Alloy framed J frames

[leemar28]

I've been reading with much interest the threads about light weight J frames. I shoot and carry a model 38 , and a 3" model 60.in .357
I'm curious as to what alloyed frames are the strongest. Are the Scandium framed guns going to hold up as well as the steel framed guns ?
My model 38 is loaded with 3 grs of Bullseye and either a 148 gr HBWC , or a 158 gr SWC.
The model 60 is shot regularly with 6 gr of Unique and a 158 SWC. Have shot full house loads out of it , but just to try them. Both guns are still tight.
Just looking at saving a few more ounces for a every day carry........

 

[colt_saa]

I LOVE the alloy framed Smith & Wesson snubbies. Now in my older years I carry a Model 340 as my daily personal protection. I currently own 12 alloy framed Smith & Wesson snubbies. Most of these are Scandium alloy revolvers. Among them is a pair of M 2" Model 340s.

A Model 340 or 360 is roughly 10 ounces or 40% lighter than a similarly chambered model 60 or 640

One of my two Model 340s has just about 7,000 full power FACTORY Remington 357 Magnums through it. Neither has ever had any of the 3 shorter and less powerful rounds fired in them and both are still going strong after 20+ years of service

Probably 100 of my associates have used my Model 340 to shoot the off duty qualification course. About 2/3 of them qualified and about 1/2 now own Model 340s as BUGs

That being said, you need to realize that light weight has trade off with the Smith & Wesson design.

Since the introduction of alloy framed snubbies about 75 years ago, ALL alloy framed Smith & Wesson revolvers from the J-frame up to the N-frame are much more prone to frame cracks then their carbon steel or stainless steel counterparts.

This frame crack is not a catastrophic failure and in a life threatening situation I would not hesitate to use one for an additional hundred or so rounds. I would replace a revolver with the crack as soon as I learned of it.

EVEN if purchasing a NEW alloy framed revolver from the Factory, you must inspect it for the crack BEFORE your fill out your 4473.

I have seen a Model 327 come into the shop with a cracked frame.

This crack is not an issue that the Factory will repair, but they will replace the firearm or offer a credit toward a different model

 

[cerescorubi]

I think the J Frame Air Weight and Scandium Frame guns are terrific and though the recoil with 158 grain full power .357 is strong I don't think it is hard to control after you practice with it. The increase in energy even with the short barrel is often double 38 Special +P and worth the extra effort.

 

[Old cop]

I’ve been carrying the air weight J Frames since my 1968 rookie year. The current EDC is a no-lock 340PD in a pocket holster, but loaded w/+P for better control. I did p/u the LCP Max recently but the 340PD is lighter & easier to carry.