Lookin' to buy a J frame to carry, What do y'all like and why?

[G.T. Smith]

coulda bought 4 of these for $800

I gave $200 for this M37, 1968 no dash. I was gonna sell it but decided to keep it for times I want to CC. I'm thinking that a .38 special standard pressure 158 grain bullet will do the job at the distance I would anticipate to be realized in a self defense situation. If I think I need a .357 I carry a K-frame 4" and use the 158 gr. .357's. I would not want to take the risk of shooting .38 +P's in the old 37, even for CC. The Alessi crossdraw is easily concealable and holds the gun snug without a retention strap.
Peace,
gordon

 

[442js]

I carry a S&W m&p .40 c but it is to heavy to carry in summer time. So I am looking at a j frame s&w preferably in .357 but am not apposed to a .38 I would really appreciate everyone's opinion to help further my research... I probably wouldn't want to spend more than $800 .. Thanks for your help.

Normally I recommend a 442 or 642 but that is .38 special only. I believe the 640 is a .357, but I think there will be a fair amount of recoil.

The 442 and 642 are in the $360-$400 range depending on where you look. You can also get no lock models.

 

[photoman]

Consider the Model 642. Try Federal 125gr Nyclad hollow point ammo. If pocket carry is used, I recommend the Mika pocket holster.

 

[MattCharlotte]

Thank You

I appreciate all the help and agree that a .357 may be a little much out of such a small gun but don't all of their .357s shoot .38s as well. is there any disadvantage other than slightly heavier weight and that their more expensive to buying a .357 even if i use .38s to carry. Also i think i like the idea of a shrouded hammer, but are there any disadvantages to shrouded, pictures seem like they may be hard to cock for single action. Thanks again everyone i really appreciate the help.

 

[Murcielago]

I Also i think i like the idea of a shrouded hammer, but are there any disadvantages to shrouded, pictures seem like they may be hard to cock for single action.

The Centennials (Model 442/642/340/640 etc.) are double-action only, which I think is preferable in a self-defense gun. The Bodyguard style (such as the Model 49) does allow for single-action fire, if you absolutely have that capability in your carry piece.

 

[turbo38gn]

I appreciate all the help and agree that a .357 may be a little much out of such a small gun but don't all of their .357s shoot .38s as well. is there any disadvantage other than slightly heavier weight and that their more expensive to buying a .357 even if i use .38s to carry. Also i think i like the idea of a shrouded hammer, but are there any disadvantages to shrouded, pictures seem like they may be hard to cock for single action. Thanks again everyone i really appreciate the help.

Very good Matt, observant!!! I too like the option to shoot 357, but of course, doen't mean I have too. I also carry my 640 loaded with 38sp, and sometimes play at the range with 357, it's fun. I shoot mine well either way. I also purchased a 60 Pro series, with a 3" barrel that is an incredible gun to shoot at the range with 357 and can be carried either caliber. Again, I will say, pay no attention to whether it is IL or non IL, don't allow yourself to be limited by a feature that makes absolutely no difference in the function of your gun. A shrouded hammer is accessable for single action duty, just not quite as easily cocked. I purchased my 638 over the other 2 choices because it didn't limit my choice how I shot the gun but allowed me to carry my pistol more safely. I see no downside to it. Hope this helps,

 

[steamloco76]

I vote for( and carry!!) the 442 or 642 Airweight .38 Special. In a pocket holster for summer concealment. They are a bit "snappy" to shoot with Plus P, but not that hard to master. The light weight is a real plus, as is the snag free internal hammer design. Plus they sell for $389-$414 brand new in my area.

If you want a slightly heavier J frame- the model 60 or 640 gets my vote.

 

[Capt Steve]

Said it before and will say it again: Get a 649. SA/DA (very easy to cock for SA), Stainless, handles 357 but shoots 38+P's all day, carries and conceals well. Adding the CT Laser grips was a very good idea. What's not to love?

 

[turbo38gn]

Said it before and will say it again: Get a 649. SA/DA (very easy to cock for SA), Stainless, handles 357 but shoots 38+P's all day, carries and conceals well. Adding the CT Laser grips was a very good idea. What's not to love?

That's a beauty, I like that one!!

 

[turbo38gn]

Ok, take your pick... here's few of my "carry" guns.... or you might say.... those are my bedside guns...

 

[Sloman]

What is it about J frames that make them so darn appealing? I have yet to see an ugly one! Love them! Especially the Bodyguard (model 38, 638) versions.

 

[dogngun]

I have had and carried several over the last 40 years, Chief Specials and Bodyguards because I like to have access to a hammer and SA if I need it. I prefer all steel over airweight for shooting-I do have a non S&W (Rossi 462) .357 magnum snub, but I carry Special +P's in it. IMO, the magnum loads are too much and the specials are much easier to shoot well.
I recently bought a nickel plated Model 36 S&W and have started to carry it occasionally, again with +P's. It is a '75 vintage, beautiful condition, and cost less than $300 a few weeks ago.

mark

 

[S&W-Keeper]

I have the 642, 640, and a bunch of model 60's.I like the 60, very accurate. good trigger.

 

[Knightrider03m]

I have the 437 and love it. It rides solo from time to time.

 

[wnr700]

I like the Model 442 or 642 for carry.

Model 649 is a good choice for carry and a comfortable range option.

 

[walnutred]

I have a few J frames but the one I usually CW is an old 3" m37.

 

[luangtom]

I carry a 340 M&P. Centennial frame, 14 oz., & no lock. Chambered for .357, but +P .38's are plenty peppy for my needs. Love it.

I carry the same with Speer GoldDot .38SPL+P in 135gr for short-barrels.

 

[MattCharlotte]

Thanks again for all the help. Ill get back to y'all once i narrow my research down. really i appreciate the info.

 

[luis]

It depends what I am doing but this will give you an idea.

Winter carry 640-1
summer shorts pocket 642 or 37
casual work 649

 

[Ralph G. Briscoe]

I have a 36, 49, 442 and 642--none with lock. The 642 is my regular carry piece. I had one of those 11oz 340pd's and traded it....great to carry but the light weight limited my bullet choices and I didn't like the lock. IMO, one of the big advantages of the snubby is the ability to shoot it from inside a pocket if necessary. To preserve that advantage I don't carry anything with a hammer spur sticking up--my 36 was bobbed long ago. My carry load is a handload that propels a Speer 158 gr SWCHP at 900 fps at below plus P pressure--similar to the "FBI load." As others have opined, I think the disadvantages of the .357 in a light snubby outweigh the advantages. Any of the J frames would be good--if you want to have single-action capability get a bodyguard. Good luck
PS--My 642 and 442 were purchased for under $400 ea. on Gunbroker.