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

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MattCharlotte

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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.
 
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642, no-lock. You could probably find several on Gunbroker for under $400.
 
I love my Smith & Wesson 940 no dash (9MM) J frame....
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I too carry an M&P40c, when I want to carry lite I like my Airweight 638, the hammer is cut and shrouded. Weight is as lite as you could ask for. I also just purchased a BodyGuard 380 from S&W, it gives me even lighter and more concealed in a 380 caliber. You could actually buy both guns close to your budget of $800.00!!!:)

PS don't get caught up in the IL bs... :rolleyes:
 
I recommend against .357 loadings in lightweight short-barreled revolvers. The increase in actual ballistic performance of .357 vs. .38 Special is very small in the 2" tubes, but the increases in recoil, muzzle blast, and muzzle flash are huge.

I stick with standard velocity .38 Special loads in my J-frames, especially the Model 37 Airweight. Much easier to stay on target with, controllable recoil without bruises or abrasions to the hand, reduced muzzle blast and flash allow accurate follow-up shots.

For pocket carry the shrouded hammer models like the 642, 649, etc. do very well. The exposed hammer models benefit from a good holster.
 
I carry a M36 with a 3" barrel. The extra inch keeps the recoil down and +P rounds are no problem. I prefer a nickel plate because it is easier to clean and is a tougher finish than bluing. Very old reliable design. Looks good, too.
 
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.
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My daily carry is a 442 no dash. I switch out with a 638 and IMHO the .38 +P is all you need. The lite J's chambered for .357 that I've shot cannot be controlled beyond the first shot. I agree w/others that the .38 is more than enough for the legally armed non LEO.
 
Murcielago said:
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.
a6cd0adc-cbce-0175.jpg
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The only problem I have with mine is that it's so great to carry I tend to leave everything else at home. I think some of the other "kids" should be allowed out once in a while.
 
I started with the M36 in 38 special. Found a 640-1 in 38/357. I see more used M36's than the heavier M640-1. What's your preference, hammer or hammerless? Makes a difference for some.
 
I carry S&W 642 with Crimson Trace Grips as on of my PI tools, works well as designed no complaints. Other tools or the trade are my 1911 Colt Defender, 1911 Caspian, S&W Bodyguard 380, all with laser sights.

What ever pistol/revolver you decide to go with, plan on sufficient range time, good choice of ammo, and a good holster to compliment your purchase.

Good luck with your decision!

SF180A
 
I routinely carry a Model 36 "no dash". A friend sold his Bodyguard without telling me, and I'd love to have gotten it. I was out of work, but his business was failing and I probably would have given him more money for it than he got.

If you want an exposed hammer, look for a pre-lock 36, 38 or 60.

If you want a shrouded hammer, look for a Bodyguard or equivalent.

If you want a concealed hammer, look for a Centennial or equivalent.
 
I pocket carry a M340 PD all the time. I literally forget it's there, as it only weighs 12 oz. Kicks like a mule with full power .357s, which is what I carry in it, but I doubt I'd notice if I ever had to use it for Serious Social Purposes.
 
Of all my J-frames the one I carry the most (by far) my 642. It's light enough to be comfortable to carry, regardless of what I'm wearing, yet heavy enough to be comfortable to shoot.

A 442 would work just as well if you'd prefer the black finish. Likewise, the 38/638 or 37/637 are the thing if you'd like to retain single action capability.

Bottom line: it's tough to beat an Airweight for daily carry.
 
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.:eek: 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.:rolleyes: The Alessi crossdraw is easily concealable and holds the gun snug without a retention strap.
Peace,
gordon
M37crossdraw.jpg
 
MattCharlotte said:
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.
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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.
 
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.
 
MattCharlotte said:
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.
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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.
 
:)
MattCharlotte said:
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.
Click to expand...

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,
 
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.
 
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?

CrimsonTrace.jpg
 
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