J-frame concealed carry switch to steel

[cal45]

Just made the decision to change the model of J-frame I carry from a M&P 340 to a 640-1 357. I really like the 340 for it's light weight but when it came to touching off 357 mag rounds.....well, that was another story. Just wondering if any fellow members have made the light weight switch to steel for their J-frame carry (or just simply prefer steel and never went for the airweights)?

 

[sipowicz]

I'm too in love with my airweight to ever go heavier...I'd rather carry +p 38s that are manageable in a 15 ounce gun than to add 10 ounces to be able to have .357s....when I feel the need for something more, I just carry my 22 oz P2000....fully loaded with 14 round it weighs about an ounce more than a 640....

 

[flop-shank]

I use steel snubs loaded with hot 125 gr. .357s when I can, and a scandium snub with managed recoil .357s (Speer SB) when I can't. Full house .357s in a scandium J frame are something that almost no one can handle. My limited experience is that the scandium snubs aren't as accurate as steel guns.

 

[Centenniel]

Every firearm is a compromise. One should chose the tool that is most suitable for the task at hand.

 

[pete950]

I always carry a 642 in the cargo pocket of my uniform pants but off duty I like my heavy Ruger sp 101 with short barrel speer 135 gr mags. I too if I feel the need for more I carry my Glock 19 or 26 with 124+p gold dots.

 

[Goffman]

As several folks mentioned here, I too have one of each. I did it, though, for "wear & tear" purposes. I figured that the S&W 640 (stainless centennial j-frame) is going to wear a lot better (over the long haul) when jammed up against my sweaty self for lengthy periods of time. On the other hand, few firearms can beat the S&W 340PD (scandium/titanium centennial j-frame) for pocket carry, whether it's a jacket pocket or shorts pocket or whatever. I am in the process of accumulating a bunch of holsters that will accomodate both, so that I can mix & match as necessary. Someday I may "graduate" up to semi-autos, but, for now, I like the little revolvers.

 

[motorpat]

When it comes to J frames I carry a 642 or 637 (no lock). Been carrying J frames about 50% of the time for 46 years.

 

[Colt357]

Scandium snubs for pocket carry, and only pocket carry. The Steel ones are too heavy for pocket carry for me.

However, steel snubs if I am carrying in a holster on a belt (or in the waistband). The extra weight doesn't bother me when they're carried there, and I find the guns are more shootable. Also, my steel snubs are all 6 shooters, not 5 shooters.

I never put the steel ones in a pocket, nor the Scandium ones on the belt.

Dennis

 

[safearm]

I carry a 637 in pocket or ankle carry; a 940 on the belt or IWB with a belt. The all steel gun just feels too heavy in the pocket.

 

[tom turner]

Hi,

The wonder of it all . . . if you ever have to fire a handgun under stress of self defense, you will NOT feel its kick . . . and barely be aware of the loud report! Just a firm grip, a good sight picture and you are good to go!

That being said, I prefer a steel J frame for belt carry only, and my "always" concealed carry J frame is an aluminum-framed M37.

I prefer aluminum over scandium because the aluminum one is light enough for comfortable concealed carry, yet has a little extra mass which can damp the recoil a tad better . . . thus reducing the followup times between rounds if this becomes necessary.

 

[ENGINE18]

Most often, 638-3, IWB; sometimes 640-1, IWB or OWB.

 

[Beachcomber]

My personal preference has always been with an all steel revolver. I have a .38 spl S&W 640 that I carry in a Mika pocket holster and a .357 S&W 640-1 that I carry in a Galco belt holster when I choose to carry on my hip.

 

[Glock 'em down]

I recently did just that - traded my model 38 Airweight Bodyguard for an all stainless steel model 649 Bodyguard.

It was the absolute worst mistake I ever made!

Oh sure, shooting the 649 was more "pleasant" than shooting it's Airweight bretheren, but for pocket carry? Fuhgetaboutit! That all stainless 649 made my pocket hang and sag just like I had a brick in it.

So...now I need to locate another model 38 or perhaps a 442 or something.

 

[MTKTM]

As many here have indicated, the method of carry is the bigger determining factor. Recoil is secondary and can be "adjusted" to a considerable degree by using different loads. Weight cannot. I have both a 340 and a 640. I like both guns. The 340 is strictly for pocket-carry, or situations where weight is otherwise a major issue. The 640 is, at least for me, strictly a belt gun to be carried in an IWB belt-holster. I consider a combined gun/ammo weight of more than 15 or 16 oz. too heavy for pocket carry.

 

[Super Trucker]

I went from a 642 to a 649 to the 340sc. I will not switch back to a steel J-Frame. There is no need to.
If I fell the need to carry a heavy gun I have a safe full to pick from.

642 and 340 are the extent of the J-Frame line for me these days.

 

[Cookster]

I carry my 442 in pocket with .38 +P's for quick / casual errand running, etc., and my 640 with .357's owb or iwb for times of longer duration.

Rob

 

[cal45]

......The 640 is, at least for me, strictly a belt gun to be carried in an IWB belt-holster. I consider a combined gun/ammo weight of more than 15 or 16 oz. too heavy for pocket carry.

Main reason I made the switch to a 640 is that I seldom, if ever pocket carry, as my jframe is always IWB for me. If I ever have to pockect carry, even though it may be heavier than the airweights, the size does make it doable.

 

[Drbironhead]

I carry a smith&wesson model 60. I use a IWB holster and I carry either Remington 158 +p sjhpwc or remeington 110gr +P sjhp right now I have the Hornady Critical defence 110gr +P ammo