If You Were Going to Buy Your Very 1st J-Frame What Would You Pick?

[s3dcor]

The 360SC (not shown in this old photo) is the most versatile of the lot, light weight, .38/.357 capability. Glad I don't get to have only one...

 

[ginzo]

Is this what a gaggle of guns looks like? Is that the right word? LOL

I gotta buy some more......

The 360SC (not shown in this old photo) is the most versatile of the lot, light weight, .38/.357 capability. Glad I don't get to have only one...

 

[MaxS]

I bought a 638 and installed an APex spring kit in it. I loved it so much that I bought a 438, a 642 and a 442. Turns out I had trouble seeing the sights on the blue guns, so I sold the 438 and 442. And I'm always carrying the 638, so I sold the 642. I'll buy another 638 when I find one for a good price, just to have a 'backup' of my favorite gun.

I've got 'humpback disease' baaad.

 

[Richard Simmons]

I'd purchase a nice, used, M49 with factory stocks and add a Tyler T-Grip along with several boxes of 158gr., LSWCHP +P ammo and a good quality holster, (IWB, pocket, ankle, etc). Once I had those items it would be off to the range to get familiar with everything after which my M49 and I would become pretty much inseparable. That's the "What" part of my answer.

As far as the "Why", well that's easy. I feel that five rounds of .38 Special is sufficient for most self defense scenarios I envision based on my lifestyle, location, etc. The 158gr, +P LSWCHP load was chosen based on reported performance in real world use as well as my personal preference. The M49 was chosen because I like the way the hammer is covered, (no snags when drawing from a pocket or under a covering garment) and it still allows for SA operation if desired. The only thing I might change would be to go with a 3" M49 if I could find one.

 

[dr. K]

A 640 in .357. The 640 because it's stainless steel and can absorb recoil well. It's a Centennial design, so you'll be able to learn to manage the long, heavy double-action trigger pull for defensive shooting during practice sessions without being tempted to revert to single-action target shooting skills that are inappropriate for most self defense scenarios. I recommend the .357 not because .357 is fun to shoot in a small revolver, but because that chambering gives you the flexibility to try out hotter or lighter rounds of .38, .38+p, or .357 as much as you like until you find what's right for your needs, interests, and abilities. Once you've mastered that, keep the 640 and/or start trying out lighter models or ones that have the single action option. Just my 2 cents.

 

[mbliss57]

Your original post is pretty spot on. 638. My favorite pocket carry. Of course the model 38 (Blued) is just as nice and can be had for about the same price if you don't like the internal lock. I also like and carry the 649/49 in a holster. However, you really can't go wrong with any J frame.
36/37, 40/42..I have all of them and rotate them out. MY no lock 649-3 is my favorite no IL .357 J frame.

 

[shawn mccarver]

642, without question. No lock, of course.

 

[straightshooter1]

MaxS-Humpback disease, I like it.

Any J-frame will work fine.

I have a couple of the 642s (Pre-lock of course) and a Pre-Model 36, any of which is concealable, relatively light in weight, and, with the ammunition now available, will certainly do a more than adequate job of self-defense.

I have always enjoyed just shooting them. They are a lot more accurate than many novels would have you believe, at a far greater distance and their recoil is not that intimidating.

I love J-frames!

Bob

 

[Mister X]

Probably a no-lock 642. Best bang for the buck IMO.

If they made a no-lock standard 640, I would strongly consider one of those. I dislike the pro-series.

I might also consider a no-lock 340 M&P if they released one without the night sight, although I think they are way overpriced and not sure I could justify the price.

 

[stantheman86]

The first J that I bought was a mid 1980's production Model 60 1 7/8". Got it for a good deal at a Gander Mt. of all places, great basic no-frills carry gun, very small, very light, no need for an Airweight this thing was light enough in an IWB or OWB holster. My Dad admired it lots so I gave it to him when I got a .38 SP101. He later got an Airweight Bodyguard so maybe I'll ask for the 60 back

The 60 wasn't very fun to shoot even with standard .38, but it's not a range gun. Very handy for carry and definitely a "5 for sure" gun. I have a 4" 31-1 and love .32 Long, I am on the hunt for a mechanically solid, not so much cosmetically good 30 1 7/8" for carry.

 

[KarmannGhia]

My first J frame was a Mod 34 (was not for carry, but for everything else) back in 1987. My second was Mod 649 in 1993, then several years later joined by my 642 in 1999. Still have all three and they will be handed down to my adult kids when I can no longer lift them up.

Get the one you want the most, wait then get the next most wanted, repeat as necessary.

 

[gmiller0737]

My choice would be the same as I already have a Model 60-7 I don't care for the new production guns or .357 clambering in a J frame,My 2nd choice would be a Model 36 from the same vintage

 

[SC_Mike]

For carry I have the three of the SW 640 no dash. All stainless steel, internal hammers, rugged, compact. I tried the 642/442 and they served me well, but I just like a steel gun.

 

[BC38]

A snubby model 60-9 would probably be my first choice if I were shopping for my first j-frame. I believe that was the first S&W J-frame chambered for 357.

I bought my model 60 from a member here when I was still pretty new to S&W and thought all model 60's were chambered for 357. I was pretty disappointed to find that it wasn't.

I like having that ammo flexibility. I also like the lower maintenance of stainless for carrying, and I prefer the-recoil taming extra weight of an all steel gun.

 

[Culdesac]

Model 60-14.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

My first J-frame was the wonderful 60-4 3" .38 Special with target sights and target trigger. But with the full underlug barrel it's not a carry gun.

For carry I went down the path less traveled, the 7-shot 351C in .22 Magnum. It 's super loud and has the stiffest trigger imaginable, but hey - 2 more shots and it floats in my pocket.

 

[snubbyfan]

It'd be favorite carry gun, my 442. It's my little buddy and goes with me everywhere I go. It's also my favorite range gun. It's been modified so I can still shoot it with my peripheral neuropathy.

 

[Watchdog]

If You Were Going to Buy Your Very 1st J-Frame What Would You Pick?

That's easy. An older one from maybe back in the sixties or early seventies.

My reasons? I like older guns. I subscribe to the idea that they really don't make 'em like they used to. And if you're a good enough shot, you don't need +P, anyway.

 

[ZBill]

I recommend the "old" Model 36 with the heavy 3" barrel. Very nice balance and the extra length barrel does not cause me any additional carry issues. May be hard to find.

 

[rattlesnakedaddy]

For me, it would have to be a S&W 442. I prefer the shrouded hammer, and have no need for a .357 j frame. Otherwise, I'd probably want the M&P 340.

RSD