I have a S&W 327 R8 with a scandium frame. I've shot over 3000 rounds through it, mostly 38 special, and have no complaints about cracks or frame wear. I have two 686P revolvers which are heavier, but otherwise not too much different than the R8 in terms of recoil. I prefer the R8 for it is more comfortable at the range after 30+ min of use as I have shoulder arthritis and even those few ounces make a difference to me. I can't speak about aluminum framing, but it's probably similar.
Should I get an aluminum J-frame?
- Thread starter American1776
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I think I'm "one and done" on aluminum J-frames. 
After the one I just bought brand new had to be sent back to the mothership for them to try to get it to work, I started doing a little research and I'm not pleased. I find it interesting that so many members think it's just fine to use it until it croaks or cracks and then send it back in for a replacement... rinse and repeat. It's an interesting mindset re: carry revolvers, but I don't think it's for me. My older all-steel (or all-SS) j-frames have been flawless. But, of course, they are too heavy and valuable for daily pocket carry. 
I think I'm going back to cheap, disposable, plastic mini-mouse guns for good for pocket carry. Maybe I'll feel differently after my 442-1 returns from S&W CS. Maybe. 
After the one I just bought brand new had to be sent back to the mothership for them to try to get it to work, I started doing a little research and I'm not pleased. I find it interesting that so many members think it's just fine to use it until it croaks or cracks and then send it back in for a replacement... rinse and repeat. It's an interesting mindset re: carry revolvers, but I don't think it's for me. My older all-steel (or all-SS) j-frames have been flawless. But, of course, they are too heavy and valuable for daily pocket carry. I think I'm going back to cheap, disposable, plastic mini-mouse guns for good for pocket carry. Maybe I'll feel differently after my 442-1 returns from S&W CS.
Maybe. 
Lou_the_welder
Member
I've pocket carried a 637. It disappears.
I've tried CC a shield 9, a p238,p232 and a cw9. Nope.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
I've tried CC a shield 9, a p238,p232 and a cw9. Nope.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
ABPOS
Member
It's hard to not like an airweight for the pocket. I do think a steel one would pull my pants down more. But it's only like 4-5 oz difference. I don't have one to test. Booooooooooooo........
HorizontalMike
US Veteran
I send those Saggin' middle schoolers to the Office!
And THAT is the reason I replaced my carry Scandium 642 with a Steel Frame K6S 2in w/6-rounds. It weighs just 23.0oz K6S vs 15oz 642. It fits the same holster, though I bought another "new" paddle holster for the K6S (kinda like keeping a new car waxed all the time).
Quite literally I DO NOT feel any difference on my waist,... and besides, I'm too old to get into Saggin' even though I do wear boxers...
... BUT only the Star Wars, Chewbacca, Superman, Batman, and Sharknado ones, and, and, and,... 
...OK, OK,...Busted!...
And THAT is the reason I replaced my carry Scandium 642 with a Steel Frame K6S 2in w/6-rounds. It weighs just 23.0oz K6S vs 15oz 642. It fits the same holster, though I bought another "new" paddle holster for the K6S (kinda like keeping a new car waxed all the time).
Quite literally I DO NOT feel any difference on my waist,... and besides, I'm too old to get into Saggin' even though I do wear boxers...
... BUT only the Star Wars, Chewbacca, Superman, Batman, and Sharknado ones, and, and, and,... ...OK, OK,...Busted!...
I have no idea about cracking frame on alloy J frames.
My dislike of alloy framed J's and other "lightweight" handguns is that they are hard to shoot well. The lack of mass makes them susceptible to movement and recoil is more pronounced making follow up shots difficult.
I know there will be those who will respond to this post saying they have no issues with the weight and difficulty to shoot well.
That is all fine and well, however, my experience is that it is a rare and fortunate person who can shoot, enjoy and be accurate with an alloy J frame.
My J frames are a 63 no dash and a 3" 60-10. The 60 is an absolute joy to shoot 38's out of and I can shoot 158 gr. 357's out of it with a reasonable degree of comfort. It is carried with 38+P loads.
My dislike of alloy framed J's and other "lightweight" handguns is that they are hard to shoot well. The lack of mass makes them susceptible to movement and recoil is more pronounced making follow up shots difficult.
I know there will be those who will respond to this post saying they have no issues with the weight and difficulty to shoot well.
That is all fine and well, however, my experience is that it is a rare and fortunate person who can shoot, enjoy and be accurate with an alloy J frame.
My J frames are a 63 no dash and a 3" 60-10. The 60 is an absolute joy to shoot 38's out of and I can shoot 158 gr. 357's out of it with a reasonable degree of comfort. It is carried with 38+P loads.
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max503
Member
If a gun is too heavy I'm just not going to carry it. My EDC is an S&W 638.
I shoot it often, but only a couple cylinders per trip.
After 50 shots it is hard to sign my name for an hour of so.
All that recoil is comforting. It lets me know the gun has some oomph if I need it.
I shoot it often, but only a couple cylinders per trip.
After 50 shots it is hard to sign my name for an hour of so.
All that recoil is comforting. It lets me know the gun has some oomph if I need it.
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ABPOS
Member
I am no fan of recoil. But with lighter .38 pressure loads they really aren't bad. They're no fun with Plus p's though. I just say no to that. But one thing I find is that because it's light, it sort of snaps back on target quickly. I don't have a steel j frame and a timer to test the difference. But I find I can shoot it fast enough. And I think accurate enough.....
And to me the weight is perfect for pocket carry.....
I think the late Mr. Stephen Camp had a lot of really good things to say about airweights and revolvers in general. Here is one good link and there are several more good posts about J frames and airweights and smith and wesson revolvers on his site. I don't think one can say it much better.
A
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ABPOS
Member
M2MikeGolf
US Veteran
I have a 442, 642, 36 (three of them), 60 (two of them) and a 640. The 442 I had cut for moon clips after I bought the 642 that came precut. That 442 is my go to pocket pistol, even including a whole variety of those magazine feeder things, large and small. It's light, easy to stuff in a pocket, strangely accurate, and always works and very "subdued". Don't know nuttin' 'bout no crackin'. Every collection should include one.
OldSarge21
Member
Wee Hooker
Member
I have had a scandium framed 360PD for near 10 years now. I've also owned a few other 442/642's in that same time frame.
Here are my thoughts.
Both frames are plenty strong for shooting modern 38 specials. Even +P. ( Skip the 357 mags in the scandium J frames)
Both guns are comfortable shooting with 38+p IF they wear good grips.
In a good belt holster, either is equally suitable as a carry piece.
In the pocket, the weight savings on the scandium frame is more noticeable than you would think.
Here are my thoughts.
Both frames are plenty strong for shooting modern 38 specials. Even +P. ( Skip the 357 mags in the scandium J frames)
Both guns are comfortable shooting with 38+p IF they wear good grips.
In a good belt holster, either is equally suitable as a carry piece.
In the pocket, the weight savings on the scandium frame is more noticeable than you would think.
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p8riot
US Veteran
I have a 2000 pre-lock 342PD that has had a few thousand rounds of +P through it with no cracks. Recoil was brutal at first, but got used to it. It's my EDC. IMNSHO pretty much the perfect deep cover handgun.
That's a very informative article; pretty much covers everything one needs to know about carrying and shooting a snubby.
For me, the Airweights hit the sweet spot between shootability and carryability. It's the Goldilocks j frame.
The Airweights are light enough to pocket carry but still have enough weight to making training with them a not unpleasant experience.
Plus, the last I checked, they are less expensive than their scandium and titanium cousins.
I own several of the scandium and titanium j frames. They are cool and technically impressive. If I had to do it again though, I'd just buy the Airweights and call it a day.
The Airweights are light enough to pocket carry but still have enough weight to making training with them a not unpleasant experience.
Plus, the last I checked, they are less expensive than their scandium and titanium cousins.
I own several of the scandium and titanium j frames. They are cool and technically impressive. If I had to do it again though, I'd just buy the Airweights and call it a day.
shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
Steel J-frame for me. I don't mind the weight. It's not that much greater, and I got used to it twenty years ago.
It's much more comfortable and controllable to shoot than an Airweight or Airlight (if that's what the gnat-weights are called). No worries about durability or finish wear in a stainless model, and minimal concern about rust or corrosion. A good used M60 or .38 Special 640 will outlast you easily, for not much money.
If you want a J-frame .357, all bets are off. That is not my idea of fun or easy to shoot.
It's much more comfortable and controllable to shoot than an Airweight or Airlight (if that's what the gnat-weights are called). No worries about durability or finish wear in a stainless model, and minimal concern about rust or corrosion. A good used M60 or .38 Special 640 will outlast you easily, for not much money.
If you want a J-frame .357, all bets are off. That is not my idea of fun or easy to shoot.
I have been a LEO firearms instructor since 1980. My former federal agency issued Model 60 and later 640 revolvers as back up guns. I carried a model 60 for many years, qualifying with it every quarter.
Now that I am retired, I went with a slightly different set up. I ride my motorcycle many days during the year. I wanted a carry piece that was small, light, and I could manipulate with one hand if the need arose while riding. I settled on a pair of no lock model 642's. They are light, and capable of firing +P ammo. I took them to my local gunsmith, and he did a polish job on the actions and replaced the springs with Wolff springs. The trigger pull on both are now butter smooth. They weren't purchased for match guns, so they are right at 6.0 pounds, but smooth. And since these are intended to defensive weapons, the 6.0 pound trigger pull will not even be noticeable under stress.
Yes the recoil is stiff, but not so bad as to make not want to carry one. I conceal the pair in pockets on both sides on my vest to accessible if need be while riding. I carry the Speer GDHP 135 gr. +P short barrel round in them. I take them to the range a couple of times a year to stay sharp, and I have had zero problems with.
As someone has already mentioned here, if the weight of a weapon is too much, you tend to not carry it. Here in Las Vegas, we have many months where the heat makes wearing a concealment garment a real pain. So I find the 642 to be a great EDC choice.
Now that I am retired, I went with a slightly different set up. I ride my motorcycle many days during the year. I wanted a carry piece that was small, light, and I could manipulate with one hand if the need arose while riding. I settled on a pair of no lock model 642's. They are light, and capable of firing +P ammo. I took them to my local gunsmith, and he did a polish job on the actions and replaced the springs with Wolff springs. The trigger pull on both are now butter smooth. They weren't purchased for match guns, so they are right at 6.0 pounds, but smooth. And since these are intended to defensive weapons, the 6.0 pound trigger pull will not even be noticeable under stress.
Yes the recoil is stiff, but not so bad as to make not want to carry one. I conceal the pair in pockets on both sides on my vest to accessible if need be while riding. I carry the Speer GDHP 135 gr. +P short barrel round in them. I take them to the range a couple of times a year to stay sharp, and I have had zero problems with.
As someone has already mentioned here, if the weight of a weapon is too much, you tend to not carry it. Here in Las Vegas, we have many months where the heat makes wearing a concealment garment a real pain. So I find the 642 to be a great EDC choice.
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EMP3
Member
I love the Model 36 & Model 60. I own no lightweight models. I can write that with the FBI load, the Model 60 ain't fun to shoot.
My guess is that a few extra ounces of all-steel is not noticed.
I'd rather have recoil mitigation that comes with all-steel guns. But that's just be. Others will see it differently.
My guess is that a few extra ounces of all-steel is not noticed.
I'd rather have recoil mitigation that comes with all-steel guns. But that's just be. Others will see it differently.
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