Larry from Bend
Member
This is a Model 38 Airweight that I bought maybe 15 years ago. It is often in my pocket, where it rides pretty much unnoticed. I was surprised by how accurate it is. I can't imagine a better pocket-carry J frame.
J Frame for pocket carry
- Thread starter warhorse302
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kreativecid
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The DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster finally arrived; out of stock all over town so Cabela's shipped to the store.
My no-lock 642 + Apex carry spring kit + Nemesis = just disappears in my pocket. Accuracy both 1-handed and 2-hand hold out to 7 yards is very good. I owe it all to the Apex kit and lots of dry firing. Before the Apex items the pull was too gnarly and my accuracy suffered even at close range on quick draw drills from pocket.
More comfortable than my old LCR 38 in a pocket holster. I was thinking of buying a S&W 43c or the LCR 22LR for practice & fun, but my 38sp +p 642 is the same weight, costs less and since I'm not sending hundreds of rounds down range (just practice once a week for a few cylinder's worth after practicing my idpa & uspsa cardboard fun) there's no reason for me to own a 22LR for practice or pocket carry.
I'm not a S&W kool-aid drinker, but this 642 in a Nemesis is finding itself going everywhere with me like a cell phone.
My no-lock 642 + Apex carry spring kit + Nemesis = just disappears in my pocket. Accuracy both 1-handed and 2-hand hold out to 7 yards is very good. I owe it all to the Apex kit and lots of dry firing. Before the Apex items the pull was too gnarly and my accuracy suffered even at close range on quick draw drills from pocket.
More comfortable than my old LCR 38 in a pocket holster. I was thinking of buying a S&W 43c or the LCR 22LR for practice & fun, but my 38sp +p 642 is the same weight, costs less and since I'm not sending hundreds of rounds down range (just practice once a week for a few cylinder's worth after practicing my idpa & uspsa cardboard fun) there's no reason for me to own a 22LR for practice or pocket carry.
I'm not a S&W kool-aid drinker, but this 642 in a Nemesis is finding itself going everywhere with me like a cell phone.
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bennettfam
Member
Isn't it something...since the prediction of the demise of revolvers when the wonder-autos started proliferating in the '80s, the J-frame is as popular as ever. Says something for the pure simple reliability of it.
My fav is a 642, but any J in .38 or .357 will do you well.
My fav is a 642, but any J in .38 or .357 will do you well.
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shep854
Member
Interesting, informative thread--not that I expected anything less...
I carried (pocket) a nickel 442 Airweight a few years back, and later swapped it for a 49, after I decided that I wanted SA capability. The weight wasn't an issue to me; I could hardly feel the difference. The hump of the 49 was ugly to me for a long time, but it's a small price for the snag-proof profile.
I carried (pocket) a nickel 442 Airweight a few years back, and later swapped it for a 49, after I decided that I wanted SA capability. The weight wasn't an issue to me; I could hardly feel the difference. The hump of the 49 was ugly to me for a long time, but it's a small price for the snag-proof profile.
JayBird686
Member
Centennials are great for pocket carry, no exposed hammer, so less likely fuzz gets down in there:
The pocket holster is a 10 dollar Blackhawk! found at Wallyworld. Doesnt print, and it goes unnoticed.
My only regret is I didnt buy the pro model with moon clips. I chamfered the cylinders so that aides a bit in reloading, but nothing like a moonclip!
The pocket holster is a 10 dollar Blackhawk! found at Wallyworld. Doesnt print, and it goes unnoticed.
My only regret is I didnt buy the pro model with moon clips. I chamfered the cylinders so that aides a bit in reloading, but nothing like a moonclip!
shep854
Member
Very nice pistola there, JayBird!
The classic "lemon peel" stocks give your newer gun that "classic" look, and the T-Grips sure help shootability!
My M49 had rubber boot grips when I got it, and looked purely tacky (though it shot well).
The classic "lemon peel" stocks give your newer gun that "classic" look, and the T-Grips sure help shootability!
My M49 had rubber boot grips when I got it, and looked purely tacky (though it shot well).
JayBird686
Member
Thank you sir, eventually I will get a vintage one!
Helderberg
US Veteran
I went through two different brands of 380 and gave up on them.
I now carry the 638 more often than the 637. I will carry the 637, with the longer barrel, or the 638 in a iwb holster and just forget it is on my body. The 638 fits in a Galco pocket holster and is very comfortable also.
Frank.
I now carry the 638 more often than the 637. I will carry the 637, with the longer barrel, or the 638 in a iwb holster and just forget it is on my body. The 638 fits in a Galco pocket holster and is very comfortable also.
Frank.
getoff
Member
got a 442 and a 638. 442 rides in a front pocket galco horsehide holster, 638 in either a galco combat master or don home jit slide. 2 guns one speed loader. i feel ok in all but the worst areas. 442 or 642 is a damn fine carry or BUG. buy one with or without the lock if your nervous. mine have locks and thousands of rounds downrange without a hiccup. hope this also helps...
getoff
Member
same exact set up in my front pocket, 'cept the holster!
Centennials are great for pocket carry, no exposed hammer, so less likely fuzz gets down in there:
The pocket holster is a 10 dollar Blackhawk! found at Wallyworld. Doesnt print, and it goes unnoticed.
My only regret is I didnt buy the pro model with moon clips. I chamfered the cylinders so that aides a bit in reloading, but nothing like a moonclip!
My "newest" J is a 442 no dash satin nickle from 1992. Also in the rotation is my Model 38 from 1962 and a Colt Cobra from '68.
I do carry a Ruger LCP .380 when the .38 cannot be carried discretely due to mode of dress.
I do carry a Ruger LCP .380 when the .38 cannot be carried discretely due to mode of dress.
Mr. Happy
Member
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Isn't it interesting that Robert Mika's pocket holster is often shown? It's all I use with my 340PD, strong side front pocket. I've got OWB, IWB, and shoulder holsters, too - but I always use Mika's.
Mika's Pocket Holsters
Mika's Pocket Holsters
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FloridaFlier
Member
Take a hard look at an M&P 340. Double action only. No hammer means no snag when it comes out of the pocket. I shoot .38 Specials, not the .357 that it is rated for, but the sight picture is terrific and the gun is really built for very close fighting anyway. You'll like it; I do.So light you'll have to tap your pocket to see if you're carrying today.
+1.....
My 340 is what I am carrying (whenever I cannot tote my 66 snub) IWB, and soon will try pocket.
I do prefer IWB over pocket, based on the much faster presentation of IWB (for me, at least)
shep854
Member
One of the best things about pocket carry is that by simply slipping your hand into your pocket, you can grasp the gun and have half the draw completed, without anyone knowing you are ready...
BeNotAfraid
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Just bought a 442. Man--fits my hand like a glove.
Better still, I keep it in my front jeans pocket and can snap that baby out quickern a duck on a junebug. It's an amazing revolver with no "snag-ability." Great craftsmanship.
Our "decent" neighborhood has been hit with a rash of break ins, even in broad daylight. My 442 goes with me walking the dogs, cutting the lawn, or walking down and getting the mail.
No issues whatsoever and it handles .38SPL and plus P to boot! Got it from a dealer on-line for $361 and it's a "no internal lock" S&W.
Better still, I keep it in my front jeans pocket and can snap that baby out quickern a duck on a junebug. It's an amazing revolver with no "snag-ability." Great craftsmanship.
Our "decent" neighborhood has been hit with a rash of break ins, even in broad daylight. My 442 goes with me walking the dogs, cutting the lawn, or walking down and getting the mail.
No issues whatsoever and it handles .38SPL and plus P to boot! Got it from a dealer on-line for $361 and it's a "no internal lock" S&W.
Love a J-frame for pocket carry. I use about three different ones on a regular basis along with a Colt Magnum Carry. A 60-9, a 442 pinto, and a 360 fill the void for deep carry for me most of the time. All three loaded with Corbon 110gr +P DPX. The Magnum Carry is loaded with Buffalo Bore 125gr Barnes short barrel "light" magnums. With a DeSantis Superfly they just disappear.
