As already said 340pd. The lightest and is my favorite but not cheap. I can handle and have fired 14 rounds of the 357 gdsb but prefer 38 special hp. It's easier to get back on target, less flash, and more accurate for me. After 14 rounds of the 357 I was ready to go back to the 38 special. I found my 357 dgsb on gunbroker.
You're Gettin' a J Frame....38 or 357...Your Pick??
- Thread starter Nalapombu
- Start date
which S&W snub?
Which snubbie Smith and Wesson? I've had 38 special J frames forever. Now I have 442w.crimson trace grips, original 640 w. crimson trace grips and a new 640 pro in 357, Also have the Ruger SP101 in 357. anyone of them with serve you well. I like the ;357 chambering ;but usually carry 135 speer gold dots in all of them. If in the woods I carry the Ruger with 158gr Federal H.P. Also love the three inch K frames if you can find one Have a 3 65, 3" 66 and 3" carry comp. love them all but would sell the others and keep the 65 for carrying concealed. Sgt bubba
Which snubbie Smith and Wesson? I've had 38 special J frames forever. Now I have 442w.crimson trace grips, original 640 w. crimson trace grips and a new 640 pro in 357, Also have the Ruger SP101 in 357. anyone of them with serve you well. I like the ;357 chambering ;but usually carry 135 speer gold dots in all of them. If in the woods I carry the Ruger with 158gr Federal H.P. Also love the three inch K frames if you can find one Have a 3 65, 3" 66 and 3" carry comp. love them all but would sell the others and keep the 65 for carrying concealed. Sgt bubba
2 J's
I recently got my hands on a 640 Pro Series which I think is great. The tritium sights really makes for some good accurate shooting. Being a little heaver it handles +P and magnum rounds real well. The moon clips work real well also.
I have had a 340 PD for almost 10 years. I like it for pocket carry and as a New York Reload for my 640. The Crimson Trace Laser Grips and the 24/7 XS sights set it off but its not one you can really enjoy running mags through.
I recently got my hands on a 640 Pro Series which I think is great. The tritium sights really makes for some good accurate shooting. Being a little heaver it handles +P and magnum rounds real well. The moon clips work real well also.
I have had a 340 PD for almost 10 years. I like it for pocket carry and as a New York Reload for my 640. The Crimson Trace Laser Grips and the 24/7 XS sights set it off but its not one you can really enjoy running mags through.
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2013
- Messages
- 2
- Reaction score
- 0
J Frame consideration
Having started my LEO career with revolvers in the 70's I always enjoyed their no nonsense straight forward ease of use.
Then for many years I grew accustomed to the semi-autos and felt very comfortable with them .
Upon retirement and wanting to have a light (must be concealed) weapon the glock just didn't cut it.
Went back to a revolver and chose the 638 with Critical Defense 38 +P. Have a very comfortable Galco ankle rig which is not noticeable.
Having started my LEO career with revolvers in the 70's I always enjoyed their no nonsense straight forward ease of use.
Then for many years I grew accustomed to the semi-autos and felt very comfortable with them .
Upon retirement and wanting to have a light (must be concealed) weapon the glock just didn't cut it.
Went back to a revolver and chose the 638 with Critical Defense 38 +P. Have a very comfortable Galco ankle rig which is not noticeable.
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2009
- Messages
- 41
- Reaction score
- 32
J Frame Recommendation
Wow. Lots of good information to digest! Thanks to all who contributed their hard won knowledge and experience. Especially liked the pictures of the nuclear fireball from the hot ammo!
I have a Model 60 and a Model 37. They are both superb sidearms in .38 special and two inch barrel configurations. However, I am still looking for a .357 Model 60 with three inch barrel and adjustable sights. The longer barrel gives you a lot more muzzle velocity and kinetic energy, plus a longer sighting plane. The adjustable sights are just superior to the little slot and spot on the standard snubs. This is an important factor with older eyes. One other element to consider is the stocks. As an older guy with mild arthritis, I find the Pachmayr Compac model outstanding. The stocks fit my large hands and help absorb the pain of practice.
Wow. Lots of good information to digest! Thanks to all who contributed their hard won knowledge and experience. Especially liked the pictures of the nuclear fireball from the hot ammo!
I have a Model 60 and a Model 37. They are both superb sidearms in .38 special and two inch barrel configurations. However, I am still looking for a .357 Model 60 with three inch barrel and adjustable sights. The longer barrel gives you a lot more muzzle velocity and kinetic energy, plus a longer sighting plane. The adjustable sights are just superior to the little slot and spot on the standard snubs. This is an important factor with older eyes. One other element to consider is the stocks. As an older guy with mild arthritis, I find the Pachmayr Compac model outstanding. The stocks fit my large hands and help absorb the pain of practice.
hugostiglitz
Member
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2013
- Messages
- 8
- Reaction score
- 0
J frame suggestion
I know it's controversial, but I had my 340PD ported (Magna port). With 357 ammo, recoil is noticeably reduced and my follow up shots are more accurate. There is a small reduction in muzzle velocity and the increased flash is not a problem for me even in low light conditions.
I also added Pachmayr decelerator grips...slightly longer but more comfortable, especially if you have large hands.
I know it's controversial, but I had my 340PD ported (Magna port). With 357 ammo, recoil is noticeably reduced and my follow up shots are more accurate. There is a small reduction in muzzle velocity and the increased flash is not a problem for me even in low light conditions.
I also added Pachmayr decelerator grips...slightly longer but more comfortable, especially if you have large hands.
I was looking at an LCP 380 for pocket carry and was introduced to the J-frame - I never looked back.
I chose the 638 w/ CT grips because I wanted DA/SA, a gun I could carry all the time, and one I could pull and fire from the hip as necessary (hence the laser grips).
I sort of wish I had gone .357, but when I start to question the power of that .38+P, I run a few cylinders and it brings me back to reality.
The 38 is enough for me, also I figure if cops stayed alive and caught the bad guy using a .38 for over 80 years, well ...
I chose the 638 w/ CT grips because I wanted DA/SA, a gun I could carry all the time, and one I could pull and fire from the hip as necessary (hence the laser grips).
I sort of wish I had gone .357, but when I start to question the power of that .38+P, I run a few cylinders and it brings me back to reality.
The 38 is enough for me, also I figure if cops stayed alive and caught the bad guy using a .38 for over 80 years, well ...
Like everything, your preferences matter and we can't answer that for you. But since you asked, you obviously want to know what our preferences are.
I bought a 640-1 which is an older model .357 magnum shrouded hammer J-frame. The shrouded hammer is definitely better for concealment, especially in an ankle holster where a hammer spur can catch on clothing. But you lose the single action pull. This can be mitigated by replacing the rebound spring and smoothing the surfaces around the rebound slide and hammer. This is not hard to do yourself, but if you mess it up, you can easily destroy the pistol. I would never recommend using a lighter mainspring because this will increase the chances of a light primer strike. An extended firing pin doesn't always solve this problem.
I have carried it in an ankle holster, and it is heavy enough to change the way you walk. It will also noticeably distort the shape of a jacket pocket. It is fairly comfortable in an IWB holster, but with the large cylinder it will never be as comfortable as a semi-auto.
As with any J-frame, your accuracy is limited by the short sight axis and poor sights. But with practice you will easily be able to hit a man in the chest at 7-10 yards. I have Crimson Trace grips on mine, but I never recommend relying on a laser for a handgun. It is there for times when my ability to aim through the sights is compromised.
I bought the .357 magnum precisely because it can fire .357 magnum, .38 special, and .38 special +P. The extra weight and strength of the gun is desirable for durability. Frankly, firing .357 magnum rounds out of this pistol is awful. The first round stings, the second round hurts, and the third round really hurts. If you use it at night against an attacker, you will be deaf and blind after the first shot although not as bad off as the poor sucker on the other end of this thing.
But I have the choice to load it with three different types of rounds. Right now it is loaded with .38 special +P. If I found myself out of ammo and the first box I found was .357, I won't be out of luck. For me, versatility in ammo is a HIGH priority. For example, I have a conversion barrel for my .40 cal to 9mm so I can use either ammo type. Similary, .357 gives me options while a .38 special does not.
In my view, the ONLY reason to buy an airweight is if you absolutely cannot stand to carry a heavier piece. After all, a handgun is of no use to you if you are not carrying it. And a .38 special was used as a self-defense round for decades. If a few shots is all you need and you rarely need them, then why not go for the lightweight pea shooter. As pea shooters go, .38 special is the Queen and 9mm is the King.
Just don't expect spectacular results from this under-powered cartridge. A .357 magnum is near the top of the man-killing effects range while .38 special is near the bottom along with 9mm. Handguns kill by damaging major organs and opening up blood vessels. A larger round gives you a greater chance of doing this. ALL handguns are under-powered compared to the devastating effects of rifles and shotguns.
While I value my .357 snubbie and wouldn't part with it, my go-to gun for concealed carry would likely be my Kahr K-40. The 40 cal is near the top of man-killing capability, and the Kahr is a flat, lightweight weapon. My Glock 23, also in .40 cal, would be next. I have no worries about their reliability.
Revolvers have an exaggerated reputation for reliability. I assure you that my many revolvers have and will fail from time to time. In most cases, you just have to pull the trigger again, but if a revolver does jam, you might as well use it like a rock.
The best reason for using a revolver is to leave no shell casings behind. I'll leave it up to you to decide whether that is important to you.
I bought a 640-1 which is an older model .357 magnum shrouded hammer J-frame. The shrouded hammer is definitely better for concealment, especially in an ankle holster where a hammer spur can catch on clothing. But you lose the single action pull. This can be mitigated by replacing the rebound spring and smoothing the surfaces around the rebound slide and hammer. This is not hard to do yourself, but if you mess it up, you can easily destroy the pistol. I would never recommend using a lighter mainspring because this will increase the chances of a light primer strike. An extended firing pin doesn't always solve this problem.
I have carried it in an ankle holster, and it is heavy enough to change the way you walk. It will also noticeably distort the shape of a jacket pocket. It is fairly comfortable in an IWB holster, but with the large cylinder it will never be as comfortable as a semi-auto.
As with any J-frame, your accuracy is limited by the short sight axis and poor sights. But with practice you will easily be able to hit a man in the chest at 7-10 yards. I have Crimson Trace grips on mine, but I never recommend relying on a laser for a handgun. It is there for times when my ability to aim through the sights is compromised.
I bought the .357 magnum precisely because it can fire .357 magnum, .38 special, and .38 special +P. The extra weight and strength of the gun is desirable for durability. Frankly, firing .357 magnum rounds out of this pistol is awful. The first round stings, the second round hurts, and the third round really hurts. If you use it at night against an attacker, you will be deaf and blind after the first shot although not as bad off as the poor sucker on the other end of this thing.
But I have the choice to load it with three different types of rounds. Right now it is loaded with .38 special +P. If I found myself out of ammo and the first box I found was .357, I won't be out of luck. For me, versatility in ammo is a HIGH priority. For example, I have a conversion barrel for my .40 cal to 9mm so I can use either ammo type. Similary, .357 gives me options while a .38 special does not.
In my view, the ONLY reason to buy an airweight is if you absolutely cannot stand to carry a heavier piece. After all, a handgun is of no use to you if you are not carrying it. And a .38 special was used as a self-defense round for decades. If a few shots is all you need and you rarely need them, then why not go for the lightweight pea shooter. As pea shooters go, .38 special is the Queen and 9mm is the King.
Just don't expect spectacular results from this under-powered cartridge. A .357 magnum is near the top of the man-killing effects range while .38 special is near the bottom along with 9mm. Handguns kill by damaging major organs and opening up blood vessels. A larger round gives you a greater chance of doing this. ALL handguns are under-powered compared to the devastating effects of rifles and shotguns.
While I value my .357 snubbie and wouldn't part with it, my go-to gun for concealed carry would likely be my Kahr K-40. The 40 cal is near the top of man-killing capability, and the Kahr is a flat, lightweight weapon. My Glock 23, also in .40 cal, would be next. I have no worries about their reliability.
Revolvers have an exaggerated reputation for reliability. I assure you that my many revolvers have and will fail from time to time. In most cases, you just have to pull the trigger again, but if a revolver does jam, you might as well use it like a rock.
The best reason for using a revolver is to leave no shell casings behind. I'll leave it up to you to decide whether that is important to you.
Last edited:
You, sir, are a man after my own heart. Around the house and within a few miles of our home in a quiet neighborhood, a 642-1 (no lock) with a Titanium cylinder is my faithful, 38 special companion.
I concur, especially on longer errands and while on my bike! But, substitute a Kahr PM40 for your K-40. It has all of the good ballistics, most of the good handling of the "K", and is as light as your 640-1.
Note: This is not an attempt at to "one up" Mr. POWinCA.
Had I not stumbled upon my choices at good prices, mostly via private sales, my choices might have matched his more closely.
M3Stuart
Member
+1 on the 642-1 pro series with moonclips in .38 Special. That's what I use. I also have a pre-lock 60-9 but find I don't carry it much. (that's a 2 1/8th inch stainless model 60 chambered for .357). I sold my 36 after I got the 642 because I wasn't carrying it anymore.
If you are seriously thinking of a S&W 340 PD please read this post on The Gun Zone - it changed my mine about getting one- I went with a standard exposed hammer J-Frame in stainless chambered for .38 Special instead: The Gun Zone -- S&W Model 340PD
hugostiglitz
Member
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2013
- Messages
- 8
- Reaction score
- 0
While I value my .357 snubbie and wouldn't part with it, my go-to gun for concealed carry would likely be my Kahr K-40. The 40 cal is near the top of man-killing capability, and the Kahr is a flat, lightweight weapon. My Glock 23, also in .40 cal, would be next. I have no worries about their reliability.
Revolvers have an exaggerated reputation for reliability. I assure you that my many revolvers have and will fail from time to time. In most cases, you just have to pull the trigger again, but if a revolver does jam, you might as well use it like a rock.
The best reason for using a revolver is to leave no shell casings behind. I'll leave it up to you to decide whether that is important to you.[/QUOTE]
Another good option is the single stack Springfield XD-s .45. Very reliable, easy to carry and nobody questions the stopping power of the .45 acp round.
Revolvers have an exaggerated reputation for reliability. I assure you that my many revolvers have and will fail from time to time. In most cases, you just have to pull the trigger again, but if a revolver does jam, you might as well use it like a rock.
The best reason for using a revolver is to leave no shell casings behind. I'll leave it up to you to decide whether that is important to you.[/QUOTE]
Another good option is the single stack Springfield XD-s .45. Very reliable, easy to carry and nobody questions the stopping power of the .45 acp round.
I'm not as sophistocated or experienced as most here but the first J frame I bought was a new 640 (38) when they were first introduced. Due to my large mits, I found some oversize target grips to put on it and to tell the truth, I've never since had a reason to want to try something else. I guess it feels perfect in my hand and shoots well so what more is there? For 357's I have a 4" 686 (which I absolutely adore) and a 6" 28 that I bought while in college. If I'd have known then what I know now, it too would have been a 4".
J-Frames have their place. I don't have one, but my mother has a 638 that I bought for her, fitted with a Crimson Trace. Its lite weight and has an easy to pull trigger, which she prefers at the age of 79 years old, and sleeps with it under her pillow. She has never been broken into, but lives well out in the country and with the economy being what it is, she's more comfortable. Her sugar jar has a Charter Arms .38 Spl +P as well. She has more, but the 638 is her favorite and being that the longest room in her home is about 14', her 2.5" 638 fitted with a CT, loaded with 130 grain Winchester PDX1 Defenders will more than do the job, should the need ever present itself. All that she needs to do if someone enters uninvited, is paint the red dot, and be in control of the situation before they have a chance to. I have two sisters that have Ruger LCR .38 Spls, and yet another sister that has a 4" Model 57 .41 magnum that I gave her and she just loves. I personally don't take a fancy to J-Frames, but they have their place for good reasons.
My advice is to find what you are most comfortable with, get to know it through practice. I take my mother and sisters out onto my property quarterly to practice. After deer season ends, so as not to mess with fellow hunters, it will be time to take them out again.
My advice is to find what you are most comfortable with, get to know it through practice. I take my mother and sisters out onto my property quarterly to practice. After deer season ends, so as not to mess with fellow hunters, it will be time to take them out again.
Last edited:
Thanks everyone for the info and advice. I really like hearing about all the different opinions and experiences you all have. Before I started this thread I thought the 638 was probably at the top of my list. The Scandium revolvers are nice, but way too expensive these days. I also like the 649 in 357 where I could comfortably shoot 38 +P. I don't think I would use any 357 rounds in a J Frame.
Seeing mention of the Kahr K40 that reminds me of a Kahr that I really liked. One time I handled one for a bit and thought it would make a heck of a carry piece. It was the PM9. At the time I didn't think you could get a better carry piece. Since then I have thought about others. I don't think there is a "perfect" carry piece. Everyone has different tastes and preferences.
I do like the idea of having a 9mm semi at 16 ounces that has a known reliability in it. Don't know about the Springfield XDs right now with the recall and all. I will say that when I handled one for the first time I thought it was one of the neatest pistols I have ever handled. That 45ACP version would be a pocket full for sure.
SO many guns...not enough money.....
Keep the info and pics coming everyone.
Thanks again.
Nalajr
Seeing mention of the Kahr K40 that reminds me of a Kahr that I really liked. One time I handled one for a bit and thought it would make a heck of a carry piece. It was the PM9. At the time I didn't think you could get a better carry piece. Since then I have thought about others. I don't think there is a "perfect" carry piece. Everyone has different tastes and preferences.
I do like the idea of having a 9mm semi at 16 ounces that has a known reliability in it. Don't know about the Springfield XDs right now with the recall and all. I will say that when I handled one for the first time I thought it was one of the neatest pistols I have ever handled. That 45ACP version would be a pocket full for sure.
SO many guns...not enough money.....
Keep the info and pics coming everyone.
Thanks again.
Nalajr
Mediumbore
Member
I went through a similar decision-making process a couple years ago. Ended up getting the M&P340 based on the highly visible front night sight and the ammo versatility. For the extra 2-3 ounces over the PD, you lose the restriction to jacketed ammo and the limitations on light bullet loads some of the extreme examples carry. Cushioned rubber grips allow the use of Magnums, though I would only use them if they were all I could get. Mostly use Nyclad +P's and Speer 135 +P Gold Dots.
Here's something interesting I found out ... I carry a 638 w/ Speer GD 135 short-barrel and am well satisfied. But have always lusted over the .357 and now have access to a new Mod 60 (2.125" barrel).
But then I look at ballistics from a 2" barrel and find the .357 is not much better than the .38+P (like 100 fps and 60 more ft/lbs). I also looked at Buffalo Bore, Double Tap, and CorBon, and all these super hot rounds in .38+P again match closely the performance of the .357 because the 2" barrel won't let the round reach its potential in fps or ft/lbs (I read a 4" barrel is about minimum for the .357 to achieve it). I did not look at penetration, but feel that probably falls in line with the speed and energy.
I also looked at rolling my own and find I can petty much match the .357 2" barrel performance out of my 638.
So am I right or wrong here? Does this end the endless discussion of .38 vs .357 in a 2" barrel?
But then I look at ballistics from a 2" barrel and find the .357 is not much better than the .38+P (like 100 fps and 60 more ft/lbs). I also looked at Buffalo Bore, Double Tap, and CorBon, and all these super hot rounds in .38+P again match closely the performance of the .357 because the 2" barrel won't let the round reach its potential in fps or ft/lbs (I read a 4" barrel is about minimum for the .357 to achieve it). I did not look at penetration, but feel that probably falls in line with the speed and energy.
I also looked at rolling my own and find I can petty much match the .357 2" barrel performance out of my 638.
So am I right or wrong here? Does this end the endless discussion of .38 vs .357 in a 2" barrel?
LOL! It sounds like you believe one opinion is going to end that debate? Not likely. Maybe for you, but certainly not for everybody. Many others have come to the same conclusion that you did - and may others still disagree. The debate goes on...
Just as 38s can be loaded hotter to approximate 357 ballistics, I assume the 357 can be "heated up" a bit to achieve higher velocities and muzzle energies as well. I haven't looked into it myself, but it seems like a logical assumption.
Even if that is not the case, I would personally chose the 357 over the 38 (and even pay a little more for it) just for the flexibility of more ammo choices.
I was being a little silly in speculating the debate was settled - I have never seen any debate on any gun forum ever really end :>)
I agree that probably the best advantage is the multiple choice of ammo - good point.
I agree the .357 can likely be hopped up a bit also. I guess my surprise was in discovering the 1100-1200 fps and 400+ ft/lbs is only achieved in 4" or longer barrels. Or at least that is what the numbers say.
And those numbers were why I was considering a .357 -- I have a buddy with a GP100 and that thing makes the dust fly. Figured I could get that from a Mod 60.
I'll say this: if I go into .357 now, it will probably be a 686 plus with a barrel that is much longer.
.357
I prefer low end .357s or ++P .38s so I'd just get .357
I prefer low end .357s or ++P .38s so I'd just get .357
Similar threads
- Locked
Sold/Withdrawn
TK Custom J Frame .38/.357 Moon Clip Loading Tool
Latest posts
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
FINLAND - The Winter War 1939 -> NATO member 2023 - general matter about Finland- Latest: S&WshooterFIN
-
-
-
-
