Why Is the 3” J Frame Not More Popular

[Nomadmax]

Because of the Colt King Cobra 3" ?

 

[Well Armed]

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]

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]

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.

 

[pistolpete10]

3" bbl makes it bigger. especially a problem with pocket carry. If I use a holster I want a bigger gun.

 

[Cal44]

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.

 

[John Patrick]

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.

 

[CH4]

Until picking up my 3” 650 a couple years ago, I preferred 2” J frames for looks and pocket carry. Now I have 3” 30-1 and a Simply Rugged holster. May need to start carrying them.

 

[Glenn R. McMannly]

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?

 

[Heinz]

"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

 

[Borderboss]

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.

 

[moonsterman]

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.