RudyN
Member
I just brought home my 442. Have to get it to the range now.
Best "J" frame
- Thread starter mikestripe
- Start date
Rick_A
Member
If the idea is to have only one, I'd opt for a model 36. +P's could be used if wanting more power, and the weight is right in between the Airweights and steel magnum guns.
Used guns with some carry wear can usually be found at reasonable prices.
Used guns with some carry wear can usually be found at reasonable prices.
Okay I was wondering because my 442 says airweight and my 43C .22lr says airlight.
hard nose street cop
Member
Best J Frame
Mikestrip
The J frame takes more practice to master because of their size as opposed to the K,L, & N frames. I shoot a Model 940 in 9MM (ouch). Are you planning on carrying the J frame as a CCW? as this is their main purpose, to get more bang for your buck.
Shooting a J frame 357 Magnum with full power loads is not something I want to do at the range all day!
I was trained to practice with what your carry for defense with that said the cost of shooting 357 Magnum as opposed to 38 Special will also have a effect on how much bang you get for your buck.
What model will cost more IE a 640 in 357 Magnum or a 442 in 38 Special ?
Mikestrip
The J frame takes more practice to master because of their size as opposed to the K,L, & N frames. I shoot a Model 940 in 9MM (ouch). Are you planning on carrying the J frame as a CCW? as this is their main purpose, to get more bang for your buck.
Shooting a J frame 357 Magnum with full power loads is not something I want to do at the range all day!
I was trained to practice with what your carry for defense with that said the cost of shooting 357 Magnum as opposed to 38 Special will also have a effect on how much bang you get for your buck.
What model will cost more IE a 640 in 357 Magnum or a 442 in 38 Special ?
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The magnum J frames cost the most/ more than the .38 special of same gun type. There seems to be roughly $100 between them. That also varies if you get a 640-x in 38 special, a 640 Pro in 357 or a 640-x in 357. Magnum.
I'll cast another vote for the 640 Pro. But, as has been covered before, the J's are just plain nasty with full .357 loads. I commit the cardinal sin of carrying mine with handloads. Hornady 125 gr XTP over 7.2 grains of Unique. A .357-P if you will!
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Blackshirt
Member
For versatility, it is tough to beat a 638 Airweight. I use mine on my belt, inside my waistband, in a shoulder rig, or in my pocket. It is light enough to carry easily and powerful enough to break contact with bad guys. It has one of the simplest manual of arms of any self-defense sidearm and can make multiple shots from inside a pocket. The shrouded hammer even allows accurate single action shots when the odd need occurs. With custom wood grips, a removed and plugged IL, and a little trigger work my 638 (bought new in 2005) has a whopping $450 in it. What a superb value for a great all-around self-defense revolver...highly recommended.
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Lobster Picnic
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I think the 43c has an aluminum frame & cylinder. The 442 has an aluminum frame and blued steel cylinder.
So maybe the AirLite just means it has a non-steel cylinder.
I always favored a lightweight bodyguard, until my agency changed the short qualification course for backup/off duty weapons to the full 60 round regular qualification course for all handguns. After firing 60 rounds of service ammo with my Model 642 I changed to a all steel Model 640, then to a 2' RB Model 64. Now I use a Model 64 4", just two more inches of barrel
SC_Mike
Member
I own three 640s no dash. Practice with specials, carry +P.
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"The snub revolver is an experts gun."
I've heard that expression repeated probably hundreds of time. Whether it's true or false depends on context and perspective.
If you are solely concerned with personal defense, then it's completely false. The reason being is nearly all civilian self-defense scenarios take place at very close distances. It's rare for them to venture past even 3-5 yards and I don't think it takes an expert to get hits at bad breath distances. Plus the hammerless snub revolver has numerous ECQ advantages no other weapon can match.
Now if talking about target or bullseye shooting or the ability to make multiple quick and precise hits at 15 or 20 yards, then I would agree it's indeed an experts gun, but such marksmanship ability is not realistically ever going to be a probability in civilian self-defense.
I've heard that expression repeated probably hundreds of time. Whether it's true or false depends on context and perspective.
If you are solely concerned with personal defense, then it's completely false. The reason being is nearly all civilian self-defense scenarios take place at very close distances. It's rare for them to venture past even 3-5 yards and I don't think it takes an expert to get hits at bad breath distances. Plus the hammerless snub revolver has numerous ECQ advantages no other weapon can match.
Now if talking about target or bullseye shooting or the ability to make multiple quick and precise hits at 15 or 20 yards, then I would agree it's indeed an experts gun, but such marksmanship ability is not realistically ever going to be a probability in civilian self-defense.
jhcii
US Veteran
Read the Title "Best J Frame"
Chief's Special .38 5 shot.
I think you see that model in "The Streets of San Francisco" with Michael Douglas and Karl Malden.
Yes I had one!
It was a recent SW Classic of the 36-10. SW has come out with so many old classics I feel I may be in a candy shop.
Colt's D frame Detective Special or Colt Cobra is the other frame compatible in size with the SW J.
The Colt holds six rounds and the J holds five. I think either frame from Colt or SW is fine when someone is looking for a smaller size revolver.
Chief's Special .38 5 shot.
I think you see that model in "The Streets of San Francisco" with Michael Douglas and Karl Malden.
Yes I had one!
It was a recent SW Classic of the 36-10. SW has come out with so many old classics I feel I may be in a candy shop.
Colt's D frame Detective Special or Colt Cobra is the other frame compatible in size with the SW J.
The Colt holds six rounds and the J holds five. I think either frame from Colt or SW is fine when someone is looking for a smaller size revolver.
Blackshirt
Member
This is partially true. However, there is a great deal more to being an expert than just shooting accurately. Presentation, reloads, and fire discipline also matter; and that is not to mention consequence management and situational awareness...
I'm certainly no crack shot "expert", but that will not keep me from ever carrying the 640. The 640 fits nicely in my hand, aims naturally, and is a pleasure to shoot. Just point and 'click'. A nail-biting fear of poor shot placement does not register when shooting or carrying it. You're right, practice is a must (no matter what the carry piece is)...and practicing is fun.
SC Mike, your 640 is very nice. Makes me want to find a Tyler grip extension and put the factory wood back on. Currently use Hogues and a DeSantis IWB holster.
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SC_Mike
Member
Not sure of a J Frame being an experts gun. My wife qualified with a 640 for her permit with very little training and shot 98/100%.
I certainly don't want her shooting at me.
Jughed that's a nice set up. I pocket carry mine about 90% of the time when I carry it.
I certainly don't want her shooting at me.
Jughed that's a nice set up. I pocket carry mine about 90% of the time when I carry it.
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There are many cool J frames, but to my mind the original M60/36 Chief Special is the quintessential J frame - it's actually my only J frame. If I choose to carry a 357 mag, I reach for a 19/66 2.5".
@mbliss57:
Did I see a model 40 Centennial with a pair of Novak style sights blended in?
@all:
In my opinion, the best J frame is the one you have at hand. In my case, that is a Model 36-6 Chief's "Target" Special. I know that I am able to deliver half dollar sized groups out to about 15 yards using standard velocity ammunition. This is a revolver that I have used in "back up gun" PPC matches.
Did I see a model 40 Centennial with a pair of Novak style sights blended in?
@all:
In my opinion, the best J frame is the one you have at hand. In my case, that is a Model 36-6 Chief's "Target" Special. I know that I am able to deliver half dollar sized groups out to about 15 yards using standard velocity ammunition. This is a revolver that I have used in "back up gun" PPC matches.
Whether it's snub or full size pistol has no bearing on any of those issues. Plus you could add in H2H transition skills, proper movement and weapon retention knowledge etc. etc.
The point was not what makes someone an expert, just that you don't have to be an expert to effectively use a snub in self-defense. Folks who label the snub an "expert's gun" are doing so because it's more difficult to shoot well in certain circumstances. I'm merely saying it all depends on the context.
Jhcii, nice photos and am not trying to make this a thread drift, but....I never liked the exposed ejector rod on the Colt or any revolver. It always looks like something that could get snagged or bent with a deep conceal carry. I know they were used for many years as police undercover, so it just may be me.
