How Many Have DUMPED their J-Frame for a NEW MINI Semi-Auto?

LJBrennan007 · #**251** 09-14-2017, 08:14 PM

I carried M36 for years, then a M60 no dash after I finally found one, then a M38 Airweight for the past 20 years or so, alternating occasionally with a Colt Detective Special. When Kimber announced the K6S last year, I said, no way, I don't like stainless, I don't like double action only revolvers, and Kimber makes rifles and semi-auto pistols, not revolvers. Well, I found myself the recipient of a K6S at a Friends of NRA banquet, and my wife said, "You're going to sell that gun, right?" It sat in the safe for a few months and then I said screw it, I'm gonna shoot that sucker. All I can say is, "Wow". All the reviews about this gun's trigger are true, I've never felt anything like it. Even firing .357 factory ammo I can shoot this gun. Factory sights shoot exactly to point of aim for me at 15 yards, see the upper A zone pic. Pics are of my well-worn M38, well-worn DS, and my new best friend, the K6S. Just hoping more holster makers will get on board soon; trid the DeSantis Speed Scabbard and it was a no go for me due to not enough retention of the gun.

LJBrennan007 · #**252** 09-14-2017, 08:21 PM

I carried M36 for years, then a M60 no dash after I finally found one, then a M38 Airweight for the past 20 years or so, alternating occasionally with a Colt Detective Special. When Kimber announced the K6S last year, I said, no way, I don't like stainless, I don't like double action only revolvers, and Kimber makes rifles and semi-auto pistols, not revolvers. Well, I found myself the recipient of a K6S at a Friends of NRA banquet, and my wife said, "You're going to sell that gun, right?" It sat in the safe for a few months and then I said screw it, I'm gonna shoot that sucker. All I can say is, "Wow". All the reviews about this gun's trigger are true, I've never felt anything like it. Even firing .357 factory ammo I can shoot this gun. Factory sights shoot exactly to point of aim for me at 15 yards, see the upper A zone pic. Pics are of my well-worn M38, well-worn DS, and my new best friend, the K6S. Just hoping more holster makers will get on board soon; trid the DeSantis Speed Scabbard and it was a no go for me due to not enough retention of the gun.

les_garten · #**253** 09-14-2017, 09:06 PM

S&W 342PD w/Crimson Trace grips , cannot be beat IMO

The thing about this gun is that it weighs like 10.7 oz empty.

It is zero burden to grab and drop in the front pocket of my shorts or dress pants. Which means it gets carried 100% of the time. That's important.

If I want to conceal a little more and "need" more capacity, I do a G26 with a G19 mag in it IWB

Reliability was an issue as well in choosing these two.

The J frame is for all practical purposes zero "burden" to carry. It's just so freakin light, and with Speer GD +P's, has the bite you want. If your choice is any burden because of size, shape, or weight, you'll rationalize leaving it home.

This gun ain't for recreational plinkin' though. It is brutal to shoot anything through. Trigger has been worked on it and it is very accurate. So it has that goin' for it...

Oh, I also put an XS sight on the front as well. To combat my presbyopia.

LT SCOTT 14 · #**254** 09-15-2017, 02:49 PM

Retired LEO here. The revolver is still a fighting handgun. 2 revolvers are a fighting pair of handguns. Add a Modern 9mm, 40cal, or 45Acp, you are very well armed!
I prefer a G19, or a G21 with hi cap mags. BUG is a 442. Pocket, weak side, crossdraw, IWB, or OWB, not a problem.
Retired to me means carry both. Cell phone to "call it in" if you cant get around it.
If you are grey haired, wear cargo shorts all the time, Hawaiian Shirts, and ball caps with Baseball or other logos,(not police or gun logos), you can be a retired Police Officer with firepower concealed. Yes you can Open Carry, I don't. If hunting or Disaster declared, new game on. May dust off my Moss 500- 18.5 in , 12ga, with accessories for home
protection. It plays well with J Frames, K frames and all Glocks. we are prepped for all here. Good luck. Keep your Js, Ks, Ls, and others. They work.

shouldazagged · #**255** 09-15-2017, 09:59 PM

I won't, repeat, WON'T part with my early-production 640, which I've carried for somewhere around eighteen years. Earlier in this thread I said I wasn't interested in going back to an automatic.

I'm very fond of the 640, which when fully dressed, loaded and holstered weighs at least twenty-eight ounces. Not a lot of weight even when carried in a pocket, which is my preferred way to tote it.

But in the last three months I've developed pretty severely debilitating heart problems to go with stage 3 COPD. Even the weight of the steel J-frame is much more noticeable now.

So I went and made the move. In a couple of days I'll take possession of a NIB Ruger LCP. Packing 9.4 ounces (unloaded) instead of 28 just seems to make sense, even in the lesser caliber.

When I feel able I'll carry the 640 with the LCP as a hip pocket BUG.

Getting old is such fun...

CH4 · #**256** 09-15-2017, 10:35 PM

Never! Plenty of room for both at the table. However, if I had to dump anything the plastic guns would be the first to go.

shouldazagged · #**257** 09-16-2017, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr.Lou

Never! Plenty of room for both at the table. However, if I had to dump anything the plastic guns would be the first to go.

Agreed; but I switched back strictly to revolvers twenty years ago, though I liked a couple of second-generation Glocks I owned.

The little LCP is a real departure after all these years, but one that seems wise for physical reasons.

Not a substitute for good steel, though.

Old cop · #**258** 09-16-2017, 06:57 AM

I'm going to do the opposite this weekend. My Gen 2 LCP is going ot my son-in-law (SIL) so he can carry 100% and protect my daughter & grandkids (SIL is a gun guy). I'll carry my 340PD which has been my EDC anyway.

crazyphil · #**259** 09-16-2017, 08:19 AM

I wouldn't even think of such a thing.

TomkinsSP · #**260** 09-16-2017, 03:43 PM

On a different thread member richardw posted a longitudinal study from the buckeye firearms association ( I know, not nearly as authoratative as the wolverines (ra ra ra bo is blue) handgun associaton). Findings (easy enought to belive) those with eurotrash 9s fired twice as many shots as those who fired all american apple pie 38s. The result was fewer one hit stops, less mortality, and more rounds required to neutralize the threat.

So, shall we all sing ( to the tune from Annie get your Gun) "Anything 9 can do, 38 can do better, I can do anything better than you..."

sheepdawg · #**261** 09-19-2017, 12:18 PM

It's not a J frame but I carried a 2nd. model Colt Cobra for a while but thought I'd try a 9mm. Shield for the added fire power. The Shield is a fine pistol but at 6' 3" and around 300 lbs. the Cobra doesn't dig into the ole gut when I sit down like the Shield does so it's back to the Cobra. I carry a cylinder full of 125 gr. 38 Nyclads with a speed loader full handy.

The Shield does have one FTF out of about 400 rounds where as the little Cobra has had a few more through it and has always gone bang.

TomkinsSP · #**262** 09-21-2017, 01:22 PM

If anyone WERE contemplating retiring a nice J frame. I know of a great RETIREMENT COMMUNITY. Four true seasons, a security building (two hour fire rated with hardened face and 8 bolts.) Best of all you get taken out and shot then scrubbed with Hoppes reguarly. Completely non discriminatory, while most here are .38 spl, we have .32s .327s, .357s, even an improved I. Ks are welcome as well.

Applications should be made in person, both FedEx and UPS can deliver.

AZretired · #**263** 09-24-2017, 12:08 PM

I do own a Glock 26 that I carry occasionally during colder months but nothing really will ever replace my 642.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Goodnews · #**264** 09-28-2017, 12:08 PM

I am a huge wheelgun fan. Will always have one. but I finally bought an LCP custom for easy carry. Love it. Saved me and my girlfriend from an attack by an American Bulldog. Little 380 is more impressive than I thought. I use LeHigh Defense, super pentrators.

dubshooter · #**265** 09-28-2017, 02:01 PM

I bough this guy a few months ago with my first polymer concealment holster. The plan was this would take over for the 640 as my off duty as I could have “quicker” reloads and more capacity. I think since I bought it I have carried it twice. Bought it beginning of summer-ish.

This guy is my go to in my Lobo holster. My only other replace,ent might be the 66-8 once it’s ready for duty and my holster comes in for it.

For the days I think I might need that quicker reload, I just bought a Model 38 no dash that can in the off hand pocket.

moosedog · #**266** 09-28-2017, 02:09 PM

I hate to admit it, but yes, I have shelved my Model 49 for a Ruger LCP.
Man, that was hard to type.

jculloden · #**267** 09-28-2017, 03:45 PM

Never happen!! Especially that I'm left handed

rwsmith · #**268** 09-28-2017, 04:59 PM

I won't accept an inferior firearm when it comes to personal safety.
That's why I have BOTH.

Lee in Quartzsite · #**269** 09-28-2017, 06:32 PM

Just today I put my Ruger LC-9 back in the safe, and my 642 into my pocket. When the weather cools off and I go from shorts to Levi's I'll carry my M&P 45c in a Crossbreed.

tominboise · #**270** 09-28-2017, 07:21 PM

Just weighed my M60 no dash with 5 rounds of 125gr JHP - 23 oz.
My Kahr CW9 with 8 rounds of 115 gr JHP - 22 oz
My LCP with 7 rounds of 95 gr JHP- 12oz

I pocket carry the LCP virtually everyday going everywhere. The Kahr is number 2 IWB when I am dressed to cover it correctly.

The Model 60 mostly stays in the safe and I shoot it for fun once in awhile. Same with my 640 - it's my garage gun

OLDSTER · #**271** 09-28-2017, 07:30 PM

I didn't "dump" one for the other. I'll carry one or the other depending on conditions

Harley08 · #**272** 09-28-2017, 07:50 PM

Love the J Frame
I carry it
and have a couple!

sigp220.45 · #**273** 09-28-2017, 09:50 PM

You youngsters with your newfangled J frames.

I haven't dumped my I frame yet!

cjtraining · #**274** 09-28-2017, 10:33 PM

I carried a Model 38 BUG in an ankle holster for forty-eight years and never had to fire it in the line of duty. I never, ever, thought that it would fail to fire. I wasn't as sure with my other guns.

Smith686MandP · #**275** 01-22-2018, 11:36 PM

In my mind the J-Frame wins hands down over a compact semi-auto. The J-Frame is much less likely to have a negligent discharge than a the small semi-auto. You never have to worry if a round is chambered or a round jams with a J-Frame or has a safety engaged. In my mind, the 38 special and the 38+P are more lethal than a 25 ACP, .380 Auto, and only a 9 mm comes close to the 38 Special or 38+P. For the 7 yard test the J-frame is in my mind more accurate and reliable. You can always carry a second J-Frame (a New York Reload) instead of a second magazine. It is important to remember that an attacker can charge you in less than 1-1/2 seconds. This is why I carry a J-Frame when I go out to walk the dog.

SA1911 · #**276** 01-23-2018, 02:07 PM

Dumping a Chief is downright heresy. In fact, even allowing such a thought to occupy one's brain is reason enough to have one expelled from the International Brethren of Firearms Finery.

I'll admit that a good quality semi of at least 9MM is tactically superior to the Chief, but dumping the Chief is akin to kneeling during the National Anthem. Some things ought never be done.

Last I heard, there are two more planned additions to Mt. Rushmore: the 1911-A1 & Chief's Special.

Were I carrying for bipedal self-defense, the ultimate is the 1911-A1 .45 ACP. While it's easy to conceal, it's heavy, especially with eight 230 grain rounds. Hence, I'll go with a Sig P239 .40 S&W. However, I've darn near got a patent on avoidance. It came with wisdom, which came at the hefty price of age.

Under penalty of exile from America, never hate on the Chief. But it's within bounds of firearms decorum to go with a good-quality (I know, it's subjective.) semi for self-defense.

SA1911 · #**277** 01-23-2018, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smith686MandP

In my mind the J-Frame wins hands down over a compact semi-auto. The J-Frame is much less likely to have a negligent discharge than a the small semi-auto. You never have to worry if a round is chambered or a round jams with a J-Frame or has a safety engaged. In my mind, the 38 special and the 38+P are more lethal than a 25 ACP, .380 Auto, and only a 9 mm comes close to the 38 Special or 38+P. For the 7 yard test the J-frame is in my mind more accurate and reliable. You can always carry a second J-Frame (a New York Reload) instead of a second magazine. It is important to remember that an attacker can charge you in less than 1-1/2 seconds. This is why I carry a J-Frame when I go out to walk the dog.

You'll never hear me denigrate The Chief. However, I've had two failures with a Model 60, one being catastrophic, meaning that were I taking rounds, I woldn't have been returning rounds. The other was an easy fix.

I've never, ever experience any type of failure with a Sig. My S&W 1911-A1 has been flawless. I used to carry a 5904. I have no idea why that model was discontinued. The one that was issued to me was flawless in operation.

Double actions revolvers are complex in operation. When a double action problem arises, it usually would take a good guy outta fight. In contrast, a semi is of simple design. In the very rare occasions where a problem with a semi occurs, it's almost always an easy fix that's accomplished within seconds.

However, I do love The Chief.

GT_80 · #**278** 01-23-2018, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nalapombu

Hey all,

With all of the small, hand sized semi-autos out there to choose from these days I wonder how many of you guys and gals in the die hard S&W community have decided to put your beloved J-Frame in the drawer...or relegate it to your wife or girlfreind and now pack one of the many semi-autos made for the purpose of carrying?

With some of the new semis there are some very nice pistols out there. It seems like a new one is being introduced about every month. Just about every major company now makes a really small, compact semi auto designed for ccw use. I'd be lying if I said that I am not considering one. I told myself that the next pistol I bought would be a J frame. I had always wanted one and I wanted something I could put in my pocket to carry on occasion. I still will get a J frame, but all these new choices sure do make it hard to stay focused on getting one.

What do you all think? Have any of you stopped carrying your J and moved to a semi? If so, what are you now carrying and why. If not, why do you stay with the J...or whatever revolver you carry when there are so many so called "better choices" available to you?

Have you moved to the "Dark Side" yet?

Lets hear it.

Thanks all.

Nalajr

Why would anyone dump a J frame? I enjoy shooting mine too much. Have abodyguard and 2 j-frames... And I want more. I rarely dump anything that I like - I can't sell my guns

GT_80 · #**279** 01-23-2018, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLDSTER

I didn't "dump" one for the other. I'll carry one or the other depending on conditions

Exactly

RGVshooter · #**280** 01-23-2018, 02:41 PM

Ha! I dumped my m&p bodyguard for a s&w 642 38spl as my new EDC and traded a Kahr K9 for a S&W 686. no brainer there.

Execpro · #**281** 02-03-2018, 06:11 PM

I have had and shot S&W revolvers for years starting with a model 19 back in the 60’s. I recently (past 4 years) carried a 642 until 2016 when I traded it for a 9mm shield.

The 642 trigger pull was too much,the worst I have ever run across even after a trigger job,but it was an awesome AIWB gun. I carried the Shield until last summer,but I just really missed my J frame.

Went to mlgs looking for another J frame (the Lady Smith model has a great trigger) but all I tried had the same issue. (No Lady Smith Mod 60 -38/357 in stock)

I purchased a Taurus M85 ($210 after rebate). It had the sweetest trigger and on the range it didn’t beat the heck out of my hand with the +P loads I carry like the 642 did.

I really love both guns but carry the snub nose most of the time, switching with the Shield if I feel a need for more firepower. Both shoot 10ring groups offhand at 7 yards.
J frames rule!
Be Safe!

zogger · #**282** 02-03-2018, 06:57 PM

I wonder how many people will change back to revolvers with 5 or 6 shot capacity if NJ passed their 5 rounds in a magazine law?

Louchia · #**283** 02-03-2018, 07:16 PM

I have a 442J the I put aside for a Sig P938. It's more comfortable for me to carry IWB. So far it's flawless at 1500+ rnds.
However I will not give up my J.

max503 · #**284** 02-03-2018, 07:53 PM

These are better than an auto, I think.

oldiesradio1560 · #**285** 02-03-2018, 09:05 PM

I've carried revolvers since the 70's since I've seen way to many autos jam over the years. My current concealed carry is a 640-1 Pro Series that I pocket carry. I also have 3 speedloaders on me so with 20 rounds of Hormany Critical Defense 125gr. .357 mag. I'm covered.

daddy bear · #**286** 02-03-2018, 10:40 PM

Five J-frames, one Colt 1908. Daughter Two has the Colt, Daughter One has one of my 60s. I carry a 42 and have two 60s stashed in handy places. Few affrays require even five shots.

If I knew trouble was coming, I would reach for a shotgun loaded with #2s.

Jack

dandyrandy · #**287** 02-03-2018, 11:34 PM

If you can find a reliable small and light 9mm auto than its far superior to that of the J frame snub. PM 9, MK 9 and Micro 9 come to mind. Even the 380 autos are superior to the little snub in some respects.

Sal1950 · #**288** 02-03-2018, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Execpro

The 642 trigger pull was too much,the worst I have ever run across even after a trigger job,but it was an awesome AIWB gun.!

I'd find a different gunsmith if he couldn't get you a trigger you loved on that 642. No reason for it.

JWM · #**289** 02-04-2018, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zogger52

I wonder how many people will change back to revolvers with 5 or 6 shot capacity if NJ passed their 5 rounds in a magazine law?

This is what will keep the revolver alive in the modern era. As a retired LEO, I'm finding that my Glock 17 is not welcome in many states that I visit. So, I dusted off my 5-6 shot revolvers for USA travel under LEOSA. Glad I did not dump those old fashioned wheel guns.

JayFramer · #**290** 02-04-2018, 02:44 AM

I'd trust a J or K frame snub to ANY micro 380. Have had bad luck with a new Ruger LCP II breaking. Don't ever recall my .38s busting.