sac-gunslinger
Member
Ha! Not likely.
How Many Have DUMPED their J-Frame for a NEW MINI Semi-Auto?
- Thread starter Nalapombu
- Start date
Grayfox
US Veteran
I've spoken of my problems with the Js before. They just don't work that well for me. I have considered dumping it in favor of my Colt 1908 or Mustang. But both are collectables so I hesitate.
So I haven't completely dropped the J-frames for occasional carry yet. However, I am eager to get my hands on and check out the new Remington M51.
So I haven't completely dropped the J-frames for occasional carry yet. However, I am eager to get my hands on and check out the new Remington M51.
snubbiefan
Member
Somebody beat me to it. I had meant to mention that a 442, 642, M38, 640, M41, 638, 649....etc. can be fired from a coat or vest pocket without fear of a hammer snag. Try that with your Glock or 1911 and you're likely to get injured just about as bad as the BG.
I'm not bashing the Glock or 1911....I have a few and fortunately for me, we are an open carry state, so I can wear them if I want to.
I'm not bashing the Glock or 1911....I have a few and fortunately for me, we are an open carry state, so I can wear them if I want to.
shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
One of the things I have to consider is that in a full red-alert fecal typhoon my elderly and arthritic hands might not maintain an optimal hold on a small autoloader, with limp-wristing and failure a possible consequence. I don't worry about that with a J-frame.
I also don't want to go below .38 Special +P for self defense. That may change as I age further, but so far that's what I trust.
sac-gunslinger
Member
shouldazagged points out a situation that several of us on the forum are dealing with, we are getting older which affects how much recoil we can tolerate or how large of a gun we can manage. (sorry, shoulda, that cat's is out of the bag). Heck, I've even been looking at 32s!
The revolver is more forgiving, more "fault tolerant" on the shooting technique, even small-frame revolvers. We may not be able to stand on our haunches and pound our chest the way we did when younger but we still know how to defend ourselves.
sac-gunslinger
Member
And that does not bother me, this is why so many manufacturers can prosper. One size does not fit all. We can each find a solution that fits us and that is a great situation.
Or, in other words, YMMV!
sipowicz
Member
Have entertained the thought of a small auto to replace my j-frame but those thoughts were short lived and not very entertaining. My-j-frame lives on my ankle and my slightly larger Colt Ds lives on my hip...don't really need anything else...
mc5aw
Member
Semi-autos continue to come and go with varying calibers, sizes, gimmicks, etc. J-frames remain constant, dependable, and virtually worry-free.
Switch my J-frames for any pocket-sized semi-auto? Never.
Switch my J-frames for any pocket-sized semi-auto? Never.
Erich
Member
I used to carry a J-frame most of the time, but almost never do these days (I've moved to a Kahr CM9 or a Ruger LCP, depending on dress).
hotrod150
Member
When I decided to start carrying every day about 4 or 5 years ago, I bought a Ruger LCP. Great little gun, easy to hide, comfortable to carry...but hard to shoot well and chambered in a pretty puny caliber to boot. Then I got into j-frames...I've owned 15 altogether, Chiefs & Centennials, and currently own 5 Chiefs. Not quite as easy & comfortable to conceal A-IWB as the LCP, but chambered in a much more serious caliber & easier to make DAO hits with.
But with that said.... the LaFrance 9mm Nova (see thumbnail) was a custom-built cut-down version of the Star BKM produced back in the early 1980's. About the smallest serious-caliber pistol available back then, I always wanted one but couldn't have afforded it plus they were sold to LEO's only. Then in 2012, Sig came out with the P938-- darn near a knockoff of the Nova. I really like the way it looks and handles. I finally bit the bullet and ordered one up last week and should be getting it before too long. A single-action 1911-ish design with a 3" barrel & alloy frame, weighing 16 ounces. I have high hopes that it will be almost as easy to pack as the LCP (and easier than the Chief), and I'm pretty certain it will be easier to shoot well than a DAO autopistol or revolver.
As far as caliber goes, a 9mm 115 gr JHP at 1200 fps has about the same momentum (power factor) as a 38 spl 158 gr LSWC-HP at 850, but almost 45% more muzzle energy-- plus a better chance for proper expansion. And the 938 carries 7 rounds vs a Chief's 5.
So asuming it gives 100% reliablity, it will probably become my new EDC. I'm looking forward to getting it and giving it a workout.
FWIW here's a photo of the LaFrance 9mm Nova, circa 1982.
But with that said.... the LaFrance 9mm Nova (see thumbnail) was a custom-built cut-down version of the Star BKM produced back in the early 1980's. About the smallest serious-caliber pistol available back then, I always wanted one but couldn't have afforded it plus they were sold to LEO's only. Then in 2012, Sig came out with the P938-- darn near a knockoff of the Nova. I really like the way it looks and handles. I finally bit the bullet and ordered one up last week and should be getting it before too long. A single-action 1911-ish design with a 3" barrel & alloy frame, weighing 16 ounces. I have high hopes that it will be almost as easy to pack as the LCP (and easier than the Chief), and I'm pretty certain it will be easier to shoot well than a DAO autopistol or revolver.
As far as caliber goes, a 9mm 115 gr JHP at 1200 fps has about the same momentum (power factor) as a 38 spl 158 gr LSWC-HP at 850, but almost 45% more muzzle energy-- plus a better chance for proper expansion. And the 938 carries 7 rounds vs a Chief's 5.
So asuming it gives 100% reliablity, it will probably become my new EDC. I'm looking forward to getting it and giving it a workout.
FWIW here's a photo of the LaFrance 9mm Nova, circa 1982.
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Tac Tupperware to j frame
I a carried a Glock 27 to supplement my G35 on duty. After 15 yrs of an anchor around my ankle, I decided the 27 wasn't all that. The 'interoperability' of ammo/mags is really nice on paper, but hardly real world reality. Traded out the old 27 for an S&W 638. Much lighter, easier to hide & I carry extra speed strips on duty just in case.
I a carried a Glock 27 to supplement my G35 on duty. After 15 yrs of an anchor around my ankle, I decided the 27 wasn't all that. The 'interoperability' of ammo/mags is really nice on paper, but hardly real world reality. Traded out the old 27 for an S&W 638. Much lighter, easier to hide & I carry extra speed strips on duty just in case.
feralmerril
Absent Comrade
I carried a model 60 from about 1970 to 2002. It got stolen and I went to a model 40. I have been toying with getting that new remington 51 that they are suppose to be coming out with soon. On my model 60 I had put in a snub hammer. For whatever reason I notice that if I just put the model 40 in my pocket like I used to do with the model 60 it wants to always turn upside down. Must be I am wearing looser pants or whatever.
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I've come back to the j-frame (637 PC) after wandering thru small semi-autoland for a few years. The Bodygaurd 380 lasted more than a year as pocket carry, but was never completely comfortable with "just" 380acp. The weight difference is negligible. The button on the Crimson Trace grips is more natural than the side buttons on the BG380, too.
elm_creek_smith
US Veteran
Had a KelTec P32. Traded even to someone who really, really, re-e-e-a-a-a-ally wanted it for a nickel-plated S&W Model 37. I always carry the Model 37.
wheelman44
Member
Model 38... NEVER leave home without it
ednblue
Member
442 ready to go
Will never give up my 442 in my pocket with a Mika's pocket holster.
Holster is the best pocket holster I have found.
Custom made, and the owner of the shop calls to confirm and talk about your order.
$29.95 and it stays in the pocket when gun is drawn.
The best. Mika's Pocket Holsters - Custom Made Pocket Holsters, Waistband Holsters, Vest Holsters, Tactical Pocket Mirrors And Much More.
Will never give up my 442 in my pocket with a Mika's pocket holster.
Holster is the best pocket holster I have found.
Custom made, and the owner of the shop calls to confirm and talk about your order.
$29.95 and it stays in the pocket when gun is drawn.
The best. Mika's Pocket Holsters - Custom Made Pocket Holsters, Waistband Holsters, Vest Holsters, Tactical Pocket Mirrors And Much More.
Count me among those who did the exact opposite. I sold my G19 and used the proceeds to purchase a ca. 1971 Chief's Special and haven't looked back since. The transition was easy because the J-frame was a platform I was already very familiar with. (Okay. The G19 is arguably a compact rather than a mini, but I trusted it because it had a much better track record for reliability straight from the box than virtually all pocket sized autoloaders.)
Personally, I don't care much for the whole "J-frame vs. mini auto" debate. I don't feel a need to preach to the choir about what I rely on and don't condemn others for what they use. Ultimately, you should carry what you feel best serves your personal protection needs and practice with it until it becomes second nature.
Personally, I don't care much for the whole "J-frame vs. mini auto" debate. I don't feel a need to preach to the choir about what I rely on and don't condemn others for what they use. Ultimately, you should carry what you feel best serves your personal protection needs and practice with it until it becomes second nature.
Jim1392
US Veteran
Wow, what a great thread. I'm in the middle of considering getting a M & P Shield 9mm. I have an older J frame model 60 2 " that I used in an ankle holster for years. Now that I applied for my CCW here in North Carolina I have been considering the change even though I have never been convinced on how reliable automatics are. After reading some of the FTF, FTE, slide problems on the M & P threads, and same problems on other gun maker forums. I'm not convinced that I should make the change. And I do understand no gun is perfect. But on the other hand I'm totally confident that my j frame will work when I need it. The 442 or 642 airweights have caught my eye and are very interesting just to drop a few ounces since I would rather start carrying IWB now that I'm a few years older.
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