J frame as LE backup

I just don't get the J frame

I too am not a LEO but I bought this model 37 because (a) I didn't have one, (b) I got a pretty good deal on it and (c), it's never been fired.

That being said, I'm probably going to sell it because of the blasted grips. It's like it was designed for a 5 year old. If I could discover some type of over sized grips, I might feel differently but as is ..... Don't like it at all.
 

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Dougaz said:
I too am not a LEO but I bought this model 37 because (a) I didn't have one, (b) I got a pretty good deal on it and (c), it's never been fired.

That being said, I'm probably going to sell it because of the blasted grips. It's like it was designed for a 5 year old. If I could discover some type of over sized grips, I might feel differently but as is ..... Don't like it at all.
Click to expand...

There are plenty of aftermarket grips on the market. Some will fill the hand better, but still be concealable. Some are larger and are better for shooting. Chances are, if you look around you'll probably find something that suits you.

At the same time, J-frames, especially the airweights, are not for everybody. J-frames are meant to be concealed carry guns that can be slipped into a pocket, worn on the ankle, or disappear under an untucked shirt in a belt holster. That concealability comes at a price, in that they're not as shootable as larger guns. You just have to decide if the trade-off is worth it to you.
 
Been carrying my M49 since the mid-70's as backup, off-duty, and now in retirement. It's old, beat-up, and shows its age.... much like me!!
I've put literally 10's of thousands of wadcutters through it, and it is still tight and shoots where it's pointed.

These guns are usually found in pockets, on ankles, on vests; places not know for "cleanliness". Thus, I trust their reliability over any small auto.
A J-frame is never a bad choice.

Stay safe.
 

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Not LE, so apologies if I'm posting out of line. But I routinely carry a 642-1 as a BUG to my Beretta PX4 Compact. I use a Wilderness Tactical Renegade ankle holster. It's mostly carried to give me an easier to access gun while driving, when my seat and seat belt may make it difficult to get to my PX4 on my hip. Been carrying this way about a year or so, even when hiking (ankle gun really needs a good cleaning after an hour or so of hiking...:eek:).

If it matters, I have had a little bit of LE training, and have had instruction from cops and former cops. Not to mention reading the works of people that haywood mentioned. While definitely not the same as police work, I've also done a lot of security work, though was never allowed to carry a BUG on the job.
 
not LEO

The LEO that I asked about it told me he, and most of the guys he knows,
prefers the 442 because the 642 being shiny could be problematic.

I am not LEO, so I prefer the 642-1 shown below with my little
Chic Gaylord speed scabbard.
 

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When I started on the job I bought a used Model 36 as back up / off duty gun, loaded with .38 FBI load. I later replaced it with a 640ND, followed by a 442-1, and then a 340 M&P. The 340 is still my current back up, loaded with 135gr Gold Dot. After over 23 years the J frame is still my idea of a ideal back up gun.
 
I've known a few guys who carried various J frames as BUGs. I did for the first few years, then switched to a Glock 26 for magazine compatibility. I later traded that for a G33 when compatibility became a non-issue. I worked alone in rural areas and carried 4 spare mags when I carried a 1911, and 3 when I carried a G21, plus a spare for my BUG. I worked with a lateral from LASO who had a bugout bag with similar stuff for the same reasons, so I did not feel too paranoid.
 
Dougaz said:
I too am not a LEO but I bought this model 37 because (a) I didn't have one, (b) I got a pretty good deal on it and (c), it's never been fired.

That being said, I'm probably going to sell it because of the blasted grips. It's like it was designed for a 5 year old. If I could discover some type of over sized grips, I might feel differently but as is ..... Don't like it at all.
Click to expand...

DON'T Sell IT !!!!! Get a Pachmayr Compact Grip. It fills your hand and will still fit some pockets.
 

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haywood said:
I'm not LEO but, I worked at several gun shops over the years and knew plenty of LEO's that carried J-Frame backups. Also Retired Officer's and Sheriff's that carry J-Frames as EDC. I read enough books by Evan Marshall, Jim Cirillo and Massad Ayoob ,to name a few, to have learned why it is a good idea to carry a backup. I normally carry Two J-Frames but, years back going through a few semi autos I always had a 442 in my pocket. When your behind a gun counter and questionable looking people come in, it was comforting to casually put my hand in my pocket.
Click to expand...

One of the older detectives who helped me get going in plain clothes work always carried a 2" Model 36 in his jacket pocket. When approaching people or knocking on doors he always had his hand in his pocket and that little .38 Special was pointing right at the object of his attention.

When entering the courthouse we had to lock up our handguns in a bank of lock boxes in the lobby area monitored by a deputy sheriff. The old boy made a show of locking up his holstered Model 19, then proceeded on with the little Chief Special in his pocket.

Knew an old sheriff who kept a Chief Special in a Velcro rig inside the crown of his Stetson hat. That did not strike me as being very comfortable.

I tried a couple of ankle holsters but found those to be uncomfortable and a little awkward. Used a deep-riding IWB belt-clip holster in my right groin area for a long time. With western boots I found that I could carry two Chief Specials, one in each boot in clip-holsters attached at the top of the boot shaft (but this makes it very difficult to run if you have to). In my later working years I wore vests regularly and carried a Model 36 or Model 37 in a vest pocket (which takes some counter-weight at the off-side to keep the vest straight on the body).
 
I used to carry a 642 in a holster secured by my vest straps. With a reload speed strip on the other side in a pouch.

I always felt a wheelgun will usually work if dirty or somewhat neglected, more so than a semi-auto if not properly maintained (lint, lack of lube, sweat, etc.).

I was never a fan of ankle carry on duty (nor allowed by my Dept.). And a buddy had his fallout during a foot pursuit.
 
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I have been on the job since 1990. In 1997 I bought a 640-1 and it became my everyday secondary weapon. The 23 year old 640-1 still goes with me to work everyday.

The "kids" I hire and work with do not seem to appreciate a J frame, but I have exposed a few of them to the world of service revolvers while on the range and they have enjoyed the experience. For a couple of them my revolvers were the first ones they had ever shot.
 
Dump1567 said:
I used to carry a 642 in a holster secured by my vest straps. With a reload speed strip on the other side in a pouch.

I always felt a wheelgun will usually work if dirty or somewhat neglected, more so than a semi-auto if not properly maintained (lint, lack of lube, sweat, etc.).

I was never a fan of ankle carry on duty (nor allowed by my Dept.). And a buddy had his fallout during a foot pursuit.
Click to expand...

My J frame popped out of my ankle holster wrestling a suspect yrs ago & was pocket carried after that.
 
My Dad invested in my future by giving me a 28-2 "Highway Patrolman" when I returned home after my Army service. I practiced with that revolver every chance I got while I attended college. (Shot "Master" with the 28-2 they issued me in the Academy.)

While I was in college, I bought a new 36 "Chief's Special" and it became my companion. When I entered civilian LE, I carried that 36 in an ankle holster (even though it wasn't authorized by the department... "better to be tried by twelve than carried by six" is what they taught us in the MP's.) When Calibre Press introduced the vest holster I started using that instead of the ankle holster.

First time I saw a 649 in a gun shop I thought S&W must have been thinking of me when they created it so I bought it on the spot.

A few years later the department went to 9mm so I bought a 940 and carried it for a few years.

I'm retired now and I don't go anywhere without my 442. J Frame S&W is the handiest revolver out there and I still have mine.
 
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I've carried one or another J frame as a BUG since 1970. Since 1998 to today, the Jack Weigand custom 642 in my avatar has either been backup or primary with a Magnport 342 as BUG. I own a bunch of J frames in calibers from 22 to 357 magnum. An earlier poster is right. They're not for every one but they can be incredible shooters if you practice regularly.:D
 
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