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

Lots of great advice from the many posters. Get whatever model you like and you can shoot well. But, please make sure you get a model without an internal lock if you are going to carry it for self-defense. That is the only suggestion I am making to you.
 
I bought my first J-frame, a nickel Model 36 SB around 30 years ago. A former Oklahoma LEO was delighted to sell it to me for 125 dollars! I changed the grips several times; gorgeous gun but I could never warm up to that square butt. A friend one time whined that he needed a J-frame for his wife. I happily gave him mine - as in GIFT! Okay, today I wish i had it but only because of the current colelction of S&W revolvers that I possess. I'd still not like it!

I did tote it around some, in a briefcase (totally illegal back in those days but that doesn't count any more), and was a tad heavy, even as a small frame revolver.

My next J-frame was a M649. It's all steel, too, like the M36, so it's no lightweight, but I always adored that shrouded hammer. Because I was into pocket carry I didn't carry the 649 much due to the weight.

Then one day I saw a M642, my heart went pitter patter, and it's been my daily companion for years now. I did acquire a M638 (again, love that shrouded hammer) which I tend to tote around some also, in a briefcase. Lightweight J-frames are great - and I do not load them with +P ammo just because S&W says that I can. High quality .38 Special defensive ammunition is all that I use.

***GRJ***

My 642 has an internal lock. No big deal. The 638 has one, too. They simply don't bother me. YMMV.
 
Last edited:
I started with a 49 many years ago, and it's still the one I use if I want to shoot a lot at a particular practice session - its extra weight and Pachmayr Compac grips make it by far the most comfortable to shoot over many strings, although the grooved trigger is a bit of a negative after a while.

But for carry, I wanted something lighter, and got a 442/no lock. It carries fine, but I missed the single action option, even though I only use it at the range. I also found that the 442 would begin to rust on the yoke if I didn't wipe it down every night with a silcone cloth. So I've ended up with a 638 as my daily carry - no rust issues, and with the larger LG-305 laser grip from Crimson Trace it's tolerable to shoot at bit for practice.

If I could only keep one J frame, it would be the 638.
 
Here are some pictures. I need to get one for my 649:

What follows are pictures of my 638 with 3 different sets of grips. I prefer wood so it carries the wood banana grips; the Goodyear is put up and will likely stay put up.


Smith & Wesson Forum - ISCS Yoda's Album: Revolvers - Picture

Smith & Wesson Forum - ISCS Yoda's Album: Revolvers - Picture

Smith & Wesson Forum - ISCS Yoda's Album: Revolvers - Picture

The next is my 642 with Eagle stocks. As noted, I prefer wood.

Smith & Wesson Forum - ISCS Yoda's Album: Revolvers - Picture
 
I like black centennials. The 442 is the best value, the 340pd is the best of the best, but expensive. The M&P340 is probably the happy middle ground, and it also comes with probably the best sights available on a Jframe. edit; I forgot to mention the 43c .22lr black centennial and the 351c .22 mag.

comparison001_zps5bb22161.jpg
 
Last edited:
I love J-frames! If I could have only one handgun, it would be a J-frame! Really.

I started carrying my first one, a Model 36, in an ankle holster in the late 60s because the holsters we carried our duty revolvers in made the guns almost inaccessible in our patrol cars.

The little J-frame, in the ankle holster on my left ankle, was very easy to reach from the seated position.

After leaving policing, and finishing law school, I became a Prosecutor and carried a nickel Model 37 with a bobbed hammer. Foolishly, I sold it to buy some other gun and I can't recall what it was. :rolleyes:

I soon settled on a Model 38, then the 638 when they came out. I found them as easy to conceal as a 642 and the way the frame was engineered fit my hand a little better.

Foolishly (is this getting to be a pattern?) I sold it to my friend, a LEO. He left it in his car and, yup, some stinking burglar has it now.

I've been looking for another Pre-lock 638 for a few years now. I "think" there were two on here for sale since I started to look, but someone beat me to them.:mad: Otherwise, I haven't seen any (I'm not a fan of GB, so I don't buy there).

I am certainly okay with one of my two 642s, just have a hankering for the 638 which is, I'll bet you are surprised to read, the J-frame I'd recommend to you or anyone else who asked.

Bob
 
Just bought my first: a model 60 no-dash.

Pics as soon as it arrives next week.
 
Is this what a gaggle of guns looks like? Is that the right word? LOL

I gotta buy some more......

s3dcor said:
The 360SC (not shown in this old photo) is the most versatile of the lot, light weight, .38/.357 capability. Glad I don't get to have only one...

2MUllK1.jpg
Click to expand...
 
I bought a 638 and installed an APex spring kit in it. I loved it so much that I bought a 438, a 642 and a 442. Turns out I had trouble seeing the sights on the blue guns, so I sold the 438 and 442. And I'm always carrying the 638, so I sold the 642. I'll buy another 638 when I find one for a good price, just to have a 'backup' of my favorite gun.:)

I've got 'humpback disease' baaad.
 
I'd purchase a nice, used, M49 with factory stocks and add a Tyler T-Grip along with several boxes of 158gr., LSWCHP +P ammo and a good quality holster, (IWB, pocket, ankle, etc). Once I had those items it would be off to the range to get familiar with everything after which my M49 and I would become pretty much inseparable. That's the "What" part of my answer.

As far as the "Why", well that's easy. I feel that five rounds of .38 Special is sufficient for most self defense scenarios I envision based on my lifestyle, location, etc. The 158gr, +P LSWCHP load was chosen based on reported performance in real world use as well as my personal preference. The M49 was chosen because I like the way the hammer is covered, (no snags when drawing from a pocket or under a covering garment) and it still allows for SA operation if desired. The only thing I might change would be to go with a 3" M49 if I could find one.
 
Last edited:
A 640 in .357. The 640 because it's stainless steel and can absorb recoil well. It's a Centennial design, so you'll be able to learn to manage the long, heavy double-action trigger pull for defensive shooting during practice sessions without being tempted to revert to single-action target shooting skills that are inappropriate for most self defense scenarios. I recommend the .357 not because .357 is fun to shoot in a small revolver, but because that chambering gives you the flexibility to try out hotter or lighter rounds of .38, .38+p, or .357 as much as you like until you find what's right for your needs, interests, and abilities. Once you've mastered that, keep the 640 and/or start trying out lighter models or ones that have the single action option. Just my 2 cents.
 
Your original post is pretty spot on. 638. My favorite pocket carry. Of course the model 38 (Blued) is just as nice and can be had for about the same price if you don't like the internal lock. I also like and carry the 649/49 in a holster. However, you really can't go wrong with any J frame.
36/37, 40/42..I have all of them and rotate them out. MY no lock 649-3 is my favorite no IL .357 J frame.
 
MaxS-Humpback disease, I like it.

Any J-frame will work fine.

I have a couple of the 642s (Pre-lock of course) and a Pre-Model 36, any of which is concealable, relatively light in weight, and, with the ammunition now available, will certainly do a more than adequate job of self-defense.

I have always enjoyed just shooting them. They are a lot more accurate than many novels would have you believe, at a far greater distance and their recoil is not that intimidating.

I love J-frames!

Bob
 
Probably a no-lock 642. Best bang for the buck IMO.

If they made a no-lock standard 640, I would strongly consider one of those. I dislike the pro-series.

I might also consider a no-lock 340 M&P if they released one without the night sight, although I think they are way overpriced and not sure I could justify the price.
 
The first J that I bought was a mid 1980's production Model 60 1 7/8". Got it for a good deal at a Gander Mt. of all places, great basic no-frills carry gun, very small, very light, no need for an Airweight this thing was light enough in an IWB or OWB holster. My Dad admired it lots so I gave it to him when I got a .38 SP101. He later got an Airweight Bodyguard so maybe I'll ask for the 60 back:)

The 60 wasn't very fun to shoot even with standard .38, but it's not a range gun. Very handy for carry and definitely a "5 for sure" gun. I have a 4" 31-1 and love .32 Long, I am on the hunt for a mechanically solid, not so much cosmetically good 30 1 7/8" for carry.
 
My first J frame was a Mod 34 (was not for carry, but for everything else) back in 1987. My second was Mod 649 in 1993, then several years later joined by my 642 in 1999. Still have all three and they will be handed down to my adult kids when I can no longer lift them up.

Get the one you want the most, wait then get the next most wanted, repeat as necessary.
 
My choice would be the same as I already have a Model 60-7 I don't care for the new production guns or .357 clambering in a J frame,My 2nd choice would be a Model 36 from the same vintage
 
A snubby model 60-9 would probably be my first choice if I were shopping for my first j-frame. I believe that was the first S&W J-frame chambered for 357.

I bought my model 60 from a member here when I was still pretty new to S&W and thought all model 60's were chambered for 357. I was pretty disappointed to find that it wasn't.

I like having that ammo flexibility. I also like the lower maintenance of stainless for carrying, and I prefer the-recoil taming extra weight of an all steel gun.
 
My first J-frame was the wonderful 60-4 3" .38 Special with target sights and target trigger. But with the full underlug barrel it's not a carry gun.

For carry I went down the path less traveled, the 7-shot 351C in .22 Magnum. It 's super loud and has the stiffest trigger imaginable, but hey - 2 more shots and it floats in my pocket.
 
It'd be favorite carry gun, my 442. It's my little buddy and goes with me everywhere I go. It's also my favorite range gun. It's been modified so I can still shoot it with my peripheral neuropathy.
 
Nalapombu said:
If You Were Going to Buy Your Very 1st J-Frame What Would You Pick?
Click to expand...

That's easy. An older one from maybe back in the sixties or early seventies.

My reasons? I like older guns. I subscribe to the idea that they really don't make 'em like they used to. And if you're a good enough shot, you don't need +P, anyway.

 
I recommend the "old" Model 36 with the heavy 3" barrel. Very nice balance and the extra length barrel does not cause me any additional carry issues. May be hard to find.
 
For me, it would have to be a S&W 442. I prefer the shrouded hammer, and have no need for a .357 j frame. Otherwise, I'd probably want the M&P 340.

RSD
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Moo Moo
Gunshop Discount Bin - What have you picked up?
2
Replies
56
Views
2K
Laddy Smith
L
SWF Staff
If You Could Only Own One Smith & Wesson… What Would It Be?
9 10 11
Replies
300
Views
12K
CajunBass
CajunBass
L
Hello from IL. Would like your advice!
Replies
19
Views
564
Thiokol
Thiokol
jaydoc
What N framed models were available in 1966?
Replies
2
Views
328
jaydoc
jaydoc
Redcoat3340
IF I were going to buy a 9mm Glock...which one and what to add/change?
2 3 4
Replies
117
Views
5K
old tanker
old tanker

Latest posts

Back
Top