Why do I still want a J-frame?

[BaldEagle1313]

Because you're smart?

As has been said, shooting one takes practice. For me it also takes removing the skinny factory grips and replacing them with something with a bit more meat to them. There are many, many different grips styles available - just find the one that's best for you.

 

[shouldazagged]

The original 640, chambered in.38 Special, is identical in size to the 642 and 442. I've pocket-carried one with Pachmayr Compac grips daily for seventeen years. The Compacs are bulkier than the factory stocks but no trouble to conceal in a good pocket holster. The additional weight doesn't bother me.

The gun is much more comfortable and conrollable than an Airweight to shoot and shares the advantage of a fully enclosed hammer that makes it virtually snag-proof. Double action only, of course, and that's what I want in an up-close-and-highly-personal gun.

To me, .357 Magnum in a J-frame is completely unnecessary and borders on masochism.

 

[Cleveland48]

I just bought a sig p320 compact which is the first auto loader I've owned in 8 years. I love the gun it's very accurate and easy to shoot, and a fantastic trigger. Shot it some today again, but also pulled out my 442. I forgot how much I loved that little snubby! Shot 50 rounds of 158 gr LSWCHP +p reloads through it. And yes hand was a little sore these reloads clock 850 fps through the snubby, but it was intoxicating to shoot it. While I love my p320 the little 442 is not going anywhere.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Concealable 357 magnum firepower would be my reason.

 

[bananaman]

I have had 2 J frames. (36's) Both were steel frame. They are heavier, which helps with recoil. 1 was a 2" round butt. The other was a 3" square butt. Notice I mentioned HAD! Both are gone. Better yet now, I have a 2" 10-5 K snub. It works out much better for me. Might be something you want to look at. Good luck on your hunt! Bob

 

[DocB]

If I was going to pocket carry a revolver, this one would probably be it. All steel and keeps your options open when it comes to single or double action. It's a M49 from the mid 1970's and pretty much in 99% condition.

 

[SilentKnight]

I have carried a J Frame off and on since 1983. I have about every conceivable holster for it in order to meet weather and clothing requirements. The decades of experience from people that carried long before the stainless steel lines came out have left an amazing amount of gear tuned to the J frame. I own 3 J frames currently and my wife carries one. They are accurate for their purpose, dependable, and, of course highly concealable. My 642 is a pleasure to carry and gads lighter than my Model 60s. I carry +P hollow point and practice with standard 38 so as not to put too much strain on the gun or myself. The little gun requires some intense range time to master in double action and quick reload... once you have mastered it, you will find it hard to find anything more pleasing. Good luck.

 

[Dftplan]

Gripping the gun

I don't know what the experts would say about this, but I don't jam my 442 tight against the web between my thumb and forefinger. If I do, it hurts. Rather I drop my hand down just a little bit towards the rounder part of the grip. This way I can shoot several cylinders full with very little discomfort. This is with the factory rubber grips. The gun does not move or slip in my grip when fired and is still controllable, similar to how a Ruger single action grip works, for example.

 

[GCF]

The thing is even though I tried a J-frame and hated it, I still want one, and I don't know why...

Is it stupid to want to buy a gun that I didn't enjoy shooting and shot terribly? If I did get a J-frame it would be for pocket carry, which is the only carry method that works for me with my clothes and South Florida weather.

Carried a Colt LWT Commander for years, but last summer, purchased an early run, S&W M640-1. Earlier this year, I acquired a NIB scandium alloy M&P340.

The Commander doesn't get out of the house much, anymore.

Wearing jeans, the M640-1 gets carried OWB, in an Andrews Custom Leather, tension hold, "Saddle Style". Really nice holster, that conceals - & presents, exceptionally well.

The M&P340 (worth every penny, BTW) has become my primary EDC. Pocket carry in a DeSantis Nemesis: baggy shorts, or Vertx lightweight tactical khakis - for normal business casual, is a piece of cake. It's easy to forget you're packing, no noticeable printing, & best of all, it's ALWAYS there. After years of dealing w/ a full size auto loader (left at home half the time), I'm REALLY loving the whole "drop it in my pocket, & go" thing.

Surprisingly, although J frames are a... "bit of a challenge" to fire accurately (had to re-learn my D/A technique), I have found that they point faster, & more naturally then any other handgun I own - bar none.

I have found that Hogue Centennial Tamer grips, make a world of ergonomic difference, for a gun that gets shot a lot, & carried OWB - like my M640-1. Although do-able for me, they add a bit too much bulk for dedicated pocket carry.

My M340 wears a Hogue Bantam. Not quite as ergonomic, but great for maximum concealment.

Best of luck w/ your decision!

 

[wood714]

I love me some J and I frame revolvers.

Pre model 30 and a no dash 60.

 

[Beancounter81]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Does anyone have experience with the crimson trace grips on a J-frame? I've gone back and forth on lasers in general but I've read that they also add some cushioning over the stock grips.

I have a Crimson Trace LG-405 on my 640 Pro. It's the compact, boot-grip size laser. It does cushion the backstrap without making the grip too large to fit in your pocket. Oddly, these grips aren't the most comfortable when just holding the gun, but once I start shooting they're the best I've found.

I typically put 150 .38 Special +P's through it in a range session and only stop because the gun has gotten too warm to hold comfortably. I use the laser itself occasionally as an aid to "old eyes" but shoot well without it. People have commented that J-frames aren't range guns. With the right grips, I disagree. I enjoy shooting mine at the indoor range and do so frequently. It also rides frequently in my pocket - a good gun belt does wonders there.

 

[colt_saa]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Does anyone have experience with the crimson trace grips on a J-frame? I've gone back and forth on lasers in general but I've read that they also add some cushioning over the stock grips.

Of the four models of Crimson
Trace grips available for the Smith and Wesson J-frameS, only the model 405(G) has a cushioned back strap. Most lasers do not cover the back strap

 

[ruger 22]

Mr. Blenderson,
I have a 649-2 and have the Crimson Trace 405 grips on it. Greatest invention ever. I can put my shots into a 5" plate at 50 feet assuming I do not jiggle too much. I use two hands most of the time. Before I was lucky to even hit the target. I am very pleased and would do it again.

 

[raljr1]

It's kinda like a puppy...Every one wants one, even if you don't want it after you've grown up....Said Robert, who has several.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Couple of thoughts:
1) Everybody who calls themselves a gun enthusiast needs a J frame.

2) All J frames are not created equal. Different materials, frame styles and sights make some behave better than others. Personally I'm partial to those that offer a higher hand hold like the 638 series.

3) Grips size, shape and material make a BIG difference when shooting these small guns. One of the great joys of the J frame is that there are 1000 different grips available to make yours fit YOU.

 

[mg357]

Mr. Blenderson Why do I still want a J-frame?

Because S&W J-frame revolvers are interesting guns and you don't necessarily have to buy one and shoot it, you could buy an older model, and put it in your collection and admire it for what it is an interesting gun.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Does anyone have experience with the crimson trace grips on a J-frame? I've gone back and forth on lasers in general but I've read that they also add some cushioning over the stock grips.

Hi Mr. B:

I am a huge fan of the "Humpbacks" - Model 38 (Airweight), 49 (all carbon steel), 638 (alloy frame, stainless barrel and cylinder), and 649 (all stainless steel construction). I use the Crimson Trace LG-405 laser grips on all of the Airweight J-frames I own, and the LG-105 grips on my all steel J-frames. In the enclosed photo, the Model 649 is on top, and the 638 is below it. Both laser grips are considered "boot grips", but the LG-405s have a space along the backstrap that provides a cushioning effect when firing the piece.

Regards,

Dave

 

[P-229]

Firing an all steel 2" Model 60 .38 Special with 158 grain LSWCHP +P ain't fun. There is no way I'd fire a .357 Mag round out of any "J" Frame. I'm not sure that there would be an appreciable velocity gain with a .357 Mag round out of a 2" barreled gun. That's because the .357 Mag is loaded with double-based, slow burning powder that needs a long barrel to achieve maximum velocity.

The Model 60 is a great concealed carry gun. While I've owned mine for over 30 years, the reality is that there are better guns.

If I thought I needed a new concealed carry gun, I'd buy a Sig P-239 in .40 S&W.

 

[LB001]

Mr. B:

Welcome aboard. No, it's not stupid at all to want a J-frame, even though you "... didn't enjoy shooting and shot terribly".

You can teach yourself to shoot any gun well: 1) if you decide to, and 2) if it has stocks that work for you.

I'm guessing that your rental 642 had the OEM rubber booties (boot grips), which I attribute to many folks saying they hate shooting J-frames.

You have to be able to shoot well with the gun you carry; that means you carry the gun you practice with at the range (don't practice with more controllable stocks and then switch to the rubber booties for cc).

Loaded with Speer .38 +P Gold Dot Short Barrel 135 gr ammo my 640 Pro weighs 1.5lbs and my M&P 340 weighs 1lb. Neither hurts me.

Best of luck with your decision.

Bob

I like those grips on the 640 Pro. Can you tell me who the maker is?
Larry B

 

[colt_saa]

I like those grips on the 640 Pro. Can you tell me who the maker is?
Larry B

Larry,
Those are made by Karl Nills, a German firm