Looking to get a J-frame which one to get?

[.45mtngun]

My favorite in the guns we're discussing is my 442-2 no-lock. It is loaded with Speer 135+P .38 Spl. Gold Dots, a very accurate load. I also load cast bullets for lots of practice at about standard pressure. This gun really grows on you the more you use it!
Jim

 

[lanceman193]

Airweight pre-lock(preferably) 38, 638, 37, 642 Steel 36, 49, 649, 60
If you are using a holster get a 3 inch 36 or 60, much easier for most people to hit the target. Some 3 inch models can be had with adjustible sights or 357, I would not load mine with 357, it's too damn' hard for me to shoot. I like Gold Dot short barrel 135 hollow points in all. I carry 2 inch in Mika pocket holster strongside.

 

[exdetsgt]

Shot my new 442 today. Wallop of a recoil with standard store bought ammo, no +P. I was trying out a set of those Delta Ergo grips. Took them off as soon as I got home. Will replace with Hogues. Much longer than the Ergos which just felt strange and because my hand was at a different angle it seemed that I felt more recoil with them. With the Hogues on a 637 I don't recall much punishment at all.

 

[Florida J Frame]

My 642 no-lock is 6 years old and looks brand new. I keep a coat of Ren Wax on it and carry in a Mika holster.

 

[dr. K]

Go to the S&W website, look under revolvers, then J Frames. Write down the model numbers of each J Frame you see. Then buy one of each. It won't save you from the years of addiction many J Frame fans like myself have experienced, but it's a hell of a solid start.

I have a 442. Pocket, belt holster, inside the waistband holster... can't beat it. I really like this little gun, it's my primary carry piece. But like I said... I have a few.

 

[JayFramer]

+1 for a 642, preferably a "no-lock" dash-1 version.

 

[S&WForty]

Shot my new 442 today. Wallop of a recoil with standard store bought ammo, no +P. I was trying out a set of those Delta Ergo grips. Took them off as soon as I got home. Will replace with Hogues. Much longer than the Ergos which just felt strange and because my hand was at a different angle it seemed that I felt more recoil with them. With the Hogues on a 637 I don't recall much punishment at all.

My factory gripped 638 is punishing to me with std 38 specials. +p doesn't seem any worse. I may have to upgrade to better grips.

 

[exdetsgt]

I agree, S&WForty. I realized that the tiny stock grips were pretty much designed for concealment and not much else. When I had the 637 I tried shooting it with those grips and after five rounds I believed the knuckle on my middle finger had been seriously damaged. Perhaps beyond repair (turned out, fortunately, not to be the case). Then I tried original wood grips from a Model 36, adding a Tyler T. That helped. Not so much knuckle banging from the trigger guard. However, the Hogues, being longer and allowing a fuller handgrip seemed much better. In an earlier post I mentioned the Ergo grips; not my cup of tea, although there are shooters out there who like them.

I'm not an inexperienced shooter; a former LEO in California for 6 years and an Arizona Ranger for 5, I've probably shot a thousand rounds through my M36 alone. But I'm having a hard time figuring out how to comfortably shoot these airweights. I've tried crushing grip pressure, Zen, yoga, meditation, grip strengthening exercises, heavy drinking, and have finally come to the realization that an airweight snubby is solely for self defense, when 5 rounds might save your life and while so doing, you won't care less about the discomfort.

 

[AdamSean]

Get a 642 or 442. For self defense use you really want something that is hammerless. Nothing to snag on clothing and you won't be tempted to pull back the hammer. Just point and shoot.

 

[mauiblue]

Had the stock rubber grips on my Model 638 Airweight when I first went out to shoot it. The next time I shot it I had changed out the stock grips with Nill grips. Much more comfortable and the Nill grips allow for a three finger grip.

 

[exdetsgt]

Can you post a pic of the Nill grips?

 

[mauiblue]

Can you post a pic of the Nill grips?

But of course...



And the grips are speed loader friendly.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Hi Brunk:

Welcome to the Forum. I am very fond of the J-frame revolvers, and have enclosed some photos for your review:

photo #1: (top) Model 38-0, (bottom left) Model 638-1, (bottom right) Model 649-0. Note: all these revolvers are chambered for .38 Special. My EDC (Every Day Carry) consists of the Model 38-0, and the Model 638-1. Both of these revolvers are Air Weights, which means their frames are made of a lightweight alloy. The Model 649-0 is constructed of stainless steel. It is a bit heavier (approx. 5 ounces) than the Air Weight versions, but it is more comfortable to shoot extensively. By the way, the revolvers in this group are the original Bodyguard revolver, not the current newer Bodyguard. They are also known as "Humpbacks", and one of their main advantages is their snag resistant design that still permits single-action shooting.

photo #2: (top left) Model 60-7, (bottom left) Model 38-0, (top right) Model 432PD, (bottom right) Model 642-1. Note: the Model 432 is chambered for .32 H&R Magnum the other three revolver are chambered in .38 Special. The Model 432 also holds 6 shots, rather than the 5 shot capacity of the .38 Special chambered revolvers. The Model 60 was the first stainless steel revolver manufactured by S&W. The Model 642-1 has been fitted with a cylinder from a Model 442 that has been modified to use moon clips. The Model 642 is of course, DAO (Double Action, Only), and is part of the S&W Centennial models.

I hope the photos and information are useful to you.

Regards,

Dave

 

[3rdRRU_PhuBai]

642-1 or 640-1 with Pachmayr Compaqs in a Mika's pocket holster.

 

[CarrieC]

exdetsgt I have been carrying a 642-2 for a couple years in either a Fobus paddle or a Mikas pocket carry. Read all the keyboard commando stuff like everyone else and share what works for me only if asked as you did. Tried three different grips and the Hogue Mono is my choice. No it doesn't fit in the watch pocket of your Levis but it makes the weapon a breeze to shoot. Mother in law brought me her inherited stainless Model 60 no dash and I took her to the range for her to fire for the first time. Even with wadcutters, she didn't make it through the first five and said," here's your new gun". Let her shoot mine and she said, "if you can make mine like yours, I want it back". Tough decision but I put a duty carry kit in it and the monos now hers shoot better than mine. Heavier, prettier...what was I thinking? Good luck in your search for the cure.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

The 442 with no lock would be an ideal choice for a pocket J-frame.

I went with unconventional thinking for my own use, settling on the 7-shot Centennial frame 351c in .22 Magnum. At 11.5 oz, it is several ounces lighter than even the Airweights, but the recoil is very minimal. Penetration is excellent with modern self defense ammo. The 2 extra shots are a great comfort, and could be quite useful if an attacker thinks you're empty after 5 shots. The little gun breathes fire and makes a tremendous noise. The DAO trigger is very stiff, but this makes it extra safe for pocket carry.

The 351c is often hard to find and over $600 if you do find one. Not for everyone, but it suits me well. The similar 351PD makes a good choice also - same gun but has a hammer so SA is possible.

 

[exdetsgt]

CarrieC, maybe I've been the desert too long, but what is "a duty carry kit."?

MauiBlue, thanks for the pic of the Nill grips. Looks like something a guy ought to have.

 

[kozmic]

Try as I might, I can't throw a J frame in my pocket, but I very often IWB carry one. Like so many above, I feel the 442/642 is a great carry piece.

I have a 442 no dash with CT 305 grips. Makes the gun a bit bigger, but it is a very soft, stable shooter and The laser greatly improves my accuracy.

I also carry a M60 with Bantam grips. A bit heavier, but a fine carry piece none the less.

 

[kaaskop49]

I agree, S&WForty. I realized that the tiny stock grips were pretty much designed for concealment and not much else. When I had the 637 I tried shooting it with those grips and after five rounds I believed the knuckle on my middle finger had been seriously damaged. Perhaps beyond repair (turned out, fortunately, not to be the case). Then I tried original wood grips from a Model 36, adding a Tyler T. That helped. Not so much knuckle banging from the trigger guard. However, the Hogues, being longer and allowing a fuller handgrip seemed much better. In an earlier post I mentioned the Ergo grips; not my cup of tea, although there are shooters out there who like them.

I'm not an inexperienced shooter; a former LEO in California for 6 years and an Arizona Ranger for 5, I've probably shot a thousand rounds through my M36 alone. But I'm having a hard time figuring out how to comfortably shoot these airweights. I've tried crushing grip pressure, Zen, yoga, meditation, grip strengthening exercises, heavy drinking, and have finally come to the realization that an airweight snubby is solely for self defense, when 5 rounds might save your life and while so doing, you won't care less about the discomfort.

Hey Sarge, how you doin'? Cool post: someone looking for a grip that helps him shoot, rather than look good. The new-era lightweight .38s (637, 638, 642) with the boot grip don't bother me at all. Just shot both 130gr practice ball and Federal's 158gr +P LHP in a 642, and felt little difference between the loads. And that's with the nerve damage in the web of my hand.

The older lightweights, 37, 38, and 42, all great guns, have always had a 'tinny' feel to me and they murder my hand, even with WCs. I've found the new-gen snubs to be more 'shooter friendly,' without the sharp-edged trigger and hammer, and the 'torsion bar' mainspring. Stay safe, Sarge.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. Look for a PM

 

[MarkAlt]

All great choices. Didn't see it mentioned, but another option is the 637 Wyatt.

For a very small amount more than a stock 442/642, you can get a Performance Center model with an excellent polished trigger and bobbed hammer. Everything about this gun feels right, except the stock grips. ...easy fix

Good luck and happy shopping!