airman
WW II Vet
I worried too about what my hands and wrist can stand. I've found that I can handle the 642 and +P for a little while. A bigger grip like the Hogue Monogrip works wonders.
Best j frame for pocket carry ?
- Thread starter HJHMD
- Start date
Jim,
The best J-frame for pocket carry may not be the best choice for you to carry. You do not mention how severe your arthritis is or what joints it is affecting.
The best J-frame for pocket carry would be any of the Centennial revolvers with their internal hammer. It does not matter if they are constructed of stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum alloy or scandium alloy.
Some of them are in my J-frame group photo.
However, depending on how severe your arthritis is a different model J-frame may be best for you.
While no two revolvers produced are precisely identical, all standard production J-frames will have very similar trigger pulls new out of the box. The force needed for cylinder release will also be fairly similar new out of the box.
Triggers improve the more that they are pulled. This allows all of he parts to smooth out and settle in. This process can be accelerated by a good trigger job.
If your arthritis is bad in the joints of the fingers, you probably need to stay away from the concealed hammer Centennial model and look at the shrouded hammer Bodyguard model. This will allow the revolver to be thumb cocked thus greatly reducing the force needed to pull the trigger.
If the finger joints are fine, then stick with a Centennial.
If the wrist has an arthritis issue, then you will want to stick with firearms constructed of heavier materials so that the recoil pulse transfered to the palm of your hand and wrist joint is minimized. The would lead you to a stainless steel or carbon steel choice.
If the wrist is fine then you can choose an alloy revolver that will be easier to carry.
You might want to find a local shooting emporium that rents firearms so that you can get some hands on experience with what is available in the marketplace. It will also alloy you to try various ammunition choices.
As to caliber choice, I would go with a 357 or 38 special simply for the enormous variety of ammunition available from the manufacturers.
Unless you are terribly recoil sensitive due you your arthritis, in which case you should be looking at something other than a J-frame, I would not choose a 327 magnum or a 22. I would rather carry a 38 special light target wad cutter than any 22 loading available.
Double-O-Dave
US Veteran
Jim,
I also suffer from arthritis in both hands and both wrists have had surgical repairs for injuries. I have good days and some that are not so good. For the days where I'm not doing so well, I use a Model 632 in .32H&R Magnum chambering. It's a six-shot, Centenial style revolver (concealed hammer). If possible, I carry a .32ACP caliber Seecamp in the off-side pocket for back-up so I don't have to worry about the cylinder release. My usual daily carry pistol is a Model 642 in .38 Special. There is a lot to be said for the 148gr. wadcutters as a defensive round. Also, I highly recommend the Crimson Trace LG-405 laser grips. They have a air pocket built in the back of the grip that helps reduce the pain from recoil.
Best of luck,
Dave
I also suffer from arthritis in both hands and both wrists have had surgical repairs for injuries. I have good days and some that are not so good. For the days where I'm not doing so well, I use a Model 632 in .32H&R Magnum chambering. It's a six-shot, Centenial style revolver (concealed hammer). If possible, I carry a .32ACP caliber Seecamp in the off-side pocket for back-up so I don't have to worry about the cylinder release. My usual daily carry pistol is a Model 642 in .38 Special. There is a lot to be said for the 148gr. wadcutters as a defensive round. Also, I highly recommend the Crimson Trace LG-405 laser grips. They have a air pocket built in the back of the grip that helps reduce the pain from recoil.
Best of luck,
Dave
Babalooie
US Veteran
I have arthritis also and, as much as I like S&W's I fell in love with the Colt Agent revolver with the shrouded ejector. The one I have has a shroud around the hammer also. This was an option and is still available in the aftermarket. The Agent, like the Detective Special and Cobra, has a six shot cylinder. I was amazed after shooting it at the range. Its recoil very manageable. I use 110 grain Hydra Shok ammo.
Thanks for the compliment! For all the criticism the NJSP has received in recent years (some of it warranted), it's a proud organization with an enviable tradition and I believe most of its members are still dedicated to doing the best job they can for the citizens of NJ. I retired on 4/1/91.
labworm
US Veteran
Take a look at the Beretta Bobcat (.22/.25) or the Beretta Tomcat (.32). Both have tip up barrels, place a round in the barrel lock it, pull the trigger and your all set. Small calibers, low recoil and great for those suffering from arthritis.
I have a 640 no dash in .38Spl, and have used it as a summer carry / backup for the past 10 years. This year I have a new favorite: I bought a 940PC in .356TSW. This thing is a blaster with the .356, plus I can shoot my 9mm duty ammo out of it. With the factory "power port", 9mm feels like .38Spl.
waltherguy
Member
I had the same experience with my 442. Likewise I changed from the stock wood grips to rubber Hogue grips. I do like the 442 for CC.
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flash60601
US Veteran
You present several questions rolled up into a big group. You are going to have to select a compromise of some sort, and the advice you have here already is wide and deep, and should be considered carefully.
Whatever you choose, for your pocket carry, it will have to be enclosed/shrouded hammer or bobbed hammer. (and there are others on this forum who can debate that issue with far more knowledge and passion than I)
1. Size for pocket carry - you have J-frame already.
2. Weight for carry - - (steel or alloy) and that comes out to whatever you can feel comfortable with.
3. Weight to shoot - again (steel or alloy, and their effect on recoil, both felt and cumulative as your condition can stand) and when you are shooting for practice that will matter, but when it is "for real", if it ever comes to that - - - you will neither know nor care - - so probably what you can shoot well with and keep qualified with.
4. Grips: Rubber will be easier to handle normally, and will probably lessen your felt recoil, depending to a large degree on shape and size - but they may present complications for the draw. A lot of folks feel that rubber has too much 'drag" on clothing to make an effective draw and presentation with ease, especially from pocket-carry, and for that, they prefer wood or slick plastic. You may be more satisfied with a larger set of custom wood grips.
My personal experience (and I have had both wrists broken a number of times in some odd ways - Arthur and I have been on a first-name basis for decades) has led me eventually to carry (IWB on the KelTec belt clip) a KelTec P-11. But prior to that, I carried a Model 36, and after a number of years I found a stainless Charter Arms Undercover with no-snag sights and bobbed hammer that suited me better, something about the size and shape of the grip made recoil easier. I also have a Taurus Ultralight Model 85 DAO with the factory rubber grips that is not at all unusable, but the thinner grip makes recoil much more apparent, as does the light weight. Grips are a SIGNIFICANT part of the equation, for me. The thinner grip conceals well, but delivers more recoil.
I hope you find what works for you.
Flash
Whatever you choose, for your pocket carry, it will have to be enclosed/shrouded hammer or bobbed hammer. (and there are others on this forum who can debate that issue with far more knowledge and passion than I)
1. Size for pocket carry - you have J-frame already.
2. Weight for carry - - (steel or alloy) and that comes out to whatever you can feel comfortable with.
3. Weight to shoot - again (steel or alloy, and their effect on recoil, both felt and cumulative as your condition can stand) and when you are shooting for practice that will matter, but when it is "for real", if it ever comes to that - - - you will neither know nor care - - so probably what you can shoot well with and keep qualified with.
4. Grips: Rubber will be easier to handle normally, and will probably lessen your felt recoil, depending to a large degree on shape and size - but they may present complications for the draw. A lot of folks feel that rubber has too much 'drag" on clothing to make an effective draw and presentation with ease, especially from pocket-carry, and for that, they prefer wood or slick plastic. You may be more satisfied with a larger set of custom wood grips.
My personal experience (and I have had both wrists broken a number of times in some odd ways - Arthur and I have been on a first-name basis for decades) has led me eventually to carry (IWB on the KelTec belt clip) a KelTec P-11. But prior to that, I carried a Model 36, and after a number of years I found a stainless Charter Arms Undercover with no-snag sights and bobbed hammer that suited me better, something about the size and shape of the grip made recoil easier. I also have a Taurus Ultralight Model 85 DAO with the factory rubber grips that is not at all unusable, but the thinner grip makes recoil much more apparent, as does the light weight. Grips are a SIGNIFICANT part of the equation, for me. The thinner grip conceals well, but delivers more recoil.
I hope you find what works for you.
Flash
Thanks everyone !
Thanks everyone for all of the great advice ! I deeply appreciate all of the very well thought out wisdom. I bought a set of well padded weight lifting gloves at Dick's sporting goods on Sunday and took them to the range yesterday. I shot a rental LCR, an M&P 340 and my own 36. I was most accurate with the 340 between the two light weights and it felt the best while shooting.I believe the 340 will be my choice. The gloves helped considerably. I know I won't be able to wear them in a sd situation but I believe they will help me to become proficient with the gun. As I have read several people say, in a sd situation, recoil will not be an issue. All of the great advice that I received in this forum has helped to bring clarity to what had become a confusing issue for me. Thanks again for all the help !!
Jim
Thanks everyone for all of the great advice ! I deeply appreciate all of the very well thought out wisdom. I bought a set of well padded weight lifting gloves at Dick's sporting goods on Sunday and took them to the range yesterday. I shot a rental LCR, an M&P 340 and my own 36. I was most accurate with the 340 between the two light weights and it felt the best while shooting.I believe the 340 will be my choice. The gloves helped considerably. I know I won't be able to wear them in a sd situation but I believe they will help me to become proficient with the gun. As I have read several people say, in a sd situation, recoil will not be an issue. All of the great advice that I received in this forum has helped to bring clarity to what had become a confusing issue for me. Thanks again for all the help !!
Jim
Maximumbob54
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Given your described situation I would try and find a 638 and see how a Pachmayr Compac grip feels in your hand and under recoil. Yes, the rubber is likely to drag a little on clothing as described above, but I’m a believer in the fact of life that you have to concede some things to get some things. The only other option you might try is a set of Uncle Mike’s three finger combat grips. They are out of production but still around all over the place. S&W is getting something similar to these right now and sell them on the website’s store. They have a slightly spongier feel to them. But they are skinnier than the Compac. The Compac is thick enough to both spread the recoil and give you more of a big gun type grip instead of the open back on most boot grips.
Sounds as thought the OP has made his decision and is going for the 340M&P. Good choice! I was going to chime in and recommend the 340PD, although the M&P is very similar and arguably better, or a 442. I have a 640 and like it, but not for pocket-carry. Notwithstanding issues relating to arthritis, I am convinced, and this seems to be something of a consensus with the guys I know who carry, that a pocket gun (assuming pants or trouser pocket as opposed to a heavy-weight jacket) should not weigh more than a pound, loaded. Guns that weigh more than that, into the 20+ ounce category, are too much of a load to be carried in a pocket IMHO. The 340s are great guns, light and capable of firing 357 ammo, not that you'd want to!
longaction
Member
Something without a SNAG. Like a 442.
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