TomkinsSP
Member
Si vis pacern, para bellum. Via con Dios.
How Many Have DUMPED their J-Frame for a NEW MINI Semi-Auto?
- Thread starter Nalapombu
- Start date
915
Member
I had a J-Frame airweight 637 that I bought brand new the day I turned 21, but aside from that sentimental value I don't really miss it. I could never do much better than belly buster accuracy with it and it wasn't fun to shoot, being so light.
That's not to say I don't value revolvers, I have a Model 13 3" in the larger K frame that I just can't brag enough about. But the J wasn't a good fit for me.
I guess the closest thing in my carry lineup would be the Sig Sauer P238 that has 'replaced' it, caliber aside it all around works better for me than the 637 did even though it's quite a bit smaller. If I want to carry anything bigger than that I've got plenty of options in the Glock 19 size and up.
I've never had a ton of luck in the compact size category though, I had a Kahr CW9 that I absolutely loved aside from the fact I couldn't shoot it worth a ****.
Naturally these are just my experiences, everyone else's will differ and a J-Frame is a fantastic pistol if it works with you.
That's not to say I don't value revolvers, I have a Model 13 3" in the larger K frame that I just can't brag enough about. But the J wasn't a good fit for me.
I guess the closest thing in my carry lineup would be the Sig Sauer P238 that has 'replaced' it, caliber aside it all around works better for me than the 637 did even though it's quite a bit smaller. If I want to carry anything bigger than that I've got plenty of options in the Glock 19 size and up.
I've never had a ton of luck in the compact size category though, I had a Kahr CW9 that I absolutely loved aside from the fact I couldn't shoot it worth a ****.
Naturally these are just my experiences, everyone else's will differ and a J-Frame is a fantastic pistol if it works with you.
American1776
Member
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2014
- Messages
- 1,770
- Reaction score
- 4,269
I have. I used to carry a 649 quite often as my primary, thinking that 5 shots of .357 magnum would suffice.
Over the years I've read too many documented cases where a 5-6 shot revolver was *not* enough, and the good guy with the wheelgun lost the fight due to running out. (One such case involved the man who invented second chance vest---while delivering pizzas he emptied his 6 shot revolver, hitting 3 of his armed assailants, and after he ran dry, one of them shot him in the gut). There are *many* cases like this.
I therefore carry a Beretta 85FS with wood grips. It's a single stack .380, roughly the size and weight of my stainless J-frame, and holds 9 rounds with a very fast reload. That's *much* better than 5 shots with a slow reload. just my own preference.
Over the years I've read too many documented cases where a 5-6 shot revolver was *not* enough, and the good guy with the wheelgun lost the fight due to running out. (One such case involved the man who invented second chance vest---while delivering pizzas he emptied his 6 shot revolver, hitting 3 of his armed assailants, and after he ran dry, one of them shot him in the gut). There are *many* cases like this.
I therefore carry a Beretta 85FS with wood grips. It's a single stack .380, roughly the size and weight of my stainless J-frame, and holds 9 rounds with a very fast reload. That's *much* better than 5 shots with a slow reload. just my own preference.
ChattanoogaPhil
Member
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2009
- Messages
- 14,601
- Reaction score
- 20,622
Decisions... decisions.....
Decisions... decisions.....
"Monty, I'll take number two, please".
rjmfarms
Member
J CARRY
On the contrary. While I will admit owning more than one mini auto, my carry
Continues to be in the J line. In fact, I am waiting on a 360j to arrive anyday to add as a new carry. I intend to add a hip grip and see how well that works in the top of my boot.
On the contrary. While I will admit owning more than one mini auto, my carry
Continues to be in the J line. In fact, I am waiting on a 360j to arrive anyday to add as a new carry. I intend to add a hip grip and see how well that works in the top of my boot.
donalfor
Member
I bought a Sig P-938 a year and a half ago, and I really like it! I put in an aftermarket SS trigger to replace the plastic ****, which made a world of difference in the pull. Probably the sweetest little pocket pistol I've ever fired. It rides in the console of my vehicle. I'll never give up my wheelguns.
Sal1950
Member
Got to admit my daily carry is a Taurus TCP. I've tweaked and polished the action, then shot it at the range till I was comfortable it would go "BANG" every time I pull the trigger. It's just so slim and lightweight to just drop it in my pants pocket I never go out without it. I live in Central FL where it's always hot and minimal clothing is the rule, conceal options are few.
On the other hand, I go to the range once a week, sometimes more. Shooting for pleasure is always dominated by my wheelguns. From 38spl to 460 S&W Mag, my 35 year old Dillon 450 gets little time to gather any dust.
On the other hand, I go to the range once a week, sometimes more. Shooting for pleasure is always dominated by my wheelguns. From 38spl to 460 S&W Mag, my 35 year old Dillon 450 gets little time to gather any dust.
CTI1USNRET
Member
Staying with revolver
I like snubbies, but I like a bigger cartridge. I carry a 44 Special; either a 3" S&W Model 24 or a 2½" Charter Arms Bulldog.
I like snubbies, but I like a bigger cartridge. I carry a 44 Special; either a 3" S&W Model 24 or a 2½" Charter Arms Bulldog.
IAhunter
Member
I traded my J frame .357 for a K frame .357.
LJBrennan007
Member
Switching to my Kimber K6S
I carried M36 for years, then a M60 no dash after I finally found one, then a M38 Airweight for the past 20 years or so, alternating occasionally with a Colt Detective Special. When Kimber announced the K6S last year, I said, no way, I don't like stainless, I don't like double action only revolvers, and Kimber makes rifles and semi-auto pistols, not revolvers. Well, I found myself the recipient of a K6S at a Friends of NRA banquet, and my wife said, "You're going to sell that gun, right?" It sat in the safe for a few months and then I said screw it, I'm gonna shoot that sucker. All I can say is, "Wow". All the reviews about this gun's trigger are true, I've never felt anything like it. Even firing .357 factory ammo I can shoot this gun. Factory sights shoot exactly to point of aim for me at 15 yards, see the upper A zone pic. Pics are of my well-worn M38, well-worn DS, and my new best friend, the K6S. Just hoping more holster makers will get on board soon; trid the DeSantis Speed Scabbard and it was a no go for me due to not enough retention of the gun.
I carried M36 for years, then a M60 no dash after I finally found one, then a M38 Airweight for the past 20 years or so, alternating occasionally with a Colt Detective Special. When Kimber announced the K6S last year, I said, no way, I don't like stainless, I don't like double action only revolvers, and Kimber makes rifles and semi-auto pistols, not revolvers. Well, I found myself the recipient of a K6S at a Friends of NRA banquet, and my wife said, "You're going to sell that gun, right?" It sat in the safe for a few months and then I said screw it, I'm gonna shoot that sucker. All I can say is, "Wow". All the reviews about this gun's trigger are true, I've never felt anything like it. Even firing .357 factory ammo I can shoot this gun. Factory sights shoot exactly to point of aim for me at 15 yards, see the upper A zone pic. Pics are of my well-worn M38, well-worn DS, and my new best friend, the K6S. Just hoping more holster makers will get on board soon; trid the DeSantis Speed Scabbard and it was a no go for me due to not enough retention of the gun.
Attachments
LJBrennan007
Member
Switching to my Kimber K6S
I carried M36 for years, then a M60 no dash after I finally found one, then a M38 Airweight for the past 20 years or so, alternating occasionally with a Colt Detective Special. When Kimber announced the K6S last year, I said, no way, I don't like stainless, I don't like double action only revolvers, and Kimber makes rifles and semi-auto pistols, not revolvers. Well, I found myself the recipient of a K6S at a Friends of NRA banquet, and my wife said, "You're going to sell that gun, right?" It sat in the safe for a few months and then I said screw it, I'm gonna shoot that sucker. All I can say is, "Wow". All the reviews about this gun's trigger are true, I've never felt anything like it. Even firing .357 factory ammo I can shoot this gun. Factory sights shoot exactly to point of aim for me at 15 yards, see the upper A zone pic. Pics are of my well-worn M38, well-worn DS, and my new best friend, the K6S. Just hoping more holster makers will get on board soon; trid the DeSantis Speed Scabbard and it was a no go for me due to not enough retention of the gun.
I carried M36 for years, then a M60 no dash after I finally found one, then a M38 Airweight for the past 20 years or so, alternating occasionally with a Colt Detective Special. When Kimber announced the K6S last year, I said, no way, I don't like stainless, I don't like double action only revolvers, and Kimber makes rifles and semi-auto pistols, not revolvers. Well, I found myself the recipient of a K6S at a Friends of NRA banquet, and my wife said, "You're going to sell that gun, right?" It sat in the safe for a few months and then I said screw it, I'm gonna shoot that sucker. All I can say is, "Wow". All the reviews about this gun's trigger are true, I've never felt anything like it. Even firing .357 factory ammo I can shoot this gun. Factory sights shoot exactly to point of aim for me at 15 yards, see the upper A zone pic. Pics are of my well-worn M38, well-worn DS, and my new best friend, the K6S. Just hoping more holster makers will get on board soon; trid the DeSantis Speed Scabbard and it was a no go for me due to not enough retention of the gun.
les_garten
Member
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2012
- Messages
- 70
- Reaction score
- 29
S&W 342PD w/Crimson Trace grips , cannot be beat IMO
The thing about this gun is that it weighs like 10.7 oz empty.
It is zero burden to grab and drop in the front pocket of my shorts or dress pants. Which means it gets carried 100% of the time. That's important.
If I want to conceal a little more and "need" more capacity, I do a G26 with a G19 mag in it IWB
Reliability was an issue as well in choosing these two.
The J frame is for all practical purposes zero "burden" to carry. It's just so freakin light, and with Speer GD +P's, has the bite you want. If your choice is any burden because of size, shape, or weight, you'll rationalize leaving it home.
This gun ain't for recreational plinkin' though. It is brutal to shoot anything through. Trigger has been worked on it and it is very accurate. So it has that goin' for it...
Oh, I also put an XS sight on the front as well. To combat my presbyopia.
The thing about this gun is that it weighs like 10.7 oz empty.
It is zero burden to grab and drop in the front pocket of my shorts or dress pants. Which means it gets carried 100% of the time. That's important.
If I want to conceal a little more and "need" more capacity, I do a G26 with a G19 mag in it IWB
Reliability was an issue as well in choosing these two.
The J frame is for all practical purposes zero "burden" to carry. It's just so freakin light, and with Speer GD +P's, has the bite you want. If your choice is any burden because of size, shape, or weight, you'll rationalize leaving it home.
This gun ain't for recreational plinkin' though. It is brutal to shoot anything through. Trigger has been worked on it and it is very accurate. So it has that goin' for it...
Oh, I also put an XS sight on the front as well. To combat my presbyopia.
LT SCOTT 14
Member
Retired LEO here. The revolver is still a fighting handgun. 2 revolvers are a fighting pair of handguns. Add a Modern 9mm, 40cal, or 45Acp, you are very well armed!
I prefer a G19, or a G21 with hi cap mags. BUG is a 442. Pocket, weak side, crossdraw, IWB, or OWB, not a problem.
Retired to me means carry both. Cell phone to "call it in" if you cant get around it.
If you are grey haired, wear cargo shorts all the time, Hawaiian Shirts, and ball caps with Baseball or other logos,(not police or gun logos), you can be a retired Police Officer with firepower concealed. Yes you can Open Carry, I don't. If hunting or Disaster declared, new game on. May dust off my Moss 500- 18.5 in , 12ga, with accessories for home
protection. It plays well with J Frames, K frames and all Glocks. we are prepped for all here. Good luck. Keep your Js, Ks, Ls, and others. They work.
I prefer a G19, or a G21 with hi cap mags. BUG is a 442. Pocket, weak side, crossdraw, IWB, or OWB, not a problem.
Retired to me means carry both. Cell phone to "call it in" if you cant get around it.
If you are grey haired, wear cargo shorts all the time, Hawaiian Shirts, and ball caps with Baseball or other logos,(not police or gun logos), you can be a retired Police Officer with firepower concealed. Yes you can Open Carry, I don't. If hunting or Disaster declared, new game on. May dust off my Moss 500- 18.5 in , 12ga, with accessories for home
protection. It plays well with J Frames, K frames and all Glocks. we are prepped for all here. Good luck. Keep your Js, Ks, Ls, and others. They work.
shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
I won't, repeat, WON'T part with my early-production 640, which I've carried for somewhere around eighteen years. Earlier in this thread I said I wasn't interested in going back to an automatic.
I'm very fond of the 640, which when fully dressed, loaded and holstered weighs at least twenty-eight ounces. Not a lot of weight even when carried in a pocket, which is my preferred way to tote it.
But in the last three months I've developed pretty severely debilitating heart problems to go with stage 3 COPD. Even the weight of the steel J-frame is much more noticeable now.
So I went and made the move. In a couple of days I'll take possession of a NIB Ruger LCP. Packing 9.4 ounces (unloaded) instead of 28 just seems to make sense, even in the lesser caliber.
When I feel able I'll carry the 640 with the LCP as a hip pocket BUG.
Getting old is such fun...
I'm very fond of the 640, which when fully dressed, loaded and holstered weighs at least twenty-eight ounces. Not a lot of weight even when carried in a pocket, which is my preferred way to tote it.
But in the last three months I've developed pretty severely debilitating heart problems to go with stage 3 COPD. Even the weight of the steel J-frame is much more noticeable now.
So I went and made the move. In a couple of days I'll take possession of a NIB Ruger LCP. Packing 9.4 ounces (unloaded) instead of 28 just seems to make sense, even in the lesser caliber.
When I feel able I'll carry the 640 with the LCP as a hip pocket BUG.
Getting old is such fun...
Last edited:
Never! Plenty of room for both at the table. However, if I had to dump anything the plastic guns would be the first to go.
Last edited:
shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
Agreed; but I switched back strictly to revolvers twenty years ago, though I liked a couple of second-generation Glocks I owned.
The little LCP is a real departure after all these years, but one that seems wise for physical reasons.
Not a substitute for good steel, though.
I wouldn't even think of such a thing.
TomkinsSP
Member
On a different thread member richardw posted a longitudinal study from the buckeye firearms association ( I know, not nearly as authoratative as the wolverines (ra ra ra bo is blue) handgun associaton). Findings (easy enought to belive) those with eurotrash 9s fired twice as many shots as those who fired all american apple pie 38s. The result was fewer one hit stops, less mortality, and more rounds required to neutralize the threat.
So, shall we all sing ( to the tune from Annie get your Gun) "Anything 9 can do, 38 can do better, I can do anything better than you..."
So, shall we all sing ( to the tune from Annie get your Gun) "Anything 9 can do, 38 can do better, I can do anything better than you..."
Last edited:
