Thanks for the J-Frames

[Redcoat3340]

A while back I was looking for something else to chase as I'm pretty well set on auto pistols and have a bunch of .38S&Ws .38 specials, and a few magnums.
A few folks suggested looking for J-frames and it sounded like an interesting idea. I had one, a 642 Performance Center -- and now I have 3!
Adding a 638 (mislabled in the ad as a 386) and a 36 that was well worn on the outside, dirty on the inside, but basically sound.

I replaced the spings in the 638 and 36 with Wilson Spring kit hammer springs and 14# trigger return springs and what a difference! Smoother, lighter, and just all round better. (Plus I did a pretty thorough cleaning and oiled em nice.

So I'd like to thank all who made the suggestion. I guess the next step would be to find a "six shooter" in the J-frame size (model 10?) and maybe a 49 -- though I can't stuff more than one in a pocket at a time and how many do I really, really need. (Actually, probably just one...but they sure are nice guns.)

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Remember, Smith & Wesson is now making a .32 caliber J-frame as a six-shooter!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Congrats on your new addiction.

Model 10 is a K-frame.

Model 49 would be a great addition to your hoard.

Photos?

I never learned "need" was a consideration.

 

[Rubone]

J frames are great! My model 60 was my carry gun for 30 years and I've had it since the mid '70s. Others have come along when I find them and can't resist!
Not pictured are the Model 34 4" Kit Gun and Model 43 3.5" Airweight Kit Gun.

 

[haywood]

I keep trying to like semi autos. Fun to shoot least expensive center fire ammo but, I keep coming back to my J-Frames. Two at a time for every day carry. I probably have enough but, always ready to look at another.

 

[Shibadog]

I keep trying to like semi autos. Fun to shoot least expensive center fire ammo but, I keep coming back to my J-Frames. Two at a time for every day carry. I probably have enough but, always ready to look at another.

Not much Carrie’s better than a J frame in a pocket holster.

 

[haywood]

Not much Carrie’s better than a J frame in a pocket holster.

One for the pocket and one for the waist lately

 

[Llance]

J frames. Did someone mention J frames? I have three. Well really, I have two, A Taurus M85 3inch, a S&W Model 60, 3inch, and the wife has her Model 36 2inch LadySmith, with what looks to be Rosewood grips. That one has been put away and not seen the light of day, or night, in at least 10 years. It's had one cylinder of ammo through it to teach her how it works and then she kept it in the bedside table until I quit driving a truck. All wrapped up in grease paper from the factory in the padded soft case and that in the original box. Her arthritis prohibits her from using it now.
I guess I should take it out and check it for care needs. Maybe this weekend.

I like my K frames too. There is something very comforting in having a K frame hanging from my belt when I'm walking the woods.

 

[BC38]

A while back I was looking for something else to chase as I'm pretty well set on auto pistols and have a bunch of .38S&Ws .38 specials, and a few magnums.
A few folks suggested looking for J-frames and it sounded like an interesting idea. I had one, a 642 Performance Center -- and now I have 3!
Adding a 638 (mislabled in the ad as a 386) and a 36 that was well worn on the outside, dirty on the inside, but basically sound.

I replaced the spings in the 638 and 36 with Wilson Spring kit hammer springs and 14# trigger return springs and what a difference! Smoother, lighter, and just all round better. (Plus I did a pretty thorough cleaning and oiled em nice.

So I'd like to thank all who made the suggestion. I guess the next step would be to find a "six shooter" in the J-frame size (model 10?) and maybe a 49 -- though I can't stuff more than one in a pocket at a time and how many do I really, really need. (Actually, probably just one...but they sure are nice guns.)

J-frames make great pocket-carry revolvers.
But there are no 38 caliber, 6 shot J-frames AFAIK.
There are 32 caliber, 6-shot J-frames. In fact S&W has just recently started making them again.
If you really want a 6-shot, 38 caliber, in a J-frame sized revolver I think that Rossi and Colt are about the closest thing you're going to find.

 

[Lucnic]

I carry either a 640 or 642 every day. I own eight J frames so far and counting.

 

[Dump1567]

I went through a snubby phase a few months ago. Which obviously included J frames. But I also chased Ruger LCR's in different calibers, the Kimber K6s, and a couple of Taurus.

It was fun hitting local Gun & Pawn shops on my search. But now I'm going through the safe and getting rid of the ones I no longer want. Of course, at a loss like everything I sell.

I do still need to buy a 432UC if I can ever find one (without pay a huge mark-up).

Here's a few from the journey.

 

[GerSan69]

I never learned "need" was a consideration.

Bob speaks the truth. I'm up to something like 12 J-frames in my modest accumulation. I went in 4 directions: J, K, 3d Generation semis, and everything else. I've found that using a sliding scale from "Kinda like it" to "Just take my money" works the best for me.
In the old days, I stuck to stainless guns, and really,except for the Model 520 that I foolishly traded off, Shield 9 and 45 that I grabbed when they first showed up, I didn't buy blue or nickel. But I spent all of 2012 on light duty for 5 surgeries (3 knee and replaced 2 finger joints), and used an entire years' worth of AFLAC money on guns. Got a few nickel, a few blue and of course, stainless. Some months the check wasn't in the bank for 24 hours before I bought something. It was awesome.

 

[Old cop]

Got my first Chief’s Special in 1968 and still carry a J Frame in retirement.

 

[skywag]

But it is only a "Five" shooter!