Once you buy a J-Frame, buy practice Ammo that is fun to shoot, and learn to shoot it, you will get hooked. They are just so much fun you can't believe. I switch grips around and make the gun comfy to shoot. Once I was hooked I put the stock Uncle Mike's boot grip back on the pocket gun and ,Pachmyer's or Hogue Tamer's on the waist band gun. I then practiced with ammo the same weight as my +P carry ammo. I shot a few +P to see how it feels and where to aim then practice with standard.
Why do I still want a J-frame?
- Thread starter Mr. Blenderson
- Start date
You want one because deep down inside you subconsciously know that EVERYBODY needs at least one J-frame 
As others have said, an all steel J-frame is much more pleasant to shoot than a lightweight. Regular 38spl ammo in a lightweight feels about the same as shooting 357 magnums in an all steel version to me. That's why mine are steel. The increased durability, shootability, and recoil control is worth a couple of extra ounces to me.
The other excellent point that everyone has mentioned is that the grips make ALL the difference. The best J-frame grips I have tried are the boot grips that come on the small framed Taurus revolvers - like the middle two on the right side of this photo.
They are a snap to adapt to a S&W J-frame, and they can be picked up dirt cheap. They are still small enough to conceal well too.
If you can meet up with colt_saa to try them out you'll see what I mean.
As others have said, an all steel J-frame is much more pleasant to shoot than a lightweight. Regular 38spl ammo in a lightweight feels about the same as shooting 357 magnums in an all steel version to me. That's why mine are steel. The increased durability, shootability, and recoil control is worth a couple of extra ounces to me.
The other excellent point that everyone has mentioned is that the grips make ALL the difference. The best J-frame grips I have tried are the boot grips that come on the small framed Taurus revolvers - like the middle two on the right side of this photo.
They are a snap to adapt to a S&W J-frame, and they can be picked up dirt cheap. They are still small enough to conceal well too.
If you can meet up with colt_saa to try them out you'll see what I mean.
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snowman.45
Member
I have a Model 60 no-dash, a 640-1 and a 340 M&P. The two steel guns are not hard to shoot well with the proper grips and ammo. The 340 M&P also shoots very well, but due to weight, the recoil is a bit more stout. Again, proper grips for your hand and needs, along with proper ammo selection will make it more tolerable. Regardless of what some say, the J-frame is not a "belly gun". It is quite capable of accurate fire to the same or similar distances as any .38/.357 revolver. However, the shorter sight radius and ergonomics do require that you practice to ensure good sight picture and grip.
UNCLE PAULY
Member
This is my 649 Bodyguard....the first S&W that I ever bought. I've sold some guns over the years, for various reasons, but this one is a keeper.
Out of my 5 J frames the 649 is my favorite.
It is heavy enough to absorb recoil and small enough to carry.
Keep mine loaded with Speer Gold Dot 38+p
GCF
Member
This is my 649 Bodyguard....the first S&W that I ever bought. I've sold some guns over the years, for various reasons, but this one is a keeper.
PRETTY nice, huh??
Why do I still want a J-frame?
Because they're awesome?
Seriously, small guns like the J's CAN be a handful to manage. They don't have to be though. If you select your ammo carefully and don't try to push the most powerful rounds you can through the thing, it becomes a lot more manageable.
158gr LSWC with or without HP, are awesome close quarter defense loads and much less punishing than almost anything +p rated.
My $0.02
Because they're awesome?
Seriously, small guns like the J's CAN be a handful to manage. They don't have to be though. If you select your ammo carefully and don't try to push the most powerful rounds you can through the thing, it becomes a lot more manageable.
158gr LSWC with or without HP, are awesome close quarter defense loads and much less punishing than almost anything +p rated.
My $0.02
