Looking for a good book for first time shooter (Smith J Frame)

Opie

March 23, 2006, 05:13 AM

Got my dad his first revolver yesterday, a smith 642 .38 Centennial.

Are there any good books out there dedicated to shooting the J-Frame (or similar) revolvers? He has not fired a gun in about 40 years, so some bathroom reading would probably do him some good.

So far I told him not to buy any ammo yet, and just read the manual and handle the gun until he feels comfortable with it. We will go from there.

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ACP230

March 23, 2006, 11:55 AM

One possiblility is, The Snubby Revolver by Ed Lovette.
You can get it from Paladin Press.

Any book that discusses revolver shooting, including double action shooting, would help. The local used bookstore might have some.

38snapcaps

March 24, 2006, 08:26 AM

I'm a snubnose fan and would love to find a good book on them, but sad to say I don't believe there are any. I bought Lovette's book and it was a major disappointment.

I've found the best reading on snubs can be found right here. I would recommend you doing a search here and print some of the discussions you find for him to read.

March 24, 2006, 10:14 AM

I can't think of a much better gift than a Model 642. It is an OUTSTANDING firearm.

I too recommend The Snubby Revolver by Ed Lovette. Yes, I knew a lot of what he wrote about but for a person 'new' in the business I think it is an excellent book.

A J-frame takes a little more effort to develope expertise. Some people decry the short sight radius but others, especially old timers, are able to handle it.

Practice at ranges of 1-3-5-7 yards. Maybe 10 yards if things are working well. (Of course, some will claim head shot expertise at 100 yards offhand, but what the heck, its the internet.)

Good luck.

RON in PA

March 24, 2006, 02:18 PM

Don't know of any books on shooting the J-frame, but proper DA technique with any revolver are the same. With that said, the J-frames are hard to shoot because of the small grips, short sight radius and heavy recoil. I recommend short duration range sessons with wimpy ammo like generic 130 grain 38 special or 148 grain wadcutter. I carry Speer's 135 grain +P in my 642, but it's a bear to shoot and I limit myself with this ammo. Don't start your Dad off with hot ammo.