Why aren't almost all J frames shrouded?

[bushmaster1313]

Why does it seem that most J frames are Model 36 or 60 instead of the Model 49 with the shrouded trigger?

Since so many of the J frames go in pockets it would seem that the shroud is a big advantage.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I'm not a fan of the humpback. I like my 637 but if the hammer is a problem then the 642 is my answer. I see the point but it just isn't for me.

EDIT: I guess I should have used the terms "Bodyguard, Chief's Special, and Centennial" so I made more sense.

 

[Broker50]

I'm not a fan of the humpback. I like my 637 but if the hammer is a problem then the 642 is my answer. I see the point but it just isn't for me.

What he said. I do not like, have never liked, & will never like the shrouded hammer "Bodyguard". I do own & carry (2) model 60's & a 642.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I have always liked the 40 and 42, and have learned to shoot DA. For my purposes, a bobbed 37 is better than a 38. For me, the only advantage of the 38 is that it may work better than a 37 firing from an overcoat pocket, but I seldom carry that way, and if I did, I'd carry a 42 or a 642.

 

[bushmaster1313]

it may work better than a 37 firing from an overcoat pocket

What is the effective range to get a good shot into a target firing from the pocket?

 

[hdfinder47]

Only advantage I see for the 638 over the 642 is the possibility of a (more accurate) single action shot. However, I do not shoot "J" frames very well over 25 yards so I do not really see the need for the extra accuracy. (If I am 25 yards from a BG, I think that I could run or find cover vs shooting.

 

[Treeman]

I'm a weirdo who buys J frames as trail guns rather than pocket pistols. I do have a Charter Undercover that I occassionally pocket carry......in a pocket holster that covers the hammer. I like to shoot double action at times but precision goes up for most of us firing single action. I plink at 40-100 yards with snubbies with scary accuracy...single action. If I had to defend my life witha J frame I probably would be point shooting as fast as I could squeeze the trigger....buty if I needed to head shoot a hostage taker at 25 yards I'd like to thumb cock the hammer.

 

[BUFF]

Because they are ugly? If Quasimodo packed heat, the Bodyguard would be his gun.

 

[JP@AK]

Because they are ugly? If Quasimodo packed heat, the Bodyguard would be his gun.

Very funny!!!!
JP

 

[ldp4570]

What is the effective range to get a good shot into a target firing from the pocket?

BBD Bad Breath Distance

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

BBD Bad Breath Distance

In my opinion, a very accurate answer. The few times I checked my aim in a pocket, it was a tossup whose foot was going to get shot. For me, it would have to be a raincoat, and a bit of conscious thought about what I was doing. No "instinctive" shooting here.

This is something each person has to check out for himself, and I'm sure that the answer isn't the same for every garment.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Can the Model 49 be shot single action?

I'm a weirdo who buys J frames as trail guns rather than pocket pistols. I do have a Charter Undercover that I occassionally pocket carry......in a pocket holster that covers the hammer. I like to shoot double action at times but precision goes up for most of us firing single action. I plink at 40-100 yards with snubbies with scary accuracy...single action. If I had to defend my life witha J frame I probably would be point shooting as fast as I could squeeze the trigger....buty if I needed to head shoot a hostage taker at 25 yards I'd like to thumb cock the hammer.

 

[old bear]

Because they are ugly? If Quasimodo packed heat, the Bodyguard would be his gun.

You nailed it with that one, I love it.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Can the Model 49 be shot single action?

Yes. That's the whole point of the design.

 

[goldenbb]

Love the "hostage taker" comment. Are you Jack Bauer or what?

The trigger on my 642 breaks very cleanly, I don't think its lack of an external hammer is hurting me much.

 

[captbahbah]

I agree. The shrouded bodyguard is the way to go. That hump lends itself well for pocket carry. Very slick design. Looks cool, chicks dig it. Ugly/beauty is relative. The stainless steel model 649 with the 1 7/8 inch barrel in .38 special is the way to go. Sturdy enough for lots of practice and easy maintenance. Step left and crouch.

 

[thibaultfelix40]

hump back j frame

I love j frames. I literally have a pile since I stuff them into nylon holsters and pile em up on the floor. Got them in 22 38 and 357 with barrels of
1 7/8, 3, 4 and 5 lnches. I once had a humpback and I didnt like it. I got rid of it. The older I get the more I realize I dont need a reason to like or dislike.

 

[cjtraining]

I have 37 J frames and my favorites are the bodyguards. I have 15 of those little boogers. My best shooters are a M649 and two of my
M638's. I have not altered any of them with the exception of putting plugs in the M638's and Tyler T Grips.

 

[vipermd]

Why are they not shrouded? Simple most people can not shoot a 2" or shorter J frame DA out of the box. I have bought numerous DAO J frames that were not accurate!!!!!! There was nothing wrong with the guns/ammo combination, the problem was with the shooter. 40+ years ago when I was handed a 4" model 10 I was instructed to put an arm behind my back and fire double action. I believe that I would have progressed much more rapidly learning single action ( sight picture, trigger squeeze ) and after I had fundamental than moved on to DA fire. I do shoot snubs at ranges over 25 yds for MY pleasure, and generally hit what I shoot at, but that comes from 40+ yrs of doing it. J frames are small, light/light (scandium) with small sights, it takes time. Enjoy the trip.

 

[shooter7]

Most people, in decades past, before reliable semi-autos, were often told by gun dealers, that the snubbies, (model 36, 60, Colt D.S., Agent, Cobra), were great home defense guns, if they only had interest in having one gun.
We now know, that wasn't neccessarily, the best advice, and most people, (before ccw), were better served by the K frames, or similar sized guns, for the home.

Now, with all of these states with ccw permits, things have changed alot, and the 642, and 638, etc. are very popular.

Personally, though it isn't the best looking gun around, I think the models 38, 49, and 638, offer the best compromise, of concealment, and less chance of snagging on clothing, while retaining the single action option.