Now that's a gap. I've been looking for a CC piece. Carried a 36 a looooooong time ago while in narcotics. I'm a retired fed now. I know, big deal. Anyway I've been through just about everything. Now I need some advise on what to carry. I have been looking at one of the PC's 637 Gun Smoke J frame, and on the other end a PC 629 2" and some. I'd carry .44 specials in it. It should have about zero recoil. I also looked at a 640 today, not a custom. Wish I could find one. I really like the idea of moon clips. I was even thinking of a 325 Nightguard til I read something about them locking up, falling apart, and frames cracking. Sight radius will have to be short due to age, 65, and a microbe I picked up, only obtainable in SE Asia, lucky me. Sorry didn't mean to get off topic. What are your recommendations? I'm at my wits end. I've got a brand new Ed Brown Kobra Carry I've up for sale cause I can't manage the sights. I haven't tried to fire it. Makes me sick. Any and all suggestions appreciated.
How things have changed. N or J ?
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Green Frog
Member
What's wrong with holding on to that old Model 36 that served you so well? If your agency won't let you keep it, I would make an effort to find another just like it so there would be no relearning/retraining. Unless you think some of your old cases might come back to haunt you, bringing along some of their friends and heavy armament, five rounds of 38 special should be all you ever need. JMHO, YMMV.
Froggie
Froggie
I rust everything. I pulled my old 36 out of my boot to clean it and found that I had rusted the crane solid. Five rounds should do the job. Everyone seems to want a lite weight. I've found a 640 SS, but I like that PC 637 Wyatt model "Gunsmoke" also. I just don't know if it would hold up.
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If you like it, the model 637 (regular or special edition) will likely hold up just fine, even though it has an aluminum alloy frame. A recent poster put somewhere between 12 and 30000 rounds through his alloy J frame .38 in 5 years before wearing it out - and getting a new one under warranty from the factory!
If you want a stainless steel J frame, they are plentiful on the used and new markets. A search through the Wanted to Sell/Trade section here may find you one. Hope this is helpful.
If you want a stainless steel J frame, they are plentiful on the used and new markets. A search through the Wanted to Sell/Trade section here may find you one. Hope this is helpful.
gtmtnbiker98
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Personally, the 'Gun Smoke' 637 is a rip off (primarily because I can't stand the show). If you are seeking a more rust resistant version of the 36, get a 60. If you are wanting a Centennial then by all means, get a 640 in a 2". My carry guns during the warmer months are either a 60 or a 640. I simply love them.
Cal44
Member
I'm far from an expert here, but my thinking is a small revolver like a model 60 makes the most sense. I have a larger 629 snub, but can't see carrying the bulk and weight -- unless I'm somewhere there are bears or feral hogs or something.
I have a Ruger LCR 357 and that is another option. It's light, and the key parts (cylinder, barrel, and frame around the cylinder) are SS and the grip frame is polymer. A good compromise. Also has a good DAO trigger.
I just bought a Model 60 S&W -- the 3" version with adjustable sights.
I'm in the California 10 day waiting period right now so haven't tried it yet.
The 3" barrel makes it harder to fit the 60 in my pocket, but I don't have a CCW in California anyway, so for now it's a range gun.
We also have a house in Arizona, so I plan to get a CC permit there.
Dave
I have a Ruger LCR 357 and that is another option. It's light, and the key parts (cylinder, barrel, and frame around the cylinder) are SS and the grip frame is polymer. A good compromise. Also has a good DAO trigger.
I just bought a Model 60 S&W -- the 3" version with adjustable sights.
I'm in the California 10 day waiting period right now so haven't tried it yet.
The 3" barrel makes it harder to fit the 60 in my pocket, but I don't have a CCW in California anyway, so for now it's a range gun.
We also have a house in Arizona, so I plan to get a CC permit there.
Dave
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Carry a 325NG and shoot it often. Have had no problems with HST 230 gr or my reloads 200 gr cast 4.8 B.E. Very happy with the moon clips and Miculek springs. I am also looking for a 640-Pro.Due to my age and vison really like the XS big dot sight. In the process of installing one on my JM 625.
RJ
RJ
When I carry a revolver, I seem to lean towards an N-Frame. Not as handy perhaps, but I sure like them. I'm currently enamored of my 657 with a 3" barrel. I use 250 grain hard cast bullets at about 900 fps, though the photo depicts some 210 grain XTP's. Below is a photo. When weather, location, etc. dictate otherwise, I carry a Glock 27 in .40S&W...fits on my ankle, in a pocket, etc. and carries 10 rounds.
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Get a basic Airweight like a 637 (exposed hammer like your old Model 36), 638 (shrouded hammer, but can still be cocked) or 642 (enclosed hammer, double action only). They carry in a pocket holster so easily, you will not even notice it is there. For pocket carry, which is what you will want so you can have it all the time, the 637 is a little trickier to present from the pocket unless you learn the "Massad Ayoob method," which is to put you thumb on the back of the hammer using your thumb to form your own human hammer shroud. Works like a charm, but you have to remember to do it. In any event, I do not see the point of the "Gunsmoke special" or whatever it is called. J frame actions are heavy, yes, but ignition reliability is FAR more important. The short 629 you mention is a belt holster only proposition, and that will tempt you to leave it home when you are not dressed for it, and that requires a fully functioning crystal ball so you will know on what day you will be "in the wrong place at the wrong time." I find the steel J frames too heavy for efficient pocket carry and, as I said about the 629, you will need a belt holster, which will mean a covering garment, which will mean you really won't have it all the time.
So, if you really want to be armed (your revolver is with you if you are wearing your pants, both in your home and out), then get an Airweight J frame, some FBI loads or the Speer Gold Dot Short barrel ammo and a speed loader and you are set. As to pocket holsters, there are three really good ones that I can recommend from personal use. There are others, but these I can speak to from personal experience. Bob Mika, former LAPD, makes a great one and he is a personable guy who will take care to make a good holster for you. The Safariland pocket holster is also very good. Remember that you will have to order it "side specific," and that is its one downfall. More on that in the next paragraph. Finally, there are two "available now" options from Elite Survival Systems. The first is their pocket holster. The second is their belt clip holster, which, with the belt clip removed, makes a dandy pocket holster. Nice straight cut across the bottom to distribute the weight of the firearm in the pocket. Please do not get Uncle Mike's pocket holster. The one I had "collapsed" after only a couple of weeks and the straight bottom folded over resulting in the revolver not riding straight up in the pocket, which meant a visible and unnatural and noticeable bulge in the pocket.
As to pocket holsters, the disadvantage of having to order "side specific" is that some people like to wear in strong side pocket if that is the only firearm carried, but switch to weak side if the pocket pistol becomes a back-up to a full size pistol is worn strong side in either an OWB or IWB holster.
So, if you really want to be armed (your revolver is with you if you are wearing your pants, both in your home and out), then get an Airweight J frame, some FBI loads or the Speer Gold Dot Short barrel ammo and a speed loader and you are set. As to pocket holsters, there are three really good ones that I can recommend from personal use. There are others, but these I can speak to from personal experience. Bob Mika, former LAPD, makes a great one and he is a personable guy who will take care to make a good holster for you. The Safariland pocket holster is also very good. Remember that you will have to order it "side specific," and that is its one downfall. More on that in the next paragraph. Finally, there are two "available now" options from Elite Survival Systems. The first is their pocket holster. The second is their belt clip holster, which, with the belt clip removed, makes a dandy pocket holster. Nice straight cut across the bottom to distribute the weight of the firearm in the pocket. Please do not get Uncle Mike's pocket holster. The one I had "collapsed" after only a couple of weeks and the straight bottom folded over resulting in the revolver not riding straight up in the pocket, which meant a visible and unnatural and noticeable bulge in the pocket.
As to pocket holsters, the disadvantage of having to order "side specific" is that some people like to wear in strong side pocket if that is the only firearm carried, but switch to weak side if the pocket pistol becomes a back-up to a full size pistol is worn strong side in either an OWB or IWB holster.
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scooter123
Member
You weren't specific about your eyesight issues but if it's simply aging eyes that don't focus as well as the once did you are not alone. I haven't been able to focus on handgun sights for about 5 years now and can't shoot under 4 inches at 15 yards unless I'm using optical sights. So what, I can still defend myself. Fact is that if you can hit 6 inches or less you can still put a round into a head sized target 100% of the time and being shot in the head does tend to discourage assailants from any further aggressions.
I would suggest that you do what I've done. Spend enough time shooting every month to insure that you can use what is visible of the shape of your gun to assist you in maintaining the ability to shoot well enough. Do that and you'll be able to keep that wonderful Cobra Carry and actually use in as your primary defense pistol.
I would suggest that you do what I've done. Spend enough time shooting every month to insure that you can use what is visible of the shape of your gun to assist you in maintaining the ability to shoot well enough. Do that and you'll be able to keep that wonderful Cobra Carry and actually use in as your primary defense pistol.
Dave T
Member
Having just bought a Nightguard that really made me feel good (LOL). As for J-frames...never met anyone who could shoot them really well. Yea I know, most everyone here is either really good or good enough with the little 5-shooters. I just never saw it in any of the classes I taught or any of the matches I shot in. Just on the internet! (smile)
Dave
I've been looking for a 325 Nightguard without any luck so far. I love the moon clips. Some 640s come for moon clips. I saw a 422 somewhere set up for them.
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snowman.45
Member
I'm putting my retirement battery together in preparation for retiring next year. I think 37 yrs. will be enough; retiring out as a Lieutenant. I have been getting back to my roots and buying J-frame revolvers for this purpose. I have a 340 Sc that I cleaned up the finish, springs and front sight on, and a 640. I don't think I'll be shooting many .357 mag. rounds out of the 340, but I will carry them in the 640. I also have a 3" 65-5 and a 3" 681 PC I can carry as needed. My other carry guns are 1911's, a Shield in 9mm and an XDs in .45, so I think I have all of the bases covered for potential carry guns..
I think the lightweight and airweight J-frames are great with .38, and will probably take care of most of your needs, but if you feel the need for something with more punch, the 640 is a good choice, in my opinion. I'm going to see if I can get the 640 cylinder that is relieved for moon clips from Brownell's so I can have that option.
I think the lightweight and airweight J-frames are great with .38, and will probably take care of most of your needs, but if you feel the need for something with more punch, the 640 is a good choice, in my opinion. I'm going to see if I can get the 640 cylinder that is relieved for moon clips from Brownell's so I can have that option.
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When I carry a revolver, I seem to lean towards an N-Frame. Not as handy perhaps, but I sure like them. I'm currently enamored of my 657 with a 3" barrel. I use 250 grain hard cast bullets at about 900 fps, though the photo depicts some 210 grain XTP's. Below is a photo. When weather, location, etc. dictate otherwise, I carry a Glock 27 in .40S&W...fits on my ankle, in a pocket, etc. and carries 10 rounds.
Sharp wheel gun. It reminds me of the 629 3" I once had.
Others to look at: 340 Scndium, 66 in 2.5" or 65 in 3", 686 in 2.5", 696 (44 spc) in 3", 625 (45acp) in 3" or mountain gun, and 629 (44 mag) in mountain gun. I love them all.
I carried Sigs and Bill Wilson's Colts with revolvers being Colts with a few Smiths. Now the Wilson's were built on my Colt's. This was back when I could call and talk to Bill. Colt built me a custom SS Government model while I was at Glynco. I just wish I had half the money I have spent on custom 1911's. Anyway, I've found that the longer the sight radius the worse it makes things for me now. I looked at a XDs 45 just yesterday and I could make out the red fiber but the rear has to be black. They had a 640 I'm going to go back and look at. Damn I wish I hadn't seen that N frame .357 posted. Shooting 44 specials in a 626 is like 38 wad cutters in a 357. As I use to tell them, it's not caliber but like real estate....location, location, location. They taught us 2 to the chest and one to the head. After that it won't matter to him what he was shot with. I've always shot expert master. I was the top shot at Glynco 296/300 and 300/300 on my first in service. That was then, and this is now. Fifteen yards is as far as it should get.
Lord, you'll are bring back old times. I had one of the first 66 2.5". Got it diverted from a Secret Service order. Do they still make the 696?
TK customs will cut the cyl. for moon clips on most 357/38
The 640 -pro comes cut for moon clips.Carried 1911's most of my life .Wilson carry comp short [4in]works ok with his nite sights also carry a Baer monolith commanche heavy weight with nite sights.Different tools for different situations. Finding the 325NG hanging with me most often along with a J-frame BUG
RJ
G
The 640 -pro comes cut for moon clips.Carried 1911's most of my life .Wilson carry comp short [4in]works ok with his nite sights also carry a Baer monolith commanche heavy weight with nite sights.Different tools for different situations. Finding the 325NG hanging with me most often along with a J-frame BUG
RJ
G
John, much thanks for the info. If I get the 640 that front sight will have to go. I picked up a microbe in SE Asia between 69 and 72 which has affected my vision. I've had it my whole career. I'm just having more trouble now. Age doesn't help. I really like the idea of the 325 NG and moon clips. Short enough to pull that white dot in with a black rear. I even have a S&W holster left over from back in the day that it will work in, and the wife could operate it. I just can't find one.
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Lew Horton had nickle 3" N frames in 45ACP, 44 Special & Magnum maybe 10 years ? ago. Maybe a 4" 627Pro: eight shot 357 N frame, moonclip ready.
Davidsons Gallery of Guns has factory tuned J frames off & on; my 642-2 posted about the forum is one of these.
Maybe one of the 3" 686+'s: seven shooters and still supported by the factory.
The snub 66's can be found, but parts can be difficult. Same for the M65.
Just some suggestions for snub wheelguns.
Davidsons Gallery of Guns has factory tuned J frames off & on; my 642-2 posted about the forum is one of these.
Maybe one of the 3" 686+'s: seven shooters and still supported by the factory.
The snub 66's can be found, but parts can be difficult. Same for the M65.
Just some suggestions for snub wheelguns.
DAinTX
Member
In the end, it's pretty simple, isn't it? If you are going to carry all day, everyday, then one of the J frames makes the most sense, IMO. OTOH, if you'll only carry occasionally, or for relatively short durations, such that weight/size is never an issue, then just about any snub will work, from the Js to the short bbl. N frames. If you rust guns easily, then obviously you'd want to go with stainless or an alloy-stainless hybrid, regardless of frame size. There are quite a few choices out there and everyone will have their favorites, but no one will know what works best for you but you.
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hotrod150
Member
Contrary to several others here, I like the PC "Gunsmoke" 637....but the first thing I'd do is get some rattlecan silver and paint over the goofy logos. For less money, the very popular hammerless Centennial 442/642's are readily available both new & used. I had a 442-2 for a while, nice gun but I prefer my older bobbed-hammer Chief Specials. I just bought a pre-model 37 bobbed airweight Chief, I carry A-IWB but it would be awesome for pocket carry. I also have a couple older model 36's which may be a bit heavy for the pocket but otherwise are great little guns.
Pef
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Zigstar,
I have the 637, 640 and 642, and I carry the 637 most. If it were me, I would not spend the extra money on the 647 Gunsmoke. I would purchase a regular 637 and bob the hammer - in fact, this is what I did an it is my main pocket carry. I actually prefer the 637 bobbed over the 642 because it is a tad bit smaller due to the lack of the the distal hump that encloses the hammer in the 642. The 637 or 642 are great for pocket carry, both weighing about 15 ounces.
If you are going to carry with an OWB holster, or a good IWB, and not pocket carry, then the 640 may be the way to go. The extra six ounces of the all steel 640 over the 637/642 make it too heavy for pocket carry (for me, anyway).
If you decide on a 637, and want to bob the hammer, a smith should be able to do that for a reasonable price. Or, if you even marginally mechanically inclined, you can do it yourself, provided you have a vise to secure the hammer. Easier solution, of course, is just to purchase a 642.
As for sights, I never use them on these guns....I'm strictly a point shooter with the SD weapons....
Good luck.
I have the 637, 640 and 642, and I carry the 637 most. If it were me, I would not spend the extra money on the 647 Gunsmoke. I would purchase a regular 637 and bob the hammer - in fact, this is what I did an it is my main pocket carry. I actually prefer the 637 bobbed over the 642 because it is a tad bit smaller due to the lack of the the distal hump that encloses the hammer in the 642. The 637 or 642 are great for pocket carry, both weighing about 15 ounces.
If you are going to carry with an OWB holster, or a good IWB, and not pocket carry, then the 640 may be the way to go. The extra six ounces of the all steel 640 over the 637/642 make it too heavy for pocket carry (for me, anyway).
If you decide on a 637, and want to bob the hammer, a smith should be able to do that for a reasonable price. Or, if you even marginally mechanically inclined, you can do it yourself, provided you have a vise to secure the hammer. Easier solution, of course, is just to purchase a 642.
As for sights, I never use them on these guns....I'm strictly a point shooter with the SD weapons....
Good luck.
tweedman
Member
I pocket carry a 640 2" no dash 38spl with Crimson Trace laser grips. I can't see the sights either. The laser works great except in very bright sunlight and the weight of the stainless gun tames the recoil from FBI loads. Just my preferences. Good luck with your hunt.
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photoman
Member
Show me an instructor or class that actually welcomes the J frame or has a curriculum that is appropriate for the J frame!
It's a real shame that all (except for DeBethancourt) are VERY biased against the J frame as a primary carry weapon and design classes that reflect that. This is especially true since the Airweight J frame is by far, I think, the most popular carry gun on planet earth.
Whether the J frame is good or bad as a primary weapon is a subject for another debate so I'll skip that for now!
