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

[Skeptic 9c]

If I had to limit myself to one:
PERFORMANCE CENTER(R) Model 60 | Smith & Wesson

The Performance Center Model 60, 3" 357 shooting .38 Specials

Geoff
Who owns an M38 and M638 and wishes he knew a gunsmith he could trust to do a trigger job on the M638..in NE FL.

 

[Bill In Texas]

Probably my Model 60-15 3" Pro, followed by my 637-2!

 

[Blackshirt]

My 638 is light, affordable, and versatile...and can tolerate +P. Bodyguards are superb.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

this is very interesting what all of you guys like to have as your last ditch gun. Lets face it, we cant carry every one of our J frames when we leave the house so i look at it this way;

Which ever J frame (or other gun for that matter, but we are talking about guys that primarily carry a J frame here) you take with you when you leave your safe place is the gun you would more than likely take/grab if the shtf in my opinion or would have on you when a situation happened, whether it be at home or while you are out and about.

Keep em coming...

BTW, although it is not my present practice, one of the advantages of the J frame's size, and weight if you choose an Airweight, is that it is much easier to carry two or even three of them. I used to carry two steel Centennials daily, for a long time. No problem. The advantages of this choice should be obvious.

 

[reppans]

I think the 649 is the most versatile of the J-frames, and the extra weight of the SS just feels better in my hands, not to mention makes for a more comfortable range gun.

 

[kraynky]

I know it sounds silly, but I think I have all the handguns I need. For spring and summer it is my 37 no dash. Had it a long time and shoot it a lot. Shoots fine. If it ever blows up I'll try to find another like it. It's not pretty but it's tight. I wouldn't purposely get rid of it.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone on this forum. Travel safely!
Gordon

I think it's gorgeous!

 

[Bowyer]

Ok, I get it! This is reverse psychology! I only owned 3 J frames when I first read this post on November 24. Now I have 2 more! I think this post made me want more J frames!

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[3rdgeargrndrr]

The only J frames I want are the ones I dont own

 

[caleb4387]

I don't own any yet but probably a 640. I think it's the best looking j frame out there with magna grips. Well maybe tied with a nice 36

 

[one eye joe]

I WOULD OPT FOR THE 642-1. IT DOES NOT HAVE THE IL, AND IS RATED FOR .38 SPL+P. MINE WEARS CT-405 LASER GRIPS

 

[OLDSTER]

Only J frame

This guy

 

[TTSH]

I'd go with my original Model 60 although I'd be hard pressed to give up my beloved Model 63.

That said, if I were looking to buy one today, it would be the Model 442-1 (no IL model). In fact, I did try to buy one this past year but the stars didn't align quite right. Perhaps next year?

 

[getoff]

i'm thinking my new to me 60-1 with adjustable sights would be the one... followed close behind by my 3" 317 airlite.

 

[blues7]

642-1 Airweight / No Lock

I actually just made this choice and am very pleased with the decision to go this route.

First J frame I've owned since selling my old 36 twenty years ago.

Shoots well (with the supplied grips) and carries easily. Great little pocket or AIWB gun.

 

[KalamazooKid]

For nostalgia reasons, I love my 37, but the 340PD does the heavy lifting most days.

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[M29since14]

Since the OP limited us to carry/personal protection guns, it would be the 340PD, but I suppose my old electroless nickel 442 would absolutely do just as well. If he had allowed trail guns, the choice would have been much more difficult.

 

[jtd]

I have, and have had ,a number of J frames.When I found a 360j and put bantam stocks on it, I rarely put anything else in my pocket! Jack

 

[JK-linux]

Ok, I get it! This is reverse psychology! I only owned 3 J frames when I first read this post on November 24. Now I have 2 more! I think this post made me want more J frames!

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Same thing happened to me. I bought a 640 Pro since I posted in this thread. Life is funny.

 

[fyimo]

My Pre 36 flat Latch

 

[TAROMAN]

Had to think about this some, as I have several from which to choose 60, 36-1, 34-1 (2), 442 and 640-1).
If only one, then it would have to be the first.
Purchased new for $123 at Jensen's in Tucson back in 1973: