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

I have pocket carried my S&W 640-1 357 J Frame, with a Crimson Trace Laser Grip Sight using a De Santis MK Pocket Holster for the last 12+ years, ever since I got my CC. In Cold weather I pocket carry in my right front coat or vest pocket. In warmer weather I wear Cargo Shorts most of the time, so I carry in my right front pocket of my Cargo Shorts. And I try to keep my right hand in my right front pocket resting on the grip of my 640-1 at all times, when I am out of my house. I try to project the image of some Old Worthless Geisler walking around with his hands in his pockets. And I don`t have to try very hard to accomplish that image. And I have practiced shooting this way at the range many many times over the years. And now I feel very comfortable and confident to CC this way. IMHO this type of carry works the every best, for me.
ken
 
All of my J frames are steel, with the exception of a 37-1. I really like the 49-2, but I've got a bobbed 36 square butt that just won't get out of its way.
 
ISCS Yoda said:
I took my M649 to the range this past weekend.........
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. :D
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My 649 goes with me the majority of the time in a Mika pocket holster for the reasons that you mention. It is a joy to shoot and I can keep it on target without any problem..... We have been lots of places together....
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TomkinsSP said:
M49 (649) is a steel bodyguard. IIRC its the only J to come out in alloy first (pre M38) then steel later.
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You're right; I stand corrected. The J-frame I had with the cracked frame was a Model 38, not a 49 as I said. I didn't know the history of that revolver, but it appeared new and unfired when I bought it. I fired perhaps a hundred rounds through it before the frame crack appeared. To make matters worse as far as the loss, it was a nickel gun.
 
I must admit i'm partial to my 442-2 Airweight loaded with Speer 135 +P Gold Dots. They print right on top of the front sight at 7 yards. Also looking to try some of the new Federal 130 +P HST loads as Patrick Sweeney wrote a good article on them and had god results with that load.For practice i have made up some cast bullet loads.
 
I have two .38 649s. IMHO the 649 is among the finest CCW guns ever produced. I carry a 649 most all the time along with two speed strips. I have extra .38 ammo in computer bags, my Jeep and pickup.
 
So long Airweight

At 70 with slightly arthritic wrists, I regret the need to retire my faithful old 642. I'm in the market for a 640 :)
 
I wonder if any of you guys carry 2 j frames my dads best friend and a detective captain use to carry 2 all the time I mean always . He called it the fastest reload known to man .
 
It is really nice to see the Model 649 get some love around here. My Md 649-3 in .357 has been my most carried gun for 20 years. My first J was a Md 49, a wonderful gun, but when the 649-3 came along in stainless and .357 I didn't think twice about buying it. It is accurate and I think, easy to manage even in .357. Yes, it is a bit heavy but that is what makes it so easy and fun to shoot.
 
I have a wide variety of holsters for the 649 but pocket carry mine a lot. I really like the ability to get a grip on the revolver without anyone knowing it. I have done that when a few sketchy people approached me. Very comforting. I will not trade that capability for a gun with more ammo.

It also gets hot around here and pocket carry with a sweat-proof holster helps me not to have a sweat soaked gun.

I know it is not the prevailing wisdom but I am not giving up the ability to use SA. For me the 649 has a number of winning features.
 
Super lightweight, reasonable power and easily concealed in the pocket or IWB...the Model 638 is my EDC
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white cloud said:
I know it is not the prevailing wisdom but I am not giving up the ability to use SA. For me the 649 has a number of winning features.
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My wife EDCs a M49. She prefers the Bodyguard to the Centennial because all those years ago her dad taught her to cock a revolver and fire it SA. I finally convinced her to practice DA defensive fire, but she will never willingly give up cocking for staging.
 
The last gun I will part with is my 649-3. I carry it in a Kangaroo Carry holster and the only chance of detection are hugs which I try to deflect over my shoulder. Changed the sight to a big dot and added an LG350G which fits my hand just right and absorbs .357 recoil. When I got it used I sent it to S&W for a repair, polish and trigger job. I have to much in it now but it doesn’t matter...
 
OLDSTER said:
At 70 with slightly arthritic wrists, I regret the need to retire my faithful old 642. I'm in the market for a 640 :)
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I did just that at 60. Got rid of a 642 and a 438 'cause I just couldn't do that anymore, got a 640, and all is well now. It's really odd-- I can handle .45ACP out of a Scandium 325, but give me .38+P in an Airweight, and I cringe.
 
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