$750 to spend-Which Jframe would you choose?

[shutupdata113]

640 pro, 60, m&p340

 

[629shooter]

The M&P340 would be my first choice. A very close second would be a 640-1.

 

[at_liberty]

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

Really nice, vintage 31-1 in 32 SW Long, 4" with original box on GB, and I think $750 might take it. I wasn't able to crack the reserve, but didn't go that high. That is a pinned barrel model, I believe. I ended up with a 30-1 in 3" and feel very fortunate at just under $700.

Note that this caliber is a six shooter, so it could be argued it is the ideal caliber for the J-frame. It is certainly great to shoot.

 

[JohnHancock]

I EDC a 442 as well and if I had this choice, I'd go new with the m60 and used with a classic m36. As Mr. Campbell mentioned above, I would definitely get something with a hammer.

 

[LaflinRand]

A Model 40....The Centennial.

 

[M&P340]

M&P340. I got a used one for $645.

 

[HarrishMasher]

Without a doubt an M&P340. See my review here:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/412684-m-p340-best-defensive-j-frame-ever-made.html

 

[Cal44]

I'd get a 31-1 for something different. I have a 2" blue so I would look for a nickel -- maybe a 3".

 

[Riccur]

Clearly you want one of these:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...talk-me-about-these-two-guns-29-5-36-6-a.html

or

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/427232-proper-sights-model-43-a.html

 

[Toddler65]

My dad has one just like this. Mod 60 no dash. Has had 6 rounds down the pipe. Including factory test round. It lives in a holster beside his bed and one day will live in my safe. But no hurry on that.

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

 

[pete950]

A nice 60-9 357 with out a lock!!

 

[Elliot45]

If you don't go for a collectible J frame and you already have a 442, why not forgo a J frame and get a L frame, like the 686+ with a 3" barrel? It would be a lot more comfortable to shoot .357s with and it's a really cool gun. I have seen them new within your price range from time to time. Just a suggestion in thinking outside the box. Elliot45

 

[smitholdtimer]

Since there is a choice has anyone thought of the......?

The M-640-1 would be my first choice (.357 Magnum) but I would not rule out the M-631 in .32 H&R Magnum. If the .32 S&W Long was adequate years ago the H&R Mag should be now.

 

[tim c]

I really like my new 649 357 mag. gotta love those humpbacks

 

[kthom]

About a year ago, I was fortunate to find a Model 640-1. I did not necessarily want it because it is a .357 frame, but I like the Centennial style and the 2 1/8 barrel and I like the steel frame. After owning it for this while and also carrying and shooting it, it is my overall favorite J Frame. I carry J Frames on my belt, and so this one poses no problems as far as concealment goes, and the CT large rubber overmolded grips make it perfect for my purposes. I bought it because it was worth the money being asked and because it is a very seldom seen J Frame in my experience. Turns out it has been much more than just that for me. I love it, and I think anyone who likes J Frames would also like it. It might not be your favorite, but I suspect you would be very glad to own one, even given that there are lots of nice J Frames.

 

[mg357]

S&W Model 36 blued finish 2 inch barrel.

 

[ridgewalker]

We need more info about you Dewy. What use do you think you want it for? What area of the country are you?

I think you have a great carry gun. If you want to go with a current J frame model, then I think I agree with all the 640 Pro, M&P340, 649, second 442 recommendations. I might add a 60 Pro (3 inch barrel) to that list. If you want to stray from J and carry, I think the 386 NG is pretty awesome.

If it must stay J and you want to go vintage then I would say get something with a longer barrel (3,4, or 5 inch) and with a hammer. I think that would be the most fun for your $$$.

Good Luck and let us know what you end up with.

 

[m4user]

Two ideas:
Model 940 - same profile as your current 442 but shoots 9mm out of full moon clips. I love mine and it reloads faster than using speed loaders. There is some collector value there too.
Model 34 - a great little plinker in .22LR built on the J frame.

 

[G-Mac]

The first S&W that I ever bought, the only one I've ever bought new, and probably the last one I'd sell....my humble little 649....

 

[DocB]

Model 31

Got this nice little Model 31 last month for $370. . .nickel and brand new in the box from 1976. I like the 32 with the Buffalo Bore ammo. You really can get 2 J Frames for the money you have to spend.