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

[RobzGuns]

eh... You just need to remember to take the horror stories you read on forums with a grain of salt. For every 1 person who posts an 'issue', the are at Least 100 (probably more like several thousand) owners with NO issues whatsoever that don't bother to post an 'attaboy' thread. It's simply the nature of gun forums. Just last year, I ran into someone who posted the same (cut & paste) pistol Bashing thread on every single Gun Forum he belonged to, as well as joining other forums (under other handles) in order to post his rant. His was an isolated issue, but if one didn't recognize the carbon copy rant as being the same guy, you'd swear that the brand had an epidemic problem and the company should probably close up shop.

Also Remember that MANY gun owners only join a forum to ask about a problem (after the fact)... That many times ends up not actually being an issue, rather than using them for research before buying, or using it merely as a medium for camaraderie.

My 1989 G19 was flawless for the 20 I carried it (without getting a case of Glock Leg).
While some can't master the mulish PF-9, mine had no problems that weren't attributed to User Error (aka LimpWristing )
and so far, the Shield that I've been carrying since May of '12 has been perfect as well.

Pistols aren't perfect, but most problems seem to occur someplace between the trigger finger and the brain.

 

[elm_creek_smith]

I used to carry a J-frame most of the time, but almost never do these days (I've moved to a Kahr CM9 or a Ruger LCP, depending on dress).

If you're wearing a dress...

ECS

 

[elm_creek_smith]

Wow, what a great thread. I'm in the middle of considering getting a M & P Shield 9mm. I have an older J frame model 60 2 " that I used in an ankle holster for years. Now that I applied for my CCW here in North Carolina I have been considering the change even though I have never been convinced on how reliable automatics are. After reading some of the FTF, FTE, slide problems on the M & P threads, and same problems on other gun maker forums. I'm not convinced that I should make the change. And I do understand no gun is perfect. But on the other hand I'm totally confident that my j frame will work when I need it.

Total confidence in your carry piece should solve your dilemma.

The 442 or 642 airweights have caught my eye and are very interesting just to drop a few ounces since I would rather start carrying IWB now that I'm a few years older.

I'm 61 years old and only carry IWB when I absolutely must. It's uncomfortable, and I'm all about comfort these days. If my Model 37 isn't in a pocket holster or very rarely on my ankle, it's in a holster on my belt.

ECS

 

[DonGlock26]

I've carried a J-Frame off-duty and in retirement for 25 years. I tried a LCP, but it had stoppages at the range and got dirty quickly in my pocket. If you look at any pocket semi-auto on the web, you will read posts by owners with stoppages. I find that unacceptable.

Yes, J-Frames can break, but they don't break or jam like pocket pistols. Now, if I can't conceal a snubby, then my LCP or P-32 get the nod. They are better that sharp words or a pointy stick.

To me, the J-Frame is the AK-47 of pocket handguns. I also own the AK of the service pistols- the Glock and an AK clone rifle. Why?

Because the loudest noise in the world is "click".

 

[hotrod150]

I picked up my new Sig P938 at the LGS last tuesday. Shot a total of 100 rounds through it so far with 100% reliability. Boy, is this a sweet little pistol! I've wanted something like this for about 30 years, ever since I read a gun report on the LaFrance Nova. I've got an Ace Case IWB holster on order for it, and after another 100 rounds or so it will most likely become my EDC.

 

[DAdams]

A couple good Articles on the consideration and use/carry. Definitely not for everyone, some "can't seem to get a grip".

Snub-Nosed Personal Defense Revolvers

The Theory of the Snubnose Revolver

This second article has lots of good links.

Mine. I carry it or a Seecamp .380 if I want something lighter and more discrete.


M&P 340 IMO the highest form of snub development and evolution.

 

[DAdams]

The PM 9 isn't bad. But I still prefer the snub.


http://www.snubnose.info/docs/why_carry.htm

 

[DJINCO]

Nope. No. Are you crazy? No.

 

[sw1834]

My every day carry is a 640-1(.357mag hammerless snubbie for you newbies) My BUG(back up gun) is either a .380 bodyguard or a M&P9C. Depending on weather and clothing options. Although here in Wyoming, sometimes the weather allows me to conceal 6" or longer N frames.

SWCA #1834

 

[shep854]

DAdams, thanks for the links. They look like good reading.

 

[AnthemBassMan]

-I would feel equally safe carrying my Wife's Taurus 85 .38 Special as I would carrying my SD40 VE. Stoke that .38 with Hydro-Shoks, Hornady CD, or some other quality hollow point, and it's all good.

L8R,
Matt

 

[Yiogo]

I love my J frame, taught my daughters how to use one and bought them each one as a gift. They are adults.
Easy to check, easy to load and easy to unload.
Yiogo

 

[Wraith]

I keep trying the small semi-autos but always come back to my 642, it is always the most comfortable.

 

[safearm]

Well, I did retire my J-frame last year. I found an AMT Back-up in .38 Super, and since all of my other carry guns are in .38 Super, it made more sense. Plus it carries 2 more rounds.

 

[Stevens]

I have thought about it long and often but can't bring myself to do it, still with the 642.
Steve w

 

[Pocketfisherman]

Springfield XDS in 45 ACP for me. I still shoot my Jframes at the range and keep it within reach at home though. The XDS is flatter and easier to conceal.

 

[LaVistaBill]

Dump My J-Frames?

Nope, I have not replaced my J-frames, rather it depends on the time of year, what I'm wearing and a scientific wild-assed guess (SWAG) about the threat level I may be going into as to what I carry. I like pocket carry and nothing beats a J-frame for this and I also believe the J-frame (Air-Weight) is also best for ankle carry. I sometimes pack (usually IWB) a Kahr CW40 if I'm wearing a belt and an un-tucked Hawaiian shirt or jacket/coat. This may at times be replaced with an HK P2000 in .40, if I know I'll be in a bad part of town. Here lately I've been carrying (no gasping) a Colt Police Positive Special with a 4" barrel in a pancake holster. It is very accurate and doesn't weigh much with its D-frame and pencil-thin barrel (circa 1916).

 

[LaVistaBill]

DAdams, I'm a fan of the Mika Pocket Holster and the CT Lasergrips too for my J-frames!

A couple good Articles on the consideration and use/carry. Definitely not for everyone, some "can't seem to get a grip".

Snub-Nosed Personal Defense Revolvers

The Theory of the Snubnose Revolver

This second article has lots of good links.

Mine. I carry it or a Seecamp .380 if I want something lighter and more discrete.


M&P 340 IMO the highest form of snub development and evolution.

 

[APS]

Yes I replaced my 5 shot revolvers with a compact 9mm a few years ago (now a Shield 9). I just wasn't happy with my accuracy.

 

[Shooting Padre]

I'm seriously considering going from my M&P9 back to my 36 for everyday carry. Both are great guns but weight makes a difference sometimes. I've ordered a set of Crimson Trace grips for it for a little extra help.