Best J Frame

Old cop · #51 01-14-2012, 08:03 PM

I alternate between an old flat latch Model 38 (no dash) and a no lock 442 in satin nickle. My colt cobra from 1968 has been retired to the safe and only comes out for the range once in awhile. Currently contemplating a no lock Model 340 M&P.

Ralph G. Briscoe · #52 01-14-2012, 09:51 PM

I have several J-frames....36, 49, 442, 642, 34, 632. My favorite...the most versatile and most fun to shoot... is the 632 hands down. I bought it for my wife who is recoil-sensitive to replace the 36 as her nightstand gun. It's a great combination range (adjustable sights) and defense gun.
You can handload 76 grain cast bullets for plinking that are quieter than a .22 lr and accurate. Her defense load is an 85gr JHP travelling at 1200fps (using .32 mag cases). It's a serious load that's comfortable to shoot all day. Haven't tried .327 mag in it yet...no need to but nice to have the option. My first .32 and I can't say enough good things about it.

gwing44 · #53 01-23-2012, 01:51 PM

My wife and I both have S&W 642's, rated for +P ammo, and not to bad of a price, and a gun you would carry.

TNFrank · #54 01-23-2012, 02:07 PM

I like em' all except for the shrouded hammer models. Forgot where I read it but I did read that if you pocket carry one of the shrouded hammer models that link can collect behind the hammer and stop the gun from running. Open hammer or fully enclosed(like my M642) doesn't have that problem.
Personally, I like the M642, enclosed hammer since you can fire it from your pocket if need be and being DAO it's pretty much "Court Proof", no way to say you had the hammer back and had an AD because of the "hair trigger" Single Action mode. JMHO, YMMV.

cjtraining · #55 01-23-2012, 04:45 PM

These are my carry guns.

My wife's carry gun and one of mine.

ltxi · #56 01-23-2012, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chief38

Obviously this is one mans opinion, but here goes..........

The best J-frame that S&W EVER built is the Model 60-7. The 60-7 was built in the mid 90's and was the first gun specifically heat treated for +P ammo. The front sight is wider, the trigger is wider and smooth (no grooves), the top strap slightly beefier and it was the strongest J-frame they ever made PRE- LOCK! It also has classic features like the pinned cylinder stop, the hammer mounted firing pin, the classic style cylinder release and Magna Walnut stocks. Did I mention there is NO lock?!! They are compact, light weight, fully controlable with even heavy +P ammo and are still available in excellent condition for less than a current production copy. They are also the smoothest and most well built J's they ever made.

Now the minuses regarding the newer J-Frames.......

They are made with the frame mounted firing pin, MIM (cast) parts, INTERNAL LOCK, rubber grips, integral (ugly) cylinder stop, heavier and some are chambered for .357 cartridges. Now you might say that being able to fire 357's out of a Chief's Special is a plus.......that is until you actually fire 357's out of one. The J-Frames are not really practical for the 357 cartridge, and most people that fire them in a J frame only do it once. 9 times out of 10 they will usually use +P loads, so that being the case, why carry the extra weigh and bulk?

Basically the 60-7 is everything you want and nothing you don't in a perfect CCW weapon.

YMMV

Regards,
Chief38

A bit late to this picnic, but I gotta add that I agree. If I had to pick only one, this is it. I have a 60-7 in Ladysmith trim. Bought it used, like new in the mid-late '90s. Bobbed the hammer, tuned it to down to about 8.5 pounds, added boot grips, and have carried it ever since....maybe 11 or 12 years of that as a primary concealed weapon. It's one of only two non-LW J-frames I own, the other being a 940. And I suspect those two will be pretty much it.

MR.G · #57 01-23-2012, 10:07 PM

I have had a couple dozen J frames over the years. I like them all, but prefer the 60 in .357.

Tyrod · #58 01-23-2012, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Forgot where I read it but I did read that if you pocket carry one of the shrouded hammer models that link can collect behind the hammer and stop the gun from running.

I was told that slot back there was for depositing a dime every time you want to shoot it.

TNFrank · #59 01-24-2012, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyrod

I was told that slot back there was for depositing a dime every time you want to shoot it.

Probably a quarter today with inflation.

vytoland · #60 01-24-2012, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete99004

I've got the bug to purchase a J frame...

Goal is to buy something that is fun to shoot, versatile for both the range, home protection and CC...Oh, and something the wife will like to shoot.

Pete

S&W model 649; model 649-1; model 649-2, .38 special.

rickyboy · #61 01-24-2012, 08:35 AM

Mine,and my favorite is a 60-15.

mag318 · #62 01-24-2012, 01:14 PM

My favorite J frame is the Model 60 I bought in 1966 prior to my first visit to Viet Nam. But DAMN S&W keeps introducing more and more great J frames. My new 632 3" in 327 Magnum has really impressed me with it's versatile chambering. And I just bought a 43c in 22LR that is a true fun gun. There are so many great J frames both new and old it's hard to claim just one as the favorite. Nostalgia aside, if today I had to pick just one it would be the 632.

Rapidray · #63 01-24-2012, 01:22 PM

That is easy. The one you have! In my case, it would be the Model 49.

Lobster Picnic · #64 01-24-2012, 07:24 PM

60-4 - 38 Special, 3" barrel with full underlug, target hammer, target trigger, adjustable rear sights, full-length extractor, no lock, no MIM.

Excellent trigger, shoots like a pussycat, has K-frame accuracy. Works well for carry, home defense, the firing range or the trail.

photoman · #65 01-25-2012, 07:19 PM

My latest favorite...

Jeb21 · #66 01-25-2012, 09:25 PM

Another vote for the 649. All steel easy to shoot easy to carry. Snag resistant hammer but still have the option to shoot single action. My most commonly carried weapon.

Ranger98 · #67 01-25-2012, 09:37 PM

Also..The 637-2

SOUTHPAW · #68 01-25-2012, 11:21 PM

Right now.....In this order 640-1 (357mag.).... Then my 37-2 (DAO w/Bobb Hammer) and last but not least...My 640 (No-dash)

Lanyard Stretcher · #69 01-25-2012, 11:39 PM

My favorite is the only J frame I own. A S&W 642

.

Mike

Pete99004 · #70 01-26-2012, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Photoman44

My latest favorite...

I like that pocket holster - who made it?

Pete

shep854 · #71 01-26-2012, 04:55 PM

As said, it's hard to go wrong with any J-frame; just beware of the gimmicks. Stick with steel or aluminum alloy, and you've got a gun that will be around for generations. Ultra-light scandium and titanium are well & good, but you pay with every shot! Another recommendation to stick with .38s; the .357 is just too brutal in these tiny packages.