J frame for Home Defense?

[24spenser]

Regardless of my professional carry or other firearms I might own, I always keep a wheel-gun in the bedroom night stand. If you get a break in its gonna be in the middle of the night, your groggy and trying to get your wits about you. 911 call needs to go out as quickly as possible. any shooting you may be involved in is going to be short & sweet and up close & personal. Chances are your heart will beat out of your chest and you wont even think about the laser.

Sure you could 'prepare' for the dreaded gang-land home invasion but it simply is not going to happen (statistically speaking).

Oh, I do keep a shotgun handy in the closet.

 

[M3Stuart]

IMHO;

Is five shots enough? Yes.

Will a steel gun have less felt recoil than an airweight? Definitely.

Is a 3" or 4" better for HD than a 2"? Probably, depending on how much you practice. If you practice a lot, the 2" will be fine.

Not discussed yet: Revolver vs. Semi-Auto for HD 'nightstand gun': The SA, when loaded, will hold tension on the magazine springs. Left untouched for a year or two, the tension in the mag springs becomes iffy IMHO. The revolver has no such issue. +1 for the revolver for HD. If you are not an avid shooter and you're just going to park a HD gun in the nightstand - then I would suggest, as others have, the 4" model 10 or 64. They're cheap ($269 for a Bud's RB Aussie version), can be fitted with smaller grips (again, the RB version) and totally reliable.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

My wife and I both agree the 3" M60 is just as accurate as the 4" K-frame. Recoil is similar and the trigger just as nice.

I keep the K on my side because the J fits her hand better.

 

[TNFrank]

Since my 642 is the ONLY gun I own I guess it'll have to be good enough for home defense.

 

[one eye joe]

I am thinking about getting another J Frame for a bedside gun. A 638 with 2 1/2 barrel and laser grips would be my consideration.

Anybody feel that 5 rds of plus P is sufficient?

This would also be easy for my wife to use when I am traveling. Her Beretta is a bit too little in my opinion and my current Glock 17 is too much for her to handle.

Interested in opinions. Thanks

Loaded with Speer Gold Dot 135gr +P for short barrels, or a similarly effective ammo, the 638 w/ lasergrips is a fine choice. The fact that it would be EASY for your wife to use makes it the PERFECT CHOICE.......

 

[Ashlander]

The one advantage of old 10s, 64s, or Speed Sixs -- they can be fairly inexpensive compared to a new 60.

 

[fdnyretired]

A 2" Model 60 with 5 rounds +P is all I rely on, day or night.

 

[Retired W4]

My wife prefers the J frame guns and keeps a 442 no lock in her night stand and a 649 in her car. I have tried to get her to move up to the K frame but she likes what she likes. Because of her penchant for revolvers I keep several placed strategically around the house (it's just the two of us with no children around). I gave up on getting her to change. I still hand her any new gun I purchase to see how she likes the feel, but it's the J frame for her. I consider the airweight versions good for deep cover/back-up, but not so much for home SD. I too keep a shot gun handy, and an AR, and a bazooka, some claymores in the yard and... just kidding about the claymores.

 

[Will Carry]

I keep a Model 36 3" in a hollowed out book on my night stand with two speed loaders. I sleep well. I don't use +P ammo either. I use Federal Low Recoil Personal Defense JHP ammo. It's performance is equal to some of the +P rounds.
I also keep a Colt 1911 with Crimson Trace grips on top of that book. 230gr Federal Supreme Elite Personal Defense JHPs. Why does Federal have such long names on their ammo. I guess it's to make you feel good about paying too much money for ammo.

 

[Stainz]

My wife 'acquired' my 2" 10 some years back. I had fitted the rounded goncalo alves fg Hogues to her hand on a used 3" 65 - which she hated. The 2" 10 was instant love - I sold the 65 and mounted the grips on my 2" 10 - and she only shoots +P 158gr LHPSWCs (Remington R38S12) in it (It's +P rated - a 10-11 made 12/02 - I bought it new 9/03 - $280 + s/h from CDNN!). Bob Munden would be proud of her shooting. Myself, I bought a new unissued security guard trade-in 4" 64-8 for a bedside gun 5/08. Then - 2/10 I bought a PC627 UDR - a second one 10/10 as a bedside gun. Both are in the safe - my pocket protector 642, same Remi's, goes from my pocket to the nightstand. Go figure.

Now, I bought some other J-frames...

I have a 632 Pro - and a 642. Believe me - with the small OEM rubber boots, the 642 with +P 158gr LHPSWCs, is kinder in the recoil department than the really brisk recoil of that 632 Pro with either AE 100gr SJHP or Speer 115gr Gold Dots, both in .327 Federal Magnum - and sporting the larger wood grips of the 60 Pro, which I obviously like. The 3" 60 Pro is acceptable, according to my wife, with those +P's. She still prefers the 2" 10, however - she likes blued revolvers - I like SS (The 2" 10 was my only blued revolver!). Let your wife pick what she uses for home protection. If .38 +P is 'too much', consider standard .38 Special 148gr full wad cutters. The .327 Fed Magnum is an answer for a gunmaker needing a use for a bunch of 3" SP101's in .32 H&RM - rebore the chambers/restrike the caliber - get Federal to make some ammo - new round! The .32 H&RM round took two decades to die - I'll be shocked if .327 Fed Mag makes one decade. Try to find brass & bullets - then afford them. .38's are cheaper - and a lot more plentiful. Rant off. YMMV!

Stainz

 

[Knightrider03m]

Like others have stated, a bigger sized gun would be a little bit better if you are going to use it for the house.

 

[sirrduke2010]

J frames and +P ammo

Why is a defensive slower load better?
Less wall penetration with a slow speed bullet.
Greater Accuracy.
The ability to shoot more rounds in a shorter time if you need it.
Many J frames don't hold up as well if +P is fired through it constantly.
A lot greater kick with a +P load, a longer recovery time, and the inability to shoot as many rounds as a standard load.
If you shoot more rounds than you need to stop an intruder it could look like murder instead of self defense.

 

[fdnyretired]

Why is a defensive slower load better?
Less wall penetration with a slow speed bullet.
Greater Accuracy.
The ability to shoot more rounds in a shorter time if you need it.
Many J frames don't hold up as well if +P is fired through it constantly.
A lot greater kick with a +P load, a longer recovery time, and the inability to shoot as many rounds as a standard load.
If you shoot more rounds than you need to stop an intruder it could look like murder instead of self defense.

1. Hopefully there is no wall penetration at all. Just some blood splatter.

2. If I am constantly firing for self defense, I should move.

3. Hopefully 1 shot would do the job, if not I need more range time.

4. Accuracy has never been a problem at 3-4 yards. If it is you need more range time.

 

[24spenser]

.... Accuracy has never been a problem at 3-4 yards. If it is you need more range time.

 

[photoman]

The J frame does have some advantages over the larger K, especially if the K has a longer 4" barrel. Gun retention is a BIG issue with a home defense gun and the short barrel J will always have an advantage over the 4" K in that comparison. Also, the lighter J's are easier to hold "en garde" as compared to a heavier 4" K.

 

[MR.G]

I have slept with a J frame under my pillow for years. It is usually in my front pocket when I am up. A S&W J frame is light, durable and requires very little maintenance, especially if stainless steel. They can be stored loaded for years and still be relied upon for immediate use. If something happens, it will take place fast and when you don't expect it. You need to have your gun handy, and a J frame is small enough to have with you at all times. There are also a couple of loaded shotguns in my house if I do need something bigger.

 

[les strat]

For HD, I prefer a 18.5" shotty to any handgun.

 

[IkenI]

I am thinking about getting another J Frame for a bedside gun. A 638 with 2 1/2 barrel and laser grips would be my consideration.

Anybody feel that 5 rds of plus P is sufficient?

<snipped>

Interested in opinions. Thanks

No. The laser grip is not a bad idea but I want more than a J frame.

If I'm awakened in the middle of the night I will have my SIG P229 in my hand. It has the DAK trigger and handles as easily as a revolver and it holds 15 rounds. You may not need 15, but I don't want 5.

I like the J frame and own two. One is a 640-1 loaded with standard pressure Nyclad ammo. It stays in my wife's bedside table as a last-ditch weapon. The other is a 442 and lives in my pocket as a BUG. My wife can actually shoot my P229 better than the Smith (because of the trigger). When I travel I carry either a P220 or a DW 1911. The P229 stays at home so she always has access to it.

My life's experience is that if I ever need a firearm (now that I'm a civilian) I'll want more than a J frame.

 

[Ralph G. Briscoe]

Not to get too far off topic from the thread but I sure disagree with the 327 mag having less recoil than the 38. I own both in J frames and to me the perceived recoil with the 632 327 mag is MUCH sharper than a 38 special...but as to the OP's original question I agree with the others that the best bet for a HD gun is a heavier, longer barrel model. Concealment isn't an issue for HD, and it is simply a fact that snubbies are not easy to shoot WELL compared to longer barrel revolvers, so why give yourself a handicap?

Should have been more clear. My .32 Mag loads in the 632 (3 inch barrel) produce more energy with a lot less recoil than my .38 carry load in my 642. We keep .32 mags in the 632. The .327's kick more like a 158 gr Plus P Plus. I also enjoy the recoil-absorbing qualities of bigger revolvers and tried to sell the wife on my Model 10, Model 15 and 4" Trooper Mk III--no dice..."too heavy" and the grips were "too big for her hands." She loved the Model 34 grips and lack of recoil, the Chief's Special fit her hand but "kicked too much." The 632 solved all those concerns. Just hoped my experience could save the original poster some time and money.

 

[SunsetVa]

My wife 'acquired' my 2" 10 some years back. I had fitted the rounded goncalo alves fg Hogues to her hand on a used 3" 65 - which she hated. The 2" 10 was instant love - I sold the 65 and mounted the grips on my 2" 10 - and she only shoots +P 158gr LHPSWCs (Remington R38S12) in it (It's +P rated - a 10-11 made 12/02 - I bought it new 9/03 - $280 + s/h from CDNN!). Bob Munden would be proud of her shooting. Myself, I bought a new unissued security guard trade-in 4" 64-8 for a bedside gun 5/08. Then - 2/10 I bought a PC627 UDR - a second one 10/10 as a bedside gun. Both are in the safe - my pocket protector 642, same Remi's, goes from my pocket to the nightstand. Go figure.

Now, I bought some other J-frames...

I have a 632 Pro - and a 642. Believe me - with the small OEM rubber boots, the 642 with +P 158gr LHPSWCs, is kinder in the recoil department than the really brisk recoil of that 632 Pro with either AE 100gr SJHP or Speer 115gr Gold Dots, both in .327 Federal Magnum - and sporting the larger wood grips of the 60 Pro, which I obviously like. The 3" 60 Pro is acceptable, according to my wife, with those +P's. She still prefers the 2" 10, however - she likes blued revolvers - I like SS (The 2" 10 was my only blued revolver!). Let your wife pick what she uses for home protection. If .38 +P is 'too much', consider standard .38 Special 148gr full wad cutters. The .327 Fed Magnum is an answer for a gunmaker needing a use for a bunch of 3" SP101's in .32 H&RM - rebore the chambers/restrike the caliber - get Federal to make some ammo - new round! The .32 H&RM round took two decades to die - I'll be shocked if .327 Fed Mag makes one decade. Try to find brass & bullets - then afford them. .38's are cheaper - and a lot more plentiful. Rant off. YMMV!

Stainz

I recently had a weeklong debate with myself deciding whether to purchase a 3" 327 Magnum revolver or a 3" 38SPL revolver.

I chose the 38 SPL, based on the larger ammo choices, but why am I still thinking about the 327 Magnum??

Guess best thing for me to do is not read gun postings on the Internet!