Curious about carrying a handgun in your life & don't know where to start... try here-

LuckyDuck

LuckyDuck

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    • Nov 4, 2020
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    #1
    Image



    The humble S&W J-Frame revolver.

    This particular handgun gives you a baseline and answers the proverbial mail on the below criteria...

    1- is of small & light enough stature that you can carry with various wardrobes
    2- is of a sufficient caliber (38 Special -> 357 MAG) to stop a threat
    3- has significant aftermarket support for things such as holsters, sights, etc
    4-is of a design that's readily proven to be reliable. Run a box of 50 through it and if you can do so without issues- you're likely going to be ok.


    There's plenty of other options out there but I'd argue that the J-Frame still is as relevant today as it was in decades past (heck likely even more so given bullet advancements).

    -LD
     
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    #2
    LuckyDuck said:
    Image



    The humble S&W J-Frame revolver.

    This particular handgun gives you a baseline and answers the proverbial mail on the below criteria...

    1- is of small & light enough stature that you can carry with various wardrobes
    2- is of a sufficient caliber (38 Special -> 357 MAG) to stop a threat
    3- has significant aftermarket support for things such as holsters, sights, etc
    4-is of a design that's readily proven to be reliable. Run a box of 50 through it and if you can do so without issues- you're likely going to be ok.


    There's plenty of other options out there but I'd argue that the J-Frame still is as relevant today as it was in decades past (heck likely even more so given bullet advancements).

    -LD
    Click to expand...
    My wife carries a 6 shot 32 H&R Mag j-frame and I carried one myself long ago. They fit beautifully in a pocket, but the sights are awful. We put a Crimson Trace laser guard on it that helps tremendously in low light. I really wished the rear sight was more pronounced, replaceable and maybe fire sight in front.

    It is still good, but behind the times for sights and optics.
     
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    #3
    I only carry a J-frame as a primary within walking distances from my home.

    That said, statistics say that it is all the gun you will ever need in virtually any self-defense situation.

    If you are comfortable with it and live a low risk lifestyle, I think you'll be fine.
     
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    #5
    J frames are probably the easiest guns to carry due to the way everything on them is rounded off. I don't remember who made it, but I bought a tuckable kydex holster with a single belt clip that I can easily put on/take off without removing my belt, and I carry it that way a lot more than I do in a pocket holster. I usually carry it in the 10:30-11:00 position on my belt (I'm left handed). I also carry it in a coat pocket in the winter time as a more accessible secondary to a larger gun on my belt. And the 3rd way I carry it is in the front part of my Hill People Gear kit bag loaded with rat shot in case I need to use it on a copperhead while roaming around the hunting club in the off season.

    The trade off for the simplicity and convenience is that they are much harder to shoot accurately than something like a P365, Shield, or Glock 43. Also only 5 rounds on tap and slower to reload.
     
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    #7
    About the same as a revolver with exposed hammer in double-action... I think my little J-frame trigger pull is probably like 8-10 lbs, I haven't done anything to attempt to lighten it up, I'm sure a guy could if he were so inclined.
     
    #8
    Redlion said:
    I have only ever had revolvers with hammers. What is the trigger pull like on a hammerless revolver?
    Click to expand...
    No different than the S&Ws with hammers firing in double action. I had mine worked over to lighten it a bit to about 5-6 pounds.

    It isn't that difficult to shoot well at distances less than 7 yards.
     
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    #10
    When I carry a J Frame, it's pocket carry with a Milt Sparks pocket holster............It only replaces my WC EDC when I'm wearing shorts to the grocery store, or only doing a drive thru to the gas station, or PO............only good for up close and personal ...............
     
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    #11
    I don't have a S&W J frame ,but do have a compact revolver the charter arms 44 spl bulldog pug , it has the bobbed hammer , full ejector shroud and ramped frt sight, I've had it for over 30 yrs, and it used to be my CCW until I got a g27 , now it's regulated to snake gun with rat shot , I like the fact that the 44spl is a very potent round , I recently got a ISW holster for it ,it was on sale for like 8 $ , so I thought WTH , I think I gave less than 200$ for it brand new from the LGS , 1987 IIRC. at 10 yrds I can keep all 5 rds inside of 6 inches with Winchester silver HP's , it's been a reliable gun , although I don't shot it much anymore.
     

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    #13
    It seems funny that the thread is about carry in general, but has only focused on J-frames. Even the people who like them seem to put qualifiers on it like, low expectations of danger.

    Back when they were more popular, it was for good reason. Most of the tiny automatics jammed a lot or shot 25ACP. Seacamp was expensive and was almost reliable with silvertips, PPK slide bloodied anyone with big hands, etc. many of the compacts then were all steel and very heavy.

    But from about the time of the Glock 26 there were better options, today much better for most people.

    Today the 380ACP and 9mm single stacks are reliable, flat and better trigger/ sights. The double stacks have a lot more firepower and many can use a red dot.

    Not saying there isn't well deserved love for the J-frames, but it has competition. I still recommend them for inexperienced shooters for the simple operation and heavy long trigger pull that suits the skill level. But, anyone who will practice routinely, semi-auto.
     
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    #14
    Marinevet1 said:
    When I carry a J Frame, it's pocket carry with a Milt Sparks pocket holster............It only replaces my WC EDC when I'm wearing shorts to the grocery store, or only doing a drive thru to the gas station, or PO............only good for up close and personal ...............
    Click to expand...
    In all honesty- that's where I tend to "live" personally with the J frame (in particular the scandium models). I prefer & more often then not carry a larger semi as part of my CCW (I hesitate to say EDC because I seem to change things up by the week) but the J frame/340's are my personal "no excuse" guns.

    I don't think it's just me but sometimes I'm wearing gym shorts & a t-shirt & realize I don't have enough onions for dinner that night and have to make a quick run &/or maybe top off on gas before the morning because I won't have the time/don't want to get up any earlier. That's solid J-frame territory for me.

    I'm sure it wouldn't be endorsed by any of the popular/prominent self defense schools but as it was once famously said "to thy own self be true" and I'm more likely to roll out in my gym shorts to grab milk or whatever stupid thing is needed to finish out my day than to change & where proper pants & a proper belt to carry a proper pistol.

    Laziness- you betcha, but at least I have a handgun on me with the J frame. And that's more than half the battle in my mind.

    -LD
     
    #15
    FWoo45 said:
    A J Frame is a very poor choice for a beginner. There are better guns for the job in just about every scenario, but I'm a sucker for nostalgia and have a couple of old ones. Curious what difference the WC spring kits made?
    Click to expand...
    I don't disagree with you at all that a snub nose isn't the end all be all but I've got to say it fills a niche better than most of the handguns on the market does from a perspective of sufficient caliber/reliabilty (capacity being the expense) as well as statistically (and that's a troublesome term in itself) sufficient carry piece who's presence greatly exceeds the scales of probabilities in the carrier's favor than having the most high speed plastic fantastic at home and left holding their dicks at the gas station when they went out to grab eggs for tomorrow because their awesome pistol required them to change their pants & wear a belt & they just didn't feel like it that day.

    I'm admittedly taking a few liberties/making a few assumptions but for what it's worth- I agree with you that folks should carry what they shoot best (at least on one end of the spectrum we all agree on) & conversely one needs to have a handgun on them for any of the discussions/argument to be relevant (on the opposite end of the spectrum) and I think the humble snobby likely lives (at least it does for me) more on the latter end of the scale.

    Not saying it's the end all/be all- just that it carries real nice and fills that "no excuse" niche better than any other handgun of that stature I've experienced.

    -LD
     
    #16
    Old Man with Gun said:
    It seems funny that the thread is about carry in general, but has only focused on J-frames. Even the people who like them seem to put qualifiers on it like, low expectations of danger.

    Back when they were more popular, it was for good reason. Most of the tiny automatics jammed a lot or shot 25ACP. Seacamp was expensive and was almost reliable with silvertips, PPK slide bloodied anyone with big hands, etc. many of the compacts then were all steel and very heavy.

    But from about the time of the Glock 26 there were better options, today much better for most people.

    Today the 380ACP and 9mm single stacks are reliable, flat and better trigger/ sights. The double stacks have a lot more firepower and many can use a red dot.

    Not saying there isn't well deserved love for the J-frames, but it has competition. I still recommend them for inexperienced shooters for the simple operation and heavy long trigger pull that suits the skill level. But, anyone who will practice routinely, semi-auto.
    Click to expand...
    To be fair-

    This thread by no means needs to be solely based on j-frames. I did try to account for that creep/discussion when I started the post but if I missed the mark I apologize because it wasn't my intention to limit it/present things as the stubbies being the proverbial "end all/be all" I sincerely meant the words I used (I know it's a wild concept to believe words have meaning and try to operate with that mutual understanding) when I said to "start" with j frames.

    That's honestly where I start- that's my "I have no excuse" with this 11+ ounce 340 PD in a sticky holster or something that I can realistically walk around tucked into my underwear and not be encumbered by my "blaster weighing" me down".

    Not the best/only answer just the baseline to build the discussion up from.
     
    #17
    I should have added to my previous remark-

    The closest alternative to a snubby that I've come across is the micro 380's. Some might argue that the micro 9's should count and... ok fair enough.

    I can only speak for myself but when I'm in this particular class of handgun, I'm mainly thinking something I can stuff in my pocket/ waistband and top off my car's tank of gas while still having a viable means of selfdefense of me (especially when I'm feeling lazy and don't want to strap on a "proper" gun).

    On paper- a j frame (642, 442, 340 etc) would appear to be absolutely comparable to say a Glock 43 or 26 (If you aren't a Glock person that's cool but I use those because most other alternatives reference/compare against them) in height, length, & width. But.. that hasn't been my experience & largely weight is the factor that doesn't get spoken of often enough across the internet commandos... dimensions are one thing, shape/profile is another that isn't easily captured online either.

    I've got the S&W Shield, the Glock 43, 43X, 26/33 & I have the j frames (442, 340, 642) & as a random internet stranger who has nothing to gain (but hopefully at least has built some credibility of being authentic over the years) what do I care what one personally prefers. I'm just sharing my thoughts & hopefully demonstrating a measure of experience on what I'm talking about.

    Agree/disagree- all cool with me & we can still can continue to be civil with each other but those be my thoughts/experiences.

    -LD
     
    #18
    I have had at least a dozen J-frame Smiths through the years. I even had a pair of the 9mm revolvers that used moon clips. Alas, like a dumb ass I sold them all before the prices went wonky. Now I have nothing but semi-autos and I don't miss revolvers at all.
     
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    #19
    Ankeny said:
    I have had at least a dozen J-frame Smiths through the years. I even had a pair of the 9mm revolvers that used moon clips. Alas, like a dumb ass I sold them all before the prices went wonky. Now I have nothing but semi-autos and I don't miss revolvers at all.
    Click to expand...
    All's well that ends well I suppose?

    I mean if you don't miss the j-frames, at least to me it sounds like you made the right decision offloading them.

    I think what I'm trying to validate though is the comment about feeling like a "dumb ass" selling them- I'm guessing that's because you could have gotten more if you waited a scotch longer before prices went crazy?

    Last question- not meant to be a challenge either but just as a curiosity more than anything else- what is the smallest semi-auto you have/carry & how many rounds (and what type of rounds) did you run before you came to that conclusion?

    I went down a similar rabbit hole myself with micro 9's & 380's but wanted to hear what you had to say before I dumped my experiences on you & come across like I was dismissing your experience.

    Hope that all makes sense.

    -LD
     
    #20
    When i carry a revolver (which is often) its usually a Kimber K62 with 2" barrel. Its superior to all my pre-lock smiths. My wife carries a 3" s&w 686+ tuned by TK Customs.

    For woods carry we use the Underwood 158 grain HCFN Black Cherry. They are awesome for 38 +ps.

    For regular carry its the 135 grain Speer Gold Dot 38+p's.

    The wife's is also modified to run standard pressure 9mm so she will sometimes carry 124 grain HSTs which she says have less recoil and are more accurate.
     
    #21
    Stats have changed over the years to reflect the rather surprising percentage of attacks with more than one perp, and many of those are armed perps.

    Respectfully, if one is going to carry a gun, it makes more sense to carry a light weight, polymer framed striker or hammer fired pistol that holds at least 10 rounds, rather than a 5 or 6 shot revolver. YMMV
     
    #22
    LuckyDuck said:
    To be fair-

    This thread by no means needs to be solely based on j-frames. I did try to account for that creep/discussion when I started the post but if I missed the mark I apologize because it wasn't my intention to limit it/present things as the stubbies being the proverbial "end all/be all" I sincerely meant the words I used (I know it's a wild concept to believe words have meaning and try to operate with that mutual understanding) when I said to "start" with j frames.

    That's honestly where I start- that's my "I have no excuse" with this 11+ ounce 340 PD in a sticky holster or something that I can realistically walk around tucked into my underwear and not be encumbered by my "blaster weighing" me down".

    Not the best/only answer just the baseline to build the discussion up from.
    Click to expand...
    I'm enjoying this thread and I don't think you were unclear or tried to oversell the J-Frame. Just noticed the conversation hadn't expanded.

    I'm like many with too many guns to choose from, but here are some of my pocket options for when I'm too lazy to go bigger.

    The tiny one top left is a Keltec.32 and is so small and light, my wife will carry it when she goes running. The 32 H&R Mag Snub is her purse gun.

    The S&W Bodyguard with laser gets the most use, I also have the Bodyguard 2.0 that is much nicer, but until somebody makes a laser for it, I keep it in a glove box. I can't carry when I work most of the time visiting clients, but like something to throw in a pocket if need.

    When I'm not lazy the Springfield Hellcat is about as big as I can go in pocket after that I sticking stuff in my waist band.
    PXL_20251023_111548201.jpg
     
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