Looking for pocket J Frame with +P option

[alexrex20]

If you are going to pocket carry it, I would not get the exposed hammer 637. Stick with the 442/642 if you want aluminum frame. If you insist on Scandium frame, you will have to find a used 342. The 340 is still available but it is a .357 gun and a bit more expensive.

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[JAREDSHS]

I sure like my 442.

 

[ruger 22]

Mike, I pocket carry a 649-2 which weighs about 23 0z. A 642 weighs about 8 oz less. Firing the two with standard 38 loads is a world of difference in comfort, accuracy and ability to do repeat shots. My experience of well over 40 years indicates that self defense is a very short range activity and repeat shots are more valuable than a +p versus a standard. There are some great posts on this thread advising you to try them all first, to which I would add practice like hell. The weight difference is not all that great, and lots of practice is a must.

 

[wrangler5]

Another vote for a humpback if you feel you might ever want a hammer to cock. With a 638 or 649 you might choose never to cock the hammer, but if you get a 640 or 642 I guarantee the day will come when you'll miss not being able to take that long range shot single action. (I have had both styles for many years, and know the attraction of single action, being a long time target shooter.)

As for fully exposed ("normal") hammers, I usually carry in a belt holster when I'm out and about, and have had no problem with an exposed hammer snagging on the draw (the few times I've tried it) but ONLY IF my cover garment is a shirt/jacket I can sweep back behind the holster before the draw. When I wear a sweater and have to lift it up, I HAVE snagged a hammer a few times. And I would NEVER trust an exposed hammer not to snag being drawn from the pocket of any pair of pants that I own and wear.

Around the house I frequently wear sweat pants (winter) or nylon shorts (summer), both with elastic waistbands. A J frame lives in the right pocket. In those pants, the difference between an alloy and steel frame in the gun is the difference between OK and drooping pants. If I always wore pants with a belt I might be able to keep a steel gun in a pocket comfortably, but that's not what I need for my circumstances. YMMV, of course, but think about this aspect of pocket carry before you pick a gun.

 

[4Given]

Seems like a 360j would fit the bill?

I'll second the 360J. It's my favorite carry piece!

Note: Weight is 14.7 oz with original grips, not 13.3 oz as seen in some advertisements. Weight is 15.3 oz with CT 305 laser grips.

 

[tom turner]

IMHO, the Scandium revolvers are made to satisfy the "lightest gun possible" buyer who doesn't know what happens when a gun is TOO light.

Problems?
1. With the brutal recoil, bullets can "jump the crimp" and move forward and project out the front of the cylinder . . . locking up the gun when you needed it to save your bacon.

2. They will kill your hand with the brutal recoil.

3. The torque at ignition will twist the revolver in your hand, and followup shots will simply make your accuracy worse.

4. Controlling the recoil, and thus be able to have accurate follow-up shots at speed will really slow down your accuracy in case you need the gun to save your life.

The Airweight frames (aluminum) are just a few ounces lighter, but WOW, what a difference in followup shots, accuracy and sheer fun to shoot!

Most seasoned handgun folks will concur with my opinion that the AIRWEIGHT (aluminum) is the way to go.

My strong recommendation is to go aluminum frame ("Airweight" vs. the "AirLite"! You'll be glad you did!

 

[yep380]

I'm partial to the 438. Here's mine with some wood grips on it. I actually like my Model 36 better, but the 438 is lighter. I think the humpbacks are very attractive - some people don't, I guess.

 

[cleans up]

I'm rather surprised to hear the issues people are having or assume with lightweights. I shoot a 342 regularly and don't mind it a bit with regular 38 loads. I did put houge tamer grips on it and that certainly lessened felt recoil. I like it so much I have one to use for the range and another for carry! I do think 3-4 oz makes a noticeable difference for pocket carry.

Bottom line the 342 is my favorite pocket J. If you want to be able to cock the hammer get a shrouded i.e. 638 or similar.

Good luck

 

[OLDSTER]

pocket carry

My choice is the scandium frame 360J. The hammer is no issue ( I also have a 637 and Model 60, but the 360J is so nice and light).

 

[alexrex20]

Do you pocket carry it?

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[tlmetesh]

I've got a 638 that has been primarily pocket carried for 4 years. No issues.

 

[JH1951]

I remain quite pleased with my 649. Satisfies all of my needs, and in my neck of the woods it has been very popular with law enforcement as a back-up piece.

 

[STCM(SW)]

My M 638 is what I think is best with the grips I put on it.

Can handle +P and is controllable and works out in my front pocket great.

 

[OLDSTER]

pocket carry

Do you pocket carry it?

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Yes In this old Uncle Mikes

 

[Pond Scum 43]

My vote is for the model 442. Easy to carry and easy on the wallet.

 

[JAREDSHS]

442 or 642 is a good selection.

 

[haywood]

My vote is for the model 442. Easy to carry and easy on the wallet.

Out of all the guns I've had and still have, I like my 442s the best. One is always in my pocket. Some times I carry the second one AIWB. These are my carry gun choices every day.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

I bought a 638 5 years ago. Had a spring kit installed. Nice carry piece.

 

[CDR_Glock]

I carried 1911s or Glocks until my friend showed me his 640 and 442. I switched over for the past two years. The 442 is light enough but handles +P without issues.

I had a Ruger LCR but the way it fit my hands, it basically sent the recoil into my hand. The 3 oz made a difference.

As for trigger smoothness, once you get accustomed to a S&W trigger, nothing else compares. Reliability, smoothness, shoot ability and accuracy are all right there.

Occasionally, I do carry my 640 with 357s. It, too, handles recoil extremely well


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[shouldazagged]

I'm old school too and much prefer the concealed hammer Centennial series (640, 442, 642, etc.) for pocket carry.

They are virtually snag-proof on the draw; and while I like the humpback shrouded-hammer models, I don't want the single action option for a SHTF self defense gun (not needed at SD range 99.9% of the time, and too easy to discharge accidentally under duress) and I'm concerned the shrouded hammer slot can collect lint and bumf.

My pocket J-frame is all steel, not at all uncomfortable to shoot or hard to control with +P ammo, and not at all burdensome to carry once you get used to it--which I did very quickly, some years ago.