After reading a copy of NRAs armed citizen, I was shocked at the number of home invasion incidents. So I'm thinking about something I can carry in the cavernous pockets of my shorts (this is TX and shorts are worn around the house most of the year).

I've never had any interest in J frames and know little about them, so rather than research, I'm going to be lazy and ask for suggestions:-)

I always figured something along the lines of a de-horned M-60 would be an ideal carry gun.

Thanks!

I carry a 36 in the pocket of my cargo shorts all the time. It has the stock hammer, not bobbed. It seems to ride just fine. But a bobbed hammer would probably ride just that much better. I can't stand the look of the shrouded models but some like those.

Bottom line, the answer to your "J frame in my pocket" question, in my opinion, is "Sure".


Sgt Lumpy

I carry one of my 642's in either a Desantis mini -scabbard or just my pocket most all the time. What part of the country are you living in?

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Armed and Dangerous

In the summer months, I carry a 442 in the right front pocket of my Dollar General cargo shorts in one of my homemade pocket holsters and a couple of loaded quick strips in my off side pocket.

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Texas, so cargo shorts are the attire of choice most of the year.

I like the M-36 suggestion, only the way I sweat, better go with an M-60:-)

Very simple If you have clothes on you have a gun on. That is why I call mine my "always" gun. NRA is correct "you can NEVER predict when you will need a gun" I prefer a 640 but would be happy with a 60 or 36 and the bobbed hammer. I don't mind the couple of extra ounces. I have carried the lightweights including the early TiScan 340 and 360s as well but cylinder erosion issues took all the TiScan Smiths out of my like column and more and more gripes about cracking in the lightweights drove my choice for a steel gun.
No matter what you choose PRACTICE, PRACTICE and PRACTICE some more with it. My always guns get shot at least twice as much as any of my other pistols.
Chip King

I find the Airweight J-frames to be as heavy as I'd
like to go, in a pocket. Also, the alloy frames seem
not to be affected bysweat, so far. Hammerless or
bobbed-hammer. There's no hassles with use, either.
Just grab ahold and you've got S&W backing you up.
JMHO, TACC1.

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I retired my 1968 Colt Cobra and now carry either a 442 or 642. Regardless you cannot go wrong with any of the J Frame S&W, but for me lighter is better. The advise about frequent practice is right on the money, my 442 or 642 gets shot more often than any of my other guns.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

A 642 or 442 loaded with Speer 135 gr short barrel. I use a Mika holster.

My EDC is a 442 no-lock in Uncle Mike's pocket holster. Shorts, jeans, jacket etc. Fits anywhere. Be sure to get some practice in with a J-frame snubbie. Not the easiest gun to shoot straight.

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M60 442 642 637 686 686+ 629

This is exactly what I carry 80% of the time. At least when it warm. The Mika holster works great.

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AL
Pax Per Potens

I carry a S&W 340PD in my front pocket in an Uncle Mike's #3 holster.

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USAF 1971 - 1978

Any S&W airweight or lighter.....the SS models do hold up better than the steel models, but the alloy guns have corrosion resistance & less weight in your pockets. I carry a 340sc and have for the better part of the last 10 years or so and I am happy with it.

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On the Oak Savannah

I carry a 340PD in my pocket all of the time. If I do not have it in my pocket, it or the 640 are on the arm of the recliner in their pouch. Yup, far too many home-invasions of late, too many close-by, too.

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GA Carry member
Vietnam Vet

I also live in Texas and would recommend carrying a J frame in your front pocket and an extra speed strip.

I carry the 642 pro or the 60 2". The speed strip sits flatter in your pocket than does a speedloader - though either are fine. The 642 pro takes moonclips, so that makes for a super-fast reload.

The 60 is shown with three holsters; a belt holster, a WRB pocket holster, and a Galco IWB tuc-n-go holster. Note that the model 60-9 is sporting Hogue Bantam grips which are shorter than the stock 'uncle mikes' grips and make it easier to fit in your pocket.

The 642 can use any of those holsters also. I normally carry the 642 in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster.

The model 60 will handle everything up to, and including, the hottest .357s. While the 642 is .38 Special only, rated for +P. In practice, I practice with intermediate .38 special loads in both but stoke them with .38 Special SD ammo for SD.

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But then, what do I know?

I have pocket carried a M-49 since 73........either as my back up when in uniform, or in my patrol jacket pocket or pocket carry when in plain clothes...I use the Galco leather pocket holster nowadays.....I still carry the well worn M-49 everyday when I am taken for my daily constitutional by my dogs. The humpback is "old school", but then again, so am I.

I don't find an all-steel 640 in .38 Special too heavy for pocket carry in a good holster. Got used to it very quickly and have done it for years. I prefer the enclosed hammer partly for a snag-free draw and partly because it keeps pocket lint out of the action much better than a bobbed or shrouded version.

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Oh well, what the hell.

My carry revolver is a 442 that is currently in with the gunsmith to have an XS big dot sight installed. The 442 has an internal hammer, therefore, is double action only. If you want something with a little more punch, I would suggest the M&P 340, which is chambered for .357 and comes with an XS big dot already installed.

I just picked up a 360j for pocket carry

Gotta love the 49/649. The 649-2 is my personal preference in a "J" frame. I like being able to thumb cock it, and not worrying about snagging it. I also use the Galco horsehide pocket holster. Good retention, easy draw.

I have vintage bobbed model 36, pre-37, and 60 revolvers and would recommend any of them for yiur intended use. The airweights are lighter, but the heavier guns are a bit easier to shoot well and the stainless 60 will hold up better to sweat & wear.

Amazing (and perhaps reassuring) how many posters before me admit to carrying a J-frame in their pants/shorts pocket while in the home. I thought I was alone in this practice...

Sad they mention the reason being home invasions. Funny we have all types of heavy sidearms and shotguns available, yet the weapon to be relied upon first would be a pocket snub...

Last week, a home invasion took place in Vegas one afternoon with the home owner shooting the BG. The owner ran from the home to notify police from an outside phone. While he was out, the wounded BG used the house phone to dial 911 for an ambulance!

You can't make this stuff up! Stay safe people.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

J frames are like gloves or shoes, they work better in pairs. Do a google search for "Melinda Herman Georgia housewife shoots attacker five times", she was the mother whose home was invaded in Georgia some months back and she and her two kids were attacked. She fled to a closet if I recall, and shot the attacker SIX TIMES, FIVE shots of .38 Special hitting him in the face and body.

The attacker walked away, got into his car, then drove away, finally crashing some blocks away. Will you entrust your life to a 5 shot J frame loaded with .38 Special? She did, luckily, it stopped the attack, but that bad guy had enough "fight" left in him to walk away and then drive away, had he chosen to take her with him, she and her kids would not have been so lucky. And what if he had a knife or gun? .38 is nothing to sneeze at, but history is loaded with bad guys who did just that, sneezed at the .38's entering their bodies and just laughed it off as they killed their victims. The Florida FBI tragedy of the 1980's was a sad example of that.

I have TWO J frames in my pockets at this time, loaded with .357 and yes, I know I may lose hearing if I ever fire .357 indoors, but one J frame is loaded with Golden Saber .357 which is supposed to be a .357 "Medium" and spare our ears.

Last year the guys living in the apartment within spitting distance of my apartment experienced a home invasion and we'd had plenty of home invasions in my area. The attackers are brazen, kicking in doors, day or night.

Nope, nothing weird about walking around your home with a J frame or any gun in your pocket. Not when I consider that not only was there a home invasion, which happened right under my nose by the way (my door was open and they walked right past me but I was not facing the door), there was also a shooting with a few guys shot on my block, also within the year.

Don't feel weird keeping a J frame in your pocket, like I said, keep two, one in each pocket!

I forgot to add, pocket guns work best with bobbed hammers, I've done this experiment many times, and when hammers snag, oh boy do they snag, I've fumbled terribly, my "hammerless" snubs are preferred any day. Those night sights? They cause a "hiccup" when I draw fast, not what I'd call a snag, but they do catch the lip of the pocket sometimes, but nothing serious, though I should practice much more to ensure they don't snag at all.

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A lightweight J-frame is a great housecoat/bathrobe gun. I usually wear sweatpants when lounging around in the evening and my Kel-Tec P3AT .380 in the pocket doesn't make 'em fall down.

I like the steel J-frames with .38 Special, but they are really too heavy for pocket carry.

The alloy J-frames are okay with .38 Special but I tend to require a larger, cushier grip for recoil control, which makes the gun too bulky.

One solution may be to load the alloy .38 Special with mild 100gr "cowboy loads" or the new 90gr Hornday "ladies" defensive ammo.

My answer was to reduce weight, size, power, and recoil, and to increase capacity from 5 to 7.



The Model 351c only weighs 11-oz and hold 7 rounds of .22 Magnum.

The recoil is minimal, so I can carry it with the smallest grips and shoot it with no pain.

This gun is the perfect companion for a comfortable pair of baggy shorts.

I used to pocket carry a 340PD but found it to be perfect for carry, brutal to practice with it. Switched to a Model 60 in 357 Mag. Though a little on the heavy side, I get it to the range more frequently.

337 loaded with 148 gr Fiocchi HP's . 13.5 oz LOADED.
Class dismissed.

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Forum consigliere

I often carry a S&W 340PD .357 mag J-Frame in a pocket holster.
At only 11.7oz you don't even notice it's there.

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Proud NRA Patron Member

It ain't the gun it's the HOLSTER. In my right front pocket is a 9mm S&W 940 J frame in a Uncle Mikes #3 holster. Sure I LIKE fine leather holsters, they are great for SHOW but for pocket carry they just add bulk.

I take it this photo is a reverse image taken in a mirror and your right pocket is on the left in the photo.

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Proud NRA Patron Member

For pocket carry I don't think you can beat a Centenial J Frame and there are lots of good options out there. After firing a friends 340PD I realized I would not be firing 357 mags in such a small, light gun. So I focused on and ended up finding a prelock 342PD which is the lightest Centenial J Frame chambered in .38 special. Enclosed hammer to prevent snaging on the draw and prevent lint from getting into the action, 10.8 oz unloaded, black finish which hides well in a pocket and a red ramp front sight. It fit all my requirements.

I often carry my 340 Sc pocket carry during the hot months. It is light, accurate and effective. My round of choice is usually the 158 gr. Buffalo Bore +p at 1000 fps. It barks some, but far less than .357 mag. This little pistol had some finish wear and I refinished it in KG GunKote Titanium Grey. I also installed a stainless cylinder, Apex trigger kit and Big Dot front sight. Since the photo was taken, the lock has been removed and replaced with the plug.

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Dave Frost

As a former Federal Agent, I carried a bobbed hammer Model 60 for many years. When I was stationed in Reno, Nevada it was a cooler climate. During the cooler months, I carried the 60 in the "hand warmer" pockets of the jacket. Being cold, I almost always had my hand on the revolver. If need be, I could always get the first round off without having to come out of the pocket.

Later in my career, I transferred to Las Vegas. Being a much warmer climate, the jacket pocket carry didn't work so well. I carried the 60 inside the waist band with an untucked t-shirt covering it.

Well, it's been said the best use of a defensive handgun is to fight your way to a rifle or shotgun. Much as I love handguns, it's true. But at the extremely close quarters of your home, the long guns are too easy for a bad guy to get past the muzzle or grab onto it.

JT, I live in central Texas just having moved to Stephenville from San Antonio. I run a casual dress office and other than when I am in Court there is almost always an alloy J frame Centennial in my front pocket. An added benefit is that my wife who works in my office also carries. She carries an older J frame with the old style 3" skinny barrel. That gives us a common speedloader for a reload even though I prefer carrying speed strips.

When it is cold enough for a covering garment, a full size 1911, Glock or S&W full size revolver is a comfort. For when it is too hot to wear a covering garment, a J frame in your pocket beats anything at home in the safe.

That story was everywhere I read it on multiple sites. I have never seen a confirmation of exactly where the bullets hit. Shoot 5 times in body and face (written by the media) could mean lots if things. A graze across the check? A graze across the shoulder? I see no reason to assume she would have done better with a 357 (or 44, 45, ect). In fact I believe it she very well could have done worse with a higher recoiling 357. 1 badly placed 357 is no better than 5 badly placed 38s.

+1 for the 340PD

although I wish S&W would reissue the 332 as a .327 Federal...

Pocket carry a 638 in an Uncle Mikes #3 with a 5 round speed strip in the L pocket. Other than at work it's in the cargo shorts or jeans weather waking the dogs, mowing the yard, etc. I often forget it's there. Kinda like the credit card, never leave home without it.

An aquaintance of mine shot a home invader once in the chest with a S&W mod 60 .38spl and the invader turned, took one step and dropped dead on the spot.
Sometimes those .38s work just right.

Three sentenced for death in Carrollwood home invasion | Tampa Bay Times

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Proud NRA Patron Member

Here is mine in Kydex. Works great for pocket carry with my 442.

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This is what I was looking to do with my 442 but found a slightly used M&P 340 with the XS sight already on. For the price of gunsmithing I was able to buy the used M&P 340 cheaper.

See if you can carry a lighter one then a heavier J frame for a day or so if you have a friend that'll let you.

I have collected a few great semi autos for carry guns. I rotate and carry them often. 80% of the time I carry 2 guns on me. However, the 442/ now 340 is always with me in a front pocket.

As someone else mentioned, you can have a grip on the J frame while it's in you pocket and no one is the wiser. I learned this from an old family friend that served with the State Police. He indicated that all the troopers at his post would have their left hand on their J frame as they approached a traffic stop or other "situation."

Lad

Even at home I would suggest wearing it on your hip instead of in your pocket. The reason is the type of encounter your anticipating would likely result in extreme CQB, someone closer than arms length, on top of you, or pinning you to a wall or floor. At that distance having the weapon in a pocket is a disadvantage, as is having a weapon with an external hammer. Those hammers tend to get clogged with clothing, hair, or flesh, during a violent confrontation rendering the weapon inoperable. I would suggest a S&W 640 either in an IWB holster or on your strong side hip.

I've been carring a M60 with with a bobbed hammer off and on for about seven years. Even the steel & SS j-frames can be carried pretty easy.

Time to move maybe? I left the Los Angeles area in 1992, about 2 weeks after the (first) Rodney King riots, and moved to rural western Washington. Lots less career options & oportunities, but "quality of life" (which is both subjective and hard to quantify) went way way up. Looking back, it was probably one of the best choices I've ever made in my life. At least think about moving to a better part of town (if there is one).

My EDC is a 940. For work it is paired with a BHP. You can reload the 940 from a BHP magazine, although I carry moon clips in a custom made tube that fits my pocket just fine-holds 3 moon clips. I used to carry it my right hand pocket-in a holster, while off duty, and in a left hand pocket (same holster) on duty. Now I always carry it on my left side as I have trained enough for off hand shooting that there is no real difference. I have a small clutch of other J frames-all cut for moon clips so if it is my only weapon at the time I have some extra rounds on tap quickly. I am getting fond of my 351C, even though it needs a speed loader for serious consideration. But for work for about 35 years now it has been the BHP and the 940. I am of the opinion that if you are going to carry in the pocket you NEED a holster in the pocket, or I have had all my uniforms (and plainclothes) tailored with both side pants pockets made out of leather, and shaped to hold a J frame. If one is to pack, one should be serious about it. Yeah it may cost a little extra, but when you consider why you are packing, it becomes worth it.

What Scruffy said. Like some others, I'd opt for front pocket carry rather than your self-described cavernous cargo pocket. In a stress situation, time's of the essence. You need to clear your pocket, get the weapon into action ASAP. You can't afford to be fumbling around with buttons or velcro closures on a pocket that goes down to your knees.

"Is that some moon clips in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me?"

Me too, 442 in Mika's pocket holster. Ed

+2 for the 340pd. Love the little guy.

Someone posted something about the .38 & the 1980 FBI shooting. To correct the record most of the Agents used 9mm which proved ineffective and in fact a K frame .38 ended the fight. There was a lot more to that than most know. As to the effectiveness of the .38, at +P levels it works. I saw that first hand during my LEO career and still carry the 158 Grain +P FBI load.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)