J-Frame: Primary Carry?

[JayFramer]

Guys based on the replies from some of my recent threads on self defense I decided to make this thread to ask about carrying a J-frame as a PRIMARY CCW weapon:

It seems common wisdom relegates the humble snub nose as a “backup gun” or “pocket pistol”, suitable as a last ditch option when the primary handgun goes down or runs out of ammo, but is there anybody out there who actually carries ONLY a J-frame .38 special or .357 magnum as their primary concealed and carry firearm? If so, why did you choose it?

Just trying to get some feedback from members here. Thanks!

-Jay

 

[7shooter]

If you pocket carry it is my favorite. Everything I can realistically carry.

 

[petepeterson]

I think it's going to be a much larger number than your post suggests.
A 442 did the majority of my CC duty for many years. I would have no reservation going back to that if I wasn't slowly being pulled to the polymer dark side. It still does primary duty on pocket days, and most of my "around the house" and "under the pillow" carry.
Pretty easy-to-carry package with one speed strip.

 

[dr. K]

My 442 goes with me everywhere, always. It is a primary as far as guns go, but it is a backup to my presence, voice, hands, feet, and marginal ability to run. It’s an absolute last resort defensive tool when all other options are exhausted, and in that role I’m 100% confident in it.

 

[lawandorder]

Model 649 .38 Spl enhanced by Cyl. & Slide, daily.
Most of the time pocket carry.

Usually a 3 inch k or a BHP somewhere close by..

 

[SuperMan]

If you pocket carry it is my favorite. Everything I can realistically carry.

I have two friends who pocket carry a snubbie everywhere...

They don't fit is my pants pockets at all so a Kahr P380 covers that when it has to be done...

If I'm carrying IBW or OWB it is just as easy for me to carry the Commander I've been carry for going on 40 years than a snubbie...double the rounds at almost twice the velocity.

I've just seen the snubbie/.38 Special fail too many times to rely on it.

This guy doesn't recommend snubbies either...and he has been there and done that... This scenario was an ODO but it could just as easily been ones daughter... And he made four good hits out of 5 rounds fired...

Shots Fired: Palm Desert, California 03•30•1996 - Patrol - POLICE Magazine

Prefer to learn by the mistakes/experience of others...it is generally cheaper than leaning it yourself....

Bob

 

[Rick_A]

When I'm dressed very lightly I'll IWB a 649.
20150312_104857 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

With an Airweight 38 as backup.

If I absolutely have to I'll carry just the pair of them...but that's a rare thing.
20160407_115919 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

 

[blues7]

I only carry a J-frame as a primary within walking distances from my home.

That said, statistics say that it is all the gun you will ever need in virtually any self-defense situation.

If you are comfortable with it and live a low risk lifestyle, I think you'll be fine.

If it makes you feel any better, it's what I carried as an LEO in NYC for roughly four years...performing arrests, serving warrants, riding the subways and out on the streets.

 

[fatcat3]

yes/sometimes. i don't feel the need for a full sized hand gun 2 extra mags, a bug, a knife, a extra knife, cordage, flashlight, non lethal system, 1st aid kit, body armor................ i'm going to the store not invading China.

 

[mikerjf]

That Palm Desert story is brutal, and no one can read it without considering the ramifications. But defensive armament is always a game of percentages. No matter what you carry some perp can always have a little more.

Maybe the real lesson is don't attack superior firepower? And that your fiance's purse should be big enough to hold your duty weapon?

 

[jim lock]

1-I have confidence in the effectiveness of the weapon. 2- It's comfortable for me to carry. 3- I practice with it and shoot it well. IMHO these are the questions you need to answer. What works for one does not always work for another. Opinions help but you need to make that decision.

 

[Zebra War Wagon]

Like many others, I carried a J frame of various models as a primary for many years, and never felt under gunner or at any disadvantage. I think we sometimes get way to imaginarily influenced by TV shows and movies. With that said, I do like my "other" choices but I could live with just a couple J's stuffed with the proper ammo selection.

 

[Old TexMex]

Here’s my deal: my job requires me to be “discreet” in some social type functions, so my 1911 or CZ isn’t practical (but never far away, and a rifle) but I won’t carry a .380 for that. I opt for a J frame.
Just walkin’ around, my 37 with +P (I know, I know) isokay with me.

 

[haywood]

I practice with my J-Frames. I by fare am no pro but feel I can handle a situation if I’m in fear of my life or grave bodily harm. I carry Two 442’s most days everywhere it’s legal.

 

[Donn]

Said it before, you can't equate a police situation with what the average Joe/Joanne might encounter going about their daily business. In a thread like this, the usual suspects always bring up Newhall, Miami-Dade, (in both cases, the officers and agents had their duty weapons), and now, Palm Desert, to re-enforce their belief that if you don't carry an 18+1 auto loader with 2-3 spare mags, you've got a death wish. I know this will rub the what if brigade the wrong way, but most of us will never have to draw our EDC in anger. That being the case, 5-6 rounds are enough.

 

[KalamazooKid]

In a Mika pocket holster every day. Normally a 340PD but occasionally another J frame.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I was stationed at Nellis three times for a total of nine years
between the mid '70s and late '80s.

Carried a Model 60 back then.

Now I'm secluded in the woods near 8,000'.

A Baby Chiefs does the duty here, except when I'm walking
or working in the woods in the summer, then I carry a bit
bigger snubby.

 

[rubiranch]

My EDC is either my 640-1 or my 642-1.

 

[murphydog]

Yes, have done this depending on the situation. Practice often. Better than a derringer.

 

[The Big D]

Switched to a j-frame...

...years ago when toting a P7-M8 became too cumbersome for my taste and lifestyle and when I could no longer LEOSA qualify with both a semi-auto and a revolver.

That said, I recently acquired a Glock 43. I find it more concealable than a j-frame so I switched back to semi-auto carry at LEOSA quals last week.

Still can carry my 60, NY-1 or 642 on my Maryland permit and will, occasionally, but the concealability of the 43 makes it my ‘go to’ now and for the foreseeable future. Note: Still will carry the P7 occasionally, too, when my clothing facilitates it.

Be safe.

PS: Never carried two handguns and most likely never will.