Talking about steel frames, is there any noticeable difference in weight, handling, etc?

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Aaron Terry

I prefer the .38 frame as I never shoot .357's in a J.

The thing I like about the .38's...they are shorter, more compact. It makes a difference when using a properly fitted OWB holster as the gun doesn't hang down as much.

Most would say there is no big difference though.

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Centennial Every Day

I have both and have carried a 640-1 in a IWB little feather holster for 6 years. I carry against my appendix. I just got a 3inch 640 no dash and it fits a little "loose" in the holster.I carried it for a day and I can say that there is a difference in comfort, especially when sitting. Even with the additional 7/8's of barrel the smaller frame no dash was more comfortable. I think the barrel contour and lack of the full lug contribute to this as well. I still carry the 640-1 though. Why? It's what I have carried for 6 years now and the day I carried the no dash I felt like I had left a lucky charm at home. I guess I just got attached. Anyway, here is a pic of my carry gun. I would go with the no dash if I was starting over with a choice.

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Yes. I had a 60-4 3" FL .38 Spl., and picked up a 60-10 3" FL .357. The .357 was definitely a longer, heavier frame, and handled differently. The big difference, though, was that the .357 just happened to have a noticeably worse DA. I wound up keeping the .38 and turning loose the .357, even though it turned up some ridiculously high velocities on the chronograph.

That was my only venture into .357 J frames. The recoil was (barely) tolerable but I am content with the .38 Spl. in that frame size. That's a LOT of horsepower there.

I carried a M36 snubnose in my pocket. Purchased a M640-1 and tried the same. It didn't work for me. The magnum frame is a little thicker and heavier. I think the slightly longer 640 barrel may have added to better accuracy, but I wouldn't place money on the table to guarantee it. I did notice a different feel in my hand from the little J frame to the magnum frame.

Side-by-side, I can see the difference. But frankly, when it comes to carry I can pick up one or the other and note no real substantive difference. Holsters built for one will work for the other, with the exception that the gun will sit a small fraction of an inch higher or lower in the holster.

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Pisgah

Exactly...

That's funny my 60-10 has a very good DA trigger. As much as it pains me I can only attribute it to the MIM parts.

I really feel no difference between a 442 build on the short frame and a 442-2 build on a slightly longer frame.

My 640-1 carried in an IWB holster at 3:30 is perfect for me.I don't carry 357 but just the fact that I can is good for me.

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Anchors

As I've stated here before, I have a Mod. 60 and a Mod. 60-9. I do not like shooting .357 in the -9. The -9 does have a very good action after it was worked on by a great gunsmith (who has since passed and I miss his work). Anyway, the -9 is a little larger and the stocks I have are kind of large so it's not great for pocket carry, but for IWB carry, it's fine. The no dash has a bobbed hammer and small grips with a t-grip an it slides into the pocket without a problem. Both shoot well for J frames, but I will give the -9 the nod due to the better trigger job and larger grips. My typical carry round for both is a 158 grn SWC +P.

I carry a 640-3 that I customized, so it’s a keeper. Frankly, if I had to it over again (and just may), I would prefer a model-36 and call it done. Now, my range gun is a 686 2.5-inch but that’s a different animal all together.

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Dan Ortego ~

I believe the 640 and 60 .357s are built on a slightly larger J-magnum frame introduced in April, 1996. 2-1/8" barrel (and some in 3" I think!) The re-enforced cylinder stop lug is machined as part of the frame (J-shape). I will never let my 640-1 go!

I own and carry both... the magnum cylinder is a bit longer, but to be honest I don't think I'd ever have noticed if someone hadn't shown me the two sizes side by side. Magnum barrels on the newer stainless j-frames are a bit longer and sturdier looking, and they have a full underlug. Those same features can keep them from fitting in holsters designed for the smaller barrels. No difference in handling from what I've felt. I like all j's.