J Frame Questions from Beginner

[BDTeacher]

I am currently looking for a light revolver that I can pocket carry. I am a large guy and IWB is never comfortable; therefore, not an option. I hear J-frame's are the best for pocket carry.
What would be a good place for me to start? I know I want a revolver due to reliability and I have seen that the J-frame line is very light and as dependable as they come.
What kind of model should i be looking at? How much difference if the recoil between a .38 special or .357 is one of the Airweights?
I currently own a Shield, but may give that to my wife. I now need something to replace it and I think a revolver is the way to go.

 

[Macinaw]

M&P 340 is good for front pocket carry.

 

[BDTeacher]

M&P 340 is good for front pocket carry.

Any cheaper suggestions. The cheapest used one on Gunbroker was $765.

 

[Cal44]

A new model 642 can be had for two or three hundred less.

It's good for 38 special +P, but that's probably all you would want to shoot out of a j frame anyway.

 

[16thVACav]

Its hard to beat a 642 for lightweight pocket carry. The downside is heavier recoil due to the lightweight frame.

The similar 640 is almost identical in appearance but heavier due to the stainless steel frame.

I don't see a huge advantage to the .357 Magnum in a small snub nose, and consequently carry .38 Special +P in .357 J frames.

 

[alwaysoutdoors]

Great choice. Get an air weight. I like the 442/642 line.

 

[snubbyfan]

Great choice. Get an air weight. I like the 442/642 line.

What he said, I carry a 442 either in a pocket holster or on my belt. Just depends on what I'm wearing and what I'm doing.

Works for me.

 

[Macinaw]

Weight reduction costs money.

340 PD $900
340 M&P $700
642 $500

2 ounces may not seam like much. When it is in your front pocket; it will.

 

[Boogsawaste]

I carry my 642 in my pocket no problem. It's my favorite way to carry it! If you look around you can find them brand new under $500 easily enough.

 

[snubbyfan]

Got my 442 used for $300.

 

[galena]

Add my vote to the 642, mine is in my pocket right now. It is usually there, even when I am carrying something else.

 

[BDTeacher]

How is the recoil on a 642 using standard .38 ammo. Just wondering if my wife could handle it with no problem.

 

[M29since14]

2 ounces may not seam like much. When it is in your front pocket; it will.

True, IMO. I am not a fan of pocket carrying anything except the very small .32s and .380s but if you are going to carry in a pocket it would be hard to beat the 340PD - or the 342PD, if you can find one of those.

Since you are a "beginner," I'll assume you will come to the same conclusion most experienced shooters do and think .38 Special is plenty in a lightweight J-frame. With that in mind, either a 442 or a 642 is hard to beat - particularly if you might end up wearing it on your belt at least some of the time. If you watch for sales sometimes you can pick up a new one for $400, give or take.

It seems that most ladies can get along with an airweight J-frame if the stocks are OK for them. If not, try wadcutters.

 

[Macinaw]

Of these three J frames; which one do you think gets carried in my front pocket? Or, even IWB holster!

 

[poordevil]

I almost got another 642 yesterday at a gun show in Phoenix AZ. New at $419.00. That is $30.00 less than I paid for the same gun 3 years ago. I got a nice nickel m-10 2" instead........but get a 642 and carry in your front pocket in some kind of easy slip in pocket holster, really more of a pouch than true holster.

 

[snubbyfan]

How is the recoil on a 642 using standard .38 ammo. Just wondering if my wife could handle it with no problem.

Don't know how recoil sensitive your wife is. If she's like my wife and can blast away with 158 grain .357 magnum out of her 4" 66-3 then she shouldn't have a problem.
As long as her gun fits her hand well and she grips it properly, recoil shouldn't be too much of a problem.
However, J frame snubbies do take dedication and lotsa continual practice, both dry fire and live fire. They're not for everyone.
Once again using my wife as an example. She can easily outshoot me with her gun but when she shoots my 442, the broadside of barns are safe.

 

[Cal44]

Don't know how recoil sensitive your wife is. If she's like my wife and can blast away with 158 grain .357 magnum out of her 4" 66-3 then she shouldn't have a problem.
As long as her gun fits her hand well and she grips it properly, recoil shouldn't be too much of a problem.
However, J frame snubbies do take dedication and lotsa continual practice, both dry fire and live fire. They're not for everyone.
Once again using my wife as an example. She can easily outshoot me with her gun but when she shoots my 442, the broadside of barns are safe.

Another option is to get a 642/442 and put a larger grip on it.

S&W makes a grip for their 357 magnum J frame lines that fits on the 642.

It gives a three finger grip and helps with recoil. Pachmayr Compac grips are another option.

Might be a problem with pocket carry, but for a purse the slightly larger grip should be OK.

Here is a picture of the S&W grip I'm talking about:

 

[Ranger98]

642 with an Apex kit and trigger shoe

 

[snubbyfan]

Pachmayr Compacts work for me and I can still pocket carry.

 

[Boogsawaste]

I've actually been using a 3 finger altamont grip for a little. I could pocket carry with cargo shorts in the summer. However my jeans in the winter have much smaller pockets so I was carrying in an ankle rig an very occasionally IWB. I picked up a cheap used and poorly refinished set of magnas at a show yesterday and threw them on.

Today at the range I forgot I had +p in my 642 instead of the target stuff and it gave me a little surprise for the first shot with those little tiny magnas!

Fits in my jean pockets now.