How Many Have DUMPED their J-Frame for a NEW MINI Semi-Auto?
- Thread starter Nalapombu
- Start date
Fastbolt
Member
Hey, a blast from the past, resurrecting a 3 year old thread. 
Still & always a relevant topic, though.
I just took a couple of my guns in to do my annual LEOSA qual. In this instance it was a CS45 (pistol) and one of my M&P 340's (snub revolver).
Both handled and balanced well in my hands. I hadn't used either of those particular guns for range work in just over a year ... which is one of the reasons why I chose both of them to use, "cold", for the qual. No "warm ups" or practice beforehand, either. Just hit the range cold and use them.
Both felt, balanced and handled in my hand as if it hadn't been over a year since I'd last fired them, but more like I'd just used them in the last week. 1&2-handed, and at all the normal ranges regularly used for such quals.
The ammo used in the CS45 was a mix of some older 230gr Rem Golden Sabre and Win T-Series I've previously used.
The snub loads were a mix of some 125gr & 135gr Gold Dot +P, some Win 130gr +P (RA38B/PDX1), Rem 125gr Golden Sabre +P, and a little standard pressure 130gr ball loads I had left over in my old range ammo. The +P loads were the same stuff I normally use in my other +P capable J's, for both range and carry use.
The little J felt like "home". Familiar, comforting, light and easy handling. Rapid, accurate shot strings putting clustered hits where intended, except for one sole round landing a bit up in the second scoring zone, albeit "centered" (think spine/aortic arch).
Virtually every time I take one of my J's to the range, I remember why I like them so much, and like to default to one of them when their size permits (some of my jeans have pockets that are too short or tight, so one of my LCP's does the duty when I wear those jeans).
Shooting one of them feels as comfortable as wearing a favorite pair of old leather gloves or boots.
Still & always a relevant topic, though.
I just took a couple of my guns in to do my annual LEOSA qual. In this instance it was a CS45 (pistol) and one of my M&P 340's (snub revolver).
Both handled and balanced well in my hands. I hadn't used either of those particular guns for range work in just over a year ... which is one of the reasons why I chose both of them to use, "cold", for the qual. No "warm ups" or practice beforehand, either. Just hit the range cold and use them.
Both felt, balanced and handled in my hand as if it hadn't been over a year since I'd last fired them, but more like I'd just used them in the last week. 1&2-handed, and at all the normal ranges regularly used for such quals.
The ammo used in the CS45 was a mix of some older 230gr Rem Golden Sabre and Win T-Series I've previously used.
The snub loads were a mix of some 125gr & 135gr Gold Dot +P, some Win 130gr +P (RA38B/PDX1), Rem 125gr Golden Sabre +P, and a little standard pressure 130gr ball loads I had left over in my old range ammo. The +P loads were the same stuff I normally use in my other +P capable J's, for both range and carry use.
The little J felt like "home". Familiar, comforting, light and easy handling. Rapid, accurate shot strings putting clustered hits where intended, except for one sole round landing a bit up in the second scoring zone, albeit "centered" (think spine/aortic arch).
Virtually every time I take one of my J's to the range, I remember why I like them so much, and like to default to one of them when their size permits (some of my jeans have pockets that are too short or tight, so one of my LCP's does the duty when I wear those jeans).
Shooting one of them feels as comfortable as wearing a favorite pair of old leather gloves or boots.
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garddogg56
Member
642 to a BG.380 THEN a year later I got rid of the 642 no regrets.
Chief Wiggums
Member
great topic and thanks for resurrecting the thread!
I have done exactly the opposite.
My 442 now resides permanently in the safe (along w a Glock 42) & and I am strictly relying upon my Shield 9 for summer and spring carry.
The issue w the 442 is mine , not a negative to the gun.
The J frame is flat out, too small for my hand(s), my accuracy is non-existent. Friends and range buddies are telling me that the 442 is a perfect "belly gun" , with this I do not disagree. However, I need a carry gun that provides myself 100% confidence that I am proficient of putting rounds on target. The Shield does this for me.
In rare occasions in which a BUG is required, I'll bring along the G42 for IWB appendix.
summary, in my case , its the Indian, not the arrow...
I have done exactly the opposite.
My 442 now resides permanently in the safe (along w a Glock 42) & and I am strictly relying upon my Shield 9 for summer and spring carry.
The issue w the 442 is mine , not a negative to the gun.
The J frame is flat out, too small for my hand(s), my accuracy is non-existent. Friends and range buddies are telling me that the 442 is a perfect "belly gun" , with this I do not disagree. However, I need a carry gun that provides myself 100% confidence that I am proficient of putting rounds on target. The Shield does this for me.
In rare occasions in which a BUG is required, I'll bring along the G42 for IWB appendix.
summary, in my case , its the Indian, not the arrow...
wingriderz
Member
No carry the 442 and alot of the compact semis too
I bought a Ruger LCP a few years ago and really thought it might replace my j frame as my go-to carry gun.
Nothing bad to say about the LCP, I still carry it some...mostly because it's so dang small.
But...a 442 is still what I carry most of the time. I just trust it and the 38spl round a bit more.
Nothing bad to say about the LCP, I still carry it some...mostly because it's so dang small.
But...a 442 is still what I carry most of the time. I just trust it and the 38spl round a bit more.
Lord_Hood
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For a Long time, I carried either a Sig P938 or a G17 Gen 2. Light, 9mm, lots of rounds, good, reliable guns. But as of late, If I'm not working, I carry my model 66-2 2.5" around with me. I'm rounds limited in my state, so the revolver isn't much of a ding to me.
I love my little P938, and will usually carry it in addition to my Model 37 Airweight. The issue I've run into is that my new job does not like firearms being carried, so I have to keep my weapon concealed at all costs, unlike in pubic. I've switched from belt carry to AIWB with the M37, as the small magna stocks sit nicely under the curve of my beer belly, with the rest of the gun below my waistband. I've got Tyler T grips coming, and those along with a bobbed hammer and smooth trigger that I ordered from a member of this forum will create the perfect little carry gun for me. The P938 is an excellent little gun, but carrying it AIWB is not easily done, nor is it pleasant. I'm finding more and more that I shoot revolvers better than autos, with some exceptions, and that a Revolver carries better for me. 5 shots of .38 special will more than likely be enough for me to get away from any situation I'll find myself in here in Western NY. I stay away from any bad areas, keep my nose clean, and avoid confrontation like the plague. I'm only 24, But I try and heed the wisdom of my neighbors, friends, and family. A J frame .38 or similar is more than likely all I'll ever need, not that I won't be buying more old S&Ws, and more wondernines.
I love my little P938, and will usually carry it in addition to my Model 37 Airweight. The issue I've run into is that my new job does not like firearms being carried, so I have to keep my weapon concealed at all costs, unlike in pubic. I've switched from belt carry to AIWB with the M37, as the small magna stocks sit nicely under the curve of my beer belly, with the rest of the gun below my waistband. I've got Tyler T grips coming, and those along with a bobbed hammer and smooth trigger that I ordered from a member of this forum will create the perfect little carry gun for me. The P938 is an excellent little gun, but carrying it AIWB is not easily done, nor is it pleasant. I'm finding more and more that I shoot revolvers better than autos, with some exceptions, and that a Revolver carries better for me. 5 shots of .38 special will more than likely be enough for me to get away from any situation I'll find myself in here in Western NY. I stay away from any bad areas, keep my nose clean, and avoid confrontation like the plague. I'm only 24, But I try and heed the wisdom of my neighbors, friends, and family. A J frame .38 or similar is more than likely all I'll ever need, not that I won't be buying more old S&Ws, and more wondernines.
SAFireman
Member
SuperMan
Member
Guilty here...
99% of the time I have always carried a 1911 since the 1970s... I carried a 42 as a backup gun while in LE but rarely off duty by itself.
Probably 17 years ago when there were times I just could not get away with carrying the Commander I started carrying a KelTec .32. It was just easier to hide than a J and usually if I can hide a J I could hide the Commander.. Then about 4 years ago I needed a .380 to burn up a bunch of old ammo I had found. After looking at all of them decided to give a Kahr P380 a try. Found one cheap with night sights and it has been 100% reliable and headshot accurate at 25 yards...
And unlike a snubbie I can carry it in my front pocket with no bulge at all...
Bob
99% of the time I have always carried a 1911 since the 1970s... I carried a 42 as a backup gun while in LE but rarely off duty by itself.
Probably 17 years ago when there were times I just could not get away with carrying the Commander I started carrying a KelTec .32. It was just easier to hide than a J and usually if I can hide a J I could hide the Commander.. Then about 4 years ago I needed a .380 to burn up a bunch of old ammo I had found. After looking at all of them decided to give a Kahr P380 a try. Found one cheap with night sights and it has been 100% reliable and headshot accurate at 25 yards...
And unlike a snubbie I can carry it in my front pocket with no bulge at all...
Bob
mrchuck
Member
Today, I carried my Kel-Tec P-40. It has the stainless "belt-clip" on it which the "T" shirt covers it up completely.
Yes,,,,40SW caliber. It does have a recoil factor, and I am used to it.
My Model 60 357 mag also has a recoil factor.
Not a problem for me and can qualify with either one.
Yes,,,,40SW caliber. It does have a recoil factor, and I am used to it.
My Model 60 357 mag also has a recoil factor.
Not a problem for me and can qualify with either one.
Kframerbluvr
Member
When my work started issuing Austrian Tupperware in the late '80s, all authorizations to carry anything else, on or off duty, were revoked. I sold my M38 Bodyguard Airweight to my nephew who was just beginning his LE career. I was "snubless" until about ten years ago when a retiree from my work passed away and I was given the opportunity to purchase firearms from his estate.
His off duty revolver, an R serial M60 with bobbed hammer and banana stocks, came home with me. I got my state CWP so I could carry this in lieu of the authorized Glock 27 that did not work well for pocket carry when needed. A 442, a '75 Colt DS, and a 1949 M&P snub have been added to the herd and a new Colt Cobra is being considered. The Colt is on my hip now and the 442 is in my off side pocket. This may be my LEOSA traveling iron when I ever decide to retire.
I have been sorely tempted by the .45 Shield since one of my subordinates lent me one to try, especially with LE pricing and the current incentives. I figure that I have enough polymer pistols in the house already without adding another one to buy mags, holsters, etc. for.
I can buy or load a lot of .38 ammo or add a decent M64 snub to the herd with that money.
His off duty revolver, an R serial M60 with bobbed hammer and banana stocks, came home with me. I got my state CWP so I could carry this in lieu of the authorized Glock 27 that did not work well for pocket carry when needed. A 442, a '75 Colt DS, and a 1949 M&P snub have been added to the herd and a new Colt Cobra is being considered. The Colt is on my hip now and the 442 is in my off side pocket. This may be my LEOSA traveling iron when I ever decide to retire.
I have been sorely tempted by the .45 Shield since one of my subordinates lent me one to try, especially with LE pricing and the current incentives. I figure that I have enough polymer pistols in the house already without adding another one to buy mags, holsters, etc. for.
I can buy or load a lot of .38 ammo or add a decent M64 snub to the herd with that money.
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BigDog48
US Veteran
Well, it's sort of embarrassing, but I've never dumped any handgun. I have a 642 and I carry it sometimes. I have a Shield 9 and a Shield 45 and I carry them sometimes. I also have a Glock 19 and a Glock 26. The 19 I carry in the winter in bad neighborhoods; the G26 I almost never pull from the safe, but have carried, pre-Shield. I have a few others that I love that I don't carry: a Beretta 92FS, a Kimber Custom (before there were Custom II's), a pre-lock 686, and a 6 shot Model 617. I have a few that are "special duty" safe queens or fun guns -- a newish SW22 Victory, an M&P 22 Compact and a Ruger original 22/45. I have one that I hate that I haven't sold (a Taurus PT709 Slim); and I gave (not dumped) a Ruger SR9C to my son. Even the ones I don't need or don't shoot much or even hate (Taurus), I keep. Maybe I'm sick in the head. Dump a J-frame-- Never!
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I took my church security team to the range for firing practice. Most of the team members had semi-autos of various manufacturers, models, and calibers. There were no cheapies, but all good models. Everyone of the semis had at least one malfunction. The few revolvers on the line had negative malfunctions. ( I will keep CCW my old fashion wheel gun )
DevilDog72
US Veteran
actually I dumped semi-autos for revolvers years ago. My EDC is a 19-4 snub with a 640 nd as my bug. No matter what or where the 640 is always with me.... mail box run.... end table watching TV... quick trip to the Stop-n-Rob...in the night stand drawer with the 19 on the top....
Never!..........Why would I ever want a plastic squirt gun?....I outgrew water pistols long ago.......
Dump my J frames....no way.
I have small semis and medium and full size too. I don't anticipate them going anywhere. If I had to, some of the semis would go first
I have small semis and medium and full size too. I don't anticipate them going anywhere. If I had to, some of the semis would go first
Yet any one of those squirt guns with a well placed shot would put you 6 feet under. Funny how that works huh?
All juvenile slamming of firearms aside. I found nothing beats a j-frame for lightweight summer carry. Pocket or IWB, it just disappears.
However as the raccoon thread points out, you run out of ammo pretty quick so shots not to COM can get you killed. You better train with it.
That is why when I venture out of crime free rural living, and go to the city I carry a glock with more capacity.
I carry to my situation.
Recusant
Member
I carry my Shield 9 for spring and summer. I retired my Detective Special and bought a stubby Ruger Sp101 Talo model to carry at night when I walk the dog and for fall/winter carry. It's heavier that a j frame which is good when shooting +P loads or .357 mag, but Ruger triggers are nowhere near as smooth as those of S & W or Colt. If a good j frame comes along at a reasonable price I'd probably buy it.
Old thread, yes, but there seems to be relevance to today.
I have sold very few handguns that I have purchased over the last several decades. Actually I can only recall selling one, a LCP. I retired it and went back to EDC a 649. The LCP just ended up taking up room in the safe. So actually I have gone the opposite way as suggested by the OP. Try as hard as I could, I got no joy out of shooting the LCP, as a matter of fact, it was half painful. I like my J, enjoy shooting it, hit the intended target, am quite comfortable with a .38 Spl., and worry not at all about mechanical issues.
So, it can be said that I jumped on the small plastic bandwagon, spent some time there, tried to like it, and jumped off for my own peace of mind.
Long live the J-frame.
In years past I have carried a 1911 Gov't., a 3913, a BHP, and a SIG 1911 Ultra Compact. They are still in the safe and serve duty when I go to less desirable locations.
EDC as a retiree not hunting zombies is my 649.
I have sold very few handguns that I have purchased over the last several decades. Actually I can only recall selling one, a LCP. I retired it and went back to EDC a 649. The LCP just ended up taking up room in the safe. So actually I have gone the opposite way as suggested by the OP. Try as hard as I could, I got no joy out of shooting the LCP, as a matter of fact, it was half painful. I like my J, enjoy shooting it, hit the intended target, am quite comfortable with a .38 Spl., and worry not at all about mechanical issues.
So, it can be said that I jumped on the small plastic bandwagon, spent some time there, tried to like it, and jumped off for my own peace of mind.
Long live the J-frame.
In years past I have carried a 1911 Gov't., a 3913, a BHP, and a SIG 1911 Ultra Compact. They are still in the safe and serve duty when I go to less desirable locations.
EDC as a retiree not hunting zombies is my 649.
Ziggy2525
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You started a different thread about how a guy angrily got out of his car and confronted you at a stop sign because of your lack of situational awareness. Have you considered part of that lack of situational awareness may include how you speak about and characterize people you don't know?
I haven't traded my any of revolvers for a plastic pocket pistol, but calling out people who have as fools seems over the top and pretty insulting.
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