Why do I still want a J-frame?

[Protected One]

Quick background, I don't have a ton of experience with handguns - I got my first about a year ago, a Glock 17. Then I added a Shield 9mm about six months ago. I shoot 50-100 rounds a week at the range, and often rent other guns to try them out.

I've always wanted a J-frame, so I rented a 642 a while ago and tried it out. I didn't like it all, after the first 10-20 rounds the recoil felt like getting smacked in the hand with a hammer. I was surprised at how much the recoil bothered me - I'm a pretty big dude (6'1 220lbs) and do MMA so I'm quite used to pain and it generally doesn't bother me. But when I shot the 642 I honestly didn't even want to finish the box of 50 cartridges.

Also, I was wildly inaccurate with it. I could barely keep shots on the large-size paper target at 7 yards. After this experience I swore the J-frames off and focused on my autoloaders.

I still couldn't get rid of the revolver bug, so when I sold my Glock 17 a few weeks ago intending to replace it with a FS M&P 9mm I bought a 4" SS 686+ instead. I'm in love with this gun! I'm more accurate with it than any other handgun I've shot and it's a ton of fun at the range. There certainly is something about wheelguns, I just like holding it and spinning the cylinder.

The thing is even though I tried a J-frame and hated it, I still want one, and I don't know why. Lots of people seem to love them, enjoy shooting them, and carry them, especially on here. Maybe I just had no idea what I was doing the first time I rented one? I don't remember the specific cartridges I was using but they were Magtechs. This 686 just made me want to get a whole bunch of revolvers.

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.

It's the light weight of the J-frame you rented that made it so painful to shoot. If you have a friend with an all steel J-frame such as a model 60-0 (see picture below) you will find it to be a totally different experience at the range.

 

[Mr. Blenderson]

Spent some time at the range today with @colt_saa who was kind enough to let me shoot a bunch of his J-frames!

Shot various J-frames in steel and scandium, with some light wadcutters, FMJ's, and even some 357.

The grips and proper technique make all the difference in the world. Starting with a heavier steel gun and light ammo and working my way up made it easier to get used to it.

I loved shooting all of them! I attribute my previous bad experience to starting with a lightweight gun and hot loads, and not using proper grip and stance.

I'm going to sell my Shield 9mm and pick up a 442 as soon as I can. I never imagined it, but it turns out that I'm a revolver guy.

Many, many thanks to @colt_saa for being such an awesome guy and showing me the way! About a year ago I was hit on my motorcycle at a busy intersection and the driver hit-and-run. Not one person (there were about 100 people around, busy intersection in Chicago) came over to see if I was OK. That shook my faith in humanity. @colt_saa is a reminder that there are great people out there who want to help out their fellow man!

 

[Mr. Blenderson]

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

Seems like the @ tag doesn't work on this forum.

 

[Ranger514]

OP: You need more range time with a J Frame, preferably one made of steel. They have less recoil than the Airweight models. Mastering them isn't for everyone, but once you sync with it, you'll be hooked. Although designed as a close range defensive weapon, many who have practiced can achieve center mass hits at 25 yards. The J Frame proves the old adage: good things come in small packages

 

[Mr. Blenderson]

Forgot to add my target pic from today!

All J-frames.

 

[Rpg]

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 wouldn't dream of buying these things.

Look at the front sight , don't look for a light on the target.

These things are fussy (how many buttons are involved ?) and promote lousy shooting habits.

Find the best grips for you (I'm partial to the slab sided wood grips with a Tyler t).

 

[JohnRippert]

The problem is that not all our eyes work good enough to see the front sight clearly any more. I used to disdain lasers until my eyes started to lose close focus. My bifocals do not make for the best shooting picture either. So, I keep CT grips on my bedside Model 10 snub. It has one button. Taking your normal grip turns the laser on every time. If it decides not to work, well I still have sights on the gun. They will be blurry but I still remember how to use them.

 

[Lewieke]

I recently purchased a few 'new' second hand guns. The last purchase is a Jframe in a spotless condition. I was able to purchase it at only 50usd. It's my first revolver.

I actually bought it for my 16-year old daughter which is interested to go to the range with me. The trouble will be getting the paperwork done. I still want to go through the hassle because I expect firearms regulations will soon get even more difficult in Europe.

The hard part will be to convince the local police chief who has to give his advice. The gun is too short to qualify for sports shooting so I may get a 'no go' there.

Just a pic to show you why I immediately thought this to be perfect for my daughter. Small grips, lightweight piece of hardware, powerful enough to convince bad guys to back off, ... .

[url=https://postimg.org/image/yoaumzbsr/] screen capture software[/URL]

 

[Cal44]

I'd suggest a steel frame j .

I have a 36, a 31, a 49, and a 60 -- all are much easier to shoot than the 642

 

[wrangler5]

Forgot to add my target pic from today!

All J-frames.

Well, I wouldn't want to be standing where that target was. Nice job, and a terrific start.

Once you get your very own J frame, you might be interested in the encouragement available in this little video - Miculek Makes 200-Yd Shot with Upside-Down J-Frame Revolver << Daily Bulletin

Now Jerry Miculek is probably the best revolver shooter there ever has been, but still, hitting a steel plate with a J frame, fired one handed, upside down, double action, at 200 yards, should give you plenty of confidence in what you're carrying. AND give you a goal to work toward - although there probably aren't many ranges that will let you shoot a snub nose revolver at 200 yards. Personally, I liike to engage the 6-plate rack at my club from ~30 yards or so. Once I get the sights dialed in (more than half of my handguns are J frames, and they don't all sight the same at 30 yards) I can usually amaze any onlookers with a snubbie's accuracy. And now that I've discovered the joys of 32 caliber J frames with hot H&R Magnum rounds I can engage all 6 plates without reloading.

BTW, I'm a big fan of CT laser grips. Primarily for their dry fire training value, which is almost priceless. Especially if you're new to double action revolvers and need to work on your trigger finger strength and grip/wrist control. But also for the single-point aiming simplicity they offer, AND the ability to use that simplicity from almost any gun position. It does take practice to focus on that red dot instead of the iron sights. But the one time I used a laser grip in an IDPA-style BUG gun match at our club (small revolvers and autos that people carry often - draw from a holster but no reloads on the clock, etc.) I found that by the third stage I was picking up the red dot almost as soon as the gun cleared the holster and was pointed in the general direction of the target, and by stages 5 and 6 I was taking shots - rapidly, accurately and confidently - when the gun was only half way between holster and eye level.

 

[diegobxr]

Mr. Blenderson,

J Frames are awesome. They feel extremely tiny in my hands, but I also want one.

Another classic option, that maybe you'd like to try, is a Colt Detective Special. They're six-shot and the frame size is between a J frame and K frame. Personally they fit my hand a lot better. And they're also great little firearms.

Have fun!

 

[BAM-BAM]

IMHO anyone who carries a gun should have at least 1 J-frame "available"......"for when the time is right"

that said my primary carry guns are a S&W 3913 or a 3" 66/65.

I currently have three j-frames....... a early stainless steel 640, a 3" 60-10 micro-686 in .357 (my "Kit Gun") and a 337PD at 12.5 ozs.

In 50 years of shooting handguns..... I don't think I've ever fired 50 rounds from a J-frame in one day...........

J-frames are not range guns. .......... they are intended to be carried long hours...and rarely shot.........

....if you ever leave the house thinking you might actually need to fire 5 rounds that day; and you intentionally choose to carry a 5 shot J-frame....... IMHO you are a fool.........

if you leave the house thinking you want to have a gun in case you might face the one in a million chance you may need a gun..... a 5 shot J-frame is nice to have ..............

 

[Wee Hooker]

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.

My 360PD wears a set of T 405's. I rarely use the laser ( and would never depend on one) but I love the makeup of the grip. It's a bit more hand filling than many boot grips. Has hard/slick sides and a soft air pocket protected back strap cover. I don't shoot 357s from this 12 oz gun but these grips tame the heck out of 38+Ps all session long.

 

[wrangler5]

Some of the Crimson Trace laser grips have padded backstraps and others do not.

My 442 is carried in a pocket around the house with a CT LG-405 boot grip style laser. The grip is very thin, is no longer than the grip frame, has a padded backstrap, and is quite uncomfortable to shoot with, but pocket-carries beautifully.

My 640-1 is carried every day in Lobo belt holster with a CT LG-305 laser grip. This is a longer style that has room for all fingers, has a padded backstrap and is fatter than the 405 model. It is quite comfortable for extended shoots at the range - fatter grip on a steel gun, probably no surprise.

I just got a 30-1 that came with a CT LG-205 boot grip style laser. This apparently is a discontinued model. It is hard plastic that does not cover the backstrap, but is fatter than the 405. The laser is MUCH brighter than the other 2 grips. I have not shot the gun yet, so don't know how comfortable this grip is. I'm guessing it will be tolerable with 32 Long level loads, but probably not so much if I pump 'em up to higher end H&R Magnum levels. (My other 32s shoot more accurately the hotter the load, so I have some incentive to up the power - plus it gives more reliable knock down of the steel plates I like to shoot.)

 

[two-bit cowboy]

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

Sorry to be a bit late with my reply.

The maker is Karl Nill-Griffe. Griffe is Deutsch (German) for grasp (or grip).

The USA importer is Mactec Sales:

Nill Grips for S&W Revolvers

It's one of those, "You get what you pay for" things.

Cheers,

Bob

 

[gman51]

Steel J frames with just 38 spl target ammo is no problem for me at all recoil wise. Put +P in them and still not to bad. Put 357 full mag and that's another critter all together. Yep you will think you just shot a different gun for sure. The 357 isn't called a man stopper for nothing. It has a lot of punch to it.
I have fun with people that want to shoot my LCR 357 because I alternate 38 spl rounds with 357 mag rounds. I tell them get a grip. They do get a surprise for sure.

 

[DRFROG]

Just put a set on my 642, made a HUGE difference to me. Carry in a pocket holster with no problem in jeans.

 

[kbm6893]

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 had a 642 with the LG305 laser grips. I could rip the bullseye at 10 yards shooting from the hip with that gun. They tamed recoil too. The newer ones are even smaller. I highly recommend them.

 

[OLDSTER]

J frames

This scandium frame 360J loaded with .38+P weighs in at about 16 oz.. I can shoot a box at the range and it is not "unpleasant". I contribute that to the grips which are perfect for this gun. My 642 was very unpleasant to shoot until I changed out to Pachmayrs and the pain went away. So I've always agreed with others stating that the grips are very important for J frame shootability

 

[dwever]

Get either a steel J frame or a Glock 43 (the Glock is just as pocketable and also light, no crazy recoil, capacity 7).

My revolvers are both 37 oz. The little extra effort to carry and conceal is more than made up for in controllable rapid follow-up shots, accuracy, and capacity.