J frame thoughts wanted

[Ray1970]

So, I'm in the market for another J frame. In recent years I've owned a few but don't currently have one and have been thinking of adding one to the carry rotation.

I've owned two 642's, one 442, and an older model that I can't remember the model number. (It was stainless with a pinned barrel)

I've also owned three of the Ruger LCR's. Two 38's and a 357.

While I'm tempted to just pick up another 442 or 642, I also haven't ruled out something like a model 60 or 638 or even another LCR.

I'm also open to a steel framed revolver but since it will be a carry piece I'm not sure how the additional small amount of weight will make a difference.

Single action isn't a big deal for me so the hammer on something like a model 60 or 638 or whatever isn't a huge selling point for me. In fact, I would likely bob the hammer on the 60 and shoot it double action only.

Anyhow, just thought I would pick your brains and get some thoughts, opinions and ideas before I make up my mind.

The LCR in 327 Federal Magnum is also tempting because I like the caliber and I like the fact that it is a six shot.

Thanks in advance.

 

[H Richard]

If you like the .327 Magnum, look around for 432PD or 431PD which come in 32 H&R Mag, (but I'm sure could easily be opened up to 327 Magnum). There was a run of them last year, were originally discontinued in 2005.

 

[petepeterson]

I'm a plain-ol' 442 fan. Not too heavy, not too light.

 

[rwt1405]

I have 2 - 642's, 2 - 640-1's, and 2 - Model 60's.

It sounds to me like you might like a 640, which I find is a great belt carry revolver.

I use the 642's for pocket carry, or when I'm trying to keep the weight down, due to how I'm dressed usually.

I would highly suggest one of each (a 642 and a 640), as I do find the weight difference of note, when pocket carrying (I know many people don't, but for me the difference is huge!).

 

[S&W Rover]

There is a big difference between a steel-framed J and an aluminum J.

I can easily carry a 442/642 in a pocket of a pair of shorts or pants, in something like a Nemesis pocket holster. My 640, on the other hand, is a bit too heavy for a front pocket. However, it is a far nicer gun to shoot in +P .38, or even .357 Mag. (.357 Mag is a bit much in any J frame)

 

[dubshooter]

I had an LCR but I didn't like the grip on it. Didn't fit me well.

A J Frame with boot grips fits me really well. I have a model 36 that I wanted to own just because I wanted it. I don't carry it or shoot it much. I just like it.

I have a 640 that's my daily carry. Cargo pocket as a BUG at work and appendix off duty in a lobo off set belt clip. Extra weight doesn't bother me. Comfortable to carry and to shoot. option of .357 if you want as well.

Some good deals on trade ins at Kieslers as well.

 

[dubshooter]

I have 2 - 642's, 2 - 640-1's, and 2 - Model 60's.

It sounds to me like you might like a 640, which I find is a great belt carry revolver.

I use the 642's for pocket carry, or when I'm trying to keep the weight down, due to how I'm dressed usually.

I would highly suggest one of each (a 642 and a 640), as I do find the weight difference of note, when pocket carrying (I know many people don't, but for me the difference is huge!).

you could get a trade in 640 and a 642 for slightly more than a new 640

 

[rwt1405]

you could get a trade in 640 and a 642 for slightly more than a new 640

Mine are all pre-locks, bought in the 1990's (with the exception of the one M60, which is a -1, which I bought used), TRUST me, I'm not buying new (well maybe a 642, which I could get w/o a lock)!

 

[CDR_Glock]

So, I'm in the market for another J frame. In recent years I've owned a few but don't currently have one and have been thinking of adding one to the carry rotation.

I've owned two 642's, one 442, and an older model that I can't remember the model number. (It was stainless with a pinned barrel)

I've also owned three of the Ruger LCR's. Two 38's and a 357.

While I'm tempted to just pick up another 442 or 642, I also haven't ruled out something like a model 60 or 638 or even another LCR.

I'm also open to a steel framed revolver but since it will be a carry piece I'm not sure how the additional small amount of weight will make a difference.

Single action isn't a big deal for me so the hammer on something like a model 60 or 638 or whatever isn't a huge selling point for me. In fact, I would likely bob the hammer on the 60 and shoot it double action only.

Anyhow, just thought I would pick your brains and get some thoughts, opinions and ideas before I make up my mind.

The LCR in 327 Federal Magnum is also tempting because I like the caliber and I like the fact that it is a six shot.

Thanks in advance.

If you're very adept to the 442/642, then a Pro Series 640 is a viable option. Mine is a vanilla flavored 640. It's a 24 ounce SS revolver. Handles recoil very well. Better than an LCR which would be 9 oz lighter. Another great one to consider is a Kimber K6s. The limitation is on the aftermarket grips and sights.


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[Ray1970]

Thank you all for the information so far. This is exactly the kind of stuff I was interested in.

I really don't want or need anything chambered in 357. Most of the 640's I have seen lately are chambered for 357. Do they make the 640 in a dedicated 38 version? I know you can just shoot 38's in the 357 but I'm weird and if I only plan on shooting 38's I'd just as soon have it chambered for the 38.

 

[Ray1970]

Also, I do like the option of pocket carry. Mostly in cargo shorts in warm weather. I was wondering how noticeable the difference was and a couple of you mentioned the difference was noticeable. Thanks for that info.

 

[loeman]

I've had two carry Js since 1980. First a Model 49 and then a Model 649 in the mid 90s. I love these guns so much I don't even look at or consider replacing them. The 649 is powerful, accurate and pocketable. What more do I need? Maybe a bit less weight, but when you don't know any better it feels fine.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I usually haul around my 640 Pro in a Lobo owb at 4 o'clock, but its a bit heavy for a pocket. This summer I've been pocket carrying my M&P 340 and really appreciate its weight.

Empirical evidence hasn't convinced me six are better than five for two-legged threats so if I hear of a four-legged threat too great for the Centennials I'll strap on my 460ES.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Do they make the 640 in a dedicated 38 version?

Yes, the original 640s were .38 Special.

If you don't have to have stainless steel another option is the 1989 Model 36-2 Double Action Only. The one I have has a better trigger than any of my Centennials. You can usually find one for a somewhat reasonable price.

 

[DRJ]

I'm a lover of all J-Frames and carry one daily. For pocket carry I have found the alloy J's to be about perfect and steel J's best carried on the belt. I have several J's and other snubs and I am quite happy with all of them.

 

[CDR_Glock]

Thank you all for the information so far. This is exactly the kind of stuff I was interested in.

I really don't want or need anything chambered in 357. Most of the 640's I have seen lately are chambered for 357. Do they make the 640 in a dedicated 38 version? I know you can just shoot 38's in the 357 but I'm weird and if I only plan on shooting 38's I'd just as soon have it chambered for the 38.

I'm not aware of any 38s that are in SS.

You can shoot 38s in it. It would be no problem.


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[GCF]

My M&P 340 is the ticket for everyday pocket carry. My 640-1 pretty much gets the Andrews Custom Leather Saddle Style (pancake) treatment.

I really like the 640-1, but 95% of the time, the 340 is first choice for around town carry. The 640-1 gets the range time, & nightstand duty...

 

[Ft. Defiance]

Thank you all for the information so far. This is exactly the kind of stuff I was interested in.

I really don't want or need anything chambered in 357. Most of the 640's I have seen lately are chambered for 357. Do they make the 640 in a dedicated 38 version? I know you can just shoot 38's in the 357 but I'm weird and if I only plan on shooting 38's I'd just as soon have it chambered for the 38.

I do not think so. One benefit of a ,38 special model is the cilinder can be shorter and likely the barrel as well.

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[ContinentalOp]

Just my opinion, but I think it's pretty hard to beat the 442-1/642-1 for a carry J-frame.

For the most part the only 640s in .38 Special only were the original no-dash models, which aren't made any more. They can be tough to find and often at premium prices. The no-dash 640 has been my "grail" gun for several years and I've missed out on a few auctions because bidding shot past my budget. I have read about some NYPD 640-1s, I think, with the J-magnum frame that were chambered in .38 Special only, but I suspect they'd be even more rare than a no-dash 640.

For belt carry I don't think steel vs. aluminum is going to make much of a difference for most people, but pocket carry might be an issue.

While I prefer Centennials, the Bodyguards would be a very close second. You might have a better time finding a 649 in .38 Special than a no-dash 640. I once found a factory DAO 649 (former police gun) for sale online AFTER it had sold.

 

[Jessie]

I just got a performance center 642 since it can use moon clips.
Unfortunately, I'm having an issue with the ease of loading them.
They get sticky before fully chambered. If I can get that figured out, I think it will be a nice carry gun that's pretty quick to reload.
We'll see. It may be a waste of time, too.
Let us know what you decide on.

 

[Old cop]

For a vairety of reasons weight is a big factor for me so the lighter the better. I recently picked up a 340PD new, but paid a hefty price for it. For me it was worth it, but it may not be for you b/c there are others mentioned here that can do the job as well but are a bit heavier.

 

[Bill In Texas]

I'll throw my hat into the 640 ring as well. I love mine! It's one of my two j frame EDC's, the other is a 637 with a bobbed hammer spur.

I do not find it to be to heavy for pocket carry with a good gun belt. That's the way I carry mine 95% of the time. The stainless steel gun handles the recoil from hot loads better of course, and you never have to shoot .357's if your not interested.

I love the Airweights for bugs, but I prefer a stainless gun for my primary carry. Just my $.02!

 

[Trave1ingEast]

642PC with Altamont's.

The original rubber with wood insert boot grips are very nice, but I'd rather have all wood for pocket carry.

 

[Ft. Defiance]

I wish Smith made the 642 in stainless steel the extra weight would hell my arthritic hands and still fit I'm my pocket

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[haywood]

My 442 with the old Uncle Mike's Boot Grips is my everyday pocket gun. The 37 with bobbed hammer was my first pocket gun and has become a safe queen. The 442 with Hogue Tamer Grips and the 36 with Pachmyers are the guns I shoot most and alternate as a daily AIWB gun. Although not a J-Frame The 7 shot Taurus at the top does AIWB duty when I want more rounds available. Everybody has their favorite J-Frame. I don't think you can pick a wrong one. I don't think I could own just one.

 

[GCF]

I just got a performance center 642 since it can use moon clips.
Unfortunately, I'm having an issue with the ease of loading them.
They get sticky before fully chambered.....

Handloads, or factory ammo?

If handloads, the brass "may" not be FL sized enough. Went through that one, w/ a M625-3.

If factory ammo, check for bent moonclips, or try different brand of ammo. Some of the guys who manufacture the clips, specify (recommend) one brand of brass, or another. Something to do w/ ring size - under the rim...

 

[petepeterson]

Also, I do like the option of pocket carry. Mostly in cargo shorts in warm weather. I was wondering how noticeable the difference was and a couple of you mentioned the difference was noticeable. Thanks for that info.

FWIW, a steel J would be too heavy for me personally. The 442/642 is about the max I can pocket carry. A Kel-Tec carries better, but when possible, I prefer the revolver. I'd love to have one of the flyweights, but not for shooting purposes. That's why I feel the 442 hits the sweet spot.

 

[GCF]

For a vairety of reasons weight is a big factor for me so the lighter the better. I recently picked up a 340PD new, but paid a hefty price for it.....

Seriously overbuilt, & for it's intended purpose - worth every last dime!

 

[Ray1970]

I probably should have hung on to this one but it was just too nice to bob the hammer and I don't like carrying things with an exposed hammer due to a bad experience that involved bleeding and a loss of skin one time a long time ago.

 

[bonjorno2]

I tend to pocket carry my 342pd with nyclads... Super light and makes a big difference imo. If you are going to pocket carry and can save/shell out a decent amount of money get a 340 or another airlite!