A real rookie question. I carry a 442 but I would like to buy another j frame. I would prefer a classic steel but don't know which one to search for. Not in a hurry cause looking is half the fun. What model, finish, etc would you guys look for. Thanks for helping a noob.

Me? A model 36 or the lightweight 37 version.

Still might get one if I find the right deal.

49/649 I just love those humpbacks.

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Jim

For me, the +p+ rated 640 in .38sp since I have 442 for carry.

640 .357 here.

Tough call without knowing if there are any plans for it.

For pocket/purse carry I love the Centennials.

For holster carry I prefer a Chief's Special

For plinking I like the Kit Guns

I even have a couple just as conversation starters on display in my study

I have steel, titanium and scandium versions for different purposes. You can never have too many J-frames. Never sell your J-frames. They always come in handy

M60 2"
M36 2"

I have a bunch of J frames and one I frame and if they would all someday disappear, here's what I would be looking for, in order of priority.

1. Model 49 in stainless or blue
2. Model 649 only in stainless
3. Model 63, 4 inch barrel, only in stainless
4. Model 34, 2 inch barrel, blue

Both the Model 36 and the Model 60 make good choices.

I've never been a fan of hammerless, bobbed hammer or shrouded hammer J-frames.

I've also never been a fan of the alloy frame J-frame revolvers. They save 6-7 oz of weight, but to no real purpose. You won't notice the "extra" 6-7 oz of a steel framed J-frame revolver when carrying it, but that extra weight makes it much more shootable, especially with a +P load.

My everyday carry is a Model 60-14 (J-Magnum frame), although some times I carry my Model 36 no dash just for fun. I also have a Model 36-10 Lou Horton "flame" series Model 36 +P on the J-Magnum frame. I shoot it now and then but they only made 225 of them so it doesn't get used as hard as my working guns.

I have a 3" Model 60-15 in .357 with adj. sights that takes the "J" to a whole new level. It's a nice multi-purpose revolver.

My .22 Model 34 jumps to mind, as well.

When I have a wheelgun on me, and I'm not out in nature, it's usually a 442.

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Because of the metric system?

"Classic" sifts out most j-frames until you get back to the blued steel models so I'd go with a classic M49 Bodyguard.

... sprey

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What do I know?

If you really mean "classics", and traditional (.38 Spl., not .22s or .32s) carry, then...

- Model 36
- Model 37 (airweight)
- Model 38 (airweight)
- Model 49
- Model 60

Even the early Model 60 is borderline for a "classic" J frame, IMO. But I guess it qualifies. The 3 digit Js aren't "classics" as far as I'm concerned. They may be good guns, even great guns, (I love my 649) but they came along after S&W changed their traditional manufacturing techniques and approach to the market.

Round butt 36.

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Even older, even crankier....

My EDC used to be my Model 642-1 - it has a cylinder from a Model 442 that has been cut for moon clips (2nd photo, bottom left). My current EDC is a Model 38-0 (it has a nickeled cylinder from a donor Model 38 for my version of the MSP Bodyguard) and a Model 638-1 (the Model 38-0 is on top - photo #1, the Model 638-1 is bottom right - photo #1). Both are equipped with Crimson Trace LG-405 laser grips. The Model 649-0 (photo #1, bottom left) is equipped with CT LG-105 laser grips, and I use it for the range, and for winter coat pocket carry. (photo #2: Model 60-7 top, left; Model 38-0: top right; Model 432PD: bottom right).

Regards,

Dave

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	J-frame Bodyguard #1.jpg (78.6 KB, 77 views)
	J-frames #2.jpg (86.1 KB, 75 views)

Another vote for the all-steel 640 in .38 Special. I chose it because for self-defense pocket carry I don't want the single action option or a hammer to snag on the draw. The steel J's are much more comfortable to shoot than the Airweights or gnat-weights and are quicker to get back on target for a second shot.

Or if you're exacting about the definition of "classic" (I'm not especially), the Model 40, forerunner of the rest of the Centennial concealed-hammer revolvers, is a fine choice.

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Oh well, what the hell.

I will arbitrarily read the OP's mind , and interpet "Classic" to mean conventional exposed hammer.

Nickle plated M36. Square Butt. But blue M36 or M60 are pragmatic substitutes. "Classic" is probably impling the 1.87in bbl , but the 3in have more advantages than drawbacks.

[ A M37 was my constant BUG for several years , and I liked it . But I feel it to be specialized hardware , and advocate for the Steel Chiefs as general purpose gun. 3in adjustable .357 J frames seem like a cute idea , but if I wanted somthing usable of that job description , I'd go for an SP101.]

For years I carried a M36-1. It would be my choice for "classic".

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

Model 60 in .357 then Model 36 in .38.
Or Model 36 in .38 then Model 60 in .357.
Hey, these kind of decisions are tough.

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Just pretend this is witty.

I will arbitrarily read the OP's mind , and interpet "Classic" to mean conventional exposed hammer.

Nickle plated M36. Square Butt. But blue M36 or M60 are pragmatic substitutes. "Classic" is probably impling the 1.87in bbl , but the 3in have more advantages than drawbacks.

[ A M37 was my constant BUG for several years , and I liked it . But I feel it to be specialized hardware , and advocate for the Steel Chiefs as general purpose gun. 3in adjustable .357 J frames seem like a cute idea , but if I wanted somthing usable of that job description , I'd go for an SP101.]

I'll go with the 640 Pro since that's what I carry. Other choices would be a Model 60-15 or a Model 60 no dash. As you can see I like J's so a Model 63 for plinking. It's a lot less expensive to shoot at the range.

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	640 pro 003 - Copy.jpg (76.0 KB, 45 views)
	357 004.jpg (73.4 KB, 40 views)
	005.jpg (73.5 KB, 44 views)
	63 004.jpg (82.1 KB, 42 views)

649-3 for me.

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Criminals don't register guns.

My favorite is my 640-1. The trigger on mine is so smooth that I can shoot as well with that DAO trigger as I can with any SA trigger...It makes an excellent combo with my 337ti but if I had to have only one J, the 640-1 would be it.

I'd love an old 49...

The Model 51. Every one I ever owned had nice DA and a crisp no-creep trigger. Plus the 22 mag is very fashionable these days which appeals to a lot of those new to hand guns = resale value

Fun thread to read. Lots of J frames, lots of opinions.

What I really can't get past is this photo. OH my! that is truly beautiful!

Model 60:

Dang, I've never been into engraving, but that is positively stunning!

I agree for a "fun gun", I'd love a 63.

I have a model 60 3" and I love it.

36,37,38,49,638.649 any j you have option of single action or double

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thats wicked pissah

I found some older Hogue's for this 640. They're the type that predate the modern stirrup type.

If I could ever get mine back I could be a very happy person with my 640. So stupid to sell that gun.
Frank.

Great news: in the interest of making money, S&W did produce more than one.

You all did read my mind. This is just what I was looking for. Seems like most prefer the 36 or 60. It won't be my edc, I just want something from back in the day. So many of you talk about how the quality was better in the past. I guess I just want to have one for myself. Are there certain years to look for? Did S&W pin the barrels and recess the cylinders? Thanks a lot.

60 no dash!

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But then, what do I know?

And for that reason,disregard any suggestion which recommends a model with 3 digits. Nice,yes,"classic",NOT (yet,at least). I'm sort of surprised that no one mentioned a Model 12 Airweight (6 shots,you know,instead of 5) and basically the same in appearance as the 36 and 37. I would love to have an early,round butt Model 12.
f.t.

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South Carolina-God's country

It would have to be either a 60 or 640 (.38 +p versions).

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Dave Frost

The barrels were pinned but S&W only recessed the cylinders on Magnums and rimfires, so no, the cylinder will not be recessed on a Model 36.

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

I have a 3" model 36, a model 49 and a model 60 and consider all of them keepers. I am on the hunt for a model 63 4", I love those 60's and 70's J frames.

I am fortunate to own a 36-1 Chief's Special with nice nickel plating. I am partial to the 3" barrel but also really like my shorter 637 Wyatt Deep Cover for a perfect go bag and pajama gun with just a sleeve holster or none. One disadvantage is that I don't have a +p rating on the 36-1.

For me it's the 649-2. Used to carry a 442 but the wife didn't care for the recoil with the lighter frame so I sold it off. With the 649 she has no problems and I like the ability to use SA if needed.

I would chose the S&W Model 36 it was the first J-frame revolver that S&W manufactured.

It is also a very beautiful revolver and it is currently being manufactured by S&W.

I know but , I HAD ONE AND IT WAS A NO LOCK AND IT WAS PERFECT AND IT WAS MINE!!!!
I did get another 686 so I have half of that stupid move back.
Have a good week all and yes, when I find the right one I will own another 640.
Frank.

Traditional blue steel. A Centennial Model 40. nothing else says BUG or pocket gun better. It's anti-snag, becomes with firing as smooth as butter, and doesn't wallop your hand like any of the namby-pamby airweights.

I have a 442-2 right now and I love it , but I really want one of the old humpbacks. I just love the way they look !

Not to sidetrack this thread, but it's been debated on other threads - extensively - and pretty much settled that your 36-1 will handle +p just fine. I know mine does.

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But then, what do I know?