I Continue to Suck with a J Frame

renroh · #51 04-25-2018, 01:12 PM

You might try the Pachmayr Compac #3252 with the covered backstrap, as opposed to the Pachmayr Compac Professionals #3254 you already have with the exposed backstrap. Of all the grips I have tried, the Compac fits my hand best on both J and K RB frames. I used to feel the same way about shooting J frames, and only practiced at close distances. Once I found the Compac my groups tightened up at 10-15 yards. I became amazed at the accuracy of these little fixed sighted models. On J/K SB models the factory wood target stocks fit the bill for me just fine. The Magnas found on RB models of both J/K, though attractive, are just too small in my larger hands. Good luck and dry fire as often as possible

TomkinsSP · #52 04-25-2018, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSDeputy

These were made as "belly" guns. It wasn't until the introduction of the laser that the useful range of these which was about 8-12', improved to 15-20'. When I started in law enforcement back in the early 70's the useful range of these was about 12'. The sights were rarely used, they are more a point and shoot gun. I love mine, and recently bought a new one after I sold my original model, which I sold to finance a semi-auto when law enforcement changed from revolvers. I love this revolver.

When I carried the M36 and the M40 as duty weapons we qualified with them at seventy five feet.

Just my $0.02. Start with a steel frame model, or a 43c. Get good at shooting slow timed aimed shots at close range using low recoil ammo (like 148 grain full wascutters). Then move the target away, get good at hitting what you aim at before concentrating on speed. Speed is last.

The aluminum frame centerfire model IS NOT SOMETHING TO LEARN ON, it will probably teach you all the WRONG habits. If you must carry one, practice and learn on a steel frame.

Plenty of cops carried 148 grain target wadcutters in them on duty. I know one really well who made an eighty foot shot in the line of duty, with a target wadcutter, one shot stop.

george_lehr · #53 04-25-2018, 02:55 PM

kbm6893,
Your grip is all wrong for long distance shots with a J frame. Look here:

malph · #54 04-25-2018, 02:59 PM

I couldn't help but smile when I saw this thread. I struggled for years to shoot J-frames well.

At the end of the day, I think it's a combination of finding grips that work for you, a whole lot of practice and lowering my expectations.

Most of my j-frame practice these days revolves around dumping 2 to 5 shots into a desert plate sized group at 3 to 7 yards. A fair amount of that practice is done one handed, particularly. Lose in.

I've come accept the fact I suck and try to take some pleasure in the challenge of the whole e,experience.

After a whole lot of practice, I still suck, just not as much as I used to.

Abbynormal · #55 04-25-2018, 10:31 PM

Take all the above with a pinch of salt.

My Dad (Ex FBI) spent an afternoon with me when I shot his
Colt Detective Special.

He had me shoot 148 gr. WC's at 7 yds SINGLE ACTION at a B19 target.
When I was comfortable and accurate, he had me shoot Double Action.

When my DA equaled (almost) my SA accuracy he moved me to 25 yds and
repeated the process.

After getting to 50 yds and switching to DA, something clicked and from then
on, I was able to shoot the Detective Special as well as a M-15 4".

When I transitioned to a J frame, I did the same thing, 7yd WC in SA, WC in DA
switch to 25 yds SA to DA to 50 yds SA to DA with SOME full power SWC mixed in.

Do that and you'll be OK.

daddy bear · #56 04-26-2018, 12:07 AM

I have five J-frames. The three that I use are a model 42 with a little age, i.e. a grip safety, and two 60s. S&W banana grip on the 42 and one each Herrett and a small rubber Pachmayer on the 60s. I have been shooting J-frames for close to fifty years. Trigger jobs help, as does a little practice. I consider myself good to 15 yards, even at my advanced age. I have three daughters that you don't want them shooting at you with theirs, but I broke them in with J-frames, after they mastered the Ruger Mark I .22 lr. It can be done. All mine are 1 7/8", but I do recommend the 3" revolvers.

Hang in there. Practice with wadcutters. Move up in power as you get better. One tip. Make sure you are gripping the gun so as to be pulling the trigger straight back. If your hand is canted, it will throw your shot off.

Best,

Jack

Old cop · #57 04-30-2018, 02:35 PM

My EDC is the 340PD but I could never make that shot. Wonder where he held to make that happen.

ImprovedModel56Fan · #58 04-30-2018, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jersey Doug

With the same dismal attempts to preform decent groups as mentioned here have converted my expectations to the reason for having it. That being an inside room sized encounter, or light weight, very concealable protection. I'm as much concerned as how fast can get on target, as where the hits land.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalmerThanYou

When in doubt, lower your expectations.

I have been able to keep all sorts of J frames in the [NRA 25-yd TFRF target] black at 25yd, but it is really not what any J frame is designed for. There is nothing wrong with aspiring to embarrass match-pistol shooters with your prowess with a belly gun, but you needn't take seriously anyone's questioning your ability to sustain the species simply because you don't shoot a a 2"-barrel ill-fitting aluminum revolver as well as you do a match pistol.

Grips (not "stocks," whatever they are), are the main influence on success with mini-revolvers, but if you don't arrive at the desired level of accuracy, don't sweat it. If you could reproduce before, you probably still can.

TomkinsSP · #59 04-30-2018, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old cop

My EDC is the 340PD but I could never make that shot. Wonder where he held to make that happen.

That is just the way they taught us at the academy. Upside down so instead of bullet drop at six hundred feet, you get bullet rise. Aim at the big toe.
And it draws faster from an upside down shoulder rig.

bananaman · #60 05-01-2018, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbm6893

Thanks for all the replies. I do dry fire it often. As a matter of fact, the gun is kept in the safe loaded with snap caps so I can do it often. I have done the coin excercise. I’ll do it more but I don’t think that’s the problem.

One thing I DO know is I do anticipate the recoil. The j frame is not a pleasant gun to shoot. Even with my mild reloads, the gun still barks with authority. I’m shooting 158 grain LSWC over 3.4 grains of HP38. I just switched to a plated 158 grain LSWC from Xtreme Bullets and I upped the charge to 3.6 since plated usually requires more pep. Max charge is listed as 3.8 so I’m still middle of the road. In a 4” K frame, they’re nice and soft. I guess I need to shoot it more often to get used to it. I saw it yesterday three times. I had three light strikes with my reloads. Primer not seated all the way, I guess. These were some of my earlier reloads. When I got a click instead of a bang, the gun dipped. Totally my fault.

Also weird that I have never had a light strike with my 9MM or .380 reloads.

I guess I’ll keep working at it, but it is discouraging.

Sorry for the upside down pics. Don’t know why that happened. They’re right side up on my phone and computer.

Just me, and my laziness, or something else, but I can not shoot a J frame well. Went to a 2" K frame, and MUCH better! Bob