the stock grips?

I do not plan to pocket carry; I just carry it AIWB when not wearing a belt.

Any comparisons available if you have two setup like this?

[HCM]

I think it was HCM who took a set of wrap arounds and cut them flush with the bottom of the grip.

Nope, wasn't me, it's a good idea though. You're talking about the old Uncle Mike's wrap arounds.

Couldn't use that for work so went for LG 405s for the same reason.

[UNK]

Are the wrap around VZ or Altamont much longer than the stock grips?

I do not plan to pocket carry; I just carry it AIWB when not wearing a belt.

Any comparisons available if you have two setup like this?

Ive got a set on a j frame. I pocket carry them. Not as good for concealment as the boot grips but it works. I usually have my hand covering it in my pocket when Im out in public anyway. Its a full three finger grip.

63635

[UNK]

Are the wrap around VZ or Altamont much longer than the stock grips?

I do not plan to pocket carry; I just carry it AIWB when not wearing a belt.

Any comparisons available if you have two setup like this?

If i was going to AIWB Id get the full three finger grip. They got some options that should give pretty good grip purchase.
Hers one on top of the other. Not much difference.

63636

[UNK]

Do any of the Altamont or VZ grips add width to the grip (compared to the factory grip)?

I would like to keep the grips short, but it looks like the only thing that would work are grips that wrap around the back. Every offering from Altamont or VZ appear to be either short and don’t wrap, or longer and wrap. Is either wrap around style shorter than the other?

The other option I saw was trying the Taurus brand grip that is short, but also wraps around the back. It looks okay...but, meh.

Any other options or recommendations based on what you own?

Theres a guy on here who uses the taurus grips. Hes a LEO in some capacity. Pics should be in one of the j frame threads. He dimpled them for more purchase.

[Mitch]

Crimson trace 405s give you a little more trigger reach, and the benefits of a laser. If you get them on amazon there should be a return window if you don’t like them.

[GAP]

If i was going to AIWB Id get the full three finger grip. They got some options that should give pretty good grip purchase.
Hers one on top of the other. Not much difference.

63636

Thanks - that doesn’t appear to be all that much.. especially since I don’t pocket carry it.

[okie john]

You probably won’t like this, but the Ergo Delta grip is the best thing that ever happened to my J frames.

Interesting. Anyone else using these?


Okie John

[UNK]

Thanks - that doesn’t appear to be all that much.. especially since I don’t pocket carry it.

It really not but it makes a big difference in shooting.

[Duelist]

I’ve got Pachmayr Compacs on one of my Jframes. They really make for more of a handful of grip when compared to boot grips, with a nicely covered backstrap and increased trigger reach. I also have a pair of Grippers that came along with a Jframe once upon a time. They are thinner side to side, but give a full grip and also cover the backstrap with increased trigger reach.

If you don’t cover the backstrap, even if you increase the girth of the grip, trigger reach won’t change too much.

[Duelist]

Interesting. Anyone else using these?


Okie John

I got one a while back, and like the feel, but lost the nut the grip screw threads into, haven’t replaced it yet, and didn’t have it long enough before I lost the nut to have done more than dry fire.

[GAP]

I’ve got Pachmayr Compacs on one of my Jframes. They really make for more of a handful of grip when compared to boot grips, with a nicely covered backstrap and increased trigger reach. I also have a pair of Grippers that came along with a Jframe once upon a time. They are thinner side to side, but give a full grip and also cover the backstrap with increased trigger reach.

If you don’t cover the backstrap, even if you increase the girth of the grip, trigger reach won’t change too much.

Makes sense, I’ll check those outs too - thanks!

[GAP]

Theres a guy on here who uses the taurus grips. Hes a LEO in some capacity. Pics should be in one of the j frame threads. He dimpled them for more purchase.

Sigh, the more I look into it... looks like the Taurus grip is exactly what I want... I’ll have to pop that logo out and fill it or something.

[deputyG23]

Ive got a set on a j frame. I pocket carry them. Not as good for concealment as the boot grips but it works. I usually have my hand covering it in my pocket when Im out in public anyway. Its a full three finger grip.

63635

63670
These stocks were in a sack of revolver stuff I got from an estate last year. They pocket carry well and increased trigger reach. I took them off and put the UM boots back on after a twenty five round range session with my usual 158 grain practice handload.
Downright painful and don’t want to change grips between the range and the street.
I can easily do a fifty round session with the UM rubber boot grips.

[BN]

Sigh, the more I look into it... looks like the Taurus grip is exactly what I want... I’ll have to pop that logo out and fill it or something.

I left the Taurus logo on mine. Sort of a slam at S&W because they can't do grips as good as Taurus. ;)

[UNK]

Sigh, the more I look into it... looks like the Taurus grip is exactly what I want... I’ll have to pop that logo out and fill it or something.

The other option I forgot. You can get custom grips at Herretts. http://www.herrettstocks.com/

[Lex Luthier]

I left the Taurus logo on mine. Sort of a slam at S&W because they can't do grips as good as Taurus. ;)

Give credit where credit is due...

[UNK]

63670
These stocks were in a sack of revolver stuff I got from an estate last year. They pocket carry well and increased trigger reach. I took them off and put the UM boots back on after a twenty five round range session with my usual 158 grain practice handload.
Downright painful and don’t want to change grips between the range and the street.
I can easily do a fifty round session with the UM rubber boot grips.

I was able to talk to the original owner of Badger grips a few times. That guy knew so much about grips it was amazing. I think all that knowledge is lost now in the current generation of grip makers even the ones that bought those grip companies. Its a shame really. Id like to think a guy with some time patience and a natural inclination could probably figure a lot out on his own but the days of people wanting that and willing to pay for it are probably to few to make it worth the endeavor.

I guess thats a long winded way to say I think a properly made pair of grips would go a long way.
That said I dont understand running that round through a snubby. It seems punishing for no real return. I thought they didnt perform unless you ran them through a 4” barrel.

[deputyG23]

I was able to talk to the original owner of Badger grips a few times. That guy knew so much about grips it was amazing. I think all that knowledge is lost now in the current generation of grip makers even the ones that bought those grip companies. Its a shame really. Id like to think a guy with some time patience and a natural inclination could probably figure a lot out on his own but the days of people wanting that and willing to pay for it are probably to few to make it worth the endeavor.

I guess thats a long winded way to say I think a properly made pair of grips would go a long way.
That said I dont understand running that round through a snubby. It seems punishing for no real return. I thought they didnt perform unless you ran them through a 4” barrel.

The 158 grain SWC practice load hits to the POA in all my .38/.357 revolvers at my usual practice distances of seven yards and closer and good enough to max my work off duty 36 round qual course which still has a twenty five yard stage.
My carry load is the 130 grain Ranger bonded HP in the 442 pictured and my 3” M64 gets our last revolver duty round, the 158 grain LHP.
The aforementioned estate buy also yielded a bunch of 125 grain .357 jacketed hollow point bullets for reloading.
Maybe a load using those might be easier on the hands.

[revchuck38]

I needed the extra reach to the trigger and ended up with the Hogue grips on my 642. The Taurus grips also worked for me but have no speedloader clearance.

[ragnar_d]

Since my J-Frame gets pocket carried almost all the time, it gets the Taurus grips as well
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201125/3c9269a463408d5d9628bf4ff4a64b5e.jpg

For the longest time, it wore Pachmayr Compacs which I love. If I were carrying it primarily on the belt, I’d put the Pachmayrs back on.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201125/88586a8b0d0cef07a45eb3b8b4547f76.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JRV]

I struggled with appropriate trigger reach on my 642. I really though that the cure was a boot grip with a covered backstrap. With the stock S&W stocks, my thumbs would interfere with the end of my trigger finger near full travel.

I belt-sanded the pinky groove off the bottom of a set of Uncle Mike’s Combat Grips. I tried Pachmayr Compacs. I tried Hogue grips. I did the Taurus grip mod.

After all that, the best and most consistent performance I got on the timer was with magnas and a BK Grips grip adapter (basically a polymer T-grip). I didn’t need a grip that was bigger, I just needed a grip that forced me higher on the backstrap while providing strong front-rear index points. Seems counterintuitive, but the short and narrow stocks somehow keep my thumbs out of the no-no zone. I get bit occasionally by the cylinder release, but my trigger finger can do what it do.

Not a fun set-up for shooting anything other than wadcutters or slow LRN loads.

[OlongJohnson]

So, I really do like how my j-frame shoots with the flipper baby grips, but I eventually switched over to hogue tamers with the bottoms chopped down to make it flush with the frame. It works about as well for me as the ergo grips, and it looks wasaaaay less weird. Not sure if it will help much with trigger reach, but the Tamer grips do cover the backstrap.

Pretty much any grip can be cut flush with the bottom of the frame, unless it's a Hogue that uses a stirrup on the pin to hold it on.


I think it was HCM who took a set of wrap arounds and cut them flush with the bottom of the grip.

I resemble that remark. (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?37470-Sile-J-frame-grip-hack)


Sigh, the more I look into it... looks like the Taurus grip is exactly what I want... I’ll have to pop that logo out and fill it or something.

The logo happens to be exactly the same diameter as a .38SPL/.357 case head, so you can just cut it off one of your favorite rounds and glue it in.


The other option I forgot. You can get custom grips at Herretts. http://www.herrettstocks.com/

I thought we had a thread a couple months ago about them shutting down (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?41061-Herrett%92s-Grips-Going-Out-of-Business).

[camsdaddy]

I struggled with appropriate trigger reach on my 642. I really though that the cure was a boot grip with a covered backstrap. With the stock S&W stocks, my thumbs would interfere with the end of my trigger finger near full travel.

I belt-sanded the pinky groove off the bottom of a set of Uncle Mike’s Combat Grips. I tried Pachmayr Compacs. I tried Hogue grips. I did the Taurus grip mod.

After all that, the best and most consistent performance I got on the timer was with magnas and a BK Grips grip adapter (basically a polymer T-grip). I didn’t need a grip that was bigger, I just needed a grip that forced me higher on the backstrap while providing strong front-rear index points. Seems counterintuitive, but the short and narrow stocks somehow keep my thumbs out of the no-no zone. I get bit occasionally by the cylinder release, but my trigger finger can do what it do.

Not a fun set-up for shooting anything other than wadcutters or slow LRN loads.

I love the way magnas and a tyler feel in my hand. I hate the way they feel when I shoot them.

[UNK]

I struggled with appropriate trigger reach on my 642. I really though that the cure was a boot grip with a covered backstrap. With the stock S&W stocks, my thumbs would interfere with the end of my trigger finger near full travel.

I belt-sanded the pinky groove off the bottom of a set of Uncle Mike’s Combat Grips. I tried Pachmayr Compacs. I tried Hogue grips. I did the Taurus grip mod.

After all that, the best and most consistent performance I got on the timer was with magnas and a BK Grips grip adapter (basically a polymer T-grip). I didn’t need a grip that was bigger, I just needed a grip that forced me higher on the backstrap while providing strong front-rear index points. Seems counterintuitive, but the short and narrow stocks somehow keep my thumbs out of the no-no zone. I get bit occasionally by the cylinder release, but my trigger finger can do what it do.

Not a fun set-up for shooting anything other than wadcutters or slow LRN loads.

Pure GOLD

[blues]

I love the way magnas and a tyler feel in my hand. I hate the way they feel when I shoot them.

It's funny, they never bothered me in the 12 years or so I qualified with a model 36 and / or a model 15. Though I did prefer a pair of Pachmayr grips I put on the 36 in the last couple of years before I sold the gun.

Probably wouldn't like how the Magnas would feel now...

...but the Hogue rubber grips that came on my 642 suit me just fine. (A slightly larger grip for some added trigger reach would be even better, but it's not necessary.)

[HeavyDuty]

Delta... Delta... Delta...

[jws]

I put a set of Altamont Bateleur walnut grips on my 442 and I’ve been happy with them so far. I too was looking for an increase in trigger reach/something for hand filling and these do the trick for me. I looked for wood grips that were the same length as factory grips but covered the backstrap and couldn’t find any reasonably priced. I went with the Altamont ones thinking I could cut them down if I wanted to but I haven’t needed to yet. If they are wider than factory grips it is not a significant amount. I mostly carry it AIWB so the length has not been a problem. The only issue I’ve noticed is they feel a little slick. Mine only have checkering on the sides, the offerings with texture on the back would probably solve that problem.

63711

63712

[UNK]

Pretty much any grip can be cut flush with the bottom of the frame, unless it's a Hogue that uses a stirrup on the pin to hold it on.



I resemble that remark. (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?37470-Sile-J-frame-grip-hack)



The logo happens to be exactly the same diameter as a .38SPL/.357 case head, so you can just cut it off one of your favorite rounds and glue it in.



I thought we had a thread a couple months ago about them shutting down (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?41061-Herrett%92s-Grips-Going-Out-of-Business).

You’re like a walking directory 😎 I looked at the Herretts thread not taking orders was attributed to a backlog. Their website is still up.

[AdioSS]

The logo happens to be exactly the same diameter as a .38SPL/.357 case head, so you can just cut it off one of your favorite rounds and glue it in.

That’s exactly what I did to the 642-1 that’s in my pocket right now.
https://i.imgur.com/jSKMzQBl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/RwNu4Ial.jpg

[GAP]

*Whistles* :cool:

65728

[medmo]

Old School trigger reach solution, ACE Trigger Shoe:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Flaig-Ace-Trigger-Shoe-14-Fits-CHIEF-SPECIAL-REM-M34-SW-AIR-WEIGHT-468-MOSS/324440769042?hash=item4b8a2d4212:g:6pYAAOSwiFhf8k5 i

I'm not necessarily recommending but kind of cool.

[Half Moon]

Old School trigger reach solution, ACE Trigger Shoe:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Flaig-Ace-Trigger-Shoe-14-Fits-CHIEF-SPECIAL-REM-M34-SW-AIR-WEIGHT-468-MOSS/324440769042?hash=item4b8a2d4212:g:6pYAAOSwiFhf8k5 i

I'm not necessarily recommending but kind of cool.

Never used one but I've seen recommendations to only use them on range guns not carry guns. As I understand it, the trigger shoes push the trigger width out past the edges of the trigger guard introducing a higher possibility of snagging while holstering. Don't know if this is universal to all trigger shoes or a realistic concern but something I saw from more than one source researching them for a narrow triggered revolver a few years back.

[Zeke38]

What Half Moon said about trigger shoes is true. Also they are held in place with allen screws, those screws come loose from time to time and the shoe slides down the length of the trigger and lodges in the interior part of the trigger guard, binding the action of the weapon. I carried revolvers for a living from65 to 95 and trigger shoes were forbidden on every Dept or SO I worked on. The NRA Firearms instructors advised heartedly against them. Don't know how well they would attach and stay in place on MIM triggers.