Would You Ever Swap Out your "J" for One of the Small Autos?

[Hamilton Burger]

Hi Nala,

Like I've said over on GT, I got a XDs .45 when they came out, and it's exactly the same size as my 642. Pretty cool, 6 rounds of .45 in a J-sized package... but a full half-pound heavier!

Thus I find myself still carrying the 642 nine times out of ten.

 

[Beachcomber]

When I started in the police department I was issued a Model 65 revolver and carried a Model 60 as a back-up. As the years progressed my department transitioned through several different calibers of Glock autos (9MM/.40S&W/.45ACP). During this time I had sold my Model 60 and acquired a Model 640 and carried it as a back-up. Upon my retiring I still carry my Model 640 in my pocket and occasionally swap it out for my S&W customized 640-1 that I wear on my belt. I guess it's safe to say that I've always relied on my j-frames and I prefer them over the "smaller" semi-autos.

To me, the S&W j-frames are the "original point and click" handguns of the personal carry world.

 

[Mark6005]

My 442 slips in any pants pocket and now wearing shorts but not changing guns. However I do have this thing for a sig p238 and recently saw a p938 I liked. They're pretty proud of those price wise. I'm a steel gun fan

 

[M1A]

Nope! Never saw a 100% small semi auto.

 

[KertP]

Snubbie for EDC

The 2 guns I have settled on as my EDC are a Model 642 and a 9MM Shield. I carry the 642 when I tuck my shirt in and pocket carry and carry my Shield when I carry IWB. I love both handguns and shoot either really well. Both handguns carry well and both are comfortable to shoot well.

FWIW, I used to carry a Kahr K40 in IWB. I love that gun, and still have it, but the Shield is, I believe, even better for me. Even when I carried the Kahr, my 642 was my pocket carry gun.

Basically, I pocket carry in warm weather, and IWB in cool weather. During the seasons in-between, i carry whichever one suits me for the day. I never feel under-gunned with either gun, but then I don't go many places where I would expect to run into multiple assailants. If I did, I would carry my full-size M&P 40 or my Browning HP.

Cheers,
KertP

 

[BE Mike]

Nope! Never saw a 100% small semi auto.

No 100% revolvers either.

 

[kraynky]

My most comfortable carry gun is a "J", any of them really. I use the DeSantis Clip Grip and a holster similar to a Remora. The DeSantis does not require a holster really, but it makes it more comfy as well as protecting the finish of the gun from perspiration.

As mentioned here somewhere before, the Remora style holster is very comfortable, so much so that you can (I did) forget it's there until you hear it hit the floor. Luckily I was at home after work and slipping into my sweat pants when I heard it thump on the carpeted floor. The clip of the grip keeps it in place if I ever get that forgetful again.

There are times that I want to mix it up a bit and go with an auto. Then it's the 3913 or the 4040PD, the two smallest autos I currently own. If I had to stay with just one or the other for some unforeseen reason, I'd choose the "J".

 

[S&W Fan]

Yup, my Shield has replaced my 60 for 90% of the times I want something small. I only carry on the waist so no concerns over pocket draw. I'm more accurate and faster with the Shield (using Federal 124 HST ammo btw), and for me that was the deciding factor. No issues once I changed the way I gripped it-that foible was discovered at the range.

Truthfully though there are plenty of times since I got my 2.5" 66-1 that I carry it.

If I was limited to pocket carry then my 60 would get the call-gee how's that for being ambiguous LOL.

 

[Sawfish]

A word of caution on using the Remora (sticky type) holsters that don't have a belt loop/clip.

They work very well and are real comfortable, so comfortable in fact that you forget you have one in your waist band. At some point, when "dropping your draws", you'll get a reminder in the form of a "splash" or "clanking/clattering" noise which is somewhat unnerving.

Paul

Good to know. I will take my shoulder holster when visiting my Wife's "back to nature" brother who still uses an outdoor privy.

 

[Lt JL]

I'm picking up a Glock 43 tomorrow, so I'll let everybody know. I have carried a J frame daily for almost 40 years. I'm going to try this out.

 

[Kevin J.]

I cut my teeth on revolvers, when I was 18 a Colt Python was my first handgun. Carried a model 15 as my duty weapon for many years but now in my "older" age I have switched to a Kahr PM9 and or CW380 depending on the situation, weather, dress, ect. I still love my J frames and other revolvers but today they are my nightstand and range guns. The Kahrs carry IWB so much easier, have a nice smooth long double action trigger (feels good to a revolver guy IMO) and are a dependable solid shooter. The J frames are like an old girlfriend, still like them and remember all the good times but I have moved on.

 

[Otreb]

I don't trust tiny auto pistols, I stick with the revolver for pocket artillery.

 

[KQ1V]

No way, brother

I've been collecting S&W stainless wheel guns since 1990. My first weapon was the M67-2, which was the standard weapon for the Braintree Auxiliary Police... I qualified with it and did pretty well. I left Braintree and went to Randolph Auxiliary where I volunteered 12 hours per week, and I upgraded to a M64, a few months later M65, and eventually M686. Our service ammo was 158 grain, semi-wadcutter lead, which I believe is the old "FBI Load." Off duty, I used to carry a M60 but as I've gotten older I've purchased a M637 Airweight which is a pleasure to fire, rather accurate, and is a pleasure to carry due to its low weight and +P capability. Of all the wheel guns I've owned I only kept the M67 Combat Masterpiece which is a fun utility/range weapon. I, sounds funny, do not want multiple calibers... getting ammunition in Massachusetts can be a hassle, lots of 9 mm, .40, and .45 but .38 Special is harder to find. I really enjoy S&W products and have only owned one other wheel gun, a Ruger Speed Six; I got rid of that becuase it always made a rattling sound.

Two weeks ago, I did handle the Bodyguard and was impressed it fit in my big ole mitt; however, under pressure, I'll stick with a S&W wheel anyday.

 

[mule69]

The worst mistake I ever made was trading my J frame for a 380 pocket pistol. I now love revolvers more than ever.

 

[Frank V]

Lot's of folks are fans of the J frames!!!

 

[mike from st pete]

I switch between a M60 and a Glock26 depending on what I'm wearing.
(clothing wise)

 

[Old cop]

In spite of what I've posted before, the more I shoot the M&P .380 (600 +) the more I am reconsidering. It's amazingly accurate out to 40 feet and the only malfunction was a stovepipe that was self induced. I was shooting one handed, unsupported w/my weak (right) hand. The last round in the mag hung up in the breach as I dropped the mag to reload and this was most likely a limp wrist thing. I cleared it quickly and kept on shooting.

Very warm weather is just around the corner and the little .380 is a joy to pocket carry.

 

[SW340PD]

Would You Ever Swap Out your "J" for One of the Small Autos?

I switched from a small auto to the 340PD. I wanted/needed a lighter weight concealed carry handgun. In part, the decision to change was a personal need to have a more reliable means of self defense. Maybe it's only my perception but I'm happy with the results. I get more confident with each trip to the range.

 

[scruffy]

I added a Ruger LCP for easy summer pocket carry a few weeks ago. Great little carry weapon when it shoots. Several failures to go fully into battery over 350 rounds. Played with lightly polishing the feed ramp and a 12 lb Wolf spring kit. Wasn't the ammo, mags or me. Back to my 442 in an Uncle Mikes pocket holster for appendix carry in summer. Sorry, but my number one requirement of a self defense gun is reliability. That bottom line is why I'll never trade the 442 (or my .38 Model 60) for any small autos.

 

[wheelgunguy]

Not tempted even a little bit. I am confident in my 642 and in myself firing it. I carry one reload in a speed strip. If that's not enough fire power well then I'm going to be under gunned. It's all about compromises and I am more than happy with the advantages and disadvantages of my decision.