How Many Have DUMPED their J-Frame for a NEW MINI Semi-Auto?

[OLDSTER]

dumped J frame

I didn't "dump" one for the other. I'll carry one or the other depending on conditions

 

[Harley08]

J Frame

Love the J Frame
I carry it
and have a couple!

 

[sigp220.45]

You youngsters with your newfangled J frames.

I haven't dumped my I frame yet!

 

[cjtraining]

I carried a Model 38 BUG in an ankle holster for forty-eight years and never had to fire it in the line of duty. I never, ever, thought that it would fail to fire. I wasn't as sure with my other guns.

 

[Smith686MandP]

The J-Frame wins over a compact semi-auto

In my mind the J-Frame wins hands down over a compact semi-auto. The J-Frame is much less likely to have a negligent discharge than a the small semi-auto. You never have to worry if a round is chambered or a round jams with a J-Frame or has a safety engaged. In my mind, the 38 special and the 38+P are more lethal than a 25 ACP, .380 Auto, and only a 9 mm comes close to the 38 Special or 38+P. For the 7 yard test the J-frame is in my mind more accurate and reliable. You can always carry a second J-Frame (a New York Reload) instead of a second magazine. It is important to remember that an attacker can charge you in less than 1-1/2 seconds. This is why I carry a J-Frame when I go out to walk the dog.

 

[SA1911]

Dumping a Chief is downright heresy. In fact, even allowing such a thought to occupy one's brain is reason enough to have one expelled from the International Brethren of Firearms Finery.

I'll admit that a good quality semi of at least 9MM is tactically superior to the Chief, but dumping the Chief is akin to kneeling during the National Anthem. Some things ought never be done.

Last I heard, there are two more planned additions to Mt. Rushmore: the 1911-A1 & Chief's Special.

Were I carrying for bipedal self-defense, the ultimate is the 1911-A1 .45 ACP. While it's easy to conceal, it's heavy, especially with eight 230 grain rounds. Hence, I'll go with a Sig P239 .40 S&W. However, I've darn near got a patent on avoidance. It came with wisdom, which came at the hefty price of age.

Under penalty of exile from America, never hate on the Chief. But it's within bounds of firearms decorum to go with a good-quality (I know, it's subjective.) semi for self-defense.

 

[SA1911]

In my mind the J-Frame wins hands down over a compact semi-auto. The J-Frame is much less likely to have a negligent discharge than a the small semi-auto. You never have to worry if a round is chambered or a round jams with a J-Frame or has a safety engaged. In my mind, the 38 special and the 38+P are more lethal than a 25 ACP, .380 Auto, and only a 9 mm comes close to the 38 Special or 38+P. For the 7 yard test the J-frame is in my mind more accurate and reliable. You can always carry a second J-Frame (a New York Reload) instead of a second magazine. It is important to remember that an attacker can charge you in less than 1-1/2 seconds. This is why I carry a J-Frame when I go out to walk the dog.

You'll never hear me denigrate The Chief. However, I've had two failures with a Model 60, one being catastrophic, meaning that were I taking rounds, I woldn't have been returning rounds. The other was an easy fix.

I've never, ever experience any type of failure with a Sig. My S&W 1911-A1 has been flawless. I used to carry a 5904. I have no idea why that model was discontinued. The one that was issued to me was flawless in operation.

Double actions revolvers are complex in operation. When a double action problem arises, it usually would take a good guy outta fight. In contrast, a semi is of simple design. In the very rare occasions where a problem with a semi occurs, it's almost always an easy fix that's accomplished within seconds.

However, I do love The Chief.

 

[GT_80]

Hey all,

With all of the small, hand sized semi-autos out there to choose from these days I wonder how many of you guys and gals in the die hard S&W community have decided to put your beloved J-Frame in the drawer...or relegate it to your wife or girlfreind and now pack one of the many semi-autos made for the purpose of carrying?

With some of the new semis there are some very nice pistols out there. It seems like a new one is being introduced about every month. Just about every major company now makes a really small, compact semi auto designed for ccw use. I'd be lying if I said that I am not considering one. I told myself that the next pistol I bought would be a J frame. I had always wanted one and I wanted something I could put in my pocket to carry on occasion. I still will get a J frame, but all these new choices sure do make it hard to stay focused on getting one.

What do you all think? Have any of you stopped carrying your J and moved to a semi? If so, what are you now carrying and why. If not, why do you stay with the J...or whatever revolver you carry when there are so many so called "better choices" available to you?

Have you moved to the "Dark Side" yet?

Lets hear it.

Thanks all.

Nalajr

Why would anyone dump a J frame? I enjoy shooting mine too much. Have abodyguard and 2 j-frames... And I want more. I rarely dump anything that I like - I can't sell my guns

 

[GT_80]

I didn't "dump" one for the other. I'll carry one or the other depending on conditions

Exactly

 

[RGVshooter]

Ha! I dumped my m&p bodyguard for a s&w 642 38spl as my new EDC and traded a Kahr K9 for a S&W 686. no brainer there.

 

[Execpro]

Snub nose forever

I have had and shot S&W revolvers for years starting with a model 19 back in the 60's. I recently (past 4 years) carried a 642 until 2016 when I traded it for a 9mm shield.

The 642 trigger pull was too much,the worst I have ever run across even after a trigger job,but it was an awesome AIWB gun. I carried the Shield until last summer,but I just really missed my J frame.

Went to mlgs looking for another J frame (the Lady Smith model has a great trigger) but all I tried had the same issue. (No Lady Smith Mod 60 -38/357 in stock)

I purchased a Taurus M85 ($210 after rebate). It had the sweetest trigger and on the range it didn't beat the heck out of my hand with the +P loads I carry like the 642 did.

I really love both guns but carry the snub nose most of the time, switching with the Shield if I feel a need for more firepower. Both shoot 10ring groups offhand at 7 yards.
J frames rule!
Be Safe!

 

[zogger]

I wonder how many people will change back to revolvers with 5 or 6 shot capacity if NJ passed their 5 rounds in a magazine law?

 

[Louchia]

I have a 442J the I put aside for a Sig P938. It's more comfortable for me to carry IWB. So far it's flawless at 1500+ rnds.
However I will not give up my J.

 

[max503]

These are better than an auto, I think.

 

[oldiesradio1560]

I've carried revolvers since the 70's since I've seen way to many autos jam over the years. My current concealed carry is a 640-1 Pro Series that I pocket carry. I also have 3 speedloaders on me so with 20 rounds of Hormany Critical Defense 125gr. .357 mag. I'm covered.

 

[daddy bear]

Five J-frames, one Colt 1908. Daughter Two has the Colt, Daughter One has one of my 60s. I carry a 42 and have two 60s stashed in handy places. Few affrays require even five shots.

If I knew trouble was coming, I would reach for a shotgun loaded with #2s.

Jack

 

[dandyrandy]

If you can find a reliable small and light 9mm auto than its far superior to that of the J frame snub. PM 9, MK 9 and Micro 9 come to mind. Even the 380 autos are superior to the little snub in some respects.

 

[Sal1950]

The 642 trigger pull was too much,the worst I have ever run across even after a trigger job,but it was an awesome AIWB gun.!

I'd find a different gunsmith if he couldn't get you a trigger you loved on that 642. No reason for it.

 

[JWM]

Magazine limits

I wonder how many people will change back to revolvers with 5 or 6 shot capacity if NJ passed their 5 rounds in a magazine law?

This is what will keep the revolver alive in the modern era. As a retired LEO, I'm finding that my Glock 17 is not welcome in many states that I visit. So, I dusted off my 5-6 shot revolvers for USA travel under LEOSA. Glad I did not dump those old fashioned wheel guns.

 

[JayFramer]

I'd trust a J or K frame snub to ANY micro 380. Have had bad luck with a new Ruger LCP II breaking. Don't ever recall my .38s busting.