New to J Frame

[jnichols2]

During Christmas week I bought my first three revolvers.
A WWI Colt 1917, a Ruger GP100 Match, and a S&W 686-6 with 4" barrel.

I was particurlarly impressed with the S&W 686. So much, I started thinking about either a snubbie, or a J Frame.

Yesterday I looked at a S&W 638 at Academy, the one with the bobbed trigger. I waited till I could see some more at the LGS today. They had a real good selection.

I thought the blued model looked best, but it had a covered hammer, and I didn't want to give up SA mode. They also had a blued 340 PD. I came very close, but it was $325 more than the .38SPCL models.

I finally settled on a Stainless 637-2 with a full trigger. It still fits in my pocket, but I plan to carry in a Sticky holster most of the time.

Here it is:

I did a lot of reading last night, and 95% of the posters said don't shoot a .357 in J Frame. Hopefully I'll be satisfied with the .38SPCL.

 

[Targets Guy]

Best of both worlds with this one.







and occasionally she likes to put on some wood heels

 

[bananaman]

J's take more practice to shoot well than other guns. (IMO) I had 2 J frames, and don't have any now. I really like my 10-5 snub though, and shoot it much better. Your results MAY vary. Bob

 

[haywood]

Nice choice for your first J-Frame. I say first because they are addictive. I predict more to come.

 

[jban357]

I have to agree with the word "first". Guarantee there will be more. Don't ask me how I know.

 

[bunkie12]

While I'm no expert, I have read that for the short J-frame barrel, ballistic data show only a little difference in velocity and energy between .357Mag and .38Spl. While YMMV, for me, while 38Spl is tolerable to shoot in a J-frame, .357Mag is too loud, too flashy and too tiring to shoot regularly. Why beat myself up for only a little improvement in ballistic performance? I carry .38Spl +P in my J-frames and even in my M66 2-1/2", and usually practice with standard .38Spl loads.

I save my .357Mag ammo for my 4" and 6" 686s. .357Mag ammo might be worth it in a 3", as well, but I don't have one to try out. Anyway, the longer barrels increase the ballistic differences between the two calibers, and the 686 gun weight reduces .357Mag recoil so that it becomes a fun caliber to shoot. Less noise and muzzle flash doesn't hurt either.

Enjoy your J-frame and join those of us who shoot .38Spl in them.

 

[DevilDog72]

I have no reservations about .38 cal ammo doing the trick.. and be ware these J's are like potato chips... you can't have just one,

 

[eb07]

While I'm no expert, I have read that for the short J-frame barrel, ballistic data show only a little difference in velocity and energy between .357Mag and .38Spl. While YMMV, for me, while 38Spl is tolerable to shoot in a J-frame, .357Mag is too loud, too flashy and too tiring to shoot regularly. Why beat myself up for only a little improvement in ballistic performance? I carry .38Spl +P in my J-frames and even in my M66 2-1/2", and usually practice with standard .38Spl loads.

I save my .357Mag ammo for my 4" and 6" 686s. .357Mag ammo might be worth it in a 3", as well, but I don't have one to try out. Anyway, the longer barrels increase the ballistic differences between the two calibers, and the 686 gun weight reduces .357Mag recoil so that it becomes a fun caliber to shoot. Less noise and muzzle flash doesn't hurt either.

Enjoy your J-frame and join those of us who shoot .38Spl in them.

Here is what I found....

38 Special +P vs. 357 Magnum AKA Reloading Self Defense Rounds For The Snub Nose Revolver

Conclusion: There is a difference. In velocity, recoil, and follow up shots

 

[DevilDog72]

I have no doubts the .38 is effective... and for J frames, they are like potato chips.... can't have just one,

 

[DevilDog72]

I am sorry.... I have duplicate entry's, I tried to delete one and it did not take..... my bad.

 

[Bill In Texas]

Congratulations on your new 637! I have one that was passed on to me by a friend, that started me on my small collection of revolvers. Lately, I've been carrying it more in my pocket than my others due to some situations going on.

It has a great trigger because my friend did some work on it. I keep telling myself to bob the hammer, but I haven't done so yet. I hop you enjoy yours as much as I do mine!

 

[zogger]

I own a Model 60 3" that can handle .357 Magnum or 38 Spl +P or 38 Spl, I have shot all 3. The .357 is a bear to shoot, the 38 Spl +P is ok, and the 38 Spl is easy to shoot. Yours being a lightweight might shoot different.

I also changed my grip from the factory to a Pachmayr Diamond Pro. While it is a little bigger than the factory, it feels better and allows me to get all 3 fingers o the grip