J-frame: Enough?
- Thread starter JayFramer
- Start date
EMP3
Member
At times this is in my pocket but then I feel like I could do better...perhaps.
Or I could do worse for sure.
Make no mistake, I love J-Frames; especially the Model 36 & Model 60. But they are poor choices for saving my life. I'm much rather have a Performance center 1911 9MM 3".
EMP3
Member
I disagree. Caliber and gun can define going home to your family or a coroner's officer for postmortem examination.
EMP3
Member
This is a bit bigger, close to K frame size, but 5 rounds of 45 Colt in a full titanium build and is not any heavier than my model 60.
Now you're talkin'.
But I rather have this:
Springfield Armory Professional Model 1911 .45 Auto
S&W 442 AIWB (well, where my appendix would be if it were left handed)
otis24
Member
It is better to have a gun and not need it than to need it and not have it. They same can be said of ammo. There are plenty of compact 9mm autos out there that will give you increased ammo capacity and that can be carried comfortably with a spare magazine. I used to be all about revolvers. Still love them and have a couple. But I have gone from absolutely hating polymer pistols to loving my 9MM Shield. In my area, a new Shield can be had for $350 plus tax. But, alas, much depends on your situation (where you live, work, travel), the probability of being involved in an encounter, and how likely you are to be involved in an encounter with multiple assailants. If you feel that you are at low risk, carry a J frame. If you feel that you are at increased risk, go with a compact auto 9mm.
EMP3
Member
Excellent post.
I've yet to read a negative word about Shield.
I love revolvers, but they're poor performers for life saving.
If CA would allow, I'd buy a Performance Center 1911 9MM 3" in a New York second.
Poll result speaks for itself.
Last edited:
white cloud
Member
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2009
- Messages
- 1,142
- Reaction score
- 1,561
I don't know, given how things work nowadays we might need to collect a panel of "ex-sperts" to make sure we draw the correct conclusion.
getoff
Member
i am one of the people that don't think "A" J frame is enough... that's why i carry 2! i also carry 2, (gasp!) yes, 2 safariland comp 2 speed loaders. all stoked with critical defense in 110gr. i tested a bunch of it on lots of stuff, and it flat out works. so is a J frame enough? probably in all but the worst case, SHTF, type deals. i carried a 5" 1911 for years, then a hi-power, switched to a G17, then a G19... now, 2 442s are what i choose.
Last edited:
Triggernosis
Member
shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
I keep hearing that Rule Number One of gunfighting is "Have a gun."
I think that's wrong. "Have a gun" is Rule Number Two.
Rule Number One is "'Don't have a gunfight."
Situational awareness, choosing locations, and having an exit available can go a long way, and increase the likelihood that a .38 Special snubby is quite adequate.
My Rule One has worked for me so far, as I imagine it has for a large majority of those who voted on this poll.
I think that's wrong. "Have a gun" is Rule Number Two.
Rule Number One is "'Don't have a gunfight."
Situational awareness, choosing locations, and having an exit available can go a long way, and increase the likelihood that a .38 Special snubby is quite adequate.
My Rule One has worked for me so far, as I imagine it has for a large majority of those who voted on this poll.
I read through most of the posts. It might be a good idea if the 2 inch 38 shooters shoot several rounds of the +P ammo through the gun. That may give you an idea of what it feels like. It isn't pleasant and will definitely get your attention. You do not want any surprises.
Unfortunately, that's not something that the second party to the gunfight gets to decide . . .
Watchdog
Member
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2013
- Messages
- 12,510
- Reaction score
- 32,351
One where you use real ammo against a real adversary who shoots back at you? That'd be my first guess.
But since I imagine very few forum members have ever actually participated in a "real shootout", the votes are pretty much meaningless. So all we're left with are opinions, and you know what's said about those, right?
shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
My point was the importance of reducing the likelihood of a gunfight. Where you go, whom you are around, and how alert you are to your surroundings can certainly make a difference.
JFrames4ever
Member
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2014
- Messages
- 80
- Reaction score
- 27
For me yes
My system has evolved over the years and will probably continue. As it presently exists it is a S&W model 940-1 in a Bianchi 9R with Hornaday Critical Duty 135 grain flexloc. The steel frames weight tames the recoil for fast and accurate follow up shots, and the holster makes the extra weight easy to carry. Full moon clips make it easy to reload although my plan is shoot and retreat it I can. Probably lose to multiple assailants but weapon choice at that point is probably nil
My system has evolved over the years and will probably continue. As it presently exists it is a S&W model 940-1 in a Bianchi 9R with Hornaday Critical Duty 135 grain flexloc. The steel frames weight tames the recoil for fast and accurate follow up shots, and the holster makes the extra weight easy to carry. Full moon clips make it easy to reload although my plan is shoot and retreat it I can. Probably lose to multiple assailants but weapon choice at that point is probably nil
