How Many Have DUMPED their J-Frame for a NEW MINI Semi-Auto?
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semperfi71
US Veteran
I have J-Frames and a Diamondback DB380. They both have their uses.
Lobster Picnic
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I carry my 7-shot J when I want extra capacity. Normal carry is a 5-shot Black Widow in .22 Mag.
RIDE-RED 350r
Member
Not I...And it aint going to happen any time soon either! 
I went from a "J" Frame 2" to a "K" Frame 2" and NEVER regretted the jump.
I like to have the weapon grip fully in my hand from beginning draw to firing.
The only way I could do this with a "J" Frame was with Pachymar Grippers there for I decided that the large grips defeated the purpose of the small frame, hense a "K" Frame and an extra round.
I like to have the weapon grip fully in my hand from beginning draw to firing.
The only way I could do this with a "J" Frame was with Pachymar Grippers there for I decided that the large grips defeated the purpose of the small frame, hense a "K" Frame and an extra round.
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Arik
Member
The one thing I can't do is 380s. I'll take 38 snubbies and sub compact 9 but 380 is just not enough of anything
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CatboatWilly
Member
Carried a J frame model 36 for 30 years - and in my old age - I must admit, it is getting heavy. But why mess with success ? I pull the trigger and it goes bang ! Never a question.
I read the discussions here on the forum about all the problems with various auto loaders and return to my old friend, that dependable J frame. Why mess with success ?
I read the discussions here on the forum about all the problems with various auto loaders and return to my old friend, that dependable J frame. Why mess with success ?
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I would not "dump" a J frame revolver. That said, it might be that it has become sort of second team with the influx of the pocket size 9mm pistols, such as the S&W Shield and M&P Compact, the SIG 290RS, the Beretta Nano, the Glock 26/19, etc. The G19 takes up the same real estate as the J frame, and its magazine holds three times as many rounds of ammo that is a little better than the best personal defense 38 Special +P ammo. So, the mini-9 with appropriate ammo is here to stay. That said, "dump a J frame?" No way!
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I purchased a Sig P290 and a Bodyguard 380, both with the intent of EDC. Tried 'em, didn't really like 'em. I just didn't feel they were as reliable as carrying my J-frame. Those semi-autos are now "emergency" guns stashed strategically in various rooms at home.
The J-frame is back on my hip every day.
The J-frame is back on my hip every day.
dscampbell
Member
After 30 years I did get rid of my model 36 but I replaced it with a model 10-5 3". Yes a k frame. I added laser grips and it is so sweet to carry.u eyes see the sights on the k frame better during the day and at night the laser grips are great. I sold the model 36 to the grandson of the officer I bought it from. For I price I paid in 1974.
Wheel guns are still real guns too. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Wheel guns are still real guns too. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
75Vette
Member
I actually replaced a Taurus TCP .380 with a m60. I never could get a hold of the Taurus out of my pocket and never really liked it anyway. I sho do like my j frame. I carry everywhere now..
For me, it's a 442 either in my pocket or on my belt all day everyday. I've checked out those dinky little wonder pistols at the local gunshop and they just don't fit my hand as well as my 442 with Pachmayr Compacts.
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acco40
Member
J-Frames
My J-frames will still be reliably pushing lead out the end of the barrel for many decades to come. So why would I ever replace them?
My J-frames will still be reliably pushing lead out the end of the barrel for many decades to come. So why would I ever replace them?
flgolfer29
Member
I dumped the j frame for a shield 9. It's greater capacity (7 + 1), I shoot it better than the j frame, and actually enjoy shooting it. It also disappears in a Remora holster.
Joe
Joe
Wee Hooker
Member
When it comes to reliability: Snubies rule! Bottom Feeders Drool!
pmosley
Member
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.
I recently acquired a 342PD, be hard pressed to convince me to change from this one.
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681ismyfavorite
Member
I still have and occasionally carry a J frame, but my LWS380 sees far more pocket time.
Protected One
Member
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.
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.
snubbiefan
Member
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!
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!
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!
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!
slodraw
US Veteran
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
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
Mike-4
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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.
