Need recommendation for best buy J-frame

[davidenorth]

Gun show coming up and I am in market for J-frame. Checked local stores and they have none or outrageous prices on them. I am hoping to find a used pre-lock at the gun show. Which model do you guys think I might find the best price on? CCW permit will probably be in the mail the same weekend of the show so this will be my first carry piece.

 

[DCWilson]

I don't think anyone should try to pinch pennies on a carry gun. Figure out which model is likeliest to work best for you, then make the best deal on one that you can.

You can sort of squeeze the options down if you list your preferences: DA only, or SA/DA option? Standard weight or lightweight alloy? Original frame for .38 Special, or J-Magnum frame to allow .357 use if you are so inclined?

I got a 649 when I made this choice a couple of years ago, a choice I made as much for appearance as for its functional aspects. I like that humpback styling, and it's nice to have the single action option in a no-snag configuration.

But that's me. Others wouldn't take a humpback if you paid them.

 

[Electraclyde]

Over the past 30 years I have owned 7 different J-frames of different materials and configurations. My overall favorite is a 442 (with a lock, which can easily be eliminated) that I bought new about 5 years ago. I sold it to a friend about 2 years ago, and bought it back from him last year. It is the best J-Frame of all that I have had. My back up to this is another J-frame, the 438 bodyguard. Just my .02c worth.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Well I am a bit partial to the Centennial's, with no external hammer to snag on anything they are great for pocket carry, and the Bodygaurd's as well. For a hammer model you can get a no lock 442 if you look around a bit.

 

[cjcutter1]

642 or 442

 

[Frailer]

For carry it's tough to beat a 442 or 642--the choice between them boils down to whether you like your revolvers black or silver. My own daily carry gun is a 642.

But if I wanted a revolver to carry *and* shoot a lot I might lean toward the venerable Model 60.

 

[carbofan21]

yeah just find a recent production 442-2 or 642-1 - these are the ones without the lock, and they can still be found fairly easily. they'll shoot point-of-aim with the 135 grain speer gold dot short barrel load.

this guy seems to have some available. prices aren't bad, and include shipping:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/guns-s...-642-442-new-no-internal-lock-pictures-2.html

 

[Dale53]

My daily carry is a de-locked 642. I, personally, want a dbl action only for self defense. The 642 works great in a Mika pocket holster. I fitted a pair of #305 Crimson Trace grips and am VERY happy with them. They are not only a very practical addition to a self defense revolver, they are a great training aid while dry firing dbl action.

Dale53

 

[RussellD]

My preference is the model 49. The older models speak to me more than the newer lightweight ones. In the summer time I carry a 649 no dash in a pocket holster about every where I go.

However if I see a good deal on a model 60 I am not above giving one a new home.

In this economy and in my home state 325 will bring home a nice used j frame.

 

[SkyChi]

My 640-1 goes with me the majority of the time. Not to heavy and controlable with the 125 Golden Sabers. For my money a fantastic carry gun. Tons of these have been sold so you may find a few used ones around. Good luck finding the right deal on whatever you choose.

 

[DEM]

I carry a 637-2 Airweight Chiefs Special. I'm an old shool kind of guy; I like the exposed hammer. The Airweights are probably the lowest price of the J-frames. I carry in a pocket holster during warm weather and in a Fobius when clothing permits. Good luck and enjoy which ever model you select.

 

[Rob1109]

Gun show coming up and I am in market for J-frame. Checked local stores and they have none or outrageous prices on them. I am hoping to find a used pre-lock at the gun show. Which model do you guys think I might find the best price on? CCW permit will probably be in the mail the same weekend of the show so this will be my first carry piece.

I recently bought a 642 (no lock) for $430....great gun! of course, I also love my LCR!

 

[H Richard]

I would first ask how much experience you have with shooting small revolvers, or shooting in general. If you have lots of experience and are comfortable with controlling possible +P's out of a alloy frame gun, then I would agree the 642 or 442 is a very nice gun and easy to carry. If you answer that you have limited experience with small revolvers or guns in general, then I would recommend the 640 or Mod 60 or 36 which are all steel and have sufficient weight to make controlling the gun a little easier and easier on your hand. When you get a new gun you should put at least 500 rounds through it to become familiar with it so handling it is second nature.

I have 30+ years of experience with all kinds of handguns, and I still prefer an all steel gun. I like to practice with them frequently, I never go more than a week without shooting one of my handguns.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

In 36's and 37's, sometimes square-butt guns are much cheaper. If this still holds true, and a SB will fit your needs, there you go. RB will fit some pockets better, probably never worse. SB will fit many (most?) hands better, probably never worse. Probably larger choice of aftermarket grips for RB, but you may not need aftermarket grips at all on a SB, just the original Magnas and a Tyler.

Obviously, this is an individual choice related to hand size and intended mode of carry.

 

[Larry from Bend]

This is a 38-2 Airweight. It weighs 14 oz. or so. It's a great pocket gun.

 

[wnr700]

I have a Taurus 85 that is nice to shoot. Had a 442 that was a dream to carry, but not so fun to shooot and sold it...(almost re-bought another today).

Looking to step up to the 60/649/640 weight class.

 

[Iggy]

Another vote for the Stainless Steel Centennial Model 640-1
AS others have posted, start out with a steel version of whatever configuration you choose.

 

[6pack]

This is a 38-2 Airweight. It weighs 14 oz. or so. It's a great pocket gun.

Lot to be said for this model....it's got the snag-free shrouded hammer, but yet you can cock it for more precise single action shooting. I like this gun a lot. My father has one that I've always found interesting.

For $438 shipped, I picked up a nib 442 no-lock on Friday. It's a breeze in the pocket at 15oz. Looking forward to shooting it on my next range session...hopefully next week!!!!

 

[photoman]

I like the Centennials. There is a "how to check out a used revolver" online somewhere. Be sure to look that up and know what to look for before shopping at a gun show.

Depending on your budget, the current no-lock Airweight Centennials are going for about $450 shipped. Might be worth buying a new one. Just don't feel like you "have to" used +P's in the Airweights. There are some very good standard pressure loads out there and you'll shoot it better with those (unless you're a very experienced shooter).

 

[442user]

I favor the 442 in a pocket or belt holster.

Keep it loaded with Buffalo Bore 158gr, LSWCHP ammo. It's advertised at 1,000fps, 351ft. lbs. Figure that ought to do it ...