Ideal J frame?

[lihpster]

If you had to pick one of the J frames to represent them all, say in a really small museum, which would you pick? What is the quintessential J frame? Explain your choice, please. Because my daddy had one is a valid reason. Also, give barrel length, grips, etc. for your choice. I put it in this category but feel free to put forth pre-war choices or brand new PC options. I'm just looking for the most J framey J frame. For instance, if it was a K frame I was asking about I would expect the M&P/Mod. 10 to run away with it. But I would expect some response from the 15 and 19 fans. Same with 27/29/25 for the N. So what say ye?

 

[two-bit cowboy]

First, there's no such thing as a prewar J-frame.

The first J-frame was a .38 S&W Special caliber (didn't have a name yet). It was serial number 6 and was delivered to S&W president C.R. Hellstrom on October 27, 1950. It had a 2" barrel and probably prewar service grips and a prewar thumbpiece, but we don't know for sure.

That's my pick to answer your question -- "the quintessential" J-frame, simply because it was the first one!

 

[lihpster]

First, there's no such thing as a prewar J-frame.

The first J-frame was a .38 S&W Special caliber (didn't have a name yet). It was serial number 6, and delivered to S&W president C.R. Hellstrom on October 27, 1950.

That's my pick to answer your question -- "the quintessential" J-frame, simply because it was the first one!

I meant the war between me and the squirrels. Yeah, that's it. Started in '75, I think it was. That's the ticket.

 

[jjmIII_Ruger]

Ill answer in picture form...

M36 Round Butt

 

[flgolfer29]

Ill answer in picture form...

M36 Round Butt

I second this [emoji3595]

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk

 

[crazyphil]

I believe the 642/442 is the most popular J Frame. 642 is stainless and
442 is not. 642-1 like mine shown here is built on the J Magnum frame
so is +P rated. 2" barrel or 3".

 

[JH1951]

I think the answer to your question lies in the eyes of the beholder. We all have different leanings, even within the circle of J-frame collectors. As for me, I agree with Bob, "the quintessential" J-frame would be SN 6, the first one off the line.
Knowing I will never have that one, I have satisfied my itch with one that was shipped August, 1951 (birth year piece). There are differences between mine and the earlier ones (cylinder release for one), but the classic looks are very similar. I really like the looks of the 1/2 round front sight, round butt, 2" barrel, and combination of blue carbon steel and walnut.
Here's a picture of SN 101:

 

[STCM(SW)]

I prefer a S&W Magnum myself....

 

[SuperMan]

...Model 36 or 60...

My favorite however has always been The Bodyguard...649 for me...

 

[edubbie]

I like my 438. I like the hammer cover but stall able to cock the hammer to do some SA shooting if I want. Price was right as well.

 

[scruffy]

M60 Chief's Special

 

[Donn]

My homely, old Model 49, with Pachmyr grips. Rescued it from my LGS used gun showcase. Best part? I'm good with it

 

[petepeterson]

I would pick the 60, due to it being the first stainless model, but still having the classic "36" look.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Like this one?

 

[ImDrRich]

Good question. There are so many pre-lock S&Ws I might pick, but after some thought it would be this one of mine:

 

[redlevel]

I will go with the Model 60, although I love all of them.

Specially if the 60 is adorned with a set of bigmtman's grips!

 

[MetalMan]

I have a very small collection (accumulation?) of S&W's and, by far, J-frames are my favorite.

If I had to pick just one, it would be this 1968 vintage Model 36.

The Model 60 is my current EDC.

 

[tommy F]

M60 38spl with 1.8" barrel or maybe 640 or 642. I even miss my M36 w bobbed hammer. They are great!!

 

[max503]

This one. Light, powerful, durable, RELIABLE, and accurate. Made to be shot through a pocket or cocked single-action and bench-rested. Slips into the depths of a pocket for deep concealment or hooked on the edge of the pocket for instant access. I can't think of anything I would use in it's place for EDC.

 

[kpoesq369]

I prefer the 3 inchers. I have a 3" 36, and a 3" 60 in 357. On the 3" the ejector rod is long enough to clear a casing from the cylinder.