I'm thinking about getting a set of Crimson Trace grips for my 342pd and have a couple of questions. If I got the polymer grips (LG205), is there a disadvantage in not having the master on/off switch? Are there ways to practice without using the laser? How much larger are the "combat rubber" grips than the polymer ones? It seems like these would be much more comfortable to shoot, but I also wonder if the rubber would be too "sticky" for pocket carry. Any comments/advice are appreciated.
J frame Crimson Trace questions
- Thread starter hendricks
- Start date
I highly recommend the LG-205 smooth plastic compact CT grips if you mean to use the pistol for CCW, either as a BUG or a primary sidearm.
If you ever need the pistol, it'll be in an emergency, and you WON'T have time to turn the master switch (as on the base of the larger rubbery LG-305 grips) "on".
The button on the front of the LG-205 grips which actuates the laser DOESN'T turn on accidentally, and I've carried my 340PD in a pocket holster this way now for a year.
Even with daily dry fire practice, which includes actuating the laser, I'm still on the first set of batteries.
If you use a normal firing grip, the laser WILL be actuated, so there's no realistic way to practice without it.
Once your pistol is sighted in (with co-witnessing of stock fixed sights and laser), there's no need to think about it further, just practice as usual. Should the laser ever fail, you use your sights as best you can. If the laser works, it provides several advantages, including target indexing from awkward and disadvantageous positions wherein sight use is difficult or impossible, and improved target indexing under poor lighting conditions.
Also, the smaller LG-205 grips are less likely to protrude from the pocket when the piece is carried in a pocket holster, yet they provide a quite-sufficient grip IME, even when firing .357 Magnum 125gr+P rounds, though I prefer and carry the new .38 Special Gold Dot 135gr+P JHP, which is loaded to hit to the same POI/POA as the traditional 158gr+P LSWCHP. The larger (longer) LG-305 grips are nice on a range-practice gun, but not the best choice for CCW, IMNSHO.
Best.
If you ever need the pistol, it'll be in an emergency, and you WON'T have time to turn the master switch (as on the base of the larger rubbery LG-305 grips) "on".
The button on the front of the LG-205 grips which actuates the laser DOESN'T turn on accidentally, and I've carried my 340PD in a pocket holster this way now for a year.
Even with daily dry fire practice, which includes actuating the laser, I'm still on the first set of batteries.
If you use a normal firing grip, the laser WILL be actuated, so there's no realistic way to practice without it.
Once your pistol is sighted in (with co-witnessing of stock fixed sights and laser), there's no need to think about it further, just practice as usual. Should the laser ever fail, you use your sights as best you can. If the laser works, it provides several advantages, including target indexing from awkward and disadvantageous positions wherein sight use is difficult or impossible, and improved target indexing under poor lighting conditions.
Also, the smaller LG-205 grips are less likely to protrude from the pocket when the piece is carried in a pocket holster, yet they provide a quite-sufficient grip IME, even when firing .357 Magnum 125gr+P rounds, though I prefer and carry the new .38 Special Gold Dot 135gr+P JHP, which is loaded to hit to the same POI/POA as the traditional 158gr+P LSWCHP. The larger (longer) LG-305 grips are nice on a range-practice gun, but not the best choice for CCW, IMNSHO.
Best.
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I have the LG205’s on my 642 because they are much smaller than the 305’s and I like a hard grip for CC. I also have two other revolvers with CT grips on them and they have the on/off switch. Generally when I use the SP101 for CC I turn the on/off switch on anyway when I place the gun in my holster so its in essence just like the 642’s. When practicing and you don’t want to use the laser just raise off on your middle finger slightly and you won’t depress the button, then proceed to practice using your iron sights 
I had the 205's on my 649. They were no problem. When I practiced without the laser, I removed the batteries. When I bought "the beast", my 340SC, I found that they were not nearly as good as they were on the 649. I upgraded to the 305's and they really help in recoil control.
The 305's are about a quarter inch longer and only create a problem when I carry it in jeans. The grips are visble. The "On/Off" switch is not a problem. I just leave it "On".
The rubber on the 305's does not "grab" the covering garmet. I like the 305's,
John
The 305's are about a quarter inch longer and only create a problem when I carry it in jeans. The grips are visble. The "On/Off" switch is not a problem. I just leave it "On".
The rubber on the 305's does not "grab" the covering garmet. I like the 305's,
John
bubbygator
New member
I chose the 205 for my 442 - they work well, as others have said. I use tennis grip-tape (gauze-like stuff) on mine because it give a bit more "grab" to my hand with no sticking on clothes. 205 is a good choice.
snacktrack
New member
returned my 205
I hated the way they felt in my hand. I returned them immediately for the 305. I have small hands and I carry concealed, but for me if Im spending that money on a grip, I need to be able to grip it and feel confortable. I love the 305's.
I myself also bought the 205's because they were cheaper, and didnt care about the on/off switch, and also wanted it to be as small as possible fo concealment. I asked the salesperson which he thought was better and he said well, personally I like the 305's but its up to you. He was right. The 205's just feel really cheap. My gun came with nice comfy Hogue rubber grips, and I wanted to keep that feel. Especially since my revolver has alot of recoil.
Hopefully you enjoy your 205's, but for me I gladly paid the extra money. I actually used the on/off switch the first day I got my 305's to compare my groups with/without the laser. I should take some pictures of my targets and post them to show difference. With the laser, I blew out the whole middle of the bullseye until there wasnt any material left and I couldnt tell where I was hitting. ; )
I hated the way they felt in my hand. I returned them immediately for the 305. I have small hands and I carry concealed, but for me if Im spending that money on a grip, I need to be able to grip it and feel confortable. I love the 305's.
I myself also bought the 205's because they were cheaper, and didnt care about the on/off switch, and also wanted it to be as small as possible fo concealment. I asked the salesperson which he thought was better and he said well, personally I like the 305's but its up to you. He was right. The 205's just feel really cheap. My gun came with nice comfy Hogue rubber grips, and I wanted to keep that feel. Especially since my revolver has alot of recoil.
Hopefully you enjoy your 205's, but for me I gladly paid the extra money. I actually used the on/off switch the first day I got my 305's to compare my groups with/without the laser. I should take some pictures of my targets and post them to show difference. With the laser, I blew out the whole middle of the bullseye until there wasnt any material left and I couldnt tell where I was hitting. ; )
I like the 205s and actually had another post with my thoughts about them...
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=160555
If you have rubber grips on your gun now, be prepared for harsher recoil if you put the polymer 205 grips on it. I'm sure the 305s are much more comfortable to shoot, but I was worried they might be too "sticky" for pocket carry and they cost quite a bit more.
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=160555
If you have rubber grips on your gun now, be prepared for harsher recoil if you put the polymer 205 grips on it. I'm sure the 305s are much more comfortable to shoot, but I was worried they might be too "sticky" for pocket carry and they cost quite a bit more.
Go with the hard plastic, smaller profile unit.
Clears clothes faster (much).
Much smaller in all regards.
You don't need a switch and I simply can't tell the comfort difference between the two designs.
You simply won't believe how fast you can come up and on with this system.
Clears clothes faster (much).
Much smaller in all regards.
You don't need a switch and I simply can't tell the comfort difference between the two designs.
You simply won't believe how fast you can come up and on with this system.