My only J-frame is my pocket gun. If it had a 3 inch barrel, the butt with be sticking just above the edge of the pocket and no longer concealed. If I am going the route of open carry, I might as well make it a K frame and gain an extra round.
Why Is the 3” J Frame Not More Popular
- Thread starter Whit
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Twos, threes, I like them all. Fixed or adjustable sights, they're all good.
I have a few of each because variety is the spice of life.
You only get to keep one wife at a time, so why limit yourself in other areas?
I have a few of each because variety is the spice of life.
You only get to keep one wife at a time, so why limit yourself in other areas?
Sistema1927
US Veteran
I personally think that certain Model/Barrel length combinations are just right, and others seem a bit off.
The proper combinations:
J-frame? 2"
K-frame? 3"
N-frame? 4"
The proper combinations:
J-frame? 2"
K-frame? 3"
N-frame? 4"
Model 15-4ever
Member
Well if S&W won't make them, the chance of a fixed-sight 3" Smith J frame ever becoming popular is nil.
The 3" Ruger SP-101 is not setting any sales records, especially at it's high retail price with downhill quality for what it is.
The Kimber K6S has a 3" version and has a very modest following. For all the internet fawning over the Kimber, it's butt ugly with a cheap looking allen head sideplate screw, and has a clap-trap feel and look to it. Just this week I had occasion to observe a female new handgun customer. She was shopping and shown the Kimber K6S. She handled it and promptly passed, saying it felt like a toy cap gun. I found this newbie's observation quite apt. (PS. Ironically, she ended up buying a S&W EZ Shield .380, which has just as much in common, in terms of construction, with a toy cap gun, as does the Kimber!)
Of course, Colt nuts will buy anything adorned with a dancing pony. Colt could put a vapor finish on revolver shaped dollop of post-digested horse fodder, and these folks would be screaming for Colt to take their money, right out of an episode of the Price is Right. Regardless, the New King Cobra 3" has potential, but it suffers from the high price and flaws of the recent Colt guns.
In spite of merit or otherwise, all these revolvers suffer from the stigma of... being a revolver. The vast majority of new shooters are largely "uneducated" through YouTube, which exists to make money for the content creator, via the gun manufacturer. Net result of those messages is that cheap to make and high profit pistols, mostly cast/MIM/stamped and polymer framed, are the greatest battle implements ever devised!
The new gun owner views the revolver as a novelty throwback to a bygone era, something you see in shop worn TV detective series from the 1960s, or a Western movie. Most of them do not know the difference between a single action and double action revolver, nor do they care one wit. When they buy one it's a range toy for giggles and "gee-wiz!"
Paul Harrell's prescription of "Old does not mean Obsolete, and Obsolete does not mean Ineffective," does not make much of an impression with these folks clamoring for more at gun counters. When selecting a handgun for self-defense - the main market these days - these customers look past the revolver counter like a 23 year old girl at middle-age man's gin mill.
[Interesting observation: With a few notable exceptions, you rarely see the actual on-target results of these YouTube Influencer Experts. The viewer is mostly thrilled with views of the Influencer in cool eyewear and muscle tees/operator wear - firing the gun over and over. If you are lucky you will hear some large pieces of steel occasionally ringing off camera, like every 3d shot. In my prior business this would be called a "clue", to the value of what you are watching.]
So, you are starting with a limited market to begin with. Add to that the view of revolvers as a range novelty, which the manufacturers play into as dollar signs roll across their eyes, eg. the ridiculous S&W Custom Shop (there's an oxymoron fer ya) X-frames, or the Taurus "Raging Whatevers". Then factor in the mindset that "defensive revolvers are for pockets, BUGS and hideouts" - as if the S&W K frame and Colt PPS, produced in the millions used by police, military and citizens for decades, never existed.
What you have left as manufactured for self-defense in revolvers is largely a bunch of aluminium, scamdium or plastic framed revolvers, firing too powerful cartridges (More Is Always Better!), with too-short barrels.
Sad indeed. Where's the DEI Mandate for revolvers?
Charter Arms and Taurus make a few 3" guns, and those do in fact sell pretty well, because they generally work, and aren't priced to the moon.
Truth be known, I've had a few fixed-sight 3" Model 36 .38 Specials over the years, and they never shot much better for me than the 2" guns. Recoil with stiff loads is, if anything, worse. Practical accuracy - not much difference. Pointability is better, but it doesn't fit in your pocket or ankle well. Might as well carry a larger framed better-shooting revolver in a hip holster.
As far as the "full-length ejector rod advantage" goes, if you think a 1/2 second advantage in reloading speed over a 2" 5-shot gun is significant in your sphere of activity... I humbly suggest that 1) carrying a substantially more capable handgun, or a shoulder weapon, 2) hiring bodyguards, or 3) making a change in venue, might be money better spent.
Back in the day... in police work, the 3" J frames - often in .32 S&W Long - were usual issued to "lady police matrons", to fit their smaller hand. I suppose I'm not supposed to say things like that anymore.
Well, I'm not trading my 3" Model 31s. You never know who you might meet...
The 3" Ruger SP-101 is not setting any sales records, especially at it's high retail price with downhill quality for what it is.
The Kimber K6S has a 3" version and has a very modest following. For all the internet fawning over the Kimber, it's butt ugly with a cheap looking allen head sideplate screw, and has a clap-trap feel and look to it. Just this week I had occasion to observe a female new handgun customer. She was shopping and shown the Kimber K6S. She handled it and promptly passed, saying it felt like a toy cap gun. I found this newbie's observation quite apt. (PS. Ironically, she ended up buying a S&W EZ Shield .380, which has just as much in common, in terms of construction, with a toy cap gun, as does the Kimber!)
Of course, Colt nuts will buy anything adorned with a dancing pony. Colt could put a vapor finish on revolver shaped dollop of post-digested horse fodder, and these folks would be screaming for Colt to take their money, right out of an episode of the Price is Right. Regardless, the New King Cobra 3" has potential, but it suffers from the high price and flaws of the recent Colt guns.
In spite of merit or otherwise, all these revolvers suffer from the stigma of... being a revolver. The vast majority of new shooters are largely "uneducated" through YouTube, which exists to make money for the content creator, via the gun manufacturer. Net result of those messages is that cheap to make and high profit pistols, mostly cast/MIM/stamped and polymer framed, are the greatest battle implements ever devised!
The new gun owner views the revolver as a novelty throwback to a bygone era, something you see in shop worn TV detective series from the 1960s, or a Western movie. Most of them do not know the difference between a single action and double action revolver, nor do they care one wit. When they buy one it's a range toy for giggles and "gee-wiz!"
Paul Harrell's prescription of "Old does not mean Obsolete, and Obsolete does not mean Ineffective," does not make much of an impression with these folks clamoring for more at gun counters. When selecting a handgun for self-defense - the main market these days - these customers look past the revolver counter like a 23 year old girl at middle-age man's gin mill.
[Interesting observation: With a few notable exceptions, you rarely see the actual on-target results of these YouTube Influencer Experts. The viewer is mostly thrilled with views of the Influencer in cool eyewear and muscle tees/operator wear - firing the gun over and over. If you are lucky you will hear some large pieces of steel occasionally ringing off camera, like every 3d shot. In my prior business this would be called a "clue", to the value of what you are watching.]
So, you are starting with a limited market to begin with. Add to that the view of revolvers as a range novelty, which the manufacturers play into as dollar signs roll across their eyes, eg. the ridiculous S&W Custom Shop (there's an oxymoron fer ya) X-frames, or the Taurus "Raging Whatevers". Then factor in the mindset that "defensive revolvers are for pockets, BUGS and hideouts" - as if the S&W K frame and Colt PPS, produced in the millions used by police, military and citizens for decades, never existed.
What you have left as manufactured for self-defense in revolvers is largely a bunch of aluminium, scamdium or plastic framed revolvers, firing too powerful cartridges (More Is Always Better!), with too-short barrels.
Sad indeed. Where's the DEI Mandate for revolvers?
Charter Arms and Taurus make a few 3" guns, and those do in fact sell pretty well, because they generally work, and aren't priced to the moon.
Truth be known, I've had a few fixed-sight 3" Model 36 .38 Specials over the years, and they never shot much better for me than the 2" guns. Recoil with stiff loads is, if anything, worse. Practical accuracy - not much difference. Pointability is better, but it doesn't fit in your pocket or ankle well. Might as well carry a larger framed better-shooting revolver in a hip holster.
As far as the "full-length ejector rod advantage" goes, if you think a 1/2 second advantage in reloading speed over a 2" 5-shot gun is significant in your sphere of activity... I humbly suggest that 1) carrying a substantially more capable handgun, or a shoulder weapon, 2) hiring bodyguards, or 3) making a change in venue, might be money better spent.
Back in the day... in police work, the 3" J frames - often in .32 S&W Long - were usual issued to "lady police matrons", to fit their smaller hand. I suppose I'm not supposed to say things like that anymore.
Well, I'm not trading my 3" Model 31s. You never know who you might meet...
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keith44spl
Member
Why Is the 3" J Frame Not More Popular
I don't know
I don't know
3" 60-10 here.....micro 5 shot 686...... my Penn's Woods Kit gun. Can double as a Concealed carry IWB.
Shot shells to .357 mag.
Shot shells to .357 mag.
ACORN
Member
I put a 3" adjustable sight 60-15 on layaway last month.
I wish I'd a known.
I wish I'd a known.
Well Armed
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ACORN
Member
I picked one up from a local forum member a few years back. You'll love get.
I also like those bananas
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Back in the day, I wanted a 2" model 60, but they were scarce. I settled on a 3" nickel model 36. The 3" points better and is much easier to shoot well. I carried mine in a shoulder holster. These days, my model 60-10 is my favorite revolver.
Well Armed
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Because of the Colt King Cobra 3" ?
They are comparable to and compete against the S&W K-frames and not J-frames. L
heeter3
Member
I've got 2 ,3 inchers and like them just as well as my 2 in 36 ,2. In 442 , 2 in detective special and 2 ,2in vintage cobras.The 3 inchers fit right in with the 2 in bunch and to me they all are unique and like the little fat kid in the old pizza roll commercials from the 70s." I love them all."
Norton 750
Member
Another vote for the two inch J frame for pocket carry in a pocket holster and a three inch J for any other form of carry. The sights really are better and worth the extra inch in my opinion, even if the ejector rod was not also a dramatic improvement. But since it is, WIN/WIN.
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pistolpete10
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3" bbl makes it bigger. especially a problem with pocket carry. If I use a holster I want a bigger gun.
Cal44
Member
I recently bought some cargo shorts from Bass Pro. They have deep enough pockets to carry a 3" j.
I'm thinking I'll start carrying my 3" model 37
.
Along with the other advantages mentioned above, it's a square butt which fits my hand better than the round butt.
I'm thinking I'll start carrying my 3" model 37
.
Along with the other advantages mentioned above, it's a square butt which fits my hand better than the round butt.
John Patrick
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I have three 3" J frames, two steel and one aluminum framed.
I have eight 3" K frames.
I also have a 3" King Cobra.
At 28oz, the King Cobra is right in the middle weigh wise and about the middle size wise between the steel 3" J frames (my 3" M60 weighs 24oz) and K frames (about 32oz on average.) But much heavier than the aluminum 3" J frame. Can't recall the 3" M37's weight.
I think the King Cobra competes against both the steel 3" J and K frames (and cheaper than the current 3" K frames.)
A 3" J frame, or even K frame, fits in the pockets of my khakis or dress pants, but doesn't work in my jeans.
In the end, though, if I'm carrying IWB, it's a P365x, in pocket (very rarely) it's a P365. Open carry, it's depends on a bunch of factors, but a 386PD has been getting the nod a lot lately. Or the King Cobra.
ETA: All RB.
I have eight 3" K frames.
I also have a 3" King Cobra.
At 28oz, the King Cobra is right in the middle weigh wise and about the middle size wise between the steel 3" J frames (my 3" M60 weighs 24oz) and K frames (about 32oz on average.) But much heavier than the aluminum 3" J frame. Can't recall the 3" M37's weight.
I think the King Cobra competes against both the steel 3" J and K frames (and cheaper than the current 3" K frames.)
A 3" J frame, or even K frame, fits in the pockets of my khakis or dress pants, but doesn't work in my jeans.
In the end, though, if I'm carrying IWB, it's a P365x, in pocket (very rarely) it's a P365. Open carry, it's depends on a bunch of factors, but a 386PD has been getting the nod a lot lately. Or the King Cobra.
ETA: All RB.
Glenn R. McMannly
Member
Because a J-frame is a pocket gun.
I'll never understand folks carrying a J on the hip. You do realize a K can be carried strongside IWB/OWB just as well if not better?
I'll never understand folks carrying a J on the hip. You do realize a K can be carried strongside IWB/OWB just as well if not better?
"Because it is a pocket gun".
I, for one, do want to carry a pistol in my pocket; the gonads and femoral arteries are too often in the line of fire while trying to extract a revolver from a holster inside a front trouser pocket. And the exposed hammer adds to the problem. I have no problem with people who make that choice and train themselves to do it well. I am not that coordinated
The J frame revolvers are lighter, more compact, and easier to conceal than the K or N frames. My Model 37 with a 3-inch barrel is huge compared to my various 32 and 38 top breaks. And all of the top breaks that came with holsters had belt loops. The only pistol I have that came with a "pocket holster" was a 25 auto. You pays your money and you makes your choice.
In the interest of full disclosure, I usually carry an S&W 5906 TSW, but I have a strong-side holster on order from Lobo Gun Leather for the 37
I, for one, do want to carry a pistol in my pocket; the gonads and femoral arteries are too often in the line of fire while trying to extract a revolver from a holster inside a front trouser pocket. And the exposed hammer adds to the problem. I have no problem with people who make that choice and train themselves to do it well. I am not that coordinated
The J frame revolvers are lighter, more compact, and easier to conceal than the K or N frames. My Model 37 with a 3-inch barrel is huge compared to my various 32 and 38 top breaks. And all of the top breaks that came with holsters had belt loops. The only pistol I have that came with a "pocket holster" was a 25 auto. You pays your money and you makes your choice.
In the interest of full disclosure, I usually carry an S&W 5906 TSW, but I have a strong-side holster on order from Lobo Gun Leather for the 37
From my perspective, the only value of the J-frame is for pocket or ankle carry. That eliminates the 3" barrel because it's too big.
I don't understand the belt carry of a J-frame. The K-frame can be just as easily carried on the belt and you have a gun with an extra round that is easier to shoot. Belt carry opens up a lot of options for carrying a full size gun.
I don't understand the belt carry of a J-frame. The K-frame can be just as easily carried on the belt and you have a gun with an extra round that is easier to shoot. Belt carry opens up a lot of options for carrying a full size gun.
moonsterman
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I belt carry a J frame daily , to say belt carry is only good for larger framed guns well I dont want 2.5lbs of steel anywhere on my body and feel a holster secures the revolver better then putting it into a pocket.
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