J frame for pocket carry

[jtcarm]

After reading a copy of NRAs armed citizen, I was shocked at the number of home invasion incidents. So I'm thinking about something I can carry in the cavernous pockets of my shorts (this is TX and shorts are worn around the house most of the year).

I've never had any interest in J frames and know little about them, so rather than research, I'm going to be lazy and ask for suggestions

I always figured something along the lines of a de-horned M-60 would be an ideal carry gun.

Thanks!

 

[SgtLumpy]

I carry a 36 in the pocket of my cargo shorts all the time. It has the stock hammer, not bobbed. It seems to ride just fine. But a bobbed hammer would probably ride just that much better. I can't stand the look of the shrouded models but some like those.

Bottom line, the answer to your "J frame in my pocket" question, in my opinion, is "Sure".


Sgt Lumpy

 

[JonF]

I carry one of my 642's in either a Desantis mini -scabbard or just my pocket most all the time. What part of the country are you living in?

 

[snubbyfan]

In the summer months, I carry a 442 in the right front pocket of my Dollar General cargo shorts in one of my homemade pocket holsters and a couple of loaded quick strips in my off side pocket.

 

[jtcarm]

I carry one of my 642's in either a Desantis mini -scabbard or just my pocket most all the time. What part of the country are you living in?

Texas, so cargo shorts are the attire of choice most of the year.

I like the M-36 suggestion, only the way I sweat, better go with an M-60

 

[chipking]

Very simple If you have clothes on you have a gun on. That is why I call mine my "always" gun. NRA is correct "you can NEVER predict when you will need a gun" I prefer a 640 but would be happy with a 60 or 36 and the bobbed hammer. I don't mind the couple of extra ounces. I have carried the lightweights including the early TiScan 340 and 360s as well but cylinder erosion issues took all the TiScan Smiths out of my like column and more and more gripes about cracking in the lightweights drove my choice for a steel gun.
No matter what you choose PRACTICE, PRACTICE and PRACTICE some more with it. My always guns get shot at least twice as much as any of my other pistols.
Chip King

 

[TACC1]

I find the Airweight J-frames to be as heavy as I'd
like to go, in a pocket. Also, the alloy frames seem
not to be affected bysweat, so far. Hammerless or
bobbed-hammer. There's no hassles with use, either.
Just grab ahold and you've got S&W backing you up.
JMHO, TACC1.

 

[Old cop]

I retired my 1968 Colt Cobra and now carry either a 442 or 642. Regardless you cannot go wrong with any of the J Frame S&W, but for me lighter is better. The advise about frequent practice is right on the money, my 442 or 642 gets shot more often than any of my other guns.

 

[Florida J Frame]

A 642 or 442 loaded with Speer 135 gr short barrel. I use a Mika holster.

 

[scruffy]

My EDC is a 442 no-lock in Uncle Mike's pocket holster. Shorts, jeans, jacket etc. Fits anywhere. Be sure to get some practice in with a J-frame snubbie. Not the easiest gun to shoot straight.

 

[alde]

A 642 or 442 loaded with Speer 135 gr short barrel. I use a Mika holster.

This is exactly what I carry 80% of the time. At least when it warm. The Mika holster works great.

 

[Fred_Ziffel]

I carry a S&W 340PD in my front pocket in an Uncle Mike's #3 holster.

 

[SAFireman]

Any S&W airweight or lighter.....the SS models do hold up better than the steel models, but the alloy guns have corrosion resistance & less weight in your pockets. I carry a 340sc and have for the better part of the last 10 years or so and I am happy with it.

 

[luangtom]

I carry a 340PD in my pocket all of the time. If I do not have it in my pocket, it or the 640 are on the arm of the recliner in their pouch. Yup, far too many home-invasions of late, too many close-by, too.

 

[M3Stuart]

I also live in Texas and would recommend carrying a J frame in your front pocket and an extra speed strip.

I carry the 642 pro or the 60 2". The speed strip sits flatter in your pocket than does a speedloader - though either are fine. The 642 pro takes moonclips, so that makes for a super-fast reload.

The 60 is shown with three holsters; a belt holster, a WRB pocket holster, and a Galco IWB tuc-n-go holster. Note that the model 60-9 is sporting Hogue Bantam grips which are shorter than the stock 'uncle mikes' grips and make it easier to fit in your pocket.

The 642 can use any of those holsters also. I normally carry the 642 in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster.

The model 60 will handle everything up to, and including, the hottest .357s. While the 642 is .38 Special only, rated for +P. In practice, I practice with intermediate .38 special loads in both but stoke them with .38 Special SD ammo for SD.

 

[loc n load]

pocket carry

I have pocket carried a M-49 since 73........either as my back up when in uniform, or in my patrol jacket pocket or pocket carry when in plain clothes...I use the Galco leather pocket holster nowadays.....I still carry the well worn M-49 everyday when I am taken for my daily constitutional by my dogs. The humpback is "old school", but then again, so am I.

 

[shouldazagged]

I don't find an all-steel 640 in .38 Special too heavy for pocket carry in a good holster. Got used to it very quickly and have done it for years. I prefer the enclosed hammer partly for a snag-free draw and partly because it keeps pocket lint out of the action much better than a bobbed or shrouded version.

 

[MasterGunz]

My carry revolver is a 442 that is currently in with the gunsmith to have an XS big dot sight installed. The 442 has an internal hammer, therefore, is double action only. If you want something with a little more punch, I would suggest the M&P 340, which is chambered for .357 and comes with an XS big dot already installed.

 

[Tennjed]

I just picked up a 360j for pocket carry

 

[sodacan]

I have pocket carried a M-49 since 73........either as my back up when in uniform, or in my patrol jacket pocket or pocket carry when in plain clothes...I use the Galco leather pocket holster nowadays.....I still carry the well worn M-49 everyday when I am taken for my daily constitutional by my dogs. The humpback is "old school", but then again, so am I.

Gotta love the 49/649. The 649-2 is my personal preference in a "J" frame. I like being able to thumb cock it, and not worrying about snagging it. I also use the Galco horsehide pocket holster. Good retention, easy draw.