If You Were Going to Buy Your Very 1st J-Frame What Would You Pick?
- Thread starter Nalapombu
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TeaDub
Member
For me, the beauty of the J-frame lies in the size and weight of the gun. An aluminum frame just carries so much easier in a pocket (or belt) than a steel frame gun. While I love my 642, a 637 or 638 has the single action option. Even the 637 can be drawn, snag-free with practice on technique.
I have found a supply of lighter "cowboy" loads that match the bullet weight of my carry ammo (Georgia Arms). If I want to have a longer range session, I'll bring these lighter loads and finish off with full power stuff.
Ultimately, I couldn't stop at one J-frame. It is one of my all time favorite gun designs.
I have found a supply of lighter "cowboy" loads that match the bullet weight of my carry ammo (Georgia Arms). If I want to have a longer range session, I'll bring these lighter loads and finish off with full power stuff.
Ultimately, I couldn't stop at one J-frame. It is one of my all time favorite gun designs.
photoman
Member
Everyone needs at least one Airweight Centennial. 
SAWBONES
Member
My opinions presume loading of .38 Special loads rather than .357 Magnum, and "no lock" versions.
Anybody asking about "best choice for a first J-frame" needs to answer a couple initial questions:
Do you intend it to be particularly for CCW, but almost never actually shot, so that the lightest practical weight is desirable? >> 642 or 442
Do you intend to carry it AND to shoot it a lot? >> 649
Anybody asking about "best choice for a first J-frame" needs to answer a couple initial questions:
Do you intend it to be particularly for CCW, but almost never actually shot, so that the lightest practical weight is desirable? >> 642 or 442
Do you intend to carry it AND to shoot it a lot? >> 649
Frank V
Member
Some nice Js here, thanks for sharing everyone.
gunny4053
US Veteran
I'd pick what I have already, I would just take a shorter path getting there. I like the ugly step child of the S&W family, the 49. It's steel, not some light super alloy, so it absorbs recoil easily. It has the shrouded hammer, enabling me to shoot double or single action, while preventing any snags when drawing from concealment. And, it is more than accurate for up close and personal work. It's just a strong, reliable, firearm that's there when you need it, and isn't ammo picky like some semi autos.
Hook686
US Veteran
340PD would be my pick, unless the price of the 340CT does not scare yopu away.
I own a 442 (satin finish) and a 642. The 442 is my carry gun. Both guns are pre +p and lock. The 442's finish is butt ugly. Which is why the S&W experiment with the finish didn't last long and why I carry it.
I purchased both for concealed carry. The light weight and no hammer design allows me to easily use a pocket holster. Pachmayr grips help tame the recoil to my old and becoming arthritic hands.
When younger I scoffed at anything less than a 357 and mocked those who felt recoil. Now that I am older and hopefully less of an jerk the 38spl silver tips work just fine thank you.
These guns are just as accurate as the shooter. I think they are an excellent value.
I purchased both for concealed carry. The light weight and no hammer design allows me to easily use a pocket holster. Pachmayr grips help tame the recoil to my old and becoming arthritic hands.
When younger I scoffed at anything less than a 357 and mocked those who felt recoil. Now that I am older and hopefully less of an jerk the 38spl silver tips work just fine thank you.
These guns are just as accurate as the shooter. I think they are an excellent value.
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I started with a 642. Wanted it for pocket carry. It was too heavy for that purpose. It's now a bathroom closet stash gun with CT 305 grips.
I was looking at the 340PD when the M&P 340 came out.
13 ounces, great XS sights, I purchased mine with CT grips, robust finish. I pocket carry it in a Mika round cut holster, Speer 135 gr for short barrel.
It is my most carried revolver. Wished I would have bought five of them at the time for resale.
I was looking at the 340PD when the M&P 340 came out.
13 ounces, great XS sights, I purchased mine with CT grips, robust finish. I pocket carry it in a Mika round cut holster, Speer 135 gr for short barrel.
It is my most carried revolver. Wished I would have bought five of them at the time for resale.
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Ranger98
US Veteran
I like the 638..best of both worlds.Light weight as well as single action capable and a snag resistant shroud.
mg357
Absent Comrade
My very first S&W Revolver was a j-frame more specifically a S&W Model 36 with a 2 inch barrel.
153
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There is no bad choice in a J frame, all are excellent revolvers. Back in 1967 I talked my Dad into this Model 37...
But these days, hands down I would recommend a 640-1, without a doubt one of the finest pistols S&W ever cobbled up!
But these days, hands down I would recommend a 640-1, without a doubt one of the finest pistols S&W ever cobbled up!
I've owned a few. My very first J frame was a model 34 in nickel with 3" barrel. My favorite shooter is my 60-10 (love those 3" barrels). My EDC for many, many years was a 642. The 642 is hard to beat for EDC, but my model 63 is perfect for introduction to handgun shooting for ladies and youngsters.
at_liberty
Member
Is that a gun problem or a wardrobe problem? Maybe need a holster and a different kind of shirt?
I see the problem though. I don't pocket carry, but my first J-frame was the lightweight Wyatt Deep Cover 637. I like it a lot and carry it in my go bag, that I take to the car on every road outing. I then place it in the elastic strap along the transmission tunnel by my leg, so I can reach it instead of my carry gun. It is kept in its soft pocket liner holster so it will draw without any snag. It's not out of sight, but you'd have to look close against the black carpeting and console in good light to tell what it is.
The gun is also my pajama gun with its grip clip for waist band carry. The concept works for me.
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pittpa
Member
I bought a 340 PD, not because it is a 357, but because I wanted the lightest used snub available then. I have not bothered to shoot 357 out of it, but I will soon. Its' plenty snappy with 38 target loads. While the short grip is more concealable, in my opinion it requires much more practice to shoot proficiently. I have not tried a 642/442 in the pocket, so I can't say what the additional 3 or so ounces would feel like. I appreciate the lack of a hammer (rendering your jacket pocket a deadly weapon), the many grip options (as in laser), sight options (as in Big Dog), and holster options.
Frank V
Member
More nice Js!
Thanks everyone.
Thanks everyone.
We have several dating from the 70's but I carry a 442 no lock mostly. My wife has a new lady smith 642 she's fond of. If the weather is cold I'm in a jacket I have a new model 60 2 inch 357 sa/da. My favorite. I like the longer grips and more weight. Not much to not like about j frames.
jswhitesell619
Member
I recently was in the same situation as you, and I ended up with a M&P340, and must say I am very happy with it! I usually carried a glock 19 and still do but find I grab the 340 more and more. It's very light and great to carry! I added crimson trace grips, which I'm not sure I needed but like the idea and the comfort. Hind sight, I'd still keep the mp340 but I sure do like the 640 pro series and would make shooting 357's more enjoyable
Newburydave
Member
I just did, a new 638-3
I just did (buy my first J Frame) and I bought a 638-3.
Airweight and the SA/DA option were my reasons. Since I've started to learn the gun a bit I'm pleased with it. I've realized that the hump back profile makes it look less like a typical gun when I pocket carry. That's important to me, don't want to freak out any "condition white" citizens.
This is actually my first sidearm. I shot only long guns before.
I'm glad that I bought a Smith & Wesson. They build good revolvers.
I just did (buy my first J Frame) and I bought a 638-3.
Airweight and the SA/DA option were my reasons. Since I've started to learn the gun a bit I'm pleased with it. I've realized that the hump back profile makes it look less like a typical gun when I pocket carry. That's important to me, don't want to freak out any "condition white" citizens.
This is actually my first sidearm. I shot only long guns before.
I'm glad that I bought a Smith & Wesson. They build good revolvers.
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