J-frame: Enough?

[JayFramer]

Have thought about carrying my Smith & Wesson 642 .38 Special 5-shot snub-nose revolver as my primary carry gun in a pocket holster.

How many of you think that setup would be enough for realistic self defense, or should I get a bigger gun with more capacity or a different caliber?

Thanks!

-Jay

 

[Bubba2014]

My 642 always goes with me, along with a speed loader. Since I'm retired I feel comfortable with it. However, if I lived in a high crime area I might carry a second revolver, or a larger handgun.

 

[ParadiseRoad]

...if you live in North Vegas...you might want more...

...other than that...it's all shot placement...

 

[les.b]

I mostly carry my 340 PD in a pocket holster. I feel that is a reasonable compromise. Because it is light and unobtrusive, I am more likely to actually carry it. But I have lots of options, if I feel that something else is more suitable.

For most of us, not still in, or not at all in law enforcement, the five shot j frame is probably going to be plenty.

But...Las Vegas is not a small rural town. I don't know what your lifestyle and employment are like, so it's possible that you might need something else. Where you spend your time, where you have to travel to get to work...so many variables, that it is hard to give accurate advice!!

Best Regards, Les

 

[petepeterson]

Is it enough?

So far.

 

[KalamazooKid]

Like Les.b, I feel a whole lot better with my 340 PD in my pocket every day. As opposed to carrying a bigger/heavier option part time.

 

[snubbyfan]

J frame snubby works for me.

 

[eb07]

It most certainly is. But if you feel the need to carry bottom feeders with 15+ rounds and multiple reloads more power to ya. I won't judge.

 

[Czechvar]

It depends...On where you're going, surroundings, possible situations. Most of this Summer it has been my 640 Pro with 12 extra rounds of 38+P. But I've also carried my M11A1 with extra mags a few times. Generally local trips are JFrameable...Winter is mostly the M11A1, but my Sig ALWAYS comes along in the city or road trips. So my answer is yes and no...or sometimes.

 

[ParadiseRoad]

J frame snubby works for me.

...do you carry the grenade in your pocket?... ;-)

 

[MJK-MOD-547]

Nothing wrong with a J frame. I carry a Mod 650 with hollow points in my pocket for a back up.

 

[Stinger4me]

I like a MIKA pocket holster with my 442 and shirt out and over the pockets.

 

[ShivasIrons]

The number 1 rule is to have a gun with you.

The only guns that I have found that I will take with me every time are a J frame, NAA revolver or LCP. Out of those three, I like the J frame the best.

 

[colt_saa]

A .22 is enough as long as you carry it

In my 4 confrontations a good cap gun would have been enough. Shots were never fired

 

[yep380]

For me, yes. + a speed strip.

 

[NCBeagle]

For me...it always comes back to a Smith J Frame or Colt D Frame snubby. I have some semi-autos in the carry rotation but feel quite comfortable with a snub, most anywhere. I'll tell you this...I shoot a snub better than anything else. It's super reliable, concealable, can transition from IWB, pocket, to OWB.

 

[RGVshooter]

I've watched dozens of videos on youtube of civilian concealed carry shootings on security cameras. Most if not all were resolved with on average of 1-3 shots. Combined with the long history of the 38 special and the J frame revolver's use in law enforcement I think you're well protected. Keep a speed strip with extra rounds in your front pocket.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I would like to have the Battleship Missouri if I were (God forbid) in a gunfight. But battleships are very difficult to pocket carry (No puns on German WWII "Pocket Battleships") and something that I will actually carry is a lot better than something that I may not carry as often due to weight or size. A 357 bullet from my S&W 340 PD will be as effective as one from my S&W Model R8 on anything living. The 340PD is extremely easy to carry any where that it is legal to do so.

 

[michpatriot]

Everyday all day

I carry a j frame every day in a pocket holster and like a lot of others, trust that it will get the job done if needed. I will say that while traveling in some areas, I carry two, one in a upside down shoulder rig and one in the front jeans pocket...but 99 percent of the time it is just my 340PD in the front pocket. I started with a j frame maybe around 1999 and then got sick with semi-itis and it cost me considerable amounts of time and money. Probably 15 or so mag fed missteps that came and went including a pair of Rohrbaugh R9 micro 9mm pistols. The Rohrbaughs were a close second to the 340PD for pocketable firepower that carry like a dream but in the end reliability is king, and I find myself back in the j frame pocket carry mode and for me it's what works.

 

[Joe4d]

dont see the point in these really... I mean enough ? probably but I dont see the reason to handicap your self when there are so many decent compact 9mm's out there.
Ballistics of a snub 38 are pretty low compared to say a 3.2" 9mm. Regardless of what folks consider enough, I would think ballistically heavier or faster or both is better.
IAW Ballistics by the inch tests a 642 will throw Speer Gold dot 135's at 897 fps,
a 3" 9mm will toss 135 gr hydroshocks at 1032 and thats the low recoil, plenty of 147 gr loads up around 1000, The short barrel Gold dot load 124 is 1150 out of my Ruger LC9 s pro.
A gun like a Ruger LC9 s pro, carries 8 rounds, has a better trigger, better sights that are easier to adjust, cheaper to buy, easier to carry reload and faster to reload.. Flatter, easier to conceal, and the same size and weight. For most people it shoots flatter and allows for much faster follow up shots. Bottom feeder that size is just a better platform.
Enough ? eh whos to say. Every situation is different but for me I feel like I can have better without any disadvantages.