If You Were Going to Buy Your Very 1st J-Frame What Would You Pick?

[Nalapombu]

Hey all,

I am getting to the point where I need to start thinking about what J-Frame I want to buy.

I go back and forth all the time from the 638 to a few others. I love the looks of the Pro series with the fluted barrel, but it's heavier than I would like and expensive. I also like the idea of the Scandium models for +P stuff and NOT 357 loads, but there too...those beauties cost some serious money.

So, I'd like to hear what you all would buy if you were buying your first one these days and why. What drew you to the one you ended up buying as your first one and why did you pick it?

Hopefully by seeing your answers I can start narrowing it down a bit.

Thanks all.

nalajr

 

[murphydog]

It depends on for what reason you want to buy one, and if you are limiting yourself to new/current production J frames. Presuming it is for a carry gun:

New - probably a 642-1, without the lock.
Used - Many more options and personal preference comes into play here. A model 60-7 would be my preference but lots of options...others will be along shortly. Good luck in your decision.

 

[629shooter]

I prefer the "centennial" frames, because there isn't a hammer spur to snag. If, you desire the ability to go single action the 649 would be my choice, with the shrouded hammer spur (Bodyguard) frame, you still are "snag free." But, it gives a place for lint and other "stuff" to collect. I choose the "magnums" because, I like options. But, there isn't anything wrong with the 642, 442, or 638.(other than Pre-ILS 638s are very hard to find)

Before you make a final decision, take a look at the M&P340. That sight picture is second to none, when you're talking J-Frames. But, the 640 cannot be ignored, Those are my "current" favorites.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[sqhead]

I like the 632 ,32 magnums,I like the decent fire power,xtra round ,lower recoil,etc.There also is the 432,332.331 and a few more.

 

[petepeterson]

I like the dark finish, so my vote goes to the 442. There's so many flavors, it's hard to pick just one. I'm assuming this is for CCW. If cost is not an issue, the Pro series is pretty sweet.

 

[Rick_A]

My first was a 442 for pocket and ankle carry. A 649 for waistband use soon followed...then a vintage Chiefs Special as I just could resist, and the weight should make it easier for the wife to shoot over an Airweight.

 

[kozmic]

No doubt a 442. Lightweight, comfortable, reliable, easy to carry, fun to shoot and a sceaming bargain.

For a first revolver or a first S&W or for a first J frame. Same answer. Everyone should own a 442 or 642.

 

[M3Stuart]

Question: have you rented and shot any yet?

What one person might recommend may be unpleasant for somebody else to shoot. So it depends on what you are used to shooting.

 

[ankona]

640pro. NO ILS, all steel so a little more shooter friendly than the airweights. Also comes with night sights.

 

[shottist]

IMO Model 38 pre lock, Buffalo Bore. Only way to go

 

[BAM-BAM]

I would start with the basic model ....... a pre-lock 2" steel Model 36 or 60 round butt.......see Rick A's third gun above!

all the others are, for want of a better term, "special purpose" variations on the J-frame theme!

Now what will be your second J-frame..... that is the question!!!!!

 

[Fox4506]

My first j frame was a 342Ti, which has a titanium cylinder. I think the gun is too light and because of the special metal it requires special treatment.

My next one was a 642, I like the stainless cylinder better than the titanium and the extra weight is not a bother when carrying but does help with shooting. The finish on the aluminum frame is fragile though and started to flake off pretty quickly, within a year. I know this has been a problem on 642's for a while so I don't know why S&W doesn't do something different. I carry in my front pocket in a Kramer pocket holster and I'm not rough on the gun so I was surprised that the finish started to wear so quickly.

I've heard that the finish on the 442's is a little more durable so I'm thinking of getting one of those now. And I really want an all steel j frame (60, 640) without the lock so I'm always on the lookout for a good deal on one of those.

But even with the finish wear I still love the 642 and I carry it everyday.

I agree with the poster above in that you should rent and shoot what you think you like...because you might not like it as much you think you do. If you can't rent and shoot one at least try to look at in person so you can hold it and see what it feels like.

Fox

 

[Jim1392]

640pro. NO ILS, all steel so a little more shooter friendly than the airweights. Also comes with night sights.

I have to go with the 640 Pro also. I retired my 642 for one and never looked back. It's stainless so you don't have to worry about the finish like the 642, cleans up well, really nice sights make it a great shooter. The weight difference keeps the recoil low and it's easy to keep rounds on target.

 

[329]

Ruger LCR

 

[Hapworth]

Having owned and carried a few...

442 Moon Clip (formerly "Pro"):

- the size and weight are great for carry, and I don't experience a meaningful difference in felt recoil between it and its all-steel siblings regardless of ammo

- the finish is durable; in years of carry, no problems with rust or corrosion

- cut for moon clips -- an inexpensive addition that adds to your carry options and takes away nothing if you don't use it

- no lock

- no hammer; in my experience, much better for drawing from deep concealment, and single action isn't wanted by me in this specific application

- factory "fish scale" grips on these are the best I've found (after trying many) for comfortable shooting while maintaining smallest profile

- among the least expensive of the current S&Ws, and does everything its more costly counterparts do just as well.

It's small, light and no frills -- but for the intended purpose, I've found it to be everything needed.

 

[loeman]

Md 649-3

35 years ago my first J was a Md 49. I loved the gun and still have it. however, in the mid 90s I bought my Md 649 in .357 with fantastic Uncle Mike's stocks. If for some unforeseen reason my 649 were to disappear, I would have to buy another from the same vintage. It is a bit heavy but it's small, beautiful, powerful and accurate.

 

[Arik]

If I had to pic one I'd go with the 640 pro. I like the idea of being able to shoot a variety of loads (38spl, +P, 357). They also have modern night sights which I'm more used to over the traditional U notch of revolvers

 

[CajunBass]

I don't care much for J frames at all, but admit they're practical for carry. A couple of months ago I bought a 642-2 for my wife, and a 442-1 for myself. Then for personal reasons we, note...I said "we" decided my wife shouldn't carry a gun anymore. Since I didn't want two J frames I sold the 442. Frankly I sold that one because it didn't have an ILS, and I figured it would be easier to sell. It was gone in a couple of hours.

So now I carry a 642-2...with the lock...which doesn't bother me a bit.





I did change those pretty grips out for a set of Hogue recoil tamer rubber grips.

 

[CaptRon956]

Seems like most opt for the 642 and I agree, its a good looking pistol, practical size and .38spl will get the job done.

 

[lawandorder]

649 in .38 Special.

 

[326MOD10]

I would try and find either a place to rent one or someone who has one (or more) to try them out. I have carried a 642, for the most part for the past 15 years, and love the platform. I do have a 638 and enjoy it as well. I have no experience with the 640 or Pro Series in J Frames.

If you go with a basic airweight (442/638/642) I would consider picking up a set of the Uncle Mikes grips, located in the Closeout section of the S&W website, to replace the ones that come from the factory. That is if you plan to stick with the rubber style grips. They are inexpensive and in my opinion make a difference.

Good luck.

 

[Krell1]

I wanted a J-frame and decided on a Model 60. I searched numerous sites and ended up buying one. I didn't ask the specific model number at the time, I was more interested in the condition. It ended up being a Model 60-7 which is, apparently, a preferred model. It was exactly as described and it shoots quite well. I like some of the others but, for me, this little snubbie was just what I wanted. It also makes a great carry gun.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Someone mentioned grips above.......

to add a little class to your J-frame I would recommend Spegel Boot Grips or Hogue's Bantam wood grips.

One Step up in style....... a set of "Executioner's" stag grips w/ a T-grip.

 

[k22fan]

"If You Were Going to Buy Your Very 1st J-Frame What Would You Pick?"

A Model 35 6" .22 LR. Well you asked. The first J frame that I actually did buy was a 3" square butt Model 36 for $125 about 1977.

 

[robertrwalsh]

I would try for an original Centenial model.

 

[Jimmyjones]

My first was a Model 36, but I'd been carrying a stainless auto so I got a 638 for the lower maintenance. Carried it for a year or so.

Really liked the Airweights, so I got a 642 for a NY reload, it has a slightly smaller profile than they 638, and wound up as my primary. The 638 is my rural carry, the 642 my urban carry.

Picked up a 640- and a 60-14, I shoot the steel frames better, but carrying all day, the extra weight gets noticed.

The Airweights, primarily the 642 won the contest. I put it on in the morning, put it on the nightstand at bedtime, and pretty much forget I have it on the rest of the time.

Yes, the finish has gotten beat up but it doesn't affect functionality, not overly expensive if it needed to be replaced, and readily available. Mine has character, and if the character ever starts to bother me, I'll carry my spare while it gets a new finish.

 

[ginzo]

I went best of both worlds with a 638-3 then a 649-3. Both have a place in rotation. I like shrouded hammers. (Humpbacks).

Good luck, I started out with the same questions and took all replies into consideration.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

You need to shoot as many as you can.
Then decide hammer, no hammer, shrouded hammer.
Then you can move on to calibers and gun build.
Some of us never could decide, we just buy some of all!

 

[TazTJ]

Just picked up my first J Frame yesterday actually! Handled the 442 pro, 638 and the Bodyguard. Bodyguard felt like garbage, felt like the ejector rod was weak and would snap if I hit it hard to eject the emptier. Gun just felt cheap overall. 638 was nice, but didn't really want the SA option. 442 Pro/Moon Clip followed me home after a quick stop off at a local range to run 100 rds thru it and some +P Gold Dots and PDX1. I also got a set of Hogue wood 3 finger grips for it, too...much nicer to shoot than the factory boot fish scale pattern grips! Now I am on the search for a good IWB holster. Not a pocket carry fan!

 

[gen3guy]

I have 2 vintage J frames. A Model 36 no dash, and a 30-1. Both are in excellent condition. I got them each for $349. If I were to get a new J frame, I'd probably go with the 642. The 640 has been mentioned and would probably be preferable, but you'd fork over at least an extra $200 for it. As a side note, I once had a 3" model 60 with a full lug barrel and adjustable sights. I'm still mad at myself for letting it go. Smith still makes it only in .357.