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

I have a Ruger LCP, Kahr PM9 and other "pocket" pistol /revolvers.

I recently acquired a 342PD, be hard pressed to convince me to change from this one.
 
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My 36 is 3 years younger than me.
It was someone's companion since 1971/72.
Now, it's mine.
 
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I tried the LCP and a few others but kept going back to my J frame. My recent purchase of the new Glock 42 was a disaster which is on its way back to the factory. When I get it back I don't know if I'll ever trust it.

The times I really needed a gun (LEO days) it was the revolver that was pressed into service. While my tie to the J may be somewhat emotional b/c of my LEO experiences, it will always be my EDC.

Side Bar: What was the problem with the g42?
 
Went the other way. Carried semis for years, last log run was my stainless PPK/S, I got a deal on a Model 36 and started carrying it when the weather was descent, worried about rust. I ride a motorcycle most of the year, it's heck ;) on blued firearms.

When I got to where I was missing the Chief while carrying the PPK/S, I picked up a 638 for lower maintenance. Now I have a 637, 638 and a 642 in the rotation. The PPK/S is in its original box in the safe, with the other bottom feeders.

I be a revolver guy.
 
I have a S&W 442 and 360 (38+P) that I carry quite a bit. If it's winter, or at least Autumn, and heavier clothes allow me to conceal something larger, I take my G27 and maybe a spare magazine. I mostly take the 442 because it's hammerless, of course, and a spare Bianchi ammo strip with 6 Hornady hollow points. I wouldn't feel undergunned with either S&W revolver, it's just a matter of which option works at the time.
 
I work behind the tables at gun shows with a couple of friends and man-o-man....you should see some of the things I see going on with the first time buyer, grandma, or feminine gun purchaser (positively no disrespect intended). Some come by with members of the family telling them what they need. You'd just have to witness some of these people trying to rack-a-slide and operate a semi-auto. I try as hard as I can to steer these people to a revolver. I had one elderly lady purchase a Governor once based on a relative's recommendation. I hope she beat them with it as soon as she got home and shot the darn thing. Then there was this older neighbor-lady that could not load her little 25-auto, but she use to shoot it up in the air just outside the door to call the dogs home....yes...I am serious. She would call me about once a week to come over there and load her gun. God rest her soul, she has since passed, but I don't know how she ever managed to not shoot herself or somebody. I am sure the gun laid around the house cocked all the time. As soon as it would not shoot anymore.....my phone rang.
 
This is a great thread! It is fascinating to read how the law enforcement folks have developed an affection for revolvers through years of faithful service. :)

For "older" civilians like me, who have only been shooting for a dozen years since moving to Arizona, the path has been very different.

Not convinced that we really needed a carry gun, many of us started with cheap pocket sized, .380 ACP, plastic pistols. Then as enthusiasm grew, we progressed to "wonder nines" and "fotays", like the amazingly compact Kahr PM40 that fits in my pocket rather well, thank you.

At the same time, as our firearm budgets grew, we learned to love 1911's. Now, we have finally discovered revolvers, especially J-frames.

While none of the better performing plastic pocket pistols have been discarded, some of the .380 ACP versions are just hanging on by a thread since a couple of elegant, lightweight J frames arrived.

Oh, and the 1911's are also quite safe. Life is good! :D

If only quality, .38 special ammunition prices would settle back to where they were when started shooting J frames, we would celebrate.

Not a chance, I am certain. This stuff was originally $0.35 per round, delivered!

Federal-Hi-Shok-Target.jpg
 
J frames

I think that I carry j Frames because I feel safe with one. I know that it's reliable. I t conceals easily, pocket, iwb, apendix, ankle, belt. I have used all of these and still more untried yet. I have a bg 380, shield 9, MP9c &40c but J's just feel better, they may go with an semi but pretty much there will always be a J. Just picked up my new 60 today actually a 60LS. Just like the looks and feel of it. Had the Hammer bobbed and polished along with the hammer and internals. Its smooth and looks great. 38+p or 357 for carry, 38 specand 357 for practice. It just feels better for me than carrying a semi. Had a XDs 45 ordered when they came out. When it came in Icanceded it, I didn't like the feel. This is my opinion and what works for me. Safe shooting everyone
 
My daily carry is a 638 which is absolutely dependable. When I feel I have to up my game, I go to my Shield 9 or Shield 40. When I absolutely can't carry my 638 due to its size (rare), I carry my BG 380. That said, I'd dump the others before dumping my j frames.
 
A striker-fired semi-auto is about the most dangerous thing you can have in your pocket. That J-Frame....will not fire unless you pull the trigger....and that's all you have to do...pull the trigger.

I respectfully disagree. My Kahr PM9 has a long double action trigger just like my snubbies - no way it is going off unless I pull the trigger on purpose. I do agree with your love of snubbies - just added a 638-2 to the stable to go with my 36, 442, 649, Cobra, and Detective Special but I do love my little PM9 seven rounds of 9mm on tap.
 
J frames are tried and proven. The semi's..., though I like them and they are fun to shoot.....I am very comfortable with my J frames.
Small pistols I like are the Sig p238/p239, Colt 380 Pocket lite. Baby Browning in 25acp, The Savage .32, all pre and early post war .32s. Beretta's, Browning, CZ, and others. But they can't beat a J frame 638 with +P ammo.
 
Bought and tried to carry a Taurus TCP .380 for a while. Little guy shot well, never had a problem at the range. Just felt naked without my j frame in the front pocket. Sold the Taurus and bought me a new S&W 442 again I feel happy and know if something goes down my j frames will take care of business.
 
T Shirt = a black 37-2 in pocket
Over shirt = a 637-2 OWB
Open carry (rare) = Nickel Pre 37 or Nickel 36-1 3” (Maybe someday I can talk myself into the cost of stag grips)

Sometimes I even carry one of my five model 36’s.

Sorry, but I have never been able to like one of those DAO humpbacks.
 
Foolish question. My 642 goes in my right hand pants pocket in a Mika holster whenever I leave the house. If I choose to carry My M&P9C or 3913, the 642 goes in the left hand pocket for backup.

With a speed strip in the left rear pocket or a couple of speed loadersin a jacket pocket, I've never felt undergunned.
 
I do not have many issues with a semi-auto that can be made safe and a lot of them can. But if you crack-open some of these cheaper pin-fired brands, it would scare you to death to see what's holding the cocked striker back. If you've ever had a Lorcin or Jennings apart you'd know what I mean and some of these cheaper brands of striker-fired guns don't fall far from the Lorcin tree. A double action semi-auto would be the better choice, if you want to carry one. One you can carry in hammer-down mode. A revolver with a hammer-block or transfer bar just is not going to shoot unless you make it...or are stupid enough to carry it cocked in your pocket.
 
I've pocket-carried both, and am happy with my M49. My issue with the micro pistols is the chance of stoppage if, for some reason, I can't maintain a strong, firm grip while firing. With a revolver, I know that as long as I have the strength to pull the trigger and it has ammo, it will go BANG!
 
I've got a Shield and a Model 36. Like them both. Lean toward the Shield because I'm better with it, but not so much better that I'd dump the J. I'm wearing the J as I type.
 
Since the weather got bad, I've carried one of two pistols:
  • S&W Model 36-"no dash"
  • Glock 19

I'd NEVER carry anything less powerful than a .380, and greatly prefer .38 Special to that.

If I can ever get back to a permanent job with a real salary, I'll probably get a blued ppk in .380 to supplement, but not replace, the Smith. They're hard to find, since they don't appear to make a lot of them. With the panic, they're even harder to find. Of course I don't have the money for one now, anyway.
 
Just moments ago I had to make the decision for tonight.... 642 or Sig P938.

We are having a heat wave, and after weeks of single digit high temps, we have finally broken above freezing. So tonight, I'll be wearing my Craftsman work vest with a front pocket that begs to have a gun carried in it.

My selection... 642 with no hesitation. I love the ability to fire from the pocket with no risk of a snag.
 
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