Hello everyone, new to the forum. I would appreciate any advice on what is the best j frame for pocket carry. I have arthritic hands so things like trigger pull, recoil and ease of cylinder release are important considerations. Thanks in advance for your advice.

Jim

Welcome! I prefer the lightest possible J-frame. Preferrably a 342 or 337. The 337 will give you S/A ability, which you may need with arthritic hands.

The 638 offers both SA & DA and was my first, and still most-carried, gun. Others will suggest the 642 or 442 (DAO) and that would also be a fine choice. The factory triggers on Smiths are a bit stiff, but I had my trigger smoothed out by the gunsmith at a LGS and it is great. You may want to consider some trigger work after you feel the weight of the trigger pull. A gunsmith may also be able to smooth up the release latch for you. Since recoil can be an issue for you, the lighter (non-steel) guns will provide more felt recoil. You could practice (and you do need to practice to get used to the j-frame!) with light wad cutter loads most of the time and carry them if you feel ok with them, or use a standard pressure .38 JHP load (not +p). Lastly, you will want a decent pocket holster. Lots of guys use and like the Desantis Nemisis. That was my first pocket holster, but I found that it would not stay in the pocket very well. Check out the holsters by Robert Mika. They are very well-made and about the same price as the Nemisis. I now have a couple of them and they are great.
Welcome to the forum. You'll get lots of great advice here.

My concern would be the recoil.

How well can you manage it with your health issues?

Will it keep you from shooting regularly?

Snubnose accuracy is tough to master and shooting Airweight can be downright painful with +p 38 Special... even without arthritis

I find the added heft of my 649 to be pretty ideal balance with enough weight to dampen recoil. A joy to shoot at the range. It has SA/DA versitility...

Maybe take a two gun approach... A smooth shooting K frame snub for the range and an Airweight to carry?

I would definatly talk to the gun shop or range and see if you could borrow or test one first.

I might would go with a Model 317 in .22 if push came to shove...

My choice is the 642. It has a somewhat lighter DA trigger than the typical S&W dual mode revolver. The enclosed hammer leaves nothing to snag on, and from a safety standpoint, not being able to thumb cock is a plus during stressful encounters.
Where recoil and muzzle blast are a factor (like 90% of the time!!), I would load it with the excellent Buffalo Bore short barrel standard velocity 158 gr. soft lead SWC load they developed specifically for lightweight snubs.

Given your hands, might want to consider a Ruger LCR! The Hogue Tamer grips, beat the whole system! Trigger pull is excellent! Get the .357, because the extra weight will help tame recoil. The downside to this gun, is that the grips are a bit bulky, and the trigger guard is bulbous....making it a little less concealable for pocket carry, than a J-frame.

http://www****ger.com/products/lcr/models.html

http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-LCR2.htm

Shoot Hornaday Critical Defense, either .38 for reduced recoil, or .38+P: http://www.hornady.com/store/critical_defense/

If you select the 642 I would strongly recommend replacing the grips with something that covers the backstrap. That reduces the recoil discomfort. I used the Hogue monogrip.

airweight with non +p loads.

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I'm only allowed 30 characters

Definitely a bodyguard. Wife uses the 438 and I always seem to end up with my 649. Wife likes the light weight and SA/DA option (weak grip strength)

We both carry the old FBI load-158gr, HP semi-wadcutters.

I have never been overly recoil sensitive, but my 442 with the stock grips and +p ammo hurt.
It makes it a little less pocket friendly, but replacing the stock grips with the Hogue monogrip made shooting +p tolerable, if not enjoyable.
Having said that, if I were to do it over again, I'd opt for the 637 to give myself the option of single action firing. I'd practice with the full-wadcutter loads and carry it with the 158-grain LSWC HP loads (not +p).
As always, YMMV.

My pocket carry is a 442. If you can find people that own J frames that would let you try them you could decide what works best for you.

I would recommend a .38 Special 640. They are a bit heavy for pocket carry although it can be done easy enough. Just depends on how much weight you can stand in your pocket. Use 148gr wadcutters to minimize recoil. Be sure to have a quality trigger job done!

I would love to recommend a Model 642 but I think the recoil will be bothersome if you suffer from much arthritis.

p.s. You will have to find a used .38 Special Model 640 as the factory discontinued them a few years back. The new Model 640 is a .357 Magnum and is a bit longer and a bit heavier.

Edit to add: Welcome to the Forum!

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Centennial Every Day

642 is my choice.

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Take it easy. Chris

I carry both the 638 & 442 and suffer from arthiritis in my hands. When I practice I use oversize Pachmeyer rubber grips and standard pressure FMJ 130 gr. range ammo. For carry, IWB or pocket, I use the wood boot grip and 158 +P. Another option is the Federal Nyclad 125 grain standard pressure (non +P) load.

During my LEO days I was involved in two deadly force encounters and never felt the recoil or heard anything. Those bad guys are no longer around and I'm a grandpa.

If you discover the .38 is too much for your condition S&W makes a nice J Frame .22 & .22 Mag.

Best, and let us know what you decide to do.

Recoil and easy pocket carry are basically impossible to reconcile, since lighter weight makes easier carry but harsher recoil. Your choices are all steel, aluminum frame/steel cylinder (stainless or carbon), or aluminum or scandium frame/titanium cylinder.

There's also the Bodyguard vs. Centennial debate, which is right up there with 9mm vs. .45 ACP and AR-15 vs. Mini-14 arguments - no one's ever going to win, nor stop trying.

I would suggest a 6xx or 4xx series as a reasonable compromise on carry and recoil. Recoil in the aluminum or titanium-frame guns with titanium cylinders is very sharp.

The Centennial series is more pocket-proof than the Bodyguard series.

I have been carrying a 342 since they were first introduced, but I'm not sure that's the best choice for you (it would be a 340 now, since they stopped making the .38Sp version of this general configuration).

Model 642 or 442....It gets no better for a carry gun....

I carry the 442. My RA is in remission at this time so recoil isn't too bad. The 442 is a lot more friendly on the hands than the LCP that it replaced.

Just saw a 442 for $300 on the PFOA forum. Don't know the gun or the seller.

The internal hammer models were specifically designed for pocket carry. I'd choose one of those. My personal pocket carry revolver is a M&P 340 loaded with Remington .357 Magnum 110gr SJHP's.

A good set of grips goes a long way toward maximizing control and comfort when shooting magnum loads.

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Steve
NJ State Trooper (rtd)

I have model 331 and 332 32 h&r magnum airlites which at 11 ounces is very easy to forget its in your pocket. The recoil is also much more manageable than .38 or .357 in that weight gun.

xtrooper: NJ State Police are a very sharp, professional looking group and have been since i remember as a child going to Sussex County for the summers and vacations.

+1 on the .32 magnum. I have a 632 airweight that shoots like a .22 with .32 long wadcutters, and even .32 mags aren't nearly as stiff as +P .38's.

I worried too about what my hands and wrist can stand. I've found that I can handle the 642 and +P for a little while. A bigger grip like the Hogue Monogrip works wonders.

Jim,
The best J-frame for pocket carry may not be the best choice for you to carry. You do not mention how severe your arthritis is or what joints it is affecting.

The best J-frame for pocket carry would be any of the Centennial revolvers with their internal hammer. It does not matter if they are constructed of stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum alloy or scandium alloy.

Some of them are in my J-frame group photo.


However, depending on how severe your arthritis is a different model J-frame may be best for you.

While no two revolvers produced are precisely identical, all standard production J-frames will have very similar trigger pulls new out of the box. The force needed for cylinder release will also be fairly similar new out of the box.

Triggers improve the more that they are pulled. This allows all of he parts to smooth out and settle in. This process can be accelerated by a good trigger job.

If your arthritis is bad in the joints of the fingers, you probably need to stay away from the concealed hammer Centennial model and look at the shrouded hammer Bodyguard model. This will allow the revolver to be thumb cocked thus greatly reducing the force needed to pull the trigger.

If the finger joints are fine, then stick with a Centennial.

If the wrist has an arthritis issue, then you will want to stick with firearms constructed of heavier materials so that the recoil pulse transfered to the palm of your hand and wrist joint is minimized. The would lead you to a stainless steel or carbon steel choice.

If the wrist is fine then you can choose an alloy revolver that will be easier to carry.

You might want to find a local shooting emporium that rents firearms so that you can get some hands on experience with what is available in the marketplace. It will also alloy you to try various ammunition choices.

As to caliber choice, I would go with a 357 or 38 special simply for the enormous variety of ammunition available from the manufacturers.

Unless you are terribly recoil sensitive due you your arthritis, in which case you should be looking at something other than a J-frame, I would not choose a 327 magnum or a 22. I would rather carry a 38 special light target wad cutter than any 22 loading available.

Jim,

I also suffer from arthritis in both hands and both wrists have had surgical repairs for injuries. I have good days and some that are not so good. For the days where I'm not doing so well, I use a Model 632 in .32H&R Magnum chambering. It's a six-shot, Centenial style revolver (concealed hammer). If possible, I carry a .32ACP caliber Seecamp in the off-side pocket for back-up so I don't have to worry about the cylinder release. My usual daily carry pistol is a Model 642 in .38 Special. There is a lot to be said for the 148gr. wadcutters as a defensive round. Also, I highly recommend the Crimson Trace LG-405 laser grips. They have a air pocket built in the back of the grip that helps reduce the pain from recoil.

Best of luck,

Dave

I have arthritis also and, as much as I like S&W's I fell in love with the Colt Agent revolver with the shrouded ejector. The one I have has a shroud around the hammer also. This was an option and is still available in the aftermarket. The Agent, like the Detective Special and Cobra, has a six shot cylinder. I was amazed after shooting it at the range. Its recoil very manageable. I use 110 grain Hydra Shok ammo.

Thanks for the compliment! For all the criticism the NJSP has received in recent years (some of it warranted), it's a proud organization with an enviable tradition and I believe most of its members are still dedicated to doing the best job they can for the citizens of NJ. I retired on 4/1/91.

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Steve
NJ State Trooper (rtd)

Take a look at the Beretta Bobcat (.22/.25) or the Beretta Tomcat (.32). Both have tip up barrels, place a round in the barrel lock it, pull the trigger and your all set. Small calibers, low recoil and great for those suffering from arthritis.

I have a 640 no dash in .38Spl, and have used it as a summer carry / backup for the past 10 years. This year I have a new favorite: I bought a 940PC in .356TSW. This thing is a blaster with the .356, plus I can shoot my 9mm duty ammo out of it. With the factory "power port", 9mm feels like .38Spl.

Model 340PD with 158 gr. JHP in .357 mag.
I have arthritis but don't think about it when shooting for effect.

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"Life is short, hunt hard"

I had the same experience with my 442. Likewise I changed from the stock wood grips to rubber Hogue grips. I do like the 442 for CC.

Attached Images

S&W 442 right.jpg (82.2 KB, 115 views)

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Roll Tide!

You present several questions rolled up into a big group. You are going to have to select a compromise of some sort, and the advice you have here already is wide and deep, and should be considered carefully.

Whatever you choose, for your pocket carry, it will have to be enclosed/shrouded hammer or bobbed hammer. (and there are others on this forum who can debate that issue with far more knowledge and passion than I)

1. Size for pocket carry - you have J-frame already.

2. Weight for carry - - (steel or alloy) and that comes out to whatever you can feel comfortable with.

3. Weight to shoot - again (steel or alloy, and their effect on recoil, both felt and cumulative as your condition can stand) and when you are shooting for practice that will matter, but when it is "for real", if it ever comes to that - - - you will neither know nor care - - so probably what you can shoot well with and keep qualified with.

4. Grips: Rubber will be easier to handle normally, and will probably lessen your felt recoil, depending to a large degree on shape and size - but they may present complications for the draw. A lot of folks feel that rubber has too much 'drag" on clothing to make an effective draw and presentation with ease, especially from pocket-carry, and for that, they prefer wood or slick plastic. You may be more satisfied with a larger set of custom wood grips.



My personal experience (and I have had both wrists broken a number of times in some odd ways - Arthur and I have been on a first-name basis for decades) has led me eventually to carry (IWB on the KelTec belt clip) a KelTec P-11. But prior to that, I carried a Model 36, and after a number of years I found a stainless Charter Arms Undercover with no-snag sights and bobbed hammer that suited me better, something about the size and shape of the grip made recoil easier. I also have a Taurus Ultralight Model 85 DAO with the factory rubber grips that is not at all unusable, but the thinner grip makes recoil much more apparent, as does the light weight. Grips are a SIGNIFICANT part of the equation, for me. The thinner grip conceals well, but delivers more recoil.

I hope you find what works for you.

Flash

Thanks everyone for all of the great advice ! I deeply appreciate all of the very well thought out wisdom. I bought a set of well padded weight lifting gloves at Dick's sporting goods on Sunday and took them to the range yesterday. I shot a rental LCR, an M&P 340 and my own 36. I was most accurate with the 340 between the two light weights and it felt the best while shooting.I believe the 340 will be my choice. The gloves helped considerably. I know I won't be able to wear them in a sd situation but I believe they will help me to become proficient with the gun. As I have read several people say, in a sd situation, recoil will not be an issue. All of the great advice that I received in this forum has helped to bring clarity to what had become a confusing issue for me. Thanks again for all the help !!

Jim

Given your described situation I would try and find a 638 and see how a Pachmayr Compac grip feels in your hand and under recoil. Yes, the rubber is likely to drag a little on clothing as described above, but I’m a believer in the fact of life that you have to concede some things to get some things. The only other option you might try is a set of Uncle Mike’s three finger combat grips. They are out of production but still around all over the place. S&W is getting something similar to these right now and sell them on the website’s store. They have a slightly spongier feel to them. But they are skinnier than the Compac. The Compac is thick enough to both spread the recoil and give you more of a big gun type grip instead of the open back on most boot grips.

I like my 442 with stock grips, great pocket gun.

Sounds as thought the OP has made his decision and is going for the 340M&P. Good choice! I was going to chime in and recommend the 340PD, although the M&P is very similar and arguably better, or a 442. I have a 640 and like it, but not for pocket-carry. Notwithstanding issues relating to arthritis, I am convinced, and this seems to be something of a consensus with the guys I know who carry, that a pocket gun (assuming pants or trouser pocket as opposed to a heavy-weight jacket) should not weigh more than a pound, loaded. Guns that weigh more than that, into the 20+ ounce category, are too much of a load to be carried in a pocket IMHO. The 340s are great guns, light and capable of firing 357 ammo, not that you'd want to!

Something without a SNAG. Like a 442.