$750 to spend-Which Jframe would you choose?

[Dewy12]

For our 20th anniversary my wife and I have agreed to spend $750 on each other. She wants jewelry and I want a j frame. I have a 442 for edc. There is no hurry so I can shop for a used one. What would you go for? I really like the idea of going for an older pinned barrel but how do you find one. Would you stick with gun shops or go to gunbroker? I'm open to any suggestions. Thanks,
Dewy

 

[Outlaw2013]

I would save a few more pennies and get "The One". Search results for 103061 | Slickguns

One J to rule them all. One J to find them. One J to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.


If you want to spend less and get (2), this beauty looks like a new arrival at $470-$500:

http://www.slickguns.com/search/apachesolr_search/+10186

 

[murphydog]

If you have $750 in your budget, there aren't many J frames you can't buy!

If you want another .38 Special, a model 60-4 (3" adjustable sight) would be nice. The similar 60-10 in .357. A nice model 34 or stainless 63 .22 Kit Gun. An earlier pinned barrel stainless model 60 or a -7. I could go on but others will do that for me .

Unless your local shops specialize in S & W you'll probably have to find one on the Internet. Happy hunting!

 

[vrichard]

It would be nice if you could get some thing like this Model 60 for $750.
Dick

 

[DocB]

I spent $800 last year on a 22 kit gun J frame from the 1980's and it was new/unfired in the original box. That's about all you can spend on a J frame unless you get one of the really rare ones. With the money you've got to spend you can get anything you want in a J. I think I would hunt for an older one (pinned barrel) and maybe find one in the box. You really can get 2 pretty nice ones for the money you have to spend.

 

[22hipower]

+1 for murphydog's suggestion of the 60-10 3 inch, adjustable sights, 357 assuming you want one to shoot. If you're looking for something to collect maybe one of the early Centennials or a flat latch pre 36 in excellent condition with box/etc. If you have gun shops and pawn shops in your area and aren't in a hurry something good will turn up eventually. Gun shows are good too. The hunt is half the fun. . .or more. The "for sale" side of this site often has interesting pieces and you can put a post in the "want to buy" forum once you decide what you want. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[mhl6493]

640 Pro series. Beautiful gun that's on my short list, when I save up $750...

 

[Pbchucker]

Since you already have a 442, maybe you can get a complete rig that you can carry for special events. How about budgeting 550 to 600 for a nickel or stainless gun, 90 for some nice grips, and 100 for a showpiece OWB holster.

Life is full of tough choices.

 

[RILEY31]

I have a 642 Pro series that I love it is cut for moon clips and has no lock. It is a great pocket gun and you can get one for a lot less than $750

 

[Jimmyjones]

640 no dash, mine moved my 642 to BUG status.

 

[ContinentalOp]

If I had a $750 budget I'd get either a no-dash 640 or possibly a no-lock 649 in .38 Special. I'd also get a nice set of Spegel boot grips. If there's any money left maybe have some custom gunsmithing done, like a trigger job, chamber mouth chamfering, sight work, fancy-but-tasteful engraving, etc.

 

[Rpg]

Get a nice Model 38 : pre 1982, if you find one.

You should have enough left for a first rate trigger job.

Nothing made today comes close.

 

[five shot]

Got most of my j frames in pawn shops. EDC is a 640 pro.

 

[fat tom]

A Model 36,37 or 12. The latter two are airweights,the last holds 6 instead of 5. Place a WTB ad here on the forum. You should get several quick responses and still keep some bucks in your pocket for ammo.
f.t.

 

[S&W SS Revolvers]

A Model 36,37 or 12. The latter two are airweights,the last holds 6 instead of 5. Place a WTB ad here on the forum. You should get several quick responses and still keep some bucks in your pocket for ammo.
f.t.

Find something under budget...have your love get something over budget...be patient...find something REALLY cool over budget down the road and she will not care!!

I hate jewelry personally. My wife loves it. I look at it as an investment for the future...she works really hard and I could care less what she spends...(when we were married I had to literally force her to by nice clothes for work). She's a keeper and so are the S&W's we both love over the last 20 something years. Don't buy just to buy...buy because you'll never part till death...just an old guy opinion.

 

[Rintimtin]

If the OP posts in the WTB section I have a feeling the starting price for everything is gonna be $750. [emoji33] [emoji33]

I would get a 640 Pro, or a collectible.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I'm a K-frame fan...then L then J and finally N-frames...

My J-frames are limited

First year 640 I bought for my Dad....IMO if I'm going to carry this,I rarely pocket carry, I can just as easily carry my 3" 66.

337PD for when I need a small "LIGHT" gun........for pocket carry (cargo shorts and T)

60-10; 3 inch .357.......the ultimate Kit-Gun IMO....micro-686; shotshells and .38 wadcutters to .357

Two 34.... 4 inch .22 Kit guns...... because they are .22 kit-guns

 

[Jim1392]

640 Pro is my choice. Since that's what I carry.

 

[G-Mac]

You have $750 to spend?

Get an N frame!

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Dewy12:

Congratulations to you and your wife. I'm a big believer in the New York Reload (carrying a second, loaded handgun and using it in a shooting situation rather than trying to reload my primary handgun. I try to use the same type and model of revolvers when doing so in the belief that by diminishing variability, the quality of the results should improve. With that in mind, if you like the Model 442, I'd consider buying a second one, and then spending the remaining funds to have both set up the way you want them. As an example, night sights, laser grips, holsters, etc. If you are so inclined, this may be the opportunity to have them engraved - if that floats your boat. Enclosed is a photo of my EDC (right) Model 638-1, (left) Model 38-0). Both wear Crimson Trace LG-405 laser grips, and are carried in DeSantis Nemesis pocket holsters.

Best of luck,

Dave