Back to the J...

[Smithluver]

Better and gun om hand than in the safe

I hope you locate something that you like. I'd suggest one of the S&W 642 Airweights. I switched a couple of years back from a Ruger SP-101 much for the same reason as you stated. The Ruger was not a great choice for summer and I never really felt "comfortable" carring the Ruger due to its weight.

I did however find the S&W 642 a bit of a "biter" at the range. As I work really hard to try and get 50 rounds out my EDC each month I had to switch to a better grip. Nothing wrong with the boot grip that came on the weapon but over time I felt a gentler grip would prevent "Range Dread".

Attaching pic for your review as it makes it a little clear as to what I ended up with.

 

[IvanW]

What front sights are available for the 640-1?

I put an XS Big Dot front sight on my 640. I like it a lot.

 

[Frizzman]

Simple...Reliable...Compact...Potent...The snub Colt/S&W/Ruger/Taurus/Rossi/etc. are all useful and come in myriad models that offer flexibility and can tolerate a wide range of ammo levels. The are easy to conceal and there are lots of ways to carry them...My daily companion is usually a 640-1 with DeSantis Clip Grips. If I want the fastest reload, I carry my 337ti. One can carry one on each side for access with either hand. I like to carry the 337 on the ankle making it easy to draw when seated or maybe on my back...The snub revolver can be emptied quickly while in contact with an attacker...They require a bit more practice to become proficient with them but that isn't difficult..I think these revolvers are good choices for most civilian carriers.

 

[kaaskop49]

An awful lot of knowledgeable pros on this thread. I know I've written this before, but it applies here, also. It's all about getting that 1st round on target. It may be all you need. If a bigger grip helps, be my guest. For every Jack, there's a Jill. I've written that before, too.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[cometpx4]

J FRAME

I have tried to carry every platform out there and come back to the J frame every time. Right now I have a 60-9 no lock .357, a 438 Airweight, a 337 .38 , and a 360PD with a factory Hi Viz front sight. One of the lightweights is in my pocket anytime i go out.
In the last 3 months I have practiced a ton with them and manageable .38 defense rounds (I do not shoot magnums out of them, and rarely even +P .38's). I have absolute confidence that at realistic self defense distances (10 yards and in) I could put 5 shots into the 9/10x area if I had to.
The J frame is my carry platform from here on out.

 

[Mambeaux]

I put an XS Big Dot front sight on my 640. I like it a lot.

Will you please post more pictures of that sight? Is that the larger one?

 

[IvanW]

Will you please post more pictures of that sight? Is that the larger one?

Yes, it is the larger one. I tried to get a good close-up of it. Hope that helps.

 

[TeaDub]

I love my J-frames. I'm up to three now (two airweights and an older 640 no dash). Normally my 642 gets the nod as it's nearly the perfect combination of size, power and ease of use.

While the airweight is sharp on recoil, I have found a company that sells inexpensive "cowboy", softer shooting ammo that matches the bullet weight of my carry ammo. I also use a couple of coats of acrylic model paint in fluorescent red applied to the front sight. An inexpensive, pretty durable "fix" to an improved sight picture.

 

[Riflemann]

I sold my 40 Shield a few weeks ago and bought a new 642CT, I could not be happier. I could not shoot any groups with the Shield that I was happy with, with the 642 I put them all into a 3" circle at 30 feet all day long. Before you jump to conclusions about shooting a 40, I shoot a FS M&P40, and a M&P40 CORE real good, I just couldn't warm up to the Shield.

 

[Fchewy]

I have tried Shields, Lc9's, Kahrs and others but for pocket carry to me the J has it also have a Lcr and the grip is just a little bit bigger so in some pockets it won't work so... i pick up the J. I am thinking about getting another Shield but it won't be for the pocket.

 

[jeeps]

No thanks to plastic bottom feeder's.I like the SW 640-1 with forged inner's and and no-lock. A 442 no-lock is good as well as the Colt detective.The 642 no-lock is nice but for the weak finish.The Gold Standard in protection is the snubbys.

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

No thanks to plastic bottom feeder's.I like the SW 640-1 with forged inner's and and no-lock. A 442 no-lock is good as well as the Colt detective.The 642 no-lock is nice but for the weak finish.The Gold Standard in protection is the snubbys.

^^^^You might be a J-hound when you say this.^^^^^

 

[petepeterson]

^^^^You might be a J-hound when you say this.^^^^^

Don't pretend you haven't been hanging out with your new "K" friends, Shorty! Playin' both sides of the fence. Like a Red Sox and Yankees' fan!

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Don't pretend you haven't been hanging out with your new "K" friends, Shorty! Playin' both sides of the fence. Like a Red Sox and Yankees' fan!

I'm fickle, if it has a 2.5" or less barrel and is a .38, I just can't help myself. Plus it's a reason to buy more snubs.

 

[oldguyshoot]

640 Pro and 340 PD. Purchased an XS Big Dot front for the 340 PD, but haven't gotten around to taking it to the gunsmith for installation.

640 Pro is for IWB and 340 is for IWB or summer pocket carry in cargo shorts.

I used to own an M&P 340 - great choice, too, but I love the extra lightness of the PD. Used to own a 442 - also good. Wife has an Airweight with external hammer and pink grips.

The only real advice you need besides "buy a J-frame" is "buy some CT lasergrips to go with it". It's amazing how much these can help, especially if firing 357s. My M&P 340 had the longer CT grips, and it was a great combo. I hope to add CTs to my current Js as soon as I get over the cost of the guns themselves

Can't go wrong with the letter J.

 

[armybass]

I have always been a fan of the classic J's but my family and I have been converted to owning and carrying modern J's in the past year. My mom has the 642 and my wife and I carry the 638. I liked the new J's so much that I picked up a new 640 Pro series on 12/31/14. I pocket carry the 638 and the 640 is in the night stand. I have always loved and carried the larger frame guns but as I get older I too prefer the light weight/more convenient J frames.

 

[Brian41]

I carry a 37 with factory bobbed hammer and am quite pleased with it. I pocket carry it in a Galco pocket holster as I gave up on an Uncle Mikes when it molded to gun and started coming out of the pocket with the gun.
I have a 36 and 49 too but prefer the lighter weight of the 37. I'm not sure I'd want to shoot anything lighter than it either.
My 37 was part of a run a few years ago without the IL and some of those may still be around.
Good luck on finding a J frame you'll like.

 

[Cal44]

38 caliber isn't your only choice in J frames.

There is also 32, and you get one more shot.

Here is my 31-1 with Buffalo Bore ammo shown: