I know a bunch of you folks do but for a range gun i like it heavier and easier to hang onto. I have 3 J frames and they are the least favorite of the bunch.
Blessings

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TEXAS, by GOD

For general fun shooting I like the K's myself.

Whatever floats your boat. What you like or dislike has little effect on the rest of us.

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S&W Accumulator

So be it. To each his own. If you don't like them, sell them.

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Dick

For range work, you are correct.

Try dropping a snub N-frame in your pocket, or strapping an N-frame to your ankle.

Sooooo, for range work the N-frames are my favorite and for carry the J-frames are unbeatable.


And the K's? Somewhere in the middle, house and holster guns?

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A real sucker for the J-frames

Well WL, I must agree that the J frame does NOT make a very good range gun. That is NOT it's intended purpose, however. What it IS, is arguably THE FINEST CCW revolver ever built. For THAT purpose, it is my favorite.....

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

I agree that others are more fun, but if you carry and are serious about your responsibilities while carrying, my humble opinion is that you should practice w/your carry gun.

Just my two cents worth after 30 yrs as a LEO.

Best,
Old Cop

They were never intended to be "range guns".
They were, and are intended to be carried a lot and fired a little.
I carry one every day as a back up gun. I only shoot 2 or 3 hundred rounds thru it in a years time.
My primary weapon is a 1911 (.45 ACP) that is carried most days. I shoot about 500 rounds per month thru it.

I freakin' hate 'em too.

I buy 'em up so nobody else hasta' worry about havin' them.



GF

The J's are working guns, period. For simply converting powder (and money) into noise, there are indeed better choices. If you're looking for a challenge though, those tiny snubs are hard to beat.

well ok then.

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Endeavor to persevere. <><

J-frames are cool. You're missing out.

An airweight Centennial will absolutely disappear into a jeans pocket. It isn't easy to shoot well but it is sure is comforting to have. I carry one almost every day (except on those days when I am out in the field and can open carry a N frame that is)

I remember when it was thought that J-frames weren't accurate beyond bad-breath distance. Then Bob Munden shot that myth full of holes by popping gallon milk jugs at 100 yards with a Chief's Special!

Oh, my...I would almost be afraid to touch a gun that pretty, let alone shoot it.

This one is quite pleasant (and accurate!) at the range.

Its a .357, but I mostly just load it to "hot .38" levels.

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WWSSD?
What would Skeeter do?

There's a guy on Youtube who shoots handguns at long-ish ranges. In one video he shoots an S&W snubbie at over 100 yards and hits some steel silhouettes. Maybe that's the same guy, dunno.

The trouble is, the 642 I have seems to shoot kind of left, so at any distance, I'd be missing way left. I'm still evaluating whether the issue is the gun or me. The thing is a handful with 158s.

I have no ambiguity about the carry or effectiveness.
I have them so I shoot them--when I do---like today---I come away wondering why I have them.
Course, one rides the matress and I am not above sticking one in my pants---but I just don't like to shoot em.
I keep saying I am going to sell but I know that is a lie.
Just venting folks.
Have a Merry Christmas &
Blessings

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TEXAS, by GOD

Yes the K fits most of us better. But I have noticed my boys will pick up my 36 when we get out to the range. I have not come across a Smith I did not like to shoot.

I hate mine...threatened to sell it hundreds of times........It's small, convenient, and potent. Really can't stand it.......

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Go big or stay home

I've never had any interest in them either for some reason. Nice guns and all that, but I have a need/want for one gun that size, and I have a Charter Arms Undercover 38 for that.

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John 3:16 .

For the most part as a few have already stated, the J-Frames are designed to be concealable, light weight, self defense carry weapons. I don't think the average person would choose one for informal target practice, plinking or for a fun day at the range. Other than my monthly practice sessions with my carry weapon (M60-7 and variants), I don't shoot any of the dozen or so that I own just for fun. For the purpose of which they were designed, I don't see anything better! Since they seem to be the "tail that wags the dog" for S&W these days, I would venture to say there are plenty of others who agree.

Regards,
Chief38

I kind of like em. Cant beat a snub 36, 60 or 40 for the pocket.

To be completely honest, my M49 isn't a lot of 'fun' to shoot. It stings my hand and is hard to aim accurately. It's my carry, though, so I try to run a few cylinders-full of ammo at each session*, then move to something else.
That said, there is considerable satisfaction when I shoot a good group with it--especially since I might bet my life on it one day.

*I usually shoot it first, so I'm shooting 'cold' as it would be if it were 'for real'.

I too am not a fan of J frames, even though I have owned one for years. Most are excellent revolvers and serve a purpose well, but I just don't feel well armed with one.

I've found as I've gotten older I prefer large handguns, perhaps this is some form of compensating.

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Always Stay Strong!

I carried this model 60 from about 1970 to 2003 until it was stolen along with my truck. I did as shep564, shot it everytime I went out with other guns, every outing. I got to where I could bounce cans without fail. I had the hammer bobbed (a extra 36 hammer), that was checked and flat on top so I could also shoot it single action. I simply carried it in my pants pocket forever.
I belive they are the most sensible guns ever made to just put in your pocket. I never was big on wearing a holster except when I wore a uniform.

I enjoy owning 'em but can't say they are a favorite for trips to the range.

i love mine. wouldnt trade a one of them. if your looking to lighten your j-frame load, let me know what you have and i'll make you an offer.(low offer since you"hate" them)

I don't like chick peas.

left/ low left is anticipation of recoil. easy fix. you know exactly when it is going to go bang. be ready for it and squeze it off.

The small size of the gun, with its attendant short length of [trigger] pull, also makes it very easy to 'push' the gun to one side (the left if you're right-handed, opposite for lefties), even when you're trying to pull the trigger straight back. As you (getoff) note, recoil doesn't help. Careful practice is the only cure.

May I suggest 3 Christmas karmas? You'll rid yourself of 3 guns you don't really care for, open up some storage space for a nice K or L frame, experience the joy of giving, and give the three karma winners the joy of receiving a late Christmas gift! No? Oh well. Merry Christmas anyway!

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Misty

What Dragon88 said and I'm a buyer....

I'm gonna un-subscribe to this thread. The OP is entitled to his opinion........

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

But I like hummus with some melted garlic butter. I dip the flat bread stuff in it. Yum.

WHY ALL OF THE YELLING?

J-frames are alright. But they aren't the long range session revolver for sure.



Rhino

i hate mine so much that they have their own special place in my safe. top shelf, right in front. i hide all my "pretty" Glocks in the back.

Lima beans...hate 'em. Never seen any good use for 'em. Now navy beans, those are my range beans.....

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Even older, even crankier....

William obviously likes J-frames enough to buy three -- but they are his least favorite. OK, so he likes the big guns better. Maybe next time he should start the thread with why the big guns are his favorites and work back from there. As is it just sounds so negative.

I like my K's...

I like my L...

I like my J's,

but they sting like he**!

- that's the Dr. Seuss version.

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But then, what do I know?

Just like tools, each size has a purpose. I can shoot an 8" n frame better than a 642, but it just ain't the same sitting down to a fancy dinner at the restaurant. Joe

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Keep Today Fresh

So does everyone else...........just sayin'...........

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Go big or stay home

My dad just gave me a Chief's Special 2 1/2 inch barrel, I carry it with me every time I go on a walk, I love that gun, and when I do need to carry concealed that's the only one I use

Now boys, I aint the Grinch that stole Christmas & I don't put out a rye patch hoping Rudolf stops by.
I have an opinion and some of you boys do also.
I can take the gigs and digs--I started it.
Nope I aint selling or giving away--I may even grip about it the next time I shoot them.
I got two PPKs that are just as bad---one I have carried since '75. Glad I dinn't say nuthin bout them--mighta had ol 007 on my butt.
I shot about a box & 1/2 of .38'sin em---my hand is still barking.
Shoot fire boys---wonder how long this thread would have been if I had said sumtin important--like nobody in their cotton pickin right mind would shoot a 500.

Blessings &
Merry Christmas.

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TEXAS, by GOD

i'd rather shoot a 500 than a j frame....less kick.......just saying

Like 'em or not, they will do just about any job providing the operator has the unbelievable skill of Hickok45. Check this guy out. Amazing.

642 S&W .38 Special (Airweight J frame) - YouTube

NEWBIE hear. Please accept my apology up front...

RANT - ON:

I hate ratchet handles = they make crappy hammers.

I have several 'range guns' one is a Ruger #1, floated Lilja bbl, 28" chambered in .275 Rigby improved, another is a Shilen DGA, 338WM, shoots crappy 6" groups at 400yds.....I really don't like these guns when I feel the need for a 3 yard attitude adjustment.....THATs why I have 2 J frames.........and boy are they crappy at 400 yards...

Apologies

RANT - OFF

The Muffin Man

PS: Merry Christmas folks.......

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Gene

This J frame is lots of fun at the range:

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

No problem.... it's a good thread!

Beats the heck outta' a "can-I-shoot-+P's-in-a-Nframe 38spl-with-a-lock" thread !!!

GF