If you could only have 1 J frame, what would it be?

[LewiRose]

-----Model 42 Centennial Airweight.......

I have many snubs to pick from. As a shooter I would go with my 640 with CEN as the prefix in the SN. A little heavy to throw in the pocket but a real gun in a small size. My 42 Centennial Airweight, the "lemon squeezer" with the safety deactivated is in my opinion the most perfect EDC snub gun ever made. Can barely feel it when empty in your hand and so beautiful. Mine is in mint condition and it will never be a carry gun but that would be my pick all day....

 

[mic214]

My choice would be the only 'J' I currently own, a 3" Model 36:

 

[MaxS]

Definitely my 638. I've shot it so much (always double action) that it feels like an extension of me.

I even called S&W and asked them if there's a life expectancy re the number of shots - I was worried I'm wearing it out Customer service laughed and told me that's what they're made for, not to worry.

(I don't understand those folks who say the j frames are range guns - to each his/her own)

As a side note, all the j-frame practice makes 9mm semi-auto shooting ridiculously easy.

 

[4Given]

Three inch 60-10......357, adjustable sights.......... think "micro-686".

Small enough to carry concealed....... and still do double duty as a "Kit Gun"

Another vote for the Model 60-10!!!

 

[TeaDub]

My 640 (no dash) without question. I can't imagine only keeping one, however. The J-frame is near the top of the heap for my favorite platform.

"Only have one"? The correct question should be, which one is next to buy....

 

[jslaughter]

638 pre-lock,

 

[Bowyer]

I am so happy that I don't live in a world that only allows me to own 1 J frame!


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

 

[Green Frog]

First I would have to establish some additional parameters for this decision. If I were to carry this gun concealed every day with a likely need to use it for self defense, I would probably have a King Super Police conversion (high vis sights) done on my Baby Chief, then put it one of a couple of concealment holsters.

If I were continuing along as things are now with occasional need for serious CCW, I would get a good concealment holster for my 3' adjustable sighted stainless Model 60-4. If I could have any J-frame ever made and continue to do my own reloads, I would acquire a 4" adjustable sighted stainless Model 631 and a couple of good concealment holsters. This is as close to a Grail Gun as my personal wish list contains. Truth to tell, I wouldn't feel too concerned about being "under gunned" with any of these three.

Froggie

 

[Trojansteel]

I researched these j frames quite a bit and decided on the 640-1. If not this model, then the 640 pro.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JH1951]

I am curious to see which j frame you guys would pick to be your best carry/personal protection/range J frame if you could only have 1. It could be from any era up to the present.

If I HAD to narrow it down, it would be my 649.

Thanks for making me think about it. It made me be quite thankful that I have options.....

 

[Stopsign32v]

My 360J, because I like being different and having something most don't.

 

[shawn mccarver]

I am curious to see which j frame you guys would pick to be your best carry/personal protection/range J frame if you could only have 1. It could be from any era up to the present.

I would pick the Model 642 (the current one without the key lock). Great little carry gun.

 

[jimmyj]

S&W Model 649

 

[WC145]

I only have one, the Pinnacle custom 9mm/.38spl convertible 360J I've been carrying several days a week for 8+ years now. It does everything and anything I need a snubby to do in a slick, lightweight, versatile package. With the rechambered original steel cylinder in place I have the choice of shooting several different calibers using moonclips - 9mm, .356TSW, 9x21, .38ACP, .38 Super, 9mm Largo, 9x23, etc. -- or I can switch to the titanium .38spl cyl for a more traditional and very light carry piece. This gun covers all the bases, that's how I get away with having just one J frame.

 

[Walter Rego]

Another vote for a Model 640. Compact size, moderate weight, stainless steel, no snag hammer for easy pocket carry and +P+ rated. What's not to love ?

 

[stem]

What is the difference between a 640 and 642? I have a 642 and I like it. When I bought it I chose it over the 442 because I thought the black would wear and show the aluminum underneath. So far the 642 coating has been fairly durable.

 

[BB57]

3" Model 60-15

 

[SuperMan]

Probably #1 would be a 60-10 3" .357 Magnum that has a second cylinder modified by TK Custom to take .38 Super/9mm/.380/.356 TSW/9mm Largo. Was told by TK NOT to shoot 9x23 Winchester through the conversion as the pressure was much too high...

This is my favorite gun for hiking, fishing and boating...

Picture is 5 yards double action with 9mm....

Bob

 

[HeyJoe]

What is the difference between a 640 and 642? I have a 642 and I like it. When I bought it I chose it over the 442 because I thought the black would wear and show the aluminum underneath. So far the 642 coating has been fairly durable.

the 640 is stainless steel while the 642 is an aluminum alloy frame with steel cylinder and barrel.

 

[steamloco76]

I would never part with my dad's old model 36, however, since J-Frames are all about self defense carry, and Airweights give me the most concealed carry options; my Model 642-2 Performance Center no-lock would be the choice.