love my j frames carry a model 60 with a 2'' barrel every day, also have a 4'' model 34 22 lr that goes shooting every time I go to the desert, my n frames are easy to shoot, shoot your j frames every time you go shooting and pretty soon you'll love to shoot them too!!!!

sigp220.45, tell me about that lovely little j frame you have there! it is hot, would love to have one!!!!

Hi:
You might consider a three inch barrel "J" Frame. Many eons ago I owned a Model 36-1 which was very accurate.

This is like saying I hate smoke detectors because they're noisy.

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

I think someone miss the memo about J-frames NOT being for the range.

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Don't look, reload and shoot!

not sure what you mean? I think it's great for some range time, It's all about the the fun!!!! Try it you'll like it!!!

Hey mooshoo you sound like a wide eyed optimist. I like that, it's all about the fun. I've yet to fire a J frame, but how bad can it be. I'd love to have one, its all about the fun.

I'm a newbie..but my understanding is they are primarily pocket/CCW guns. I have a model 60 in .357 with a two inch barrel that will be my carry gun. I practice with it a lot at the range to get down shooting it since it will likely be a defensive firearm. Shoot lots of .38 cylinders through it, and a couple .357 cylinders through it each week....

With that said, I find them fun at the range, even when it disappears in my hand and I shoot it with a couple cylinders of hot loads!

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NRA Certified Pistol Inst.

I'd hate to see what happens if you really liked them !!!

They are lots of fun at the range loaded with light target wadcutters.

There's a j frame in my range bag every time I go to shoot. Since I carry one every day I feel compelled to practice with them regularly. They can be challenging and fun to shoot...

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"Shall not be infringed"

My favorite 200 yard elk load is a 2 inch barreled M36 loaded with a 200 grain lead roundnose.............and factory roundbutts.

Seriously, I currently shoot my M36 with a de-horned hammer every time I go to the range. However I do like shooting the J-Frames as much as the others.

And I dare say this on the "Smith Forum" but I am currently also shooting three Colt D-Frames (Detective Special size) in .38 Special.

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Have guns...will shoot'em.

If I want something fun and accurate I go K or N.
I didn't care for the underlug 681 L frame I had before my 66.
But if I want a plenty potent pocket gun, I reach for the 638-3 with Buffalo Bore Heavy 38's

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27-2, 66-1, 640 Pro, 10-5

ME neither.

When N frames poop , J frames are what comes out.

Allen Frame

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NRA cert.instructor&R.S.O.

Protect your J frame, put rubber on it before you shoot it. .

Allen frame

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NRA cert.instructor&R.S.O.

im in love...that thing is BEAUTIFUL

FWIW These are my favorite carry and range guns. I have many others but I always shoot these when I go to the range. I would rather shoot these than any other gun. I loves 'em.

Awwwww......

It's a baby 586!!!!!

sorry about the thumbnail, my photobucket account is being a pita.

this is my favorite revolver i've bought in years. loaded with full bore loads its the perfect packin pistol, and i have found mountain lion tracks when burning trash recently. definitely gives me piece of mind.

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Its a Model 36-6. There was a run of about 600 of them, then they were dropped in favor of a stainless .357 version.

I found this one in a pawn shop in Idaho for about three hundred bucks.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

Nut -- j-frames are a working gun intended for self protection. If I want to go to the range for target practice, I'll take a bow and arrow, or a 22 target pistol, or a rifle, or even a long barrel handgun, but not a j-frame. I'll practice with it at the range but not worry about hitting 1 inch groups. I'll just want to make sure it still works to my expectations.

I HATED my 442 when I bought it. I chose it because it was the sweet spot between economy, reliability, function, and carry-ability.

But shooting the thing blows, especially at first. But the more I shoot it, the better I get, and the more I like it. At the range a few days ago I remember thinking as I left, "Wow, my hand doesn't even hurt after 50 rounds anymore".

This brings to mind another newb question. I have been putting 50 rounds a month down range. Is that over doing it with a 442? I've read that sub compact 9mm autos and whatnot are only good for a dozen hundred rounds or so, but the same applys to a snubby?

thanks! sigp220.45 now I know what to look for that is hot!!! love it!!

StuperDan, at that rate, you'll likely wear out long before the gun will, even with +P ammo.
Even if you do manage to wear it out, just go get another one. They were made to shoot.

I never had a problem qualifying using a j frame including the following models which over the years, i qualified with cold meaning i had never fired it before.
36
637
638
640
940

The qualification was at ranges of 3 to 25 yards.

It really depends on the individual on what they are comfortable with and like to shoot.

Gah. Who can afford +p for the range. Thanks for the feedback.

You can always handload; just don't go "Elmer Keith" and add an extra pinch or two of powder to "see what happens"...

Once you buy all the junk needed for hand loading is the any real savings at 50 rounds a month?

J-Frames are a challenge to shoot well at a range but are a very satisfying gun to master.

My model 36 3" is the fastest pistol I own to to draw and fire. If getting the first hit in a gun fight means anything, then the J frame deserves respect. No I don't carry it much either.

carry a model 60 pro everyday, and shoot it every range trip just to stay proficient with it. I agree that its ain't near bout as fun to shoot as others.
However for me its important to run at least 50 thru it each trip to know that it will function properly, and I can operate it well!

I would much rather shoot a K, L, or N-frame of any barrel length than a J-frame.

I can hit better with them and they don't recoil so much.

But funny thing, none of them will fit into my right front trouser pocket!

So I've got a couple J-frames for what to my way of thinking is the main purpose of the handgun: self-defense.

I carry one just about every day (occasionally carry a snub-nose K-frame in a holster) and practice with them about once a month.

I've had my 442 (NL) for about 8-9 months and put about 1500 rounds through it. At first I was not impressed but now I'm amazed at how accurate it is. I considerate it a perfrect 10-15 yard gun and can hit a 8" plate consistantly at 25 yards. I handload +P with a Speer 158 grain LSWCHP or 125 gr Hornady XTP and have no issues with controling recoil. I do get some skin loss on the inside of my thumb after about 150 rounds of the 158 grain load but it sure is fun to shoot! In my opinion there is no better CCW.

one of the many benefits of reloading is that you CAN shoot more than 50 a month and you will save money

How can anyone even consider a J frame Smith after holding and shooting a Colt Detective Special? (I won't even mention the 6th shot.)

A Colt Detective Special, or Agent, or Cobra is on my grail gun list, but I lament the facts that I can't pocket carry a Colt, and I am concerned about the paucity of qualified gunsmiths who can service and repair a Colt revolver. I've walked away from two excellent Colt Detective Specials - one nickel, the other a flawless blued steel - at excellent prices because of those reasons. I'm very happy with my J frames. My small J frame collection is growing - I'm up to four now. Here are photos of 2 of my favorites: a Model 60-7 (with Model 38 hammer); and a Model 38 (no dash) with a nickeled cylinder. Both have CT Lasergrips.

Best of luck,

Dave

Best regards,

Dave

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Gee thanks, Armyphotog...I finally got the Voices In My Head stilled...now they're whispering again, about Colt DS'.

My 3in 36-1 with Hogue Rosewood is within reach right now.




Why would anyone start a thread just to bash something. Isn't that the mark of a TROLL?

Bash--I don't bash. I said what I liked & don't care for - you can also.
Blessings

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TEXAS, by GOD

I don't now him personally (my loss), but being acquainted with Mr Layton on another forum, I'm confident in stating he is very much a gentleman; though he may disagree with you, he does so politely and agreeably.

With the right recoil absorbing grips the J frame IS FUN at the range. And accurate enough that you can HAVE FUN at short distances. I absolutely love mine. Best purchase I made gun wise.

Ah,

I keep a few of 'em around...For the youngins to shoot.

Our wemen folk seem to like 'em too.

I do keep one for myself.

Jest cause I've got a handle on it.




Oh yeah, I shoot +P in 'er!


Su Amigo,
Dave

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

Yowzers!! What is the story on those grips?!

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

Ya know a feller's BUG gotta match up with his sidearm...



Sum of Keith Brown's handy work.


Su Amigo,
Dave

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

Do I detect some Keith Brown in the room???

Ha, I was right, but I was too slow!!!

I don't particularly care for my first wife but I don't hate her. I like my compact Smiths and Colts for carry but the can be a handful at the range, especially with "hot" loads.

Bottom line though - if you carry them (as they are definitely designed for carry) then you need to shoot them.

We are still talking about guns here, right? Not wives?

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Joe

I had a 3 inch nickeled Model 36 back in the late '70's that I traded to a guy with small hands for a M1911A1 .45 ACP.

This week I traded a KelTec P32 .32 ACP to a guy for a 1⅞ inch nickeled Model 37 manufactured in 1982. It's good to be back!

ECS

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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

10 years after the divorce I'm still "carrying her" alimony don't you know..

As soon as they come out with a S&W 460 in a J-frame, I'll be in line to see it on You Tube