Anyone else prefer the heft of a steel j frame?

[.38SuperMan]

Another fan of steel J’s. I bought a new 640 ND not long after they came out and have carried it off and on ever since. I owned a 442 for one range trip and promptly traded it. Couldn’t handle the snap to the wrist. I swore I’d never buy another LW gun but did buy an almost pristine M37 in nickel. It’s more eye candy than anything though.

I like more heft too and carry a Detective Special occasionally and may start carrying my new Cobra when on driving trips. On occasion I’ll carry a 3” 1911 in 9mm depending on the mood.

 

[Bill In Texas]

I prefer the steel j frames also. I have a 640-1 that's been my edc for a number of years now. Just picked up a model 60 no dash that I've been carrying lately. I do own a 642, but it's job is to be the backup to the other two.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Own several Js. 642 loaded with +P out in my SUV right now.
And yes, the steel frames are more comfortable to shoot.
If you only have one J Frame and may be a little recoil sensitive,
Steel Frame? Absolutely!
Been there, done that? Shot everything?
Got more guns than you actually shoot?
Then having an alloy J Frame or more is not that big a deal!

 

[6GUNSONLY]

I carry a no dash 60 every day. I don't have an alloy J frame but have shot them. I wouldn't rule one out, but I'm pretty happy with my old M-60.

 

[pasound]

I have a 60, and also a 637, 36, 38, and a 60-15. Only the 60 is comfortable to carry and shoot regularly. The 36 is close. Heavier steel is a good thing.

 

[S-W4EVER]

You should have bought them both (if you can afford it, of course). You’ll never lose your money on a J frame.

 

[BB57]

I definitely prefer the steel J frame and steel J-Magnum frame revolvers.

They make a .38+P self defense load comfortable to shoot, and they make a .357 Magnum load tolerable to shoot.

 

[ruger 22]

I much prefer steel. I pocket carry a 649-2.

 

[Biggfoot44]

I like and recommend default steel J frame . It's an example of " as light as possible " vs " suitably light for most intended purposes .

To give their due , an M37 in good ankle holster was all but unnoticeable , steel J , you knew something was there , but certainly very viable .

To dig deeper - A .357 M640 is comparatively hefty , but a M36 .38 Spl is Just Right .

For belt/ IWB/ Shoulder the couple oz for steel is unnoticeable , but significant in the shooting of it .

 

[lawandorder]

Steel, always steel.

 

[SuperMan]

Have had about a dozen S&W snubbies over the last 50 years...most have been steel... Of the four alloy frame guns two had cracks under the barrel. No more for me...

The only two I have left are a 60-1 with adjustable sights and a 649-2 and plan on no more...

Bob

 

[gwpercle]

For shooting at the range ... All Steel is Great .

For everyday carry ... Airweight wins that contest .
My rule - Shoot steel but carry Light .

Gary

 

[Donn]

Another vote for all steel. Have two J's, Model 36 and 49.

 

[loeman]

Its steel for me. Model 649-3 in .357 and in years long gone by a Model 49.

 

[Duckford]

I kinda like the heft of a steel N frame myself, but to each his own....

 

[bmcgilvray]

Absolutely!

Steel for me. There's nothing that I can admire about aluminum as a material for firearms construction. I loathe it as much as I do plastic.

Bought a new Model 642 in 1998 to try it out. It'd be long gone except for the fact that Mrs. BMc adopted it.

 

[heeter3]

Both are great guns Grimjaws.I have a 442 and 3 steel model 36s a 2 in and 2 /3ins.Both models have their pros and cons for carry situations but you can't go wrong with either.Your rationale on the 60 is spot on for as you said you can get a442 anytime.Enjoy your new revolver it is a classic.

 

[haywood]

I like the lightweight. I put rubber grips on and they shoot just fine. A J-Frame is in my pocket every day

 

[rockquarry]

The actual "felt" difference between a loaded alloy-framed J-frame and a loaded steel one is slight at best.

 

[Tadeus67]

My model 49, is a constant companion