Which J Frame?
- Thread starter tcmers
- Start date
I really like my 642. That said, an extra inch of sight radius makes shooting with sights a lot easier. These days I have Crimson Trace laser sights on everything I have that is intended for serious business. It is easy to hold very tight groups with that little red dot at typical "self-defense" distances.
sawlog
Member
I carry the model 60 pro everyday, it has 3in barrel.
my wife carries a lcr 38, I carried it last night to church just to see if there was much difference. even at 10 oz lighter, wasn't much difference. of course that wasn't a long day at work.
love my 3in model 60!!
my wife carries a lcr 38, I carried it last night to church just to see if there was much difference. even at 10 oz lighter, wasn't much difference. of course that wasn't a long day at work.
love my 3in model 60!!
shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
Don't rule out an all steel J-frame. The additional few ounces aren't bothersome for me and help absorb recoil. I like the concealed hammer DAO flavor, like the 642. Mine's all steel, but the lighter 642 is an enormously popular seller for a reason.
Protected One
Member
If you are not dead set on a Smith I'd take a look at the Ruger SP101 with a 3" bl. It's a rugged .357 that shoots .38 spl like a dream. The airweights are punishing to shoot, and that equates to less practice...which is not a good thing.
My personal favorite j frame is the 642. The enclosed hammer allows for a snag free draw from a pocket holster. With the 642, you can also get a higher grip which will help with controlling recoil. I prefer dao only revolvers for defense. I always have a 642 in a Tagua pocket holster off duty. But for some reason you feel that you need an exposed hammer, of the ones you listed I would go with the 638.
Was carrying a 642, just switched to a 38, for the SA capability.
Brian41
Member
I like my 37 with factory bobbed hammer for pocket carry in a Galco pocket holster. I also have a 36 with bobbed hammer and 49 but like the less weight of the 37. I really don't mind the recoil shooting it but it has the S&W rubber grips on it too.
No experience with a 3 inch but would expect them to be more difficult for pocket carry. If I move to a belt holster I use a K or L frame snub.
No experience with a 3 inch but would expect them to be more difficult for pocket carry. If I move to a belt holster I use a K or L frame snub.
Rick_A
Member
If I could only have one it would probably be a model 36 or M&P340. Both are compromises...one a little heavy for caliber...one a little light.
As I don't like such compromises I got one for 38 +P use and one for magnums.
20150109_135938 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
One is always on the ankle or in a pocket, the other is on the waistband when either dressed lightly or weary of having a large framed gun on the hip.
20150109_153932 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
As I don't like such compromises I got one for 38 +P use and one for magnums.
20150109_135938 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
One is always on the ankle or in a pocket, the other is on the waistband when either dressed lightly or weary of having a large framed gun on the hip.
20150109_153932 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
AZretired
Member
i carry a 642 daily but occasionally I swap it out for my 638, but I never use the single action on the 638, just like the looks.
Thanks again guys. I'm leaning towards a 638. Had one and loved it, so will probably stick with that. However, this one may wait a while. I just ordered a Colt Defender form the local dealer. Handled one (already sold but the buyer was kind enough to let me look it over) fell in love, and have one on the way. I may wait and look for a pre lock version j frame.
Faulkner
Member
I alternately carry a 42 or 442, and occasionally carry both, though I prefer the 442 because mine is moonclip capable.
dullh
Member
This one:
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IMHO the BEST J Smith EVER made is the Model 60-7. It has the 1/8" front sight (improvement over the 1/10" wide one prior), a wider / smooth trigger, real Walnut grips and was specifically heat treated for the +P cartridges. It also had the original hammer design with the firing pin mounted directly on it rather than in the frame - which I much prefer (personally).
More IMPORTANTLY is what it does NOT have. No cast parts, no internal lock, no larger stretched and heavier magnum frame (which I deem useless in a 2" snub gun), and no cheapening of the manufacturing process.
They only made them for a few years but they are out there if you look hard enough. I managed to find 8 of them (over a few years) for friends who agree with my way of thinking.
I for one, LIKE the option of shooting it single action as well as double action and have trained myself to draw it fast from a pocket holster without having the hammer catch my pocket with simple thumb placement.
Others - YMMV and this is just my personal preference.
More IMPORTANTLY is what it does NOT have. No cast parts, no internal lock, no larger stretched and heavier magnum frame (which I deem useless in a 2" snub gun), and no cheapening of the manufacturing process.
They only made them for a few years but they are out there if you look hard enough. I managed to find 8 of them (over a few years) for friends who agree with my way of thinking.
I for one, LIKE the option of shooting it single action as well as double action and have trained myself to draw it fast from a pocket holster without having the hammer catch my pocket with simple thumb placement.
Others - YMMV and this is just my personal preference.
Snubnose J-frames are not target or competition guns and they aren't very well suited for extended range sessions. If someone is choosing one for these purposes, I would say they chose poorly.
They are however excellent close quarter self-defense guns. The very best IMO as long as they have a concealed hammer.
Single action is an absolute liability on these guns if they are intended to be used for self-defense. You will NOT use it for a precision shot is any realistic defense scenario. No, you won't be using your snub revolver as a makeshift compact sniper weapon in a hostage situation or any other equally deluded fantasy.
An exposed(and in some of these cases a shrouded) hammer...will snag. It will give prosecutors a chance to throw out accusations that you cocked your weapon if ever used self-defense. It will get caught if fired from inside a pocket, purse or entangled in clothing. It may get blocked if involved in a close quarter grappling scenario. It will prevent you from taking a higher more efficient grip on the weapon. It will allow for the collection of lint etc. in many common methods of carry. The trigger pull is not as smooth in DA as the centennial models.
They are however excellent close quarter self-defense guns. The very best IMO as long as they have a concealed hammer.
Single action is an absolute liability on these guns if they are intended to be used for self-defense. You will NOT use it for a precision shot is any realistic defense scenario. No, you won't be using your snub revolver as a makeshift compact sniper weapon in a hostage situation or any other equally deluded fantasy.
An exposed(and in some of these cases a shrouded) hammer...will snag. It will give prosecutors a chance to throw out accusations that you cocked your weapon if ever used self-defense. It will get caught if fired from inside a pocket, purse or entangled in clothing. It may get blocked if involved in a close quarter grappling scenario. It will prevent you from taking a higher more efficient grip on the weapon. It will allow for the collection of lint etc. in many common methods of carry. The trigger pull is not as smooth in DA as the centennial models.
Rhetorician
Member
Rhetorician Response
Allow me to jump in here at the danger of seeming un-American on the S & W board? I have been casting my eye on the new Ruger LCRx 2" and 3" for some time.
Would either of those fill the bill for you?
Just saying?!
My two cents worth.
rd
Allow me to jump in here at the danger of seeming un-American on the S & W board? I have been casting my eye on the new Ruger LCRx 2" and 3" for some time.
Would either of those fill the bill for you?
Just saying?!
My two cents worth.
rd
Rhetorician
Member
Rhetorician Response #2
And just a quick follow up:
I too own, carry, and shoot a Model 360PD Titanium/Scandium. I got it at a steal but cannot for the life of me get use to the trigger. My problem was comparing it to the Ruger LCR 357. But different manufacturers do have different characteristics.
Go figure.
rd
And just a quick follow up:
I too own, carry, and shoot a Model 360PD Titanium/Scandium. I got it at a steal but cannot for the life of me get use to the trigger. My problem was comparing it to the Ruger LCR 357. But different manufacturers do have different characteristics.
Go figure.
rd
When I decided to get my concealed carry license in 2009, I spent a lot of time trying to figure out which handgun to carry. After probably far too much analysis, I finally found a no-lock S&W 442 at a local gun store and bought it. After a couple of trips to the local range I decided that I was unhappy with my abilities, and I engaged an NRA-certified instructor to help me become more comfortable and proficient with my gun. It is now my constant companion. I carry it in a DeSantis pocket holster during the day, and it is beside my bed at night.
