The humble J frame

[Glenn R. McMannly]

I have to admit my slight preference for the Ruger LCR.

Despite its ugliness, the trigger is smoother, the sights are easier to modify, and the gun is nearly corrosion proof and weighs an ounce less than an Airweight.

Loaded with 5 rounds of Golden Sabers, with 5 on a strip in a pouch, and carried in a Robert Mika pocket holster, I can’t imagine wanting or needing anything else for a legitimate civil defensive action.

It’s not my job to hunt bad guys, or save the world. I trust the reliability of the snubbed nosed revolver and no better “git offa me” gun is there extant. As far as firepower, the Rule of Three says 3 yards 3 shots 3 seconds. Plenty of firepower.

 

[max503]

I had a bad experience with my S&W 638. It taught me revolvers are not beyond failure. Now I'll often carry a Glock.

 

[rockquarry]

I had a bad experience with my S&W 638. It taught me revolvers are not beyond failure. Now I'll often carry a Glock.

I suppose anything mechanical can fail, but it's pretty unlikely with an S&W revolver that hasn't been modified or tampered with. I've been shooting many J-frames for more than fifty years without troubles of any kind, so I'm curious as to problems others have experienced. What happened?

 

[skywag]

When I carry, it is this Ladysmith.......357 Mag
Question? What makes it a "Lady?"

 

[rockquarry]

When I carry, it is this Ladysmith.......357 Mag
Question? What makes it a "Lady?"

The inscription on the side.

 

[DirtyHairy]

I totally agree. I've only had my carry permit a little over 2 years now. Spent most of that time trying to figure out what works best for me.
I've had my 642 for over 20 years. More of a safe queen than anything else. I used it when I got my carry permit. When it came time for me to show I could handle a gun I was really disappointed in my accuracy with it. They said I was a pretty good shot but I knew better. 50 rounds on the target and it looked like I opened up on it with a shotgun. No grouping at all.
I started looking for a semi auto to carry. Tried several but soon found they are just so uncomfortable to carry every day. Tried several holsters. Iwb, owb just didn't work for me. Just not going to wear a shoulder holster or belly band.
Went back to my 642 and with a lot of practice have gotten pretty good with it. I have a lot more confidence in it and myself now. But' I'm still working to improve my Ability with it. Guess I always will.
Put it in a cheap $7 pocket holster from amazon and I love it. So comfortable in jeans or shorts that sometimes I forget it's there.
For me "Just me" round count is not near as important as Ability.

Which semi-auto's did you try? Yesterday at a local range I rented a standard Springfield Hellcat, and when taking my time I was able to put 5 rounds within about 2 inches at 10 yards. The thing is so small I can't imagine someone not being able to find a comfortable way to carry it. Also holds 12 rounds which was nice.

 

[Dump1567]

As much as I love the J, I'm really liking the Kimber K6s. I see it as kind of a modern Detective Special. And you get 6 rounds.

But in all honesty, I've never been one to just carry a J. And have always thought of it as a back-up gun.

But I'm not one to tell someone what to carry or what works for them. We all have to decide that on our own.

My current J choices to carry.

 

[DirtyHairy]

My rule when it comes to CC has always been to carry as much firepower as you comfortably can.*

Depending on your mood, attire, etc. "comfortably" might range between a full size Beretta, 1911, etc. down to a small poly semi.

I define firepower as sum of ft-lbs of energy loaded in the firearm. I usually say minimum of 5 rounds, and if you are on the low end, ideally the rounds should have the word "magnum" or +P. This also may depend on the situation, we have property up in Northern MI where bears may be of concern.

The asterisk (*) implies that you also should be able to hit what you are aiming at with whatever is up for consideration.

This is just my personal philosophy.

 

[haywood]

I’ve liked the J-Frames for a lot of years. Always have one in my pocket, no matter what else I’m carrying.

 

[Old cop]

I p/u the LCP Max several months ago and it shoots great, no problems, but for some reason it mostly sits in the safe & I carry my 340PD in a pocket holster. My OIS street experiences all involved my issued thirty-eight (to include reloading under fire) so that’s where my confidence lies in retirement.