Why NO J Frames with 2.5" barrels anymore?

[ArmyCop]

I'd love a S&W 642 Lightweight 38 with a 2.5" barrel and I'd like the 640 and 60 with 2.5" barrels.
I just found out they used to make a 637 lightweight 38 with 2.5 barrel but stopped.
Several other of their revolvers are availible in various barrel lenghts including 2.5 WHY don't they also offer the J Frames in 2.5 anymore?

Just a little rant. Thanks for listening and thanks to anyone who has a good reason they stopped AND is there anyway to get them to offer the 2.5's for J Frames again?

 

[Cal44]

I wonder what length of barrel you need to have a full extractor stroke on a J frame.

It would depend on cartridge with the 38 special guns needed slightly less extractor travel.

The 2 5/8" PC UDR revolvers have that size barrel because it was the minimum needed for full extractor action.

My 242TI has a 2.5" and it's an L frame and only in 38 special and, I think, has sufficient extractor travel for full extraction.

Anyway, extractor action is perhaps one factor.

Seems like a 2.5" J would be a good idea.

 

[CatboatWilly]

I agree (2.5 would be nice) !
I have several 3" J Frames and it is my favorite revolver. Almost the correct size.
The 2.5 sounds like it would be perfect....

 

[steamloco76]

I traded in a nearly new 642-1 with the standard 1 7/8ths inch barrel on this 642-2 2.5 inch as soon as I spied it in my LGS. The 2.5 inch allows an ejector stroke long enough to clear the brass without a sharp rap. I really like the separate pinned front sight too.

 

[ArmyCop]

Exactly what I want! Are there anymore 2.5 barreled 642's out there new or like new?
If I could have my "wants" I'd like a 2.5" barreled;
642, 640 and 60.

I traded in a nearly new 642-1 with the standard 1 7/8ths inch barrel on this 642-2 2.5 inch as soon as I spied it in my LGS. The 2.5 inch allows an ejector stroke long enough to clear the brass without a sharp rap. I really like the separate pinned front sight too.

 

[HarrishMasher]

SW definitely made 637s, 638s, and 642s with 2.5" barrels. You can find them used from time to time.

I think they also made 442s with a 2.5" as well, but not sure. I have seen examples of the others, so I know they have been made

 

[Old cop]

My guess would be they did not sell very well w/the slightly longer barrel. It eliminates pocket carry, the main way many carry their Js.

 

[Otreb]

I wonder what length of barrel you need to have a full extractor stroke on a J frame.

It would depend on cartridge with the 38 special guns needed slightly less extractor travel.

The 2 5/8" PC UDR revolvers have that size barrel because it was the minimum needed for full extractor action.

My 242TI has a 2.5" and it's an L frame and only in 38 special and, I think, has sufficient extractor travel for full extraction.

Anyway, extractor action is perhaps one factor.

Seems like a 2.5" J would be a good idea.

Pretty sure the 242 still needs a good whack on the ejector rod to punch the empties clear. It's not quite long enough. At least that's the case with mine.
I do like the 2.5" j frame though, wish I had jumped on one when they were in stock at my LGS.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

I'm in agreement with those you say we need more 2.5" barrels. Longer sight radius, better extraction, higher velocity (in theory), better (replaceable) front sight. I disagree it negates pocket carry. I think it makes for BETTER pocket carry, since the gun rides higher -- you don't have to dig for it. I'd also like to see S&W once again make the concealed carry J-frames with 3" barrels. It had it's nitch. Like in the M638, with the option of careful aimed single action fire, a 3" barrel would have benefit for those who "country carry".

 

[kaaskop49]

My guess would be they did not sell very well w/the slightly longer barrel. It eliminates pocket carry, the main way many carry their Js.

While kernel crittenden disagrees, I have to go along with Old cop's view. There's another, purely subjective, reason: they LOOK wrong. It's why a Colt DS looks okay with a 2" bbl while the Diamondback, a kissing cousin, looks okay with a 2.5" bbl. It's what I've become accustomed to. And yes, I can barely tolerate the 2 1/8" tube on my .357 Model 60, but I understand why it is, and I can be brave.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[murphydog]

My guess is they never caught on due to them not fitting holsters for 2" guns, and the lack of a (perceived) advantage over same. Due to this, they are headed for collector status soon .

 

[pluggednickle]

There is a 2 1/2" Model 640 at the bigger LGS that I've looked at lovingly more than once...it just seems that they're awful proud of it; $610.

 

[Old cop]

Can someone tell me what "country carry" is?

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Country carry is when you carry concealed, for the normal self defense reasons, but also might have a frequent opportunity to legally discharge your gun while out and about. Say to shoot a rabid animal, kill a fox in the hen house, chase off a scrawny coyote sniffing around your feed lot at 100 yds. Or just entertain yourself when you're bored. Stuff like that.

It's not necessarily farm related. Those are just some examples I can think of. The key concept is: reason to LEGALLY discharge the firearm. There also might be the added factor of LONG RANGE. Longer than a normal concealed carry encounter. This all implies you would be well outside city limits.

City carry you NEVER have a reason to discharge, or even pull out, your gun unless it's a possible life or death situation. And rarely are you justified to shoot at "long range" (what ever that means). To do otherwise could put YOU in jail.

 

[Garintheair]

I just picked up a 36-1 RB today and took it to the range; AWESOME little shooter!! All of my J frames are 1 7/8 and I really didn't expect that much difference in handling..

There were three 3" 36's around my area which I looked at. While at one LGS there was what I was told a 3" model 442. I looked at it briefly and handed it back; it was used but looked in mint condition. Asking price was $389.00.

Could this have been a 2.5" 442? I'll have to go back and look at it more closely.

Gary

 

[Cal44]

Well the head j-hound may be barely able to tolerate his 2 1/8" m60, but I think my 3" full underlug adjustable sight m60 just looks right.

A mini-686.

Dave

 

[NE450No2]

I have used a S&W Airweight 38 Special Bodyguard, or a Centennial as a No2/backup gun since 1972.

I have never had a 3" 38 J frame, but I have always thought they would make a great lightweight holster gun. [I just cannot carry any handgun under 44 cal as a primary..., so the standard 1 7/8" barrel J frame is better for me].

I have used a 4" J frame 22LR Kit gun since the mid 1970's.

IF I WAS a 38 Special kind of guy I would have a 3" Chief, and now that they are avialable a 357 Mag J frame, with adjustable sights for my Country Carry revolver. And yes I live in the country...

Also CCI/Speer 38 Special shotshells are very handy for snakes around your chickens.
Just ask my wife.

Also a couple of guys and their wives, on my deer lease, have started carrying 3" or 4" small framed 38 or 357 revolvers, with the first 2 rounds or so loaded with shotshells, as we have a lot of snakes around camp. They find them most useful.

These small revolvers are so small/light/handy that they are easy to carry, even for people that are not really into the CHL in town thing...

 

[camsdaddy]

I have not shot or even handled a 2.5" J frame. I like the idea. I have strongly considered a 3" J frame I simply like the fact the 2.5" is a fixed sighted gun.

 

[ArmyCop]

I actually have a S&W Model 60 Pro with 3" Barrel and it's great - but - if it were only 1/2" shorter of a barrel I'd be able to pocket carry it AND it'd even fit my ankle holster. Probably wouldn't ankle carry it but it would be nice if it'd fit in pocket where I mostly carry.

I have not shot or even handled a 2.5" J frame. I like the idea. I have strongly considered a 3" J frame I simply like the fact the 2.5" is a fixed sighted gun.

 

[Coaltminer]

Dunno, thought they were perfect with the shrouded ejector and longer stroke. Wasn't a snubbie, end of story. Shame, because the 3" K frames sell like crazy. Never saw any in LGS, but I'd have bought one in 637 or 638. Most people have no idea of what they want anyway. They read the gun rags and that's the extent of their knowledge.