J-Frame vs. Shield

[shawn mccarver]

Although I think the J frames are good looking and fit the "classic" category very well, the 9mm Shield beats the J frames in many areas.

Here are a few advantages: The 9mm Shield: (1) carries ammo that is perhaps 10% better in stopping power, (2) holds 50% more ammo, (3) is easier to shoot well, (4) has less felt recoil, (5) has an easier trigger pull, (6) is faster to reload, (7) has more visible sights, etc. In addition, 9mm ammo is less expensive than comparable 38 Special rounds.

As much as I like J frames, I see the Shield and weapons like it replacing the J frame in the same way that I see the full size M&P as the replacement for the K and L frame defense revolvers.

 

[DevilDog72]

the trusty and proven winner for me... J frame all the way

 

[Blueduck]

The Galco did end up causing an ND. Shooting the fellow in the behind.

I assumed that, not Sherlock Holmes or anything, but you see powder burns on the top of a holster, you kinda figure something went wrong

 

[Blueduck]

By the way, on the topic of snubby vs autos, if you have a J-Frame, but do not have a dog eared, worn copy of Ed Lovettes "The Snubby Revolver" your doing it all wrong.

 

[tpelle]

That's one of the things I keep in mind when designing holsters. In my research, I've seen open top holster designs with a bump up or an upward curve at the trigger guard. Yeah it'll cover the trigger once the gun's holstered but what could happen when the leather softens?

I try to design mine so the gun fits in, yet allows a full grip.

Excellent post (I say as I sit here ready to holster my 640-1 for the day)! One thing that your photos illustrate very well is that it is difficult to make a semiauto holster with good retention qualities without designing the holster to hold it by means of the trigger guard. A revolver, on the other hand, has that big ol' lump of a cylinder to wrap itself around.

I first strapped a revolver on - a private purchase Model 15 - for police duty in 1974, so I am comfortable with revolvers. Although I didn't stay in the job for long (decided I liked the fire department better), I've always kept a few revolvers around. I did switch to semiautos for carry (with a CCW) I never felt comfortable with a Glock-style trigger. I either carried a 1911, or a da/sa semiauto with that long first trigger pull and a safety.

But, you know what? Every time I slipped that semiauto into a holster I always had clearance drills in the back of my mind. No worries ever with a revolver.