What About a J-Frame in Other Calibers

N

Nalapombu

Member
Joined
Jan 22, 2001
Messages
313
Reaction score
118
Location
Delaware, Ohio
Hey all,

I just went thru one of the threads where you all were talking about what you carry and prefer in a J and the recoil of your choices. I too am wrestling with whether to get a J frame and in what makeup. I am pretty sure I am not going with one of the ultra-lightweight models. Way too much money and too much recoil.
Then I started thinking about other calibers like a 9mm and maybe the 327mag. I figure that those 2 calibers weren't produced in very big numbers by S&W in a J-Frame, but there are some, aren't there? If one wanted a J-Frame in 9mm, would you have to have it custom done or just go with a Ruger? If they did make a 9mm and it is economically wise to find one, how does the recoil feel on these revolvers with a typical self defense loading?

Lastly, in 327mag, I know that one was made to give those that carried a J-Frame an extra round instead of the 5 that they were forced to carry with a typical J-Frame. I don't know a thing about that round though. I'm sure it's expensive to shoot, but I'd guess I wouldn't be doing all kinds of practice with it each month and if I were going to shoot much, I could get my brother-in-law to reload some practice rounds for me.
How is the recoil in these revolvers? Would it be best to just figure on getting a Ruger instead of trying to find a S&W?

The only other option in a J-Frame sized revolver is a 22mag in the Ruger LCR line. Don't know the wisdom of carrying a 22mag as a primary self defense round.

Please add your thoughts and opinions. I'd like to see what all kinds of fellers think about it. I mean gals too, if there's any that want to add their thoughts.

Thank you all for your time and help.
Have a great weekend!

Larry
 
Register to hide this ad
You can get a J frame 9mm (the 940) although a bit more expensive than a 38 Special. There was a used one for sale locally not too long ago for $750; that's the least expensive one I've seen since I bought mine a few years ago for $600. The J frame 327 Mag is likely going to cost a bit more; up to $1500-$1800 depending on what model you chose. Neither would be my first choice as a self defense gun; on the other hand, both are somewhat collectible and likely will become more so. As far as recoil goes I don't see a lot of difference between the 9mm, 327 Mag and +P 38 in a J frame. You will notice a difference if you move up to an ultra-light like the 340PD in 357 Magnum. For a daily carry gun that you intend to shoot quite a bit I think the all steel Model 60 is hard to beat (the three inch versions in 357 are high on my list). Not too heavy, and manageable with 357s. Lots of choices, actually pretty hard to go wrong with any of them. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457
 
About ten or so years ago, I had a couple of new J-frames in .357 Magnum, a 3" Model 60 and a 5" Model 60. Both guns had adjustable sight. Both guns were most unpleasant to shoot with magnum ammunition. In addition, I quickly realized that a 5" J-frame serves no useful purpose. This one may not have been marketed for long. Awkward feeling revolver as well, but maybe one could get used to it.

J-frames are probably at their best in steel versions chambered in .38 Special. They're easier on the shooter and more controllable than the alloy guns and are only a little bit heavier.

Difference between five rounds and six is more academic than real.
 
I think a 327 Federal J Frame would sell like proverbial hotcakes! Pick up another round and it is powerful as well. They made one for a second, but it never had time to catch on.
 
Last edited:
I have a 351pd that gets carried when I absolutely cannot print. It is a feather weight and a pleasure to carry. And the orange fiber optic front sight is the best i've ever seen.

The only thing i don't like is the trigger. If I could have the sights and have it in a 32 H&R, I would be super happy.
 
Model 632 . I had to start loading for 32 H&R Magnum to be able to afford to shoot it.




attachment.php
 

Attachments

  • DSC_0008.jpg
    DSC_0008.jpg
    82.3 KB · Views: 580
The .327 Fed Mag, which I have shot in the Ruger SP-101 3" barrel, is a hot little round in its factory loadings from Federal, Speer, and Buffalo Bore. It tends to be expensive, too. Touted to be "almost" as effective as the .357 Magnum, it gives you an extra round in the Mdl 632 (difficult to find these days) but has a fair amount of recoil and blast. As MACINAW noted, you can shoot .32 H&R Magnum in a .327 Fed Mag gun, with less recoil and a bit less cost. (The .327 Fed Mag is a good round for reloading, and the economics at this cost level really pay off).

You can find a Ruger LCR in .327 Fed Mag that is comparable to a J frame. See Review: Ruger LCR .327 Federal Magnum - Guns & Ammo My personal opinion, FWIW, is that this round is a more useful in a 3" or longer barrel; the shorter barrels have a too much blast and don't let the bullet get up to the higher speeds that make this little .312 bullet effective.

As for small/light J frames, you can also look at the Mdl 351's in .22 Magnum. There is some material on the web addressing whether the .22 Magnum is an effective self-defense round, but the J frames for it are light and have seven rounds in the cylinder.
 
Last edited:
Nalapombu said:
Hey all,

I just went thru one of the threads where you all were talking about what you carry and prefer in a J and the recoil of your choices. I too am wrestling with whether to get a J frame and in what makeup. I am pretty sure I am not going with one of the ultra-lightweight models. Way too much money and too much recoil.
Then I started thinking about other calibers like a 9mm and maybe the 327mag. I figure that those 2 calibers weren't produced in very big numbers by S&W in a J-Frame, but there are some, aren't there? If one wanted a J-Frame in 9mm, would you have to have it custom done or just go with a Ruger? If they did make a 9mm and it is economically wise to find one, how does the recoil feel on these revolvers with a typical self defense loading?

Lastly, in 327mag, I know that one was made to give those that carried a J-Frame an extra round instead of the 5 that they were forced to carry with a typical J-Frame. I don't know a thing about that round though. I'm sure it's expensive to shoot, but I'd guess I wouldn't be doing all kinds of practice with it each month and if I were going to shoot much, I could get my brother-in-law to reload some practice rounds for me.
How is the recoil in these revolvers? Would it be best to just figure on getting a Ruger instead of trying to find a S&W?

The only other option in a J-Frame sized revolver is a 22mag in the Ruger LCR line. Don't know the wisdom of carrying a 22mag as a primary self defense round.

Please add your thoughts and opinions. I'd like to see what all kinds of fellers think about it. I mean gals too, if there's any that want to add their thoughts.

Thank you all for your time and help.
Have a great weekend!

Larry
Click to expand...

I do not know what you are talkmg about with regard to the LCR. They make the LCR in 38+p, 357 mag, and 9mm. In addition to the 22LR and 22 mag.

I think the LCR 357 and 9mm use the same frame, the 38+p is a bit lighter frame. But the guns are exactly the same physical size.

I shot my brothers LCR in 357 and mixed both 38 and 357 in the chlinders at random, spun the cylinder and closed it at random. Then shot it nOt knowing whether it wojld be 38 or 357. Frankly there was not all that mich difference infelt recoil for me. A lot louder and definitely a bit more recoil, but nothing to write home about. A person coild clearly practice with 38 and carry 357 without too much trouble.

9mm revolver and moon clips etc just don’t appeal to me. If you want a 9mm I think buy a bottom feeder pistol rather than a revolver. But I’m sure a 9mm revolver would lerform well! To each their own!
 
Been there- Tried that.
IMHO, the 327 fed has too much muzzle blast and the ammo is limited and expensive. Resale is horrible too. The 9mm feels snappier than 38 +P to me. (Then there are those PITA moon clips to deal with too.) As for the extra round , chances are that 5 rounds are twice as much as I would likely need for non-LE use. Truth be told, there is a reason that J frames are so popular in 38.

In any case I'd recommend shooting before you buy so as to avoid an expensive lesson.
 
S&W Rover said:
You can find a Ruger LCR in .327 Fed Mag that is comparable to a J frame. See Review: Ruger LCR .327 Federal Magnum - Guns & Ammo My personal opinion, FWIW, is that this round is a more useful in a 3" or longer barrel; the shorter barrels have a too much blast and don't let the bullet get up to the higher speeds that make this little .312 bullet effective.
Click to expand...

The .327 in the LCR is the bomb!
 
I got rid of my Air weight J frame due to recoil with the .38 +P. I also have some hand issues. I think that an all steel version would do a lot to soak up recoil. I hope to have an all steel J frame again before too long. The other thing is grip choice. My last J frame I put Pachmayr Compac grips. My 686 just got Pachmayr grips. The Pachmayr grips are not the prettiest but I love them over other grips I have tried for functionality.
 
Last edited:
Favorite snub of all time is the 649 Bodyguard. Have one made in the 1990s that was sent to TK Custom to be rechambered to be able to shoot .38 Super and 9mm...in addition it will still shoot .38s...

I have two LCRs, one 9mm and one .327. While BooUgly they have a better DA trigger pull than any Smith I have ever shot. I don't find the recoil from either gun objectionable.

The Federal 85 gr. HydraShok Low Recoil runs around 1200 fps from the LCR...would much rather shoot someone with that round than any .38 Special round from a snub.

Also have an older SP-101 3" in .327...horrible DA and SA trigger pull and heavy enough to anchor a kayak...vs. a 60-10 that I just love to shoot even with .357s...

Bob
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

O
Alternative to .38 Special Recoil
5 6 7
Replies
132
Views
7K
PMRet
P
D
Training with the 432 UC
2 3
Replies
41
Views
5K
Teddydog
T
T
Round Butt K-Frame Pachmayr Grip Adapter Size?
Replies
3
Views
165
ThirdGen9623
T
M
J Frame 32 H&R Magnum for Deep Concealment
2
Replies
36
Views
2K
walkin' trails
W
smithman 10
What's the best OWB holster for a 2" Model 64?
2
Replies
25
Views
1K
Narragansett
Narragansett

Latest posts

Back
Top