Since I’ve now owned a Smith & Wesson 642 for a month and a half, I’m obviously qualified to dispense expert advice on the subject. Some observations:
- Regular dry-fire practice makes all the difference. I’m snapping in between 50 and 100 times a night with each hand. I can now lift small cars with my index fingers. Seriously though, between my fingers getting stronger and the action slicking up, I can now keep the front sight MUCH steadier.
- I’m happily carrying in a front pocket with a Galco Pocket Protector holster. While no one will ever mistake it for a Milt Sparks or a Del Fatti, the quality is reasonable for a $25 holster and it’s working fine so far.
- After looking at every ammo option on the market, I decided on either the classic 158-gr +P LSWCHP “FBI load” or Speer’s Gold Dot Short Barrel offering. Then I found a smokin’ deal on the standard 125-gr +P Gold Dots. They’ll do just fine.
- The gun snob in me wants to order a set of real Craig Spegel grips to replace the factory Uncle Mike’s grips (which are Spegel’s famous Boot Grip design executed in rubber), but Tam’s post on lasers has me considering a set of Crimson Trace LG-105s. Maybe Santa will bring them to me this year.
That’s all I have for the moment. Gotta finish a little C++ project and get some sleep.
My gal has lasergrips on her J Frame. She loves them. I want them.
Nice write up so far. Needs a range report though.
I got a set of Pachmyr Pro Comps for my M 49. They are the relatively low profile Pachmyrs that leave the backstrap exposed. I really like them.
The Laser Grips are an idea, but no cash for that now.
I’ve got the factory Hogue bantam monogrips on my S&W 360PD, and liked them so much I went out and bought a second paid for my model 38. There’s not quite as much to grip as with the Uncle Mike’s that come with the 642, but the weight reduction and size difference are worth it. IMHO, of course…
Can a new Bodyguard be dry-fired without snapcaps? I want a Crimson Trace grip for mine in a bad way.
Can a new Bodyguard be dry-fired without snapcaps?
I sure hope so, because I’ve done it several thousand times so far.