There are J-frames and then there are J-frames

[ISCS Yoda]

I took my M649 to the range this past weekend. I have a solo picture I need to upload but y'all know what it looks like:

Second one down on the left.

Anyway, what a joy to shoot. I forgot - it has been years since it was out of the safe! It handles so so sooo much better than an Airweight - that's why I wrote J frames versus J frames. It stays on target, it is actually accurate for a second shot without massive recoil recovery. It was FUN to shoot. I think I have to retire my M642 in favor of this much more fun and effective M649.

 

[Scorpion520AZ]

J-Frames are so underrated by the unknowing, great CCW piece.

 

[Lou_the_welder]

Airweights take alot of practice to shoot worth a damn. Every time I shoot mine, I always think, "well, how bad will it be today...."

Steel is better

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[MetalMan]

I’m a bit partial to 36’s and 60’s myself.....

 

[TomkinsSP]

...Steel is better...

A nice belt holster and you won't even notice the extra weight.

 

[oldiesradio1560]

I enjoy carrying my 640 Pro Series .357. Pocket carried in a Uncle Mike's model 36 holster.

 

[zumatodd]

I did the same thing; sold my 642, and use my Model 649 or 60!

 

[ISCS Yoda]

J-Frames are so underrated by the unknowing, great CCW piece.

NO DOUBT ABOUT IT!!! I carried my M642 for ages - actually, because I want to clean my other guns, I am carrying the 642 today. But in a day or three the 649 will be with me and I DO have good belt holsters for it.

 

[justBrian]

Same for me--640 Pro in a Remora Sticky at about 8:00...
All day. Everyday.

 

[rockquarry]

I've been shooting a variety of these guns for a long time. I prefer the steel frames because they're more durable if you're going to shoot a lot. I've had a cracked frame on a 49 and another on a Colt Agent, but this was over many years of shooting.

I'm not sure if the steel frame guns are any easier to shoot well than the airweights, but they may have less felt recoil. J-frame guns are capable of good accuracy even if most shooters are unable to shoot them to their potential.

They do takes lots and lots of practice using good shooting technique. Once mastered the J-frames do well even at 25 yards. However, it's very easy to become fatigued shooting these guns. I don't know that I've ever been able to fire a full box of ammo through a Chief in one range trip without tiring.

I use standard velocity 158 gr. ammo and can't imagine needing anything greater unless a particular +P load ammo is more accurate. Possible, I guess, but unlikely.

 

[75Vette]

I broke out several J & K frames Monday to shoot the cobwebs out of them. I've been neglecting them in favor of shooting 44 mag. Just like Yoda, I came to a fast realization that I like my 640-1 MUCH better than my 442 that I usually pocket. I think I enjoyed 357 magnums out of the steel frame more than I did 38 wadcutters out of the 442. I was able to put the steel gun back on target faster & much more accurately than the air-weight every time.
The 442 has been retired...

 

[joe44va]

My 60-15 is one of the most accurate revolvers I own unless I start shooting full house 357s from it.

 

[TomkinsSP]

S&W 640, Bianchi 57

 

[Bill In Texas]

I have to agree. I find that I shoot the stainless steel j's better than I do the Airweights. That is why most days my 640 rides with me either in my pocket or on my belt.

 

[Rpg]

The air weights are among the most difficult guns to learn to shoot well.

That said, they are great pocket guns.

I’ve no interest in carrying a j frame on the belt. Defeats their purpose IMHO.

I’ll stick with my M 38’s.

 

[DocB]

You look like you've got the sickness as bad as I do. Don't even know how many J Frames I have any more. I do know they are around here in 22/32/38/38 Special though. I can't pass one that's nice.

 

[Mister X]

I currently carry a 642. I don't really expect any self defense scenario I'm likely to be involved in to be a ranged gunfight. If I did, I probably wouldn't carry a J-Frame. At extreme close-quarters, I think the enclosed hammer snub makes the most sense and will likely be the most effective weapon. Just my opinion.

 

[TomkinsSP]

The air weights are among the most difficult guns to learn to shoot well.

That said, they are great pocket guns.

I’ve no interest in carrying a j frame on the belt. Defeats their purpose IMHO.

I’ll stick with my M 38’s.

While I prefer to practice with my carry, I guess one can carry a M642 but practice with a M640.

 

[nachogrande]

640 & 38's only.

Steels weight & less places for dirt/dust/lint to get into. I shoot them best. #2 Would be a humpback.

 

[TomkinsSP]

M49 (649) is a steel bodyguard. IIRC its the only J to come out in alloy first (pre M38) then steel later.