Best J frame for belt carry?

[Faulkner]

When I belt carry a J Frame it's either my 442 or 42 carried in a Lobo Gun Leather pancake holster.

 

[TAC]

I carry a 640-3, in a Galco FLETCH, leather, high-ride pancake, with thumb break retention.

I think the added weight of all stainless steel, and the heavier, slightly longer barrel is a plus. The extra weight isn't really an issue on the belt.

 

[Big Cholla]

My vote goes to the M 640 Pro with the night sights. I do not walk out of my house after sundown with it being on my belt. ............

 

[Jaysq]

My vote goes for the 640-1 or the 640. Here is my 640-1 in a Wright Leather Works "Predator". This holster was made for a 2" J- frame and now they make them for the 2 1/8" J-frame so the barrel would not stick out.

[/url]S&W 640-1 005crf by Jerry Jaynes, on Flickr[/IMG]

 

[Amp]

In the past, I carried the 640 no dash in my pocket. So no doubt for belt carry it would be the same or a 640 pro that I do not yet own.

 

[Flattop5]

What's everybody's favorite belt gun? 640? 649? model 60? Why do you like it and what holster do you use, and of course pics welcome.

I prefer a square butt J-frame .38 for belt carry.

But regardless of the type of J-frame, it MUST have a hammer. Hammerless J-frames are like french fries without salt and ketchup: nearly useless. If you need to take an aimed shot, it's very difficult to do without a hammer.


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[Faulkner]

I prefer a square butt J-frame .38 for belt carry.

But regardless of the type of J-frame, it MUST have a hammer. Hammerless J-frames are like french fries without salt and ketchup: nearly useless. If you need to take an aimed shot, it's very difficult to do without a hammer.


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It's not difficult at all if you are trained and know how to do it.

 

[snubbyfan]

My 442 with matching belt, holster and flashlight holder.

Just because it's concealed don't mean it's gotta be ugly.

 

[31FordA]

I belt carry my 340 M&P, don't even know it's there. The 60-7 and 640ND are also great on a belt.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Usually 642 or 37 in a Galco Combat Master holster

 

[shouldazagged]

The no-dash 640 I've pocket-carried for years has on very rare occasions been carried in a belt holster. Works fine either way. Snag-free, and with enough heft to make for quicker recovery for a second shot. For me, a good .38 Special defensive load is comforting enough to carry.

 

[Goldstar225]

For belt carry I go for my 3" 60-15 Pro. The only holsters I have for my 642 are a Mika pocket and a Galco Ankle Glove.

 

[Donn]

I'm partial to my homely, old Model 49. Right now, it's resting in a Tuff pocket holster in my cargo pocket.

 

[mrsig]

I use a M&P 340 in .357 with a CT laser but carry Buffalo Bore .38 special +P. Controllable. Works for me.

 

[Old TexMex]

Kind of a toss up for me...

 

[Beachcomber]

My "J-Frame" preference for belt carry would be my S&W 640-1 (with XS Big Dot front sight and Crimson Trace Laser Grips).

 

[oldiesradio1560]

I love my 640-3. Instead of a holster I have a Clip Draw that works Great. No issues at all.

 

[MetalMan]

Another vote for the 3", 60-15.

Mine is carried in a Milt Sparks Versa Max II IWB.

 

[Road Rat]

Just like a lot of folks here:

S&W 640-1 in a Kramer holster worn cross-draw!

 

[dirtyharry31]

Weight is an issue with any carry. Yes you can train yourself to carry the heavier "J" but you are still carrying extra weight that will get to you faster then the lighter "J"'s will. You are only getting older so why not carry what you will end up at your older age & have years with your "J" you are comfortable with? With the lighter "J" weight you can carry an extra speed loader & have 5 more rounds then the heavy "J" loaded with one speed loader.

That being said I carry a S&W 638 primarily with my S&W 340M&P as my an alternative for several reasons. I am a an excellent shot with the "J" revolver with a hammer at a 25 yard keeping my shots in an 8" paper plate (slow fire). The 638 has the concealed hammer for the option of single or double action giving me more choices/control. But another point to consider is that if you ever get into a situation that you use the "J" you will have to surrender it & might have a fight getting it back from law system. My S&W 340 M&P with an Apex trigger kit is my "dress up" piece. I carry occasionally just so she knows I love her & the fact she can take ALL 38 & 357 ammo. I am a large framed (6'4"), BIG handed guy which is why my 2 "J"'s both have the S&W Uncle Mikes extended hard rubber factory grips. I have no problems maintaining control of the 340M&P with 357 mag loads & my three fingers have full contact with the grip every time I shoot.

As for holsters I found the DeSantis Cozzy Tuck (style #28) works well with me. I am right handed & use a left hand holster in the small of my back. I find my reach back to grab the pistol is less conspicuous & easier for me grab from behind my back. And with the screw that you can adjust the tension on the retaining system of the holster to best keep her where she belongs until I need her.