Wanted, your advise on J-frames

[SilkyDAO]

The smallest revolver I've ever fired is a 66 3" comp in .357. My other revolvers are quite a bit heavier. I also have a 686 plus 3". Most of my range work is straight double action. My ammo of choice is .38 +P 125gr Gold Dot in the 3" barrels.

I'm thinking about a Model 640 Centennial. I'm assuming the extra weight of the stainless would help a bit with the felt recoil and the enclosed hammer appeals for its added sleekness.

I have some arthritis in my shooting hand, and while I'm not worried that it will be a significant problem, I'm wondering if someone can share their experiences with shooting the J-frame choices.

Another thing to consider are the sights. I had a 65 3" for some time, but the low contrast on the rear sight was a problem. The sights and extra barrel length on the Model 60 might be one answer, but that puts me back at an exposed hammer (maybe not as bad as I think, I could have it bobbed).

Your input is greatly appreciated. I'm moving to a state that allows open carry and I'm considering this as a trail/backpack companion.

Best Regards,
Roger

 

[cobra44]

I really like the larger frame revolvers. I like the l frames accuracy.
I have several j frames, 638, 640, 642, etc.
I will say that I like the way the 638 and 640's feel compared to the 642, as far as recoil.
When I first started shooting the j frames, accuracy was a problem. With more shooting time in, I have found that they are fairly accurate.
I installed a set of laser grips on the one j frame, and the accuracy is very good.
The laser grips really help.
Hope this helps.

 

[raincitywheel]

I went to gunbroker and paid a premium for a 20 ounce 60-1 with target sights. My old eyes need real sights. Recoil is manageable. You wont want to do a whole bunch of practice with it.

 

[oldogy]

I have a 442 airweight and it is not a fun gun to shoot. I bought it for the DW to carry due to the pure simplicity and reliability. DW is small and she shoots the Jframe pretty well at what would be consider self defense range. She shoots a SOB firearm that is similar action for fun and shoots the jframe just enough to know the feel.
I've carried it several times in a pocket holster, very easy to conceal.
oldogy

 

[tom turner]

Hi,

As a fellow lover of 3" barreled S&W K and N frames, I think you'll fall in love with a little J frame.

I started with a very, very nice Model 36 steel framed vintage one a couple of years ago, after never owning a little J-frame snubby.

It didn't take me long to say, "Gosh, what took me so long" to appreciate 'em!

My first cylinder of five rounds, standing/unsupported went into a 1" black square on a target 10 yards away!!! With that, I put the high dollar Kimber Ultra CDP lightweight .45 officer's sized 1911 in the safe and the M36 became my always CCW gun . . . It could be carried in places the little .45 could not go!

A few months later, I found a nice Model 37 Airweight with a 3" barrel for my wife and she loves it as much as my 3" M65 she shoots so well.

Her Airweight make me appreciate a 15 oz. gun and I soon found a cherry 1971 Model 37 snubbie that retired the M36 to mainly guarding the inside of my safe!

BOTTOM LINE . . . don't sell the Airweights short. Sure, they kick, but with a firm, high hold and the right grips I find it very comfortable to shoot wadcutters and normal ammo in it! And . . . if you ever need to use it in self defense . . . you'll never feel the kick AT ALL!

J frames are mainly carried always but rarely shot.

Since you are mainly a double action wheelgunner, any of the three types of hammer versions will work great for you. Frankly, I could not care less whether mine had an exposed hammer or not. They all work extremely well for concealed carry use.

Truly, you are gonna really fall for a J-frame subbie! Bet ya can't get just one! A steel (or stainless) . . . at about 23 oz., combined with an Airweight at less than 15oz. will serve you very well indeed.

 

[manny25]

i like j frames i have a 60-3 60-10 34-1 638-2 640 940-1 940pc

 

[RON in PA]

I have a 642 and as most post it is uncomfortable to shoot with the +P ammo most carry for self defense. I also have a 640-2, an all steel 1 7/8" barreled gun on the magnum frame chambered for 38 special. The extra ounces make for a much more comfortable and controllable gun. One can't beat the physics of a heavier piece when it comes to shooting comfort.

 

[SaberOne]

I have a 642-P, 640, and I just placed a 438 on lay-away. I'm sending the 640 off to Bowen for tuning, sights and hopefully full moons. I'll unload my 642-P once the 438 is paid off. In the end I'll have my 640 flagship and my low drag 438 pocket watch.

 

[JWiley]

I have a 60-14 and joint pain in my trigger finger. With the addition of Pachmyar SJ-G/D grips and changing the rebound spring from the stock 18# to a Wolff 14# and a good lubing of the internals the trigger pull and recoil even with .357 Mag is acceptable for practice. For normal carry I'm running +p's. And, as has been mentioned, in extremis, I ain't goin' ta notice.

Wolff sells a 5 pack of varying weight rebound springs. The change is a little fussy but doable.

 

[Pisgah]

Firing a J-frame magnum is not fun. I compare the feeling to that of having a large firecracker, or small hand grenade, go off in your hand. Experienced magnum shooters can manage it, but depending on the severity of your arhritis you may find it very painful. But I will say, the ability to shoot Special or Magnum ammo is a plus. +P .38's aren't exactly tame in the little guns, but are a quantum step below the magnums in the recoil/blast department.

 

[tbury]

I love my model 36 2". I was always a 6" N frame guy but I had a chance to pickup a near flawless 36 at a good price. When I tried it at the range I was amazed at how well it shot. Eight inch steel plates at 15 yds went down 5 in a row even double action. Recoil with standard grips was noticeable. I imagine that hot, non +P, would feel like 357s in a model 66. So, you might want some combat or slightly bigger grips for CCW.

 

[SilkyDAO]

I just had an opportunity to login and found this treasure of responses. Thank you everyone. I'll return a bit later, I've been called away to support a friend. It was in my plan to rent a J-frame that surfaced from these responses, that will have to wait a bit till other things clear up.

I'll respond further when I can, my apologies for posting and running. I found something to think about in each response... Thanks again.

Best Regards,
Roger

 

[Pisgah]

I will hasten to swiftly add that nothing in my previous post should be construed as criticism of J-frames. They are superb little guns, and perfectly suited to personal defense in the vast majority of cases.

 

[cowboy117]

I carry a 640-1 with .357 Magnums in the woods in a Simply Rugged holster.Shoots great.

 

[Noah Zark]

When I was a rabid collector of J-frames I liked them a lot until I found a couple Airweights for sale that had cracks in the frame under the barrel. You always hear about the bad stuff, but it put me off J-Frames in any chambering except 22LR. I have two prelock 317s, and the only other J-Frame still in the stable is a cute little 60LS that hardly ever gets fired. All the rest have gone on to other owners. But that's just me.

Noah

 

[Dogguy]

Shooting a J-frame can be painful. They can be difficult in controlling recoil and slow to fire follow up shots. Compared to today's high-tech autoloaders, their sights suck big time.

But I love 'em.

The 640 is heavier and somewhat easier to control than the Airweight models. But it still kicks pretty good. But it's nothing that can't be handled. I have not experiemented with many sets of grips--I have J-frames for concealment so I haven't really tried any of the recoil absorbing grips out there. I currently have the small S&W Dymondwood grips on all my J-frames and I haven't had much of a problem in controlling recoil or getting back on target even with these less than handfilling grip panels.

I have arthritis, too. Mostly in my neck and shoulders so I'm sensitive to extra lifted/carried weights. I also have some arthritis in my hands but I can handle a range session of upwards of 150 rounds of mixed standard and +P ammo. The web of my hand might be sore and there might be a blister at the distal joint of my trigger finger but it's still possible to shoot that much and survive. Actually, I enjoy shooting J-frames about as much as anything else. The sights are a challenge but the guns point naturally (at least for me) and I don't think there's a better choice in a self-defense handgun at short distances than a snubnosed .38 Special.

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

Sounds to me being you want a "Bobbed" Hammer you should look to the 38/49/638/649/40/42/640/642/940s
decide if you want an Airweight or 100% Steel frame & then the barrel lenth then caliber etc..
I have found no better carry piece than a 14oz Airweight 642..
If you wanna shoot it a bunch at the range etc then look to a 640..
That would be asumeing you want a 38spl or 357 mag, They make these in 32mag as well..
Gary/Hk

 

[Black_Sheep]

Grips can make all the difference in the world when you are shooting a j-frame. The factory boot grips that came on my 642 had an open backstrap and after a few cylinders full my hand would start to tingle, at the end of an extended range session they would feel like they were burning. After trying a few different sets of grips I settled on a set of Pachmayr "Compac" grips. They are bulkier than the boot grips but seem to distribute the recoil to my whole hand instead of just the palm. I have the same grips on a .357 M60 and while the sensation can't be described as pleasant, the felt recoil is tolerable. Used grips can be had for a reasonable price at gun shows, Gun Broker, EBag, etc... If you are willing to experiment a little, you should be able to find a workable solution.

 

[twigs]

I have a 642 and the recoil took getting used to. I wouldn't recommend it for someone with arthritis. My wife has hand problems and shoots it well but can only handle a few shots before the pain sets in. My vote is to go with a steel frame.

I also have the Crimson Trace grips and I consider them to be more of a training aid than a resource for self-defense. You might want to look at the XS Big Dot sights that are now available for J-Frames. I had them on a 1911 and really liked them.

 

[James_Joshua]

I have a 442-2 as an everyday carry piece. I am a younger guy, and don't care much for the Tupperware pistols (although the M&P is growing on me). The trigger pull is heavy so I put in a Wolf spring kit, and what a difference it makes in an already awesome trigger pull. This caused light primer hits, so I got an extended firing pin. My father will shoot 10 rounds and call it a day. I had mild carpel tunnel and after shooting this little gun with target loads my hands are falling asleep.

The sights to me do leave a little to be desired. I bought this gun for carrying in my pocket every day. With practice sight acquisition is fast.

Accuracy? Well the left target is from the first outing with the J frame, the middle is the next trip, and the last is the soonest. Practice pays off. I dry fire the gun at least 100 times a week. I love most things that this gun is. I try to get out with my J-frame at least 1-2 times a month. I agree that most people don't shoot this as often as they should.

Each target is 20 shots @25 feet each 1 second per shot. Ranging from first outing (left) to last outing (right)-