Around the first of the year my blushing bride was looking for a new carry gun. I took her to a local shop to look at the then-new Remington RM380, and she decided she did n't want it but I should buy it for myself.

I will admit, after wringing it out it replaced my 642 as my EDC. Yesterday as I prepared to leave the house she mentioned again that she wanted something flatter and lighter than her Taurus 85. I showed her the Remington again and the next thing I knew it and my DeSantis Nemesis were in her pocket.

Back to the 642 with no regrets.

__________________
I need ammo, not a ride.

Can't beat a J-Frame.

__________________
Two Handguns every day

No, you really can't. I carried airweight Colt snubs on the job for the extra round, but I have come to appreciate the Centennial style.

__________________
I need ammo, not a ride.

I go round and round with my J frames as well, and always come back to them. Here is my situation; I am not a LEO, not involved with security and have no desire to be a one man hero in the event of an active shooter. With that said, if there were an active shooter situation, and I had an opportunity to take them out, I would. But I would not immediately assume the position of a SWAT officer or any other LE first responder. I CCW strictly for personal protection and aspire to the 3-3-3 rule, 3 shots in 3 seconds and at 3 feet. Following that strategy and thinking, the J frame fits the bill. My J frames of choice are the S&W 640 with full magnum loads, (various 125 grain through 158 grain), and the S&W 642 with only Buffalo Bore 158 grain HP's plus P.
I know there will be some that will say "suppose you have multiple attackers"? Well, if there are multiple attackers and they are all or most of them armed, I'm toast regardless of what I am carrying.
Over the decades, I have toted 6" 44 and 357 magnums, full size all steel 1911 and other hi cap 9mm's. with lots of extra ammo to boot. Than I slap myself and say "WHY"??
Than I go back to the J frame with maybe an extra speed strip in my pocket and never feel under gunned.

J frames are a sentimental favorite of mine. Have owned and carried them since 1971. I usually carry them when I think I'm not going to need a gun. My favorite is a 640 Pro and I carry it in a belt holster; either IWB or OWB.

Hard to beat J frame(s); I carry two w/reloads every day.

__________________
David
CW3 USA (Ret) 1968-1990

Ah the J frame... I sometimes forget how often I carry one and how handy it is, especially when I've been carrying something else for a while - lately a 65-5 3" because "magnum" and "capacity" and whatever...

A few times a year I think of selling the old 442 to maybe cut the cost of acquiring a new x y or z. I inevitably realize after noodling on it awhile that, when you can't really carry a gun, due to dress or occasion or haste, you can still more often than not can carry a J frame... And then I smile and keep the 442 and often pass on whatever it was that was so pressing I couldn't wait one more paycheck to get it.

It's one of those guns everyone should probably try, at least once; twice if it doesn't take the first time.

It's one of those guns everyone should probably try, at least once; twice if it doesn't take the first time.

Yep, I carried a 38-0 everyday for over 11 years. Decided last summer to replace it to avoid the dreaded crack .... ;o) In August 2015 I bought a Ruger LCR in 9mm and made the 38-0 a safe queen, here it is a year later & bought a 649-2. The Airweight Bodyguard and a Colt Agent both went down the road during the winter, the LCR is nice but it just ain't a J-frame ) I pick up the 649-2 on Thursday.


EDIT to add: After playing with the 649-2 for a while, I'm back to the LCR for EDC. I found the 649-2 had been castrated to DAO and I have been having problems with the trigger reset. I ordered a new set of springs and will play with it more after the Holidays, kinda disappointed that I shoot the LCR so much better (

__________________
Retired & Livin' my DREAM :)

Been tempted to snag a LCR in 9mm due the embarrassing amount of 9mm I've acquired over the last 8 years or so. Out of curiosity, have you tried 9mm +P ammunition in it, and of so can you comment as to whether the cases stick when trying to eject? I was thinking of having a 442 converted to shoot 9mm and was just curious.

That was exactly the reason I went with the 9mm LCR, tons of 9mm stashed ... ;o) I have shot roughly 100 +p/+p+, mostly with the moons to check reliability. Nothing has been hard to extract in mine, even without moons they just seem fall right out. It is a great little gun and SWMBO has adopted as an EDC, so it won't be going down the road anytime soon. I just like the J's better ;o)

Edit: The LCR has over 500 total rounds down range, but roughly 100 of those were +p/+p+

__________________
Retired & Livin' my DREAM :)

Even though I carry a K (just because I shoot them quite a bit better than the J and I'm more comfortable with it) I would never fault anyone for choosing a J. I'm in the camp of a revolver is adequate for the majority of non LEO CCW types - as long as you have shot one enough to hit well with one.

__________________
K & N S&W revolvers

I can agree with that DD357, I've been retired for nearly 16 years and don't plan on doing any LEO'n ;o) I also have an 2.25" Sp101 & a 2.75" Speed Six, both in .357 Magnum. My thoughts were maybe the SP101 in the pocket & Speed Six OWB, probably will end up being the 649-2 in my pocket and the SP101 on the belt OWB. I've carried two guns for so long I feel nekkid with only one .... ;o)

__________________
Retired & Livin' my DREAM :)

When I became tired of carrying one or the other of my steel J's (older 649 & 3" 36 in nickel and 2" blued), and after my pair of CA 3" Bulldog 44 3's snubs and SP101DAO 2 1/4" had proven themselves too bulky and heavy for pocket carry ... I ordered my first Airweight J-frame, one of the early 642-1's rated for +P.

After I'd stopped kicking myself for not having owned an Airweight sooner, it quickly became a common off-duty choice. Even as a long time DA revolver shooter and owner of steel 5-shot snubs, though, it took me a couple cases of .38 ammo before I'd developed the skill and confidence to really run the lightweight snub through the same paces as with my larger and/or heavier revolvers.

I grew to really like the Airweights, finding them handy for most carry roles when it came to my needs and preferences.

The lighter PD/Ti/Sc snubs were just a little too light for my tastes, meaning recoil-wise ... until the M&P 340 came along. I picked up my first one (I own a pair of them), thinking of it more or less as an "improved" 642, meaning a stainless (PVD blackened) cylinder, a stronger Scandium aluminum frame and the excellent XS dot front night sight. The .357 Magnum chambering was interesting, but I'd have bought it even if it had only been chambered in .38 Spl +P.

Nowadays I own a pair of 642-1's, a pair of M&P 340's and one of those special run 37-2DAO's (for the canceled off-shore order). I still have some steel J's, but it's the Airweight/M&P's that I find I carry the most often. Handy.

One of the other benefits of a J-frame is being able to run some heavier bullet weights than is possible in my .380's. That can help lend itself to some better potential for both expansion and penetration, depending on some of the more modern bullets offered in the venerable .38 S&W Spl. I mostly run +P in the J's that will handle it (sometimes Magnum in my 340's), and restrict my pristine 37-2DAO to standard pressure 110gr & 125gr JHP's. All of those are heavier bullet weights, and probably similar velocities, as what I generally run in my .380's.

Well, when it comes to that, learning to properly run a DA/DAO revolver, in general, seems to benefit a lot of handgunners, even when shooting pistols. It's harder work to run a DA/DAO revolver (compared to most pistols), and the smaller the revolver, generally the harder the work and more refined skill level seems to be required.

Sure, they generally require a higher level of revolver skill than the heavier & larger revolvers, but the time invested to try and master them pays off in not only making the small 5-shot snubs practical, but in also improving a revolver shooter's abilities with the larger wheelies.

I think I'll pocket (holster) one of my M&P 340's this afternoon, as I'm planning to take one of my motorcycles over the hill and up to my former work area, to stop at my credit union. Then, I'd like to stop by my cigar club and enjoy the afternoon sun, sitting out on the club patio, doing some leisurely people watching and enjoying some congenial conversation ... while doffing my riding jacket and only wearing a T-shirt.

I'm still occasionally pondering picking up a 638 sometime, to complement my older .38 Spl 649 Bodyguard. Sometimes when I back out to 45-75yds on the range, having the SA capability is very handy. Otherwise, the bulk of my normal training & practice drills is done DA, whether the gun is DA or DAO. Most courses-of-fire and drills I use are usually done at 3-15yds, but sometimes out to 25yds, all using DA.

Handy little guns, the J-frames.

__________________
Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

It took me about 15 years to get into the little guys. Wouldn't be without one or two these days.

Have a 442, 642, and 649 currently.

While they have a disadvantage in capacity, they're light accurate, and confidence inspiring.

My J frame is a Pre 36 flat latch that works great for summer carry when wearing shorts and a Tee shirt.

I never had a flat latch. If I ever find one local that I can aford, I will buy it. They are so cool looking. I have wanted one for a long time.

__________________
Two Handguns every day

I carried 2 Js for years. I have been in a constant search for as light and effective carries as I can come up with. When all our guys come tomorrow, we will, as always, compare our carries for the day. I have a set of accurate postal scales on my bench and we weigh them all LOADED. The Js rule for constant carry and effectiveness. I have recently found a lighter and as effective for carry as any of us has found. A Taurus View loaded with 5 rounds of 130 grain FMJ for penetration weigh 11 ounces. A pair of these may be in order for me. Carry a lot..shoot a little. Since we carry every step and shoot every day, this may fill the carry every step part of the equation.

I used to own a S&W Model 36 3-inch many years ago. I wish that I still had it.

How does the 640 fire on the range. Recoil wise?

I have bought a lot of guns the past couple of years. All of them "Full Size" thinking that I have to have a big gun with lots of capacity. Recently I bought a 640 Pro and have to say, this a real Jewel! IWB is how I will carry it. I think the J frame is an excellent gun no matter which flavor J you decide on.

Switched from semi-auto to a J frame about a yr ago.

Thank you, GTBl. I have a gun addiction and don't let my wife know

Love the J's . My EDC is either a 642 in my pocket or a 60 on my hip. Both have proven to be dependable and discreet.

I am somewhat dirty and hairy here in VT.

There are plenty of guns that hold more rounds and plenty that fire a more potent cartridge. HOWEVER....... The 2" J Frame simply can't be beat when it comes to size, weight, concealability, cartridge performance with the right ammo and most of all, sheer reliability. That's why in today's world of semi auto's the 2" J still flourishes.

Remember: what is the best gun to have? The ONE you will always have with you! That would be a J IMHO.

Thank you for your opinion, sir.

Seems I'm like most of you guys.
Had to always have the big one's, but what is always with me now is my M 49 flat latch or M 638.
Only other one is a PPK clone 380, a little flatter.
Like most, if I need more then 5 rounds, I'm in big trouble...

__________________
Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

Well, to be frank, I've always thought that if I needed any rounds fired, I was in big trouble.

__________________
Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

It's hard to beat a 442 or 642.
Either one is the cats meow for a concealed carry gun.

Here is my Model 60 .357 converted to DAO on the left and My Model
642 on the right. I have tried various other stocks on both of them,
but always go back to the originals.
Next frame shows my Model 60 in TJ's gator pancake on a Culver
gator belt with a Boker knife. Far right is my 642 in a Black Hills
Shark holster on a Crescent shark belt with a Piranha knife.

Attached Images

	SAM_0357.jpg (65.6 KB, 97 views)
	SAM_0279.jpg (116.8 KB, 89 views)
	SAM_0278.jpg (119.8 KB, 85 views)

__________________
In Omnia Paratus

One of the late (and great) Stephen Camp's favorite phrases was- "You'll run out of time before you run out of ammo."

__________________
Because of the metric system?

My homely, old Model 49 rides with me today, along with a couple speed loaders. I've got a new Shield 45 that will probably be my EDC as soon as I put some more rounds thru it, make sure I can depend on it. Till then, it's the old 49.

I've gone through a couple of J-frames in the past, a 3" nickle-plated Model 36 square butt and a 1⅞" nickle-plated Model 37 round butt. I now have a Model 642-2 that is my "always" gun. It's in my cargo pocket at work backing up my duty revolver (Yeah, I'm the dinosaur.), a 4" S&W Model 686-6. In soft clothes, it's in my pocket or on my ankle (And I HATE ankle holsters!) backing up my 3" S&W Model 13-3. Off duty, it backs up my 2" S&W Model 12-2. (I mentioned the dinosaur thing, right?)

__________________
CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

The longer I'm retired, the more I appreciate my J-frames. Currently, I have my old M60 no-dash I originally bought back in the early 80's, my 640-1 and my 340 M&P. The M60 was sold to a partner in the mid-80's, and he carried it off-duty and into retirement until he decided he needed something a little flatter and with a few more rounds. I gladly traded him a Shield 9mm to get my M60 back. Although rarely carried, it holds a place of honor in my gun safe. I also like the 640 if I'm going to be carrying magnum rounds, like in the Sierras, the desert or on the road. However, for everyday carry, I really prefer my 340 M&P; so much so that I'm anticipating buying another.

The J-frame takes a bit more practice to maintain proficiency, but they are easy to conceal, mechanically reliable, and accurate with sufficient practice. I rarely feel the need to carry anything more.

__________________
Dave Frost

You have a beautiful set up there my friend. Nice.

An all-steel J-frame (dashless 640) has been by EDC for seventeen years. I haven't owned an autoloader for that long. Nothing against an automatic and I've owned lots of them, but there's less to go wrong with a revolver and the J-frames are a splendid mix of size, concealability, and power for their weight.

In retirement and old age, not getting out nearly as much as I used to, I don't feel ill-equipped at all with my little revolver.

__________________
Oh well, what the hell.

Very manageable with 38 and +ps. Depending on your tolerance the magnums. When I did my conceal carry class I had the high score with a 640 no dash and winchester white box 125 +p's I use the combat grip. There were recent combat vets with their Berettas as well as various self loaders. I always have my 642 in the car with pocket holster no matter what I am carrying. Slips in a pocket so effortlessly.

Interesting to know about the recoil on the 642 where one doesn't get worn out by wearing backlash. I am curious about the combat grip you mentioned in your thread. Could you provide a link for the Combat Grip? I am going back and forth whether to buy the 442 or 642. Grip would really add to control of the J frame and the pleasure of shooting. Thanks again for your input.

Pocket carry (in a holster) my 360 scandium everyday, a handful to shoot with magnum loads, I don't feel out gunned if this is my "only" gun.

Here is my M36 square butt with Pachmar combat grips:
What a sweet heart to shoot!

Thank you for sharing. Pat

My agency no longer approves revolvers for duty or off duty use...the steel J frames were the last to go. Too bad, my model 49 was a handy gun to carry, either as a back up or off duty.

Retirement in the not too distant future may find me looking again to the J frame. Most likely a recent production no lock 442 that waits in my safe. I like that it's rated for plus P loads, unlike my 642, or 36, or 60.

The 442 is just handy. As has been observed, it, like most Js, are great guns to carry when you're so sure you won't need one that you're tempted to go unarmed.

As with all weapons, it has its strengths, weaknesses, and limitations. It fills its niche better than most other options. It's up to the user to understand those and practice enough to maximize the pros and minimize the cons.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

__________________
Trust, but verify - R. Reagan

Thank you Navy1969, I know there are more beautiful stocks,
but I have never found anything that works better than the old
Spegel designed Uncle Mikes.

__________________
In Omnia Paratus

You're going to like retirement. A lot.

Yes, it's nice that the retirement ID card lists the exemption for carrying a concealed weapon as an honorably retired peace officer, but not the specific weapons (like CA CCW licenses).

__________________
Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

Combat Grip is a generic term. If it provides a full hand grip
with finger grooves it can be called a combat grip, like the grips
shown on my Model 60 (left). Boot grip (right), for comparison,
leaves the pinky finger hanging in the breeze.
The combat is better for a lot of shooting, but the boot is better
for concealment. Seems like we always have choices to make.
Both of mine are Uncle Mike's Spegel designs. Not easy to find
these days, but they are inter-changeable.

Attached Images

SAM_0357.jpg (65.6 KB, 46 views)

__________________
In Omnia Paratus

Thank you, crazyphil. That was very helpful breakdown of the grips and concealed carry. I am waiting for my CCW Permit which is quite long here in anti-gun CA. I am probably going with the 442 for carry and later buy the 638. Take care, Pat.

Ordered a 642 (no-lock) for myself today so my wife will stop bugging me about getting something to put under the tree.

__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS