K Frame vs. J Frame

[photoman]

If you're going to lug a K frame around, put it in the safe and lug a Glock 19 instead.

The Airweight J frame is the best solution for the mission it was designed to do. The Glock 19 does a much better job than a K frame for the mission they were designed to do.

 

[Dump1567]

If you're going to lug a K frame around, put it in the safe and lug a Glock 19 instead.

The Airweight J frame is the best solution for the mission it was designed to do. The Glock 19 does a much better job than a K frame for the mission they were designed to do.

I'm actually already doing that, but it's a Glock 23.

 

[11B Lifer]

Easy to carry without printing

My wife packs a M36 with wad cutters. I generally carry a M1903 Colt in .32ACP. Then again I carry when ever I can-and I don't want alot f weight and don't want the thing to print--its in my pocket. If I were to use a revolver, it would be a J frame-the lighter the better. Recommend that you carry various types around for a few hours-try out holsters, always think about "how can I get hold of the pistol"-Shoulder holsters under shirts don't work well for me.

 

[wheelyfun66]

If you're going to lug a K frame around, put it in the safe and lug a Glock 19 instead.

The Airweight J frame is the best solution for the mission it was designed to do. The Glock 19 does a much better job than a K frame for the mission they were designed to do.

I hear ya.. but...

I don't see that the K frame revolver and the Glock 19 were designed for the same "mission".

I "lug" around a K frame snubby for the six sure shots of .357 magnum.
Glock 19 is a 9mm... and as much as Glock does strive for "perfection", I am better served with my K frame.

I also have and occasionally carry a Glock 27 (.40 cal), but have experienced occasional failure-to-feed when working it hard at the range (firing from awkward positions, loose grip, etc..)

For me, for self defense purposes, the k frame is king!

 

[David Sinko]

A Glock 19 does not fit into a front pants pocket, as does a 2" K Frame. The Glock 27 might fit, but I'm reluctant to carry any Glock in a pocket. The 2" K Frame might not be the perfect pocket gun, but it will certainly perform that role adequately if nothing else is available.

Dave Sinko

 

[photoman]

A couple of thoughts in response...

The Glock 19 and the K frame are both medium size service guns. Both were designed for the same job (belt carry, sidearm).

Comparing a 2" K frame and a Glock 19 is a bit apples and oranges. A better comparison would be a 2" K frame and a Glock 26. The G26 can be carried in a pocket.

 

[wheelyfun66]

A Glock 19 does not fit into a front pants pocket, as does a 2" K Frame. The Glock 27 might fit, but I'm reluctant to carry any Glock in a pocket. The 2" K Frame might not be the perfect pocket gun, but it will certainly perform that role adequately if nothing else is available.

Dave Sinko

Hey Dave,
I hope you are talking coat pocket..? My model 66 snub would pull my pants down, if I attempted to carry it in front pocket!
And i am with you on the Glock in the pocket thing... not for safety reasons (you can get good pocket holsters, that cover the trigger), but for the blocky, thick shape of the glock.
Anyway, now that you mention it... I am not much for pocket carry!
Thanks,
PT

 

[wheelyfun66]

A couple of thoughts in response...

The Glock 19 and the K frame are both medium size service guns. Both were designed for the same job (belt carry, sidearm).

Comparing a 2" K frame and a Glock 19 is a bit apples and oranges. A better comparison would be a 2" K frame and a Glock 26. The G26 can be carried in a pocket.

Hey Photoman44,
Sorry, looking back, I see the comparison you were making (G19 vs K-frame 4"), and you are right on in your statement (I still like .357 over 9mm..) but... being that you use 44 in your username.. I think you know what I mean.

I do like my Glock 27, but pocket carry has never worked for me (unless it's an anemic caliber mini gun...say 380 LCP type, and I ain't going there), although I am saving for a true pocket gun... the J-frame! Want a model M&P 340 (love the front sight), but my budget says 642/442 no-lock!

Anyway, thanks your your knowledge and input! I appreciate this forum for it's experienced participants and civil attitude.
PT

 

[David Sinko]

I went sledding with the kids yesterday and had my 2" Model 64 in the front pants pocket without a pocket holster. After a while it started to hurt where the cylinder was rubbing against my leg, so I took it out and put it in my jacket pocket. The biggest problem is the thickness of the six shot cylinder and frankly the weight just isn't a big deal to me. For years I've been carrying a 4" Redhawk and N Frames concealed so the weight of a K Frame is not an issue.

I'm sure that under those conditions my 940 (or any other J Frame) without a pocket holster would've hurt too. The 64 fits into the same Nemesis holster I use for my 940, but depending on the dimensions of the pocket the grip might stick out of the pocket when the holster is used. So for me one of the sticking points of K Frame pocket carry is the thickness of the cylinder and not the weight.

The Model 66 snub has a longer barrel and adjustable sights which in my opinion add too much bulk for any kind of pocket carry.

The J Frame is best but the K Frame is acceptable, especially if it's all you have.

Dave Sinko

 

[Dump1567]

What brought this up originally, is I started carrying my 3" 66 to back-up my Glock 23. The 66 was heavier and only carried 6 shots vs. my G23 which was lighter with 14 shots of .40. And probably just as concealable.

As I usually carry my J frame 340 M&P, I just didn't see the extra weight and bulk of th K necessary for the extra round. Especially in a back-up gun.

Now maybe that's not the best comparison (Steel vs. Scandium). I think a better comparison would be the discontinued 315 NG vs. the J, but S&W doesn't make K lightweights anymore?

One thing I've got to give to the Glock 26/27 over the J frames (for me anyway) is shootability. I can shoot these much better than a J. And you also have the option of down loading the mag to reduce the weight.

For my primary, I've always prefered 10 to 15 rounds in a semi-auto over 6 rounds in a revolver. Especially when the semi-auto is lighter and I shoot it better.

But for back-up, nothing beats the weight and reliability of a lightweight J.

 

[wnr700]

For me the strength of the J frame is lightweight and stealth.

When I'm dressed heavy, it's in the coat pocket. When I'm dressed light, it's IWB.

Anything larger, I would be in the Glock Family or shopping in the S+W PC center for an eight shot...

 

[rickyboy]

I would choose a jframe.It's what they are made for.

 

[DAdams]

If I need super discreet I carry a Seecamp LWS 380 (12 ounces) otherwise a M&P 340 with CT grips (13.3 ounces empty) in a Mika Roundcut pocket holster does the job. I have a 642-2 with CT grips and found it at 16 ounces a bit on the heavy side for pocket carry.

Next in the lineup is a Kahr PM9 (16 ounces). Those items cover all my pocket carry contingencies.
I would like a nice K Frame but it wouldn't ever be a pocket carry. If I OWB a revolver right now its a 686 3 inch or Walther P99AS in .40.

 

[luangtom]

For me, it is one of my Centennials, daily.

 

[rz625-8]

For me,it is revolvers. the reason why,disabled and an wheelchairbound amputee. Prosthetic leg in shop for repair and new socket. I carry a Model 10 in 2 inch or 4 inch barrel in a fannypack fro Maxpedition. Both my revolvers have been parkerized and no wear on it yet from carrying it concealed or in the fanny pack.

 

[Biggfoot44]

It isn't about *the extra round*

The 5 vs 6shot is the smallest factor. Even with the proverbial "carried lot / shot little" is not the same thing as "carried lot/ shooting (hitting) doesn't matter" .

I used to carry an AirWt .37 religously ... As a BUG . To me a J frame is a specialized gun , specifically for ankle and pants pocket. Carried in a decent belt holster the wt of a K frame is negligable. So much so I will often enough carry two on my belt. If not two K fr's , a K and somthing else of *real* size .

And a K fr with either a grip adapter or Boot Grips is just as concealable under a shirt as a J frame with oversize grips.

I remain in my infatuation with 2in RBs ( M10, M64 ) because I like the feel and balance , but a 2.5 or 3in would belt carry similarily.

 

[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!

Just revisited my own opinion from 2011, and found that, even though I now DO own a J-frame.....I still much prefer to carry my K frame snub.
Last weekend, I attended a snub gunfighting workshop, and was the only one using a K frame. Everyone else had j-frames or Ruger LCR.
My accuracy and speed was far better than the other 9 participants, as well as reloading speed.
The trigger on a K is SO much smoother, and that 6th round sures feels good when all I heard from the others was a clicking sound!
I do carry the j-frame when going to a social function where the hugs and backslaps are expected....

 

[Lost Lake]

The 5 vs 6shot is the smallest factor. Even with the proverbial "carried lot / shot little" is not the same thing as "carried lot/ shooting (hitting) doesn't matter" .

If you look at the top left you will see the date of the thread postings....

Back when this thread started we were still using flintlocks....

 

[brokenprism]

As an N-frame onlooker to the J-K debate, I find it interesting, when so much of the day is spent outside the house, out -- as the grandfather from Witness would say -- among the "English." That's where the threat is; that's the place you're statistically more likely to need a gun, so why anyone would pick degrees of comfort over degrees of security, I couldn't say. Sure, another round isn't much, but an ounce or two isn't much either. I could shave a few bucks off my car insurance premium, but at the cost of shaving hundreds of thousands off the liability coverage. That's fine, until something happens. I'd go Model 66 if those frame sizes were my only choices.

 

[Larry from Bend]

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?

Carrying my 15 oz Model 38 is great; but I don't for one minute think that I'm as likely to survive a gunfight as I would be when carrying my 2 1/2" Model 19. The extra round has very little to do with it!