I cant believe I am considering a J frame...

My 642-1 likes to ride in right front pocket...most of the time.

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Hold your head up! I started out on S&W .44 Specials and now shoot J frames more than any other S&W revolver. I love the challenge of shooting them well and they carry so easy. I'm not going to say they are a better option than a full size gun, but it's sure hard to leave 'em at home. :)
 
Hanging your head in shame over a J frame? How many good gangsters did their deeds with a model 36? Hah, they didn't need a big bore to get the job done.
 
Don't feel like the Lone Ranger. I went from a 41 mag to a 10mm Govt Mdl to a 10mm CCO, to a Mdl 19 snubbie to mdl12 to a 640-1 to a 442.

You just missed some of the bumps.
 
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I have but one J frame now... a 640 in .357 and I like it but it needs a holster. I had a 642 with a lock I sold thinking I would get a new sans lock one. I grabbed a Kahr CW9 instead. I miss that 642... for going out back and feeding the outdoor wood stove,getting mail or runnin to the store it was soooo nice to just toss it in the pocket.

I like the CW and all but need to grab another airweight one of these days!

I never felt "ungunned" with my J's - I hit well enough with them that I should be able to get out of about any civilian need I would have short of a home invasion and even then it would likely buy me the needed time to get to the higher cap/bigger tools.
 
Mine is a J frame M36..
I shoot it well enough, to hit what I'm shooting at.
And I'll agree about addiction. I have my sights on Mod. 40 Centennial
to go with my 36
 
Evil One

Like you if it is not a 44 or a 45, I really do not have much use for it...

However there is this "little" S&W Mod 38 [Airweight Bodyguard] that I have been using most every day since around 1972...

I cannot even tell you how many snakes, rabbits, and a "few other" things it has shot over the years.

Even now I never leave the house without it...

It is ALWAYS accompanied by BIGGER guns... but it ALWAYS goes along...
 
J-frames are great for disappearing in a pocket! I have a 638 that I forget is there. If you do get a J-frame consider adding Crimson Trace grips (the 405 model helps with felt recoil). The laser really helps with training and accuracy. The CT grips make a great weapon better.
 
I've been, and still am (though I am liking this side more & more), a Semi-auto guy my whole life shooting nothing less than 9mm cal.

I then came to feeling better about the idea of having a "pocket" gun. Something I can just drop in the pocket and walk the dog, take a jog, imagining 100 degree days on a summer weekend wearing shorts, etc.

I looked, and held.........and held, many micro-pocket-mouse guns and could not even get close to warming up to them. No way.

The 642/442 with 5 shot 38sp.+p was absolutely the answer I was hoping for.

I've only owned it for a short time, its my intro into the revolver and S&W world, and I've had one range session(100 cartridges isn't necessarily a picnic, but I lived and with a smile) and it is great.

Very confident in it.

Anyhow, here's another thumbs-up to you and this moment in life you've found yourself.:o

I understand.
I am also very happy in my choice thus far.

Best of luck.
 
Evil One said:
I am a confirmed big bore guy... I carry .44s and .45s.
If the cartridge doesnt start with at least a .4 or .5 I want nothing to do with it...
I am honestly considering a J frame.
*hangs head in shame*
My current pocket carry is a Taurus 445 .44 special, and I have never thought twice about its size or weight.
I dont wear tight pants, and generally wear work jeans.
I have yet to be made carrying it, as a matter of fact, my wife who knows I always have it with me looked and didnt notice it tonight.
I was at gander mountain browsing and decided... what the hell, lets look at the toy guns.
Looked at a taurus 85... wasnt much of an improvement over my 445.
1/2" shorter top to bottom, 1/4" shorter nose to tail, probably 1/5" narrower in the cylinder.
Then I looked at a 442.
It 100% disappeared in my pocket, and compared to the .44... well, made the .44 feel like I was carrying a brick.
And normally, I dont notice the .44.
Looked at the Ruger LCR, and didnt care much for it.
GREAT light trigger pull however.
So yea... I am honestly looking at a J for EDC.
More than likely a bodyguard or centennial, with a strong leaning towards the BG.
Never thought this would happen to me...


Jim
Click to expand...


jim..hold your head up!!we all have weak moments:eek::eek:
i carry a 29-3 3"in an ankle holster...so i know whatcha mean!
 
You're screwed! :D

IMHO, the Smith & Wesson J frame is the most addictive of all S&W revolvers. I own a pair - a no dash model 36 "Chief's Special" and a no dash model 38 Airweight "Bodyguard." They are both from the same era (1984/85) both sport blue steel finshes, and 2 inch snouts. The humpback rides in my front pocket...

Every. Single. Day.
 
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While I was waiting for my CHL to be issued, I imagined I would carry either a K-frame S&W, or S&W Model 625 most of the time, and a H&K P7 on rare occasions. I slowly collected holsters and cover garments in anticipation when I discovered a Model 432PD (.32H&R Magnum) in the showcase of my favorite gun shop. I was extremely surprised to discover that the 432 was the gun that was always with me because it was so easy to carry. The 432 is my EDC with a .32ACP Seecamp as BUG. I've since added a 642 Airweight and a Model 34 to my J-frame collection. Thank God my wife never asks why I don't use something from the box full of holsters I have in the closet, or why don't I wear one of the nice vests she bought me. J-frames, I don't leave home without one.

Best of luck,

Dave
 
J frame

I have had an old J frame model 36 for many years. not fire power but makes enough noise to cover a fast getaway....
 
My 640-1 has been seeing more and more holster time lately. Once I get an ankle holster, it will be my BUG on the days I carry my semi-auto. J frames are great little guns.
 
As hard as I've tried, I just can't make myself warm up to the J frames. I've had some nice ones and now I'm back down to one, which is my 638 Bodyguard Airweight. To be honest it's the only one I've ever really liked. The rest were "ok" but just didn't move me. I'll admit that they are great guns, just not for everyone (namely me). I'm more of an "L" frame guy :D
 
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