What About a J-Frame in Other Calibers

[Nalapombu]

Hey all,

I just went thru one of the threads where you all were talking about what you carry and prefer in a J and the recoil of your choices. I too am wrestling with whether to get a J frame and in what makeup. I am pretty sure I am not going with one of the ultra-lightweight models. Way too much money and too much recoil.
Then I started thinking about other calibers like a 9mm and maybe the 327mag. I figure that those 2 calibers weren't produced in very big numbers by S&W in a J-Frame, but there are some, aren't there? If one wanted a J-Frame in 9mm, would you have to have it custom done or just go with a Ruger? If they did make a 9mm and it is economically wise to find one, how does the recoil feel on these revolvers with a typical self defense loading?

Lastly, in 327mag, I know that one was made to give those that carried a J-Frame an extra round instead of the 5 that they were forced to carry with a typical J-Frame. I don't know a thing about that round though. I'm sure it's expensive to shoot, but I'd guess I wouldn't be doing all kinds of practice with it each month and if I were going to shoot much, I could get my brother-in-law to reload some practice rounds for me.
How is the recoil in these revolvers? Would it be best to just figure on getting a Ruger instead of trying to find a S&W?

The only other option in a J-Frame sized revolver is a 22mag in the Ruger LCR line. Don't know the wisdom of carrying a 22mag as a primary self defense round.

Please add your thoughts and opinions. I'd like to see what all kinds of fellers think about it. I mean gals too, if there's any that want to add their thoughts.

Thank you all for your time and help.
Have a great weekend!

Larry

[22hipower]

You can get a J frame 9mm (the 940) although a bit more expensive than a 38 Special. There was a used one for sale locally not too long ago for $750; that's the least expensive one I've seen since I bought mine a few years ago for $600. The J frame 327 Mag is likely going to cost a bit more; up to $1500-$1800 depending on what model you chose. Neither would be my first choice as a self defense gun; on the other hand, both are somewhat collectible and likely will become more so. As far as recoil goes I don't see a lot of difference between the 9mm, 327 Mag and +P 38 in a J frame. You will notice a difference if you move up to an ultra-light like the 340PD in 357 Magnum. For a daily carry gun that you intend to shoot quite a bit I think the all steel Model 60 is hard to beat (the three inch versions in 357 are high on my list). Not too heavy, and manageable with 357s. Lots of choices, actually pretty hard to go wrong with any of them. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

[rockquarry]

About ten or so years ago, I had a couple of new J-frames in .357 Magnum, a 3" Model 60 and a 5" Model 60. Both guns had adjustable sight. Both guns were most unpleasant to shoot with magnum ammunition. In addition, I quickly realized that a 5" J-frame serves no useful purpose. This one may not have been marketed for long. Awkward feeling revolver as well, but maybe one could get used to it.

J-frames are probably at their best in steel versions chambered in .38 Special. They're easier on the shooter and more controllable than the alloy guns and are only a little bit heavier.

Difference between five rounds and six is more academic than real.

[perryhd]

I know most here will say a 32 s&w Long is not enough power I sure enjoy shooting my 30-1.

[ShivasIrons]

I think a 327 Federal J Frame would sell like proverbial hotcakes! Pick up another round and it is powerful as well. They made one for a second, but it never had time to catch on.

[SquarePizza]

I have a 351pd that gets carried when I absolutely cannot print. It is a feather weight and a pleasure to carry. And the orange fiber optic front sight is the best i've ever seen.

The only thing i don't like is the trigger. If I could have the sights and have it in a 32 H&R, I would be super happy.

[gasaman]

How about the 32H&R Mag?

[Lee's Landing Billy]

Originally Posted by gasaman

How about the 32H&R Mag?

Model 631. I have one and love it. Loaded 1000 rounds with a 100 grain full wadcutter at 1,000 FPS. Wonderful!!!

[Macinaw]

Model 632 . I had to start loading for 32 H&R Magnum to be able to afford to shoot it.

[Macinaw]

The 32 family of cartridges are fun to shoot. Reloading sure helps keep the cost down.

[S&W Rover]

The .327 Fed Mag, which I have shot in the Ruger SP-101 3" barrel, is a hot little round in its factory loadings from Federal, Speer, and Buffalo Bore. It tends to be expensive, too. Touted to be "almost" as effective as the .357 Magnum, it gives you an extra round in the Mdl 632 (difficult to find these days) but has a fair amount of recoil and blast. As MACINAW noted, you can shoot .32 H&R Magnum in a .327 Fed Mag gun, with less recoil and a bit less cost. (The .327 Fed Mag is a good round for reloading, and the economics at this cost level really pay off).

You can find a Ruger LCR in .327 Fed Mag that is comparable to a J frame. See Review: Ruger LCR .327 Federal Magnum - Guns & Ammo My personal opinion, FWIW, is that this round is a more useful in a 3" or longer barrel; the shorter barrels have a too much blast and don't let the bullet get up to the higher speeds that make this little .312 bullet effective.

As for small/light J frames, you can also look at the Mdl 351's in .22 Magnum. There is some material on the web addressing whether the .22 Magnum is an effective self-defense round, but the J frames for it are light and have seven rounds in the cylinder.

[Flyingfool]

Originally Posted by Nalapombu

Hey all,

I just went thru one of the threads where you all were talking about what you carry and prefer in a J and the recoil of your choices. I too am wrestling with whether to get a J frame and in what makeup. I am pretty sure I am not going with one of the ultra-lightweight models. Way too much money and too much recoil.
Then I started thinking about other calibers like a 9mm and maybe the 327mag. I figure that those 2 calibers weren't produced in very big numbers by S&W in a J-Frame, but there are some, aren't there? If one wanted a J-Frame in 9mm, would you have to have it custom done or just go with a Ruger? If they did make a 9mm and it is economically wise to find one, how does the recoil feel on these revolvers with a typical self defense loading?

Lastly, in 327mag, I know that one was made to give those that carried a J-Frame an extra round instead of the 5 that they were forced to carry with a typical J-Frame. I don't know a thing about that round though. I'm sure it's expensive to shoot, but I'd guess I wouldn't be doing all kinds of practice with it each month and if I were going to shoot much, I could get my brother-in-law to reload some practice rounds for me.
How is the recoil in these revolvers? Would it be best to just figure on getting a Ruger instead of trying to find a S&W?

The only other option in a J-Frame sized revolver is a 22mag in the Ruger LCR line. Don't know the wisdom of carrying a 22mag as a primary self defense round.

Please add your thoughts and opinions. I'd like to see what all kinds of fellers think about it. I mean gals too, if there's any that want to add their thoughts.

Thank you all for your time and help.
Have a great weekend!

Larry

I do not know what you are talkmg about with regard to the LCR. They make the LCR in 38+p, 357 mag, and 9mm. In addition to the 22LR and 22 mag.

I think the LCR 357 and 9mm use the same frame, the 38+p is a bit lighter frame. But the guns are exactly the same physical size.

I shot my brothers LCR in 357 and mixed both 38 and 357 in the chlinders at random, spun the cylinder and closed it at random. Then shot it nOt knowing whether it wojld be 38 or 357. Frankly there was not all that mich difference infelt recoil for me. A lot louder and definitely a bit more recoil, but nothing to write home about. A person coild clearly practice with 38 and carry 357 without too much trouble.

9mm revolver and moon clips etc just don’t appeal to me. If you want a 9mm I think buy a bottom feeder pistol rather than a revolver. But I’m sure a 9mm revolver would lerform well! To each their own!

[Wee Hooker]

Been there- Tried that.
IMHO, the 327 fed has too much muzzle blast and the ammo is limited and expensive. Resale is horrible too. The 9mm feels snappier than 38 +P to me. (Then there are those PITA moon clips to deal with too.) As for the extra round , chances are that 5 rounds are twice as much as I would likely need for non-LE use. Truth be told, there is a reason that J frames are so popular in 38.

In any case I'd recommend shooting before you buy so as to avoid an expensive lesson.

[JLM]

Originally Posted by S&W Rover

You can find a Ruger LCR in .327 Fed Mag that is comparable to a J frame. See Review: Ruger LCR .327 Federal Magnum - Guns & Ammo My personal opinion, FWIW, is that this round is a more useful in a 3" or longer barrel; the shorter barrels have a too much blast and don't let the bullet get up to the higher speeds that make this little .312 bullet effective.

The .327 in the LCR is the bomb!

[kaaskop49]

12 gauge slug. You know me...

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

[Der Verminator]

You mean there are calibers other than .38 Special???????

Who woulda thunk it?

Why mess with perfection?

[Tom S.]

How about a 3 shot 500 mag?


Nah, I didn't so!

[otis24]

I got rid of my Air weight J frame due to recoil with the .38 +P. I also have some hand issues. I think that an all steel version would do a lot to soak up recoil. I hope to have an all steel J frame again before too long. The other thing is grip choice. My last J frame I put Pachmayr Compac grips. My 686 just got Pachmayr grips. The Pachmayr grips are not the prettiest but I love them over other grips I have tried for functionality.

[otis24]

If it hasn't been said, .32 H&R mag can be fired from a .327.

[SuperMan]

Favorite snub of all time is the 649 Bodyguard. Have one made in the 1990s that was sent to TK Custom to be rechambered to be able to shoot .38 Super and 9mm...in addition it will still shoot .38s...

I have two LCRs, one 9mm and one .327. While BooUgly they have a better DA trigger pull than any Smith I have ever shot. I don't find the recoil from either gun objectionable.

The Federal 85 gr. HydraShok Low Recoil runs around 1200 fps from the LCR...would much rather shoot someone with that round than any .38 Special round from a snub.

Also have an older SP-101 3" in .327...horrible DA and SA trigger pull and heavy enough to anchor a kayak...vs. a 60-10 that I just love to shoot even with .357s...

Bob

[shouldazagged]

Another enthusiastic vote for an all-steel .38 Special J-frame with Pachmayr Compac grips. The weight isn't burdensome when you get used to it, the Pachs aren't really hard to conceal, and the gun will absorb +P recoil quite comfortably compared to an Airweight or gnatweight. Up close and nasty, .38 Special +P will do do what you need done, with good shot placement.

[326MOD10]

In order is an older 649 that had a spare model 60 cylinder converted to shoot 9mm and installed. Still have the original .38 special cylinder and put it back into it when I purchased my 940.

A model 360J Airweight converted to shoot 9mm by TK customs with an XS sight added to the front. A little brisk to shoot but not bad. The old school Bianchi Lightning grip was added to conceal the hammer and give a bit more of a grip.

An an original chambered 940. I lucked into this one with around $550.00 total into it. Just had to keep looking until found one I thought I could afford.

All a bit snappy to shoot but very manageable.

Mostly I find myself stuffing my 442 in a pocket holster for carry.

[rwsmith]

Alloy guns are great for carry but they ain't fun to shoot. Pachmehr or Hogue grips help, but increase the size a little.

A steel J frame is great for carry and you can choose a load that suits you rather than one that knocks your hand off.

Remember that 9mm will lose a little velocity out of a revolver. That doesn't seem to bother Jerry Miculek.

Also, good SD ammo is better than it used to be and the .32 is a viable SD round.

[Green Frog]

Originally Posted by Wee Hooker

Been there- Tried that.
IMHO, the 327 fed has too much muzzle blast and the ammo is limited and expensive. Resale is horrible too. The 9mm feels snappier than 38 +P to me. (Then there are those PITA moon clips to deal with too.) As for the extra round , chances are that 5 rounds are twice as much as I would likely need for non-LE use. Truth be told, there is a reason that J frames are so popular in 38.

In any case I'd recommend shooting before you buy so as to avoid an expensive lesson.

“Resale is horrible too?” Have you tried buying a used one? The only thing horrible about reselling a 631, for instance, is the danger of being run over by the stampede of potential buyers! The problem is that there were so few of them out there, they each quickly find their “forever home” and go out of circulation. About the only gun left on my S&W Bucket List is a 4” Model 631 in 32 H&R with adjustable sights. Finding one for under $1500 (without IL) is like finding a unicorn colt. don’t even get me started on the 327... I had to have my own K-frame built just to have a Smith in this caliber. Any factory production of this caliber from S&W is token at best.

Froggie

[steelslaver]

Originally Posted by perryhd

I know most here will say a 32 s&w Long is not enough power I sure enjoy shooting my 30-1.

A shooter J frame in 32 long is the cheap path to a J frame 32 H&R mag. Get a J frame 32, rent a 32 H&R reamer, buy some cutting oil. Remove cylinder and extractor. Spend maybe a hour of turning the reamer by hand, removing it every 5 turns or so to clean chips and relube.

Buying a 9 mm revolver to replace a 38 spec. is not a great idea, unless you absolutely love 9mm. You can get 38 special loads from mild to wild, from 110 gr to 158gr or more. Rounds that can do anything a 9mm will do. Heck if you like clips you can even have a 38 special cut to run clips.

[max503]

Roundabouts 1980 my then LGS got in two S&W J frame 22's. A 2" and a 4". I chose the 4". Still have it and it is still one of my most used guns.
I wonder how my life would have been different had I chose the 2"?

[BAM-BAM]

Originally Posted by steelslaver

Buying a 9 mm revolver to replace a 38 spec. is not a great idea, unless you absolutely love 9mm. You can get 38 special loads from mild to wild, from 110 gr to 158gr or more. Rounds that can do anything a 9mm will do. .

Steelslaver hits it for a home-run..............................

My thoughts exactly....... .38 is a versatile cartridge. A three inch 60-10 is my Penn's Woods Kit gun..... think micro,5 shot 686..... shot shells to .357s and everything in between........ lots of choices..... even at a local Walmart.

.22magnum is great out of a 16" barrel.... matching 9mm muzzle energy...... but IMHO not worth it out of a handgun with less than a 8" barrel.....I'd just go with a 34/63 4" .22lr with CCI "Velocitors"

[cmansguns]

Model 31 - 32 S&W Long...ammo not to bad around here, fun to shoot, not my EDC

Model 34 - 22 LR....definitely a all around family favorite fun shooter, plinking cans or punching paper, spinners, etc.

Model 36 - 38 Special - the classic, the one and only, still not my EDC since getting the Airweight years ago

Model 637 - 38 Special + P, with Altamont Combats, my EDC for many years now OWB in S&W leather, doesn't seem to print bad with loose shirts, dress /business occasions require coat anyway, so no biggie. With 5 +P aboard I haven't ever felt outgunned.

Love the J's, just my 2 cents, whatever you end up with for gun or rig it is the confidence that makes all the difference...not the round count or caliber but again...just my opinion.

[two-bit cowboy]

Everyone has their own preferences, likes and dislikes.

Sort of in order of today's favorites:

640 Pro with Karl Nill Centennial grips

940 with Craig Spegel grips

Vanity Baby Chiefs with Craig Spegel boot grips

36-2 DAO & 36-6 Target with S&W Combat grips

31 with Craig Spegel full size grips (this is sort of fudging 'cause it's an I-frame)

[ImDrRichard]

Good question.

Sometimes I carry my J-Frame S&W 351PD in .22 Magnum. Alloy frame makes it so light it's scary.

I believe I read somewhere that the ballistics of the .22 magnum are approximate to the .380acp. YMMV.

Carry what you like.

[H Richard]

J Frames do come in several calibers. The 940, 9mm. Top left side in this picture. (The other two are 38's).


.32 H&R Magnum has become a favorite of mine, and I acquired both a 431PD (with Hammer), and the 432PD (Hammerless).


Of course most all of the J's can accommodate the .357 now, but it can be more than some people can handle, and I would never give one (loaded with magnums) to a new shooter or lady.

[jcelect]

Here are a few of the older Centennials in a couple different calibers. I haven't had time to add the 632(32 H&R Mag) and the 632-1(327 Mag) to the pic, plus a couple other Centennials in the usual calibers. FYI, the 327 Mag can shoot the 32 Long, 32 H&R Mag, and the 327 Mag.

jcelect

[rich5674]

I’m very happy with the size, weight, power and the price I payed for my 360J 38spl. But I would also be happy with a Airweight 327 or a 351 in 22 magnum. Lightweight is the key. The other pistols are much more expensive than the 360j.