K Frame vs. J Frame

[Dump1567]

In a CCW role ( carried a lot and shot a little) do you really think the size and weight of the K frame is worth the extra round over the J frame?

The more I play with the two, the more I'm leaning towards the J. Especially when we start talking airweights.

Opinions?

 

[Frailer]

I'm in the extra-round-isn't-worth-the-extra-weight camp.

 

[Bratastic007]

I'm in the extra-round-isn't-worth-the-extra-weight camp.

Same here.

 

[Pioneer461]

I'm in the extra-round-isn't-worth-the-extra-weight camp.

I agree with Frailer, but recommend you have at least one reload with you, no matter what you carry. When carrying my j-frame, I have either a speed loader, (HKS 36) or speed strip (Bianchi or Tuff Products) with me.

 

[38-44HD45]

My advice,worth every penny you are paying for it, is the old suggestion: Carry the biggest, most powerful gun, with the most rounds, that you will ALWAYS carry. If that is a 5-shot J, so be it; just carry a few speedloaders and/or speed strips along with it. If it is a K, L or N, so much the better. But that 629 in your safe won't help you when three skells decide to carjack you at the Phillips 66 station.

 

[Old cop]

As I get older (senior citizen) the K is just too big for daily carry by a retiree. If you believe the 6th round is important get a Colt Cobra or Agent. I have a Cobra that I carry on occassion but my daily carry is one of the airweight Js.

 

[IkenI]

I'm in the J frame camp. I have a super slick mdl 64 NY-1 but it is relegated to my wife's use at the house. I usually carry my 640-1 and a lightweight J frame, OR my 396NG and a lightweight J frame. I'm also with the "quickest reload is another gun" crowd. When I only carry one it's usually a full size SIG. Sometimes I carry a Kahr K9, but then usually have a lightweight J frame with it. I never carry a J frame by itself, even with a reload.

 

[jimmyj]

I have carried both off duty and as BUG on duty.
I prefer the "J" Frame.
I recently installed Pachmayr "Decelerator" grips on my Model 638 which improved my accuracy vastly. Also these grips gives more grip when drawing and added no more "Bunk" for CCW.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

In my opinion, the difference is which is a "shooting" gun, and which is a "comfort" gun. The J-frames are much smaller, more compact, much lighter in weight. The K-frames are much easier to shoot well, especially under stress.

I have used both for many years, and I won't feel unarmed with either one on me. If I know that I am going into dangerous circumstances I will choose the K-frame every time, and carry it as a back-up to my Remington 870, my M1 Carbine, a couple of 1911's, and anything else that I can bring along.

If I am running down to the corner store to pick up a quart of milk, I don't mind slipping my old Model 37 Airweight Chief Special under my shirt.

6 rounds or 5 rounds? This makes less difference to me than "first round in the 10-ring, second round in the 10-ring, etc, etc, etc."

For defensive use I suggest that you carry what you are comfortable and competent with. If that is a K-frame, and you want a 5-shot revolver, just leave one chamber empty (under the hammer, preferably).

Best regards.

 

[chief38]

My first carry piece was a 2" bbl. RB Model 10. I carried it faithfully for about a year and finally decided to get a 2" M60 J-Frame. They both shoot the same bullets, both will handle +P's, and the J-frame is sooooooo much more comfortable and capable of pocket carry that I sold the M10.

The J-Frame will take a little more getting used to, (recoil) but is quite manageable with the use of a Tyler "T" Grip in place. I have NEVER regretted the switch.

Where the K frame comes into its own is with the Model 65 3" bbl, or the Model 66 2 1/2" bbl. which is chambered for the .357 Magnum. If a Magnum round is what you want to carry, these are your guns.

chief38

 

[feralmerril]

Usualy I just pocket carry my model 40. But ocasionaly I have started packing my wifes 3" model 36. If I am in the boonies rideing quad I go .44 special. I have a half dozzen or so .357s and 38s but it seems I skip over them. I like light.

 

[Pointblank2U]

To me, there's nothing handier than an Airweight 642 in a jacket pocket. I often carry a 649 additionally in a pants pocket. Same speedloader works for both. I fine the Hogue Bantam grips pretty much tame the recoil.

 

[rljohns]

I have the 5-shot model 60 and would go to the 1911 if I want more fire power. I carry a Kimber Ulrta carry II in .45 ACP most of the time. The model 60 is for times I feel like a revolver. I also carry two speed strips. I wish I had a 4" Model 29 for the range and mountain trails.

 

[David Sinko]

I don't mind carrying pocket guns that are a bit on the heavy side (my 2" 940 is about as heavy as a true pocket gun can be) so I'm probably in the minority when I say my 64 snub is a viable pocket gun. It DOES fit into a pocket, with or without a pocket holster, though it prints more than the J Frame. The 64 is easier to shoot well, has a somewhat smoother action that will still fire all commercial primers and of course has the extra round. And I find that a K Frame .38 speedloads somewhat quicker than a J Frame .38. All said and done, the 2" K Frame does have some advantages, but the weight will definitely be more of an issue than the size.

Dave Sinko

 

[PetersCustomLeather]

I've been carrying a 642 for the past couple of years and it is easy to just put in my pocket when heading out. It's an easy "always along for the ride" gun. But... I just bought a Model 66 3" and I plan to "try" to make that my EDC gun and maybe carry the 642 in the pocket as a backup. I'm going to whip up a belt holster for the 3" 66 and see how well it will conceal for me.

For deep pocket concealment... I like the 642 and sometimes go as wimpy as the Ruger LCP.

 

[Bulldawg55]

The J frame is more versatile. It's light,and compact, for pocket or belt carry, however it kicks like a mule with 357 loads so I generally load it up with LSWHP 38 +Ps.

If my 4" K frame had a 3" barrel I'd definately give it a whirl for IWB carry. No pocket carry with this one. Added weight for dampened recoil is a plus. The longer sight radius, although pretty insignificant in an in your face confrontation, is better for longer shots. That sixth shot may be just the thing to let you know you have'nt practiced enough or your up against more adversaries than you can handle! I definately would rather have the 357 round workin for me. Oh and the heavier gun would make a better bludgeon too!

 

[G.T. Smith]

bludgeon indeed!

Oh and the heavier gun would make a better bludgeon too![/QUOTE]

That is true. Nothing says "pistol whip", like a K, L, or N frame. Maybe thats how the top strap got bent on another post I saw?
Peace,
gordon

 

[Capt Steve]

I went to the range yesterday and having just acquired my first K frame, a 4" model 10, thoroughly enjoyed shooting it for the first time. When I finished a box of 38's I picked up my 649 and spent the next box fine tuning the CT laser grips, also with a box of 38's - 125 grain gun show special reloads. My right thumb is healing from a fracture and is still very tender but the 649 was just as comfortable to shoot as the model 10. This is probably due to the extra weight vs an Airweight and the quality of the CT grips also contributes to a comfortable hand.

I would rather carry the 649 with its additional weight than deal with the increased snappiness of an Airweight. BTW: Another recommendation for the Lobo Gun Leather Enhanced Pancake holster that I use for my 649. At 3:00 it tucks high and tight and is completely accessible when driving as the shoulder belt is forward of the grip...but I digress. (o; I like the way the Model 10 shoots but it is too heavy/bulky (with the 4" barrel), for me to consider it a carry piece. It will however serve me well as my new truck gun, backed up with a Bianchi speed strip. YMMV

 

[GKC]

Another vote here for the 649. I just got one, and I really like it. I've had several J frames, including a couple of airweights, and they were just too light for me. I like the steel frame, and option to cock the hammer for SA if I want to. Mine doesn't have the Crimson Trace grips, it has the full size J frame grips on it...which I like very much. They feel about as good as the grips on my 686!

 

[wheelyfun66]

I seem to be in the minority here...

I prefer to carry my model 66-5 k frame over a j-frame.
Of course.... I don't own a j-frame!

I like the .357 round, and do like six rounds in the cylinder.

Maybe all my years spent as an infantry soldier, humping all that gear, has made me immune to "weight"?

For me, a Beltman belt combined with a good holster (offset belt loops to spread the weight), and I am feeling no pain.

I know lightweight is good, but I always think about if I need to actually draw and fire... and I like the k frame for that!