Is the J-Frame "enough gun"?
- Thread starter MikePGS
- Start date
- Status
christcorp
Member
Some really great advice here. Well, except for the comment; "Unless the J-Frame is your only option, the revolver is an obsolete museum piece. There are far better guns to trust your life with". Revolvers by nature are more "Trustworthy" for your life than a sem-auto. Don't get me wrong; my favorite gun to carry and shoot is my SigSauer P220 45acp. Arguably one of the best semi-auto's available in the entire world. But with any Semi-auto, you take a risk of it jamming, stovepiping, not feeding properly, etc...
Then there's the "Oh-****" factor when you heart is beating crazy. Your breathing is on the verge of hyperventilating. Where whether you want to admit it or not, you are scared. Then you have to remember; "Did I jack a round in the chamber"? "Is the safety on"? Along side with all the other questions that race through your mind. A semi-auto is a very distracting gun for the average person. No, the revolver isn't obsolete or a museum piece. For the average person, the revolver is the better choice. For those who's egos think they are Bruce Willis or Steven Segal and think that life is Hollywood and they are single handedly going to take on 10 bad guys and save their neighborhood, nothing anyone says will matter to these folks. They will walk around with their semi-auto and probably 5 clips. Probably with a 380 BU on their ankle and another one in the glove box. That's OK. Most of us on this forum are guys, and it's a testosterone thing.
But, as many have already said, it also depends on your environment. I've lived in the largest cities, and I've lived in rural America. Where I live now, it is a very low crime environment. Most bad guys don't break into your house because the majority of people have guns and the bad guys know they will be shot. Plus, we don't need any types of permits for guns. Other than a CCW. Then again, it is not uncommon to carry a sidearm on you not concealed walking down the street. As well as a rifle in your vehicle and/or maybe a handgun in the glove box. Not really for bad guys, but more for nature. "Deer hit by a car", "coyote", just to plink, etc...
Concerning the original question, yes a 38spl is quite fine for self defense. The "J" frame can also be fine for that purpose. It is a very small and light frame design. But, unless you really needed something that small, I would personally look towards a "K" frame if possible. It's easier to shoot. More accurate. You can get a 357 mag that still allows you to shoot 38spl, but with the option later on should you need more power or just become for proficient with it. There's some really nice 2-3 inch models out there. Good luck. Later... mike....
Then there's the "Oh-****" factor when you heart is beating crazy. Your breathing is on the verge of hyperventilating. Where whether you want to admit it or not, you are scared. Then you have to remember; "Did I jack a round in the chamber"? "Is the safety on"? Along side with all the other questions that race through your mind. A semi-auto is a very distracting gun for the average person. No, the revolver isn't obsolete or a museum piece. For the average person, the revolver is the better choice. For those who's egos think they are Bruce Willis or Steven Segal and think that life is Hollywood and they are single handedly going to take on 10 bad guys and save their neighborhood, nothing anyone says will matter to these folks. They will walk around with their semi-auto and probably 5 clips. Probably with a 380 BU on their ankle and another one in the glove box. That's OK. Most of us on this forum are guys, and it's a testosterone thing.
But, as many have already said, it also depends on your environment. I've lived in the largest cities, and I've lived in rural America. Where I live now, it is a very low crime environment. Most bad guys don't break into your house because the majority of people have guns and the bad guys know they will be shot. Plus, we don't need any types of permits for guns. Other than a CCW. Then again, it is not uncommon to carry a sidearm on you not concealed walking down the street. As well as a rifle in your vehicle and/or maybe a handgun in the glove box. Not really for bad guys, but more for nature. "Deer hit by a car", "coyote", just to plink, etc...
Concerning the original question, yes a 38spl is quite fine for self defense. The "J" frame can also be fine for that purpose. It is a very small and light frame design. But, unless you really needed something that small, I would personally look towards a "K" frame if possible. It's easier to shoot. More accurate. You can get a 357 mag that still allows you to shoot 38spl, but with the option later on should you need more power or just become for proficient with it. There's some really nice 2-3 inch models out there. Good luck. Later... mike....
MikePGS
Member
Thank you to everyone for the advice so far. The thing is i will probably only be able to get one gun, and then have to wait several months for another one so my reasoning is that i could use a J-Frame in both the summer and winter (though i know its not an ideal platform in regards to actually shooting, particularly in the winter when people are wearing heavy clothing around here). I'm researching what exactly i should get first atm, and the general consensus seems to be that a J-Frame is a carry it anywhere, five guaranteed rounds kind of gun. While i've shot quite a few autoloaders, (i've rented several and also in the past i've shot my grandfather and uncles guns) i haven't recently fired a .38, (the last time i did so was probably fifteen or so years ago and that was out of a .357 that my grandfather had as a duty pistol). While the Kel-Tec P-3AT is also quite intriguing for its portability, i've read on here and elsewhere that it can be problematic, and if its something that i'm trusting for self-defense purposes thats not something i want to have to deal with to get it right. I also like the idea of a glock, something i've shot and liked but i think if i were to carry it would be IWB, so i'm not sure if the thickness would make such a thing too uncomfortable. As it has been previously noted I live in metro detroit, probably about a mile and a half from detroit itself, so as it might be expected my particular neighborhood isn't exactly the greatest (though to be fair its not exactly a teeming cesspool of crime either). Ideally i would just carry a large framed pistol, which from reading these boards i know many of you do, but the problem is that in the summer i generally wear pants and a tshirt and I'm under the (possibly incorrect) assumption that such a thing will print and i'd run into some form of legal trouble. Of course its reassuring to know that i've seen some members of this board from texas mention that they carry large handguns all year round, but i don't think i'm interested in something like a smart carry holster, which seems to be an important component of such an arrangement. So being that i'll probably only be able to buy one gun at the moment, and that i'd prefer a 9mm or higher is the J-Frame still a good choice? I also like the convenience of just putting it into a pocket holster and sticking it into my pocket and going when i have to run up the store or that sort of thing, because the store i usually go to has been robbed at least once, and its definitely possible to run into shady characters nearby (just today I was on the bus with a skinny guy with what looked like track marks on his arms, slowly gathering his garbage back of clothes and walking off of the bus ahead of me). Is there a convenient method to carry IWB a larger pistol? (would a paddle holster solve this problem? or are those OWB holsters?) Again i greatly appreciate all of the wonderful responses, so please keep them coming.
I live in Austin TX which gets considerably warmer than Detroit (though when I lived in Detroit it seemed pretty hot in the summer) and carry a Glock 17 under a t-shirt in just a IWB holster, so don't think that you need some sort of esoteric carry method. What you do need is a good holster and a good belt.
mjrodney
Member
A J-frame in .38 Special is my current choice in a pocket riding weapon, but I nevertheless agree that it is hard to shoot accurately.
The combination of the small grip, and the long, hard trigger pull, means that holding a sight picture through the shot is very difficult.
I do better with a similarly sized Bersa .380, so I am thinking of making a change.
The combination of the small grip, and the long, hard trigger pull, means that holding a sight picture through the shot is very difficult.
I do better with a similarly sized Bersa .380, so I am thinking of making a change.
fiVe
Member
I carry a 642 J-frame in a Robert Mika round-cut pocket holster. IMO, it is the best concealed carry configuration. Of course, YMMV.
I pray I will never need it, but I don't feel under-gunned.
R/fiVe
I pray I will never need it, but I don't feel under-gunned.
R/fiVe
FerFAL
Member
As George Orwell would have said, all guns are equally underpowered, but some are more equal than others.
Would you rather have a double barrel Derringer 22 LR or 38 special? Safe to say that all of us would choose the .38 Derringer for defense if those are our only two options?
What about a 5-shot 38 snubby? Would you rather have that rather than the Derringer for social purposes?
See where I’m getting at?
Yes, yes, we’d love to have a 308 semi auto if we are going to a gunfight. I’d rather go to the movies with my wife instead, but ya’ll guys can go to the gunfight instead after you receive your invitation. Is Saturday night working for you, say 10 PMish… at the Blockbuster parking?
Who can argue that more ammo is better, and that most shooters, novel and experienced, do better with semi autos. You have pretty powerful ammo too. 40 S&W , 45 ACP 357 SIG, a couple well placed shots in the chest, and maybe one or two to the head to deliver the message should be enough.
The reliability issue is something of the past IMO. These days, a semi auto that works for you after 1000s of rounds will work for you during a gunfight, and a FTF due to bad ammo, or a tough primer gets solved in less than a second in a pistol. Honestly, what are the odds of that with a good weapon you’ve thoroughly tested and premium ammo? You can always carry a backup gun, just in case.
Your question depends a lot on you location, what kind of crime levels you are talking about, but it mostly depends on YOUR commitment on self defense.
“Is a 5-shot revolver enough?”
I DON’T KNOW. NOR DOES ANYONE ELSE.
For all I know you can have bad enough luck and cross roads with a car full of wannabe gangsters, their “balls” level boosted by drugs or alcohol and your 5-shots may not be enough, maybe wont be enough to put even two of them down. People have been killed because of lack of ammo, and it’s not hard to find many cases in which people have been killed after finding out that the “6 for sure” wasn’t so sure. They panicked and emptied their revolver too fast with too little accuracy, or the numbers they where facing exceeded the capacity of the 5 or 6 round weapon.
How many times do you plan on shooting each attacker? Remember it’s a 2” 38 special… 2, 3 times each? How many attackers can you face with your 38 snubby then? ( Remember it’s not a 44 magnum, it’s a 38) Or do you think you’ll be calmly shooting them once in the head each, while hey form a line for you to end their miserable lives?
You can’t tuck a SAW or 50 BMG chaingun under your shirt, but you can tuck a high capacity 40 S&W or 45, or even a 9mm with hot JHP ammo and 3X the capacity of a revolver.
FerFAL
Would you rather have a double barrel Derringer 22 LR or 38 special? Safe to say that all of us would choose the .38 Derringer for defense if those are our only two options?
What about a 5-shot 38 snubby? Would you rather have that rather than the Derringer for social purposes?
See where I’m getting at?
Yes, yes, we’d love to have a 308 semi auto if we are going to a gunfight. I’d rather go to the movies with my wife instead, but ya’ll guys can go to the gunfight instead after you receive your invitation. Is Saturday night working for you, say 10 PMish… at the Blockbuster parking?
Who can argue that more ammo is better, and that most shooters, novel and experienced, do better with semi autos. You have pretty powerful ammo too. 40 S&W , 45 ACP 357 SIG, a couple well placed shots in the chest, and maybe one or two to the head to deliver the message should be enough.
The reliability issue is something of the past IMO. These days, a semi auto that works for you after 1000s of rounds will work for you during a gunfight, and a FTF due to bad ammo, or a tough primer gets solved in less than a second in a pistol. Honestly, what are the odds of that with a good weapon you’ve thoroughly tested and premium ammo? You can always carry a backup gun, just in case.
Your question depends a lot on you location, what kind of crime levels you are talking about, but it mostly depends on YOUR commitment on self defense.
“Is a 5-shot revolver enough?”
I DON’T KNOW. NOR DOES ANYONE ELSE.
For all I know you can have bad enough luck and cross roads with a car full of wannabe gangsters, their “balls” level boosted by drugs or alcohol and your 5-shots may not be enough, maybe wont be enough to put even two of them down. People have been killed because of lack of ammo, and it’s not hard to find many cases in which people have been killed after finding out that the “6 for sure” wasn’t so sure. They panicked and emptied their revolver too fast with too little accuracy, or the numbers they where facing exceeded the capacity of the 5 or 6 round weapon.
How many times do you plan on shooting each attacker? Remember it’s a 2” 38 special… 2, 3 times each? How many attackers can you face with your 38 snubby then? ( Remember it’s not a 44 magnum, it’s a 38) Or do you think you’ll be calmly shooting them once in the head each, while hey form a line for you to end their miserable lives?
You can’t tuck a SAW or 50 BMG chaingun under your shirt, but you can tuck a high capacity 40 S&W or 45, or even a 9mm with hot JHP ammo and 3X the capacity of a revolver.
FerFAL
DavidVS
Member
I went with a 351PD for my J-frame because I would rather have 7 shots and better muscle memory. It also has less recoil, so I am quite accurate.
Yes, .22 Magnum is minimal for self-defense. But it's cheaper so I get a lot more practice. It's still comparable in momentum to .38 special or .380 ammunition.
What others have said is true: any handgun is about being portable, not about stopping power. I would rather have something reliable, lightweight, easy to carry, and with which I am as proficient as possible. That's "enough gun" for me. If I felt I needed more than that I should be moving to a safer city!
Yes, .22 Magnum is minimal for self-defense. But it's cheaper so I get a lot more practice. It's still comparable in momentum to .38 special or .380 ammunition.
What others have said is true: any handgun is about being portable, not about stopping power. I would rather have something reliable, lightweight, easy to carry, and with which I am as proficient as possible. That's "enough gun" for me. If I felt I needed more than that I should be moving to a safer city!
Nightcrawler
Member
If it's going to be your only gun, I don't know if I'd recommend a J-Frame.
If it's going to be all you've got, and you're going to carry IWB anyway, take a look at the 3" S&W Model 60 and the heavier Ruger equivalent, the 3" SP-101.
You can use .357 or .38 in either. For just a bit more weight, you can get a 3" 6-shot K-Frame S&W. They still make them in .38 but you'll have to find a used one if you want a .357.
If it's going to be all you've got, and you're going to carry IWB anyway, take a look at the 3" S&W Model 60 and the heavier Ruger equivalent, the 3" SP-101.
You can use .357 or .38 in either. For just a bit more weight, you can get a 3" 6-shot K-Frame S&W. They still make them in .38 but you'll have to find a used one if you want a .357.
jad0110
Member
Yep, that's what I've always thought. My rule of thumb has always been that if I realistically thought I would need more than 5 shots, I'd be calling my real estate agent first thing. Actually, crime is so low in my area I honestly don't believe I will ever have to call upon my 642. At least, that's what I pray for every night.
IMO, if you are facing a half dozen or more armed gang members and your life is truly in danger, honestly, I really don't think extra rounds are going to save your butt. It's the software, not the hardware. Pick what you will carry most and shoot the best. For me, it is a snubbie 642 and I do not feel underarmed. A lot of people forget that if your life is in danger, by definition, YOU are under attack too. If these half dozen gang punks are armed with guns, that's 6 aimponts against 1. Most certainly not good. And even if they were only armed with knives, remember the 21 foot rule? Not a place I would want to be.
Their is certainly nothing wrong with the extra rounds in an auto, but as one poster on THR put it a few months ago, those extra rounds probably won't save you; they'll just enable you to take more of the BGs with you. And if you happen to overcome the odds and prevail against such overwhelming numbers, be prepared to hire the best, most expensive lawyer in the country. You'll probably need it.
All that being said, I plan on carrying a 1911 at least some of the time this fall. And it is not for the extra rounds or speedier reloads. 1911s point very natural for me, so I tend to shoot them better than a snubbie (which I still do fine with).
YMMV.
deputy tom
Member
Mike,for EDC a J-frame is fine.For a SHTF / Katrina / end of the world situation I'd feel much better with the J-frame and a SG or rifle to boot.tom.
OpFlash
Member
Are you sure? I don't think .22mag does very well at all out of a pistol barrel. It's designed for rifles, unlike handgun ammunition so you get lots of flash and bang due to unburnt powder, but not much velocity or energy. It might be good for practice but I wouldn't carry it.
DavidVS
Member
OpFlash,
I can only pass along what others have told me and what I read. I'm still collecting milk jugs to compare three .22 Magnum hollow points. Maybe someday I'll have drank enough milk to compare with a friend's .38 Special.
This image from the above post seems to indicate that .22 Magnum is comparable to a .38 special, although many brands badly sacrifice expansion for more penetration. If anyone has more information about tests showing which .22 Magnum hollow points are best as for self-defense use please let me know!
jfh
Member.
I don't see the issue in terms of firepower.
Recently I recommitted to getting my CHL (The VT incident motivated me). I'd had a CHL about twelve-fifteen years ago, and at that time I carried anything from my 1911 to a SA P9C subcompact (CZ-75 type in .40) to a Glock 19 to an SP-101 in .357. At that time, a SOB / IWB holster worked best for me. (Of course, there was the time my shirt rode up when I stood up and stretched at the Guthrie Theater in Mpls, and the woman behind me gasped...but that's another story.)
A good friend went through the selection process a few years ago, and I listened hard to him, and to some cop friends.
What it boiled down to first was weight: if you have a light(er) handgun, the odds are much greater you will carry it, period. Day after day, even after the 'specialness' of the experience wears off, and it becomes another chunk of junk in your pocket (or wherever). That characteristic was offered by every person long-used to CC--cop, trainer, civilian--whoever.
I'm more accomplished right now with pistols than revolvers--but I also think that revolvers are absolutely more reliable--and usable--under carry circumstances than pistols are. While I actually haven't tried it yet with live ammo, in a drill I can shoot my 640/340 from within the pocket if I have to. (I do need to have the right pants on--i.e., the ones with roomy front pockets.)
Finally, I'm older now, and even though I have my various pistol drills embedded well, I want something that doesn't require a special drill--just point and shoot. I now practice daily in doing J-frame reloads. At least twenty times a day, sitting around the house, I go through a reload routine using the hard-rubber Speedloaders.com unit. (Incidentally, that is far-and-away the best speedloader; far better than the two-at-a-time Speed Strips, and much easier to use than the standard speedloaders by HKS, etc.).
I have two Mika pocket holsters for the 340, and two more on the way for the 640. I've discovered a most convenient carry option for me--my left rear hip pocket; my wallet has been in my right rear hip pocket for 50 years, and I don't want to change--and, surprisingly enough, I am ambidextrous enough to cleanly draw and shoot (at least the first shot or two) with my left hand with a revolver. I've added those reps to my daily drills.
Imaging is an important part of SD training, but I do think most of us tend to fantasize SHTF scenarios that are less likely to occur. IOW, I'm not likely to run into a multiple-BG assault.
I still train with a pistol as well, and since I like pistols I may well buy a Kahr .40 package for carry as well--but for right now, a revolver that I know I will carry every day is a better choice. And, FWIW, both j-frames are equipped with CT grips.
So, the bottom line for me was to buy and get proficient with what I will always carry, not with what I may want under the worst situation.
Jim H.
Recently I recommitted to getting my CHL (The VT incident motivated me). I'd had a CHL about twelve-fifteen years ago, and at that time I carried anything from my 1911 to a SA P9C subcompact (CZ-75 type in .40) to a Glock 19 to an SP-101 in .357. At that time, a SOB / IWB holster worked best for me. (Of course, there was the time my shirt rode up when I stood up and stretched at the Guthrie Theater in Mpls, and the woman behind me gasped...but that's another story.)
A good friend went through the selection process a few years ago, and I listened hard to him, and to some cop friends.
What it boiled down to first was weight: if you have a light(er) handgun, the odds are much greater you will carry it, period. Day after day, even after the 'specialness' of the experience wears off, and it becomes another chunk of junk in your pocket (or wherever). That characteristic was offered by every person long-used to CC--cop, trainer, civilian--whoever.
I'm more accomplished right now with pistols than revolvers--but I also think that revolvers are absolutely more reliable--and usable--under carry circumstances than pistols are. While I actually haven't tried it yet with live ammo, in a drill I can shoot my 640/340 from within the pocket if I have to. (I do need to have the right pants on--i.e., the ones with roomy front pockets.)
Finally, I'm older now, and even though I have my various pistol drills embedded well, I want something that doesn't require a special drill--just point and shoot. I now practice daily in doing J-frame reloads. At least twenty times a day, sitting around the house, I go through a reload routine using the hard-rubber Speedloaders.com unit. (Incidentally, that is far-and-away the best speedloader; far better than the two-at-a-time Speed Strips, and much easier to use than the standard speedloaders by HKS, etc.).
I have two Mika pocket holsters for the 340, and two more on the way for the 640. I've discovered a most convenient carry option for me--my left rear hip pocket; my wallet has been in my right rear hip pocket for 50 years, and I don't want to change--and, surprisingly enough, I am ambidextrous enough to cleanly draw and shoot (at least the first shot or two) with my left hand with a revolver. I've added those reps to my daily drills.
Imaging is an important part of SD training, but I do think most of us tend to fantasize SHTF scenarios that are less likely to occur. IOW, I'm not likely to run into a multiple-BG assault.
I still train with a pistol as well, and since I like pistols I may well buy a Kahr .40 package for carry as well--but for right now, a revolver that I know I will carry every day is a better choice. And, FWIW, both j-frames are equipped with CT grips.
So, the bottom line for me was to buy and get proficient with what I will always carry, not with what I may want under the worst situation.
Jim H.
Nightcrawler
Member
Someone mentioned .38 being underpowered...depends on what ammo you use.
Buffalo Bore .38+P 158 grain will do a thousand feet per second from a two inch barrel. That's faster than a 147 grain 9mm will do from a five inch tube.
It recoiled a bit too much for me in my 642, but in an all-steel snub I don't think it'd be bad at all.
Now, standard .38 Special loads are going to have less oomph out of that short barrel, but you do have options.
Buffalo Bore .38+P 158 grain will do a thousand feet per second from a two inch barrel. That's faster than a 147 grain 9mm will do from a five inch tube.
It recoiled a bit too much for me in my 642, but in an all-steel snub I don't think it'd be bad at all.
Now, standard .38 Special loads are going to have less oomph out of that short barrel, but you do have options.
Last edited:
jad0110
Member
Jim,
Thanks for the info on the rubber Speedloader.com units. Very interesting, I'll have to try those sometime.
Nightcrawler,
I've been more of a placement and penetration kind of guy from the get go, not subscribing to light and fast vs slow and heavy, or one shot stops, or energy dump etc etc. Select the correct ammo, and the 38 works as well as most any medium or big bore handgun round can be expected to.
Thanks for the info on the rubber Speedloader.com units. Very interesting, I'll have to try those sometime.
Nightcrawler,
I've been more of a placement and penetration kind of guy from the get go, not subscribing to light and fast vs slow and heavy, or one shot stops, or energy dump etc etc. Select the correct ammo, and the 38 works as well as most any medium or big bore handgun round can be expected to.
2 things first if its not enough, your in trouble anyway.of course I live in a safe place.if I go into town I carry two j frames or more.
second the great thing about a 442 in your pocket is when your in the parking lot late and a stranger walks up its not threatning to put your hand in your pocket on the grip while figuring out his intentions
second the great thing about a 442 in your pocket is when your in the parking lot late and a stranger walks up its not threatning to put your hand in your pocket on the grip while figuring out his intentions
Last edited:
ronto
Member
"Enough Gun" is the one you can place a round where it will do the most good...A consistant hit in the eye socket would make a 22LR handgun "Enough Gun".
If I ever had the unfortunate choice of having to be fired upon by a novice with a high power semi-automatic pistol or a marksman with a single-shot 22LR handgun, I'll take the novice.
If I ever had the unfortunate choice of having to be fired upon by a novice with a high power semi-automatic pistol or a marksman with a single-shot 22LR handgun, I'll take the novice.
MassMark
Member
Well, after 20-years of carrying everything from Colt to Glock to HK to ParaOrdinance autoloaders, I now carry a Smith and Wesson 642CT full-time. After 1,000 rounds down the tube, I feel proficient enough with the 642 to defend my life with it....I came to this decision after a lot of consideration and a lot of reading, plus changing needs in how and where and why I carry.
One of the things I considered is the probability of proximity. Most confrontations on the street take place at very close ranges. Not measured by yards, but by inches and feet. Most confrontations are settled with very few rounds fired, (1-3). I also figured that if I needed a gun to engage at 25-yards, I had better rethink everything. O.K. Corral type shootouts are not generally reality. If I have space to avoid confrontation - that's my first thought. Next I considered the gun and after much research, came upon the 642CT and the 38 Special. I read a lot of the negative "hype" some presented on this very thread. Then I read ballistic data - especially in the +P offerings. Then I bought and am glad daily that I did.
My S&W 642CT loaded with Speer GDHP 135gr +P's is a potent package that defies the naysayers, (who in some cases likely have little-to-no trigger time). Recoil is manageable, flash is negligible, recovery is natural, accuracy is surprising. Training is essential before carry, (especially if this is your first handgun), but once you hit the learning curve, the results will keep you grinning... The addition of the Crimson Trace LaserGrips brings further utility to an already balanced and powerful handgun. Tucked into my Mika Round Cut, it disappears into most of my pockets and is easily accessible. It proves daily to be one of the best decisions I've made in a long time...
One of the things I considered is the probability of proximity. Most confrontations on the street take place at very close ranges. Not measured by yards, but by inches and feet. Most confrontations are settled with very few rounds fired, (1-3). I also figured that if I needed a gun to engage at 25-yards, I had better rethink everything. O.K. Corral type shootouts are not generally reality. If I have space to avoid confrontation - that's my first thought. Next I considered the gun and after much research, came upon the 642CT and the 38 Special. I read a lot of the negative "hype" some presented on this very thread. Then I read ballistic data - especially in the +P offerings. Then I bought and am glad daily that I did.
My S&W 642CT loaded with Speer GDHP 135gr +P's is a potent package that defies the naysayers, (who in some cases likely have little-to-no trigger time). Recoil is manageable, flash is negligible, recovery is natural, accuracy is surprising. Training is essential before carry, (especially if this is your first handgun), but once you hit the learning curve, the results will keep you grinning...
The addition of the Crimson Trace LaserGrips brings further utility to an already balanced and powerful handgun. Tucked into my Mika Round Cut, it disappears into most of my pockets and is easily accessible. It proves daily to be one of the best decisions I've made in a long time...
DAdams
Member
Carry for the Occasion
If I had only one handgun to choose it might be a K Frame because they feel so good, but are more appropriate in settings requiring more clothes than I typically wear in the SE and subtropics. If I still lived in Northern Michigan where there are three seasons, last winter, this winter and next winter. or the Pac Northwest in the land of slugs the K Frame would be great for IWB or covered OWB.
Otherwise for me and I could have only one choice. it would be a J Frame. But then again if I go to Miami, that's not enough. Small auto and a J Frame. Pocket carry fits my lifestyle and dress best. And oh what the heck throw the L frame in the truck too!! I like to pocket carry and a J Frame fits the bill. Sometimes I carry a J Frame and small 9 MM auto, but I strong hand carry the J frame and the auto as BUG. I trust it more.
In my office at home I have a J Frame within easy reach (live in the burbs)...and a Remington 870 close by.
At my home office in TN, I keep a J Frame in the desk drawer and a Winchester 30/30 two paces away (displays nicely and is functional, kind of that Big Valley/Ponderosa look). It's a bit more remote and you never know when a retiree from GM might just slip a cog.
The other day while on business for three days I carried my BERSA BT380 with 10 rounds on board and two spare mags in my backpack with my PC and other business gear. It is always at my side, in meetings, in the hotel room, in my drivers car and unless there is some employee rage action I'm prepared (including knife and LED flashlight) and probably won't need it.....but you just never know,,,,do you?
Carry for the occasion.
Carry what you need for when you might need it.
If I had only one handgun to choose it might be a K Frame because they feel so good, but are more appropriate in settings requiring more clothes than I typically wear in the SE and subtropics. If I still lived in Northern Michigan where there are three seasons, last winter, this winter and next winter.
or the Pac Northwest in the land of slugs the K Frame would be great for IWB or covered OWB. Otherwise for me and I could have only one choice. it would be a J Frame. But then again if I go to Miami, that's not enough. Small auto and a J Frame. Pocket carry fits my lifestyle and dress best. And oh what the heck throw the L frame in the truck too!! I like to pocket carry and a J Frame fits the bill. Sometimes I carry a J Frame and small 9 MM auto, but I strong hand carry the J frame and the auto as BUG. I trust it more.
In my office at home I have a J Frame within easy reach (live in the burbs)...and a Remington 870 close by.
At my home office in TN, I keep a J Frame in the desk drawer and a Winchester 30/30 two paces away (displays nicely and is functional, kind of that Big Valley/Ponderosa look). It's a bit more remote and you never know when a retiree from GM might just slip a cog.
The other day while on business for three days I carried my BERSA BT380 with 10 rounds on board and two spare mags in my backpack with my PC and other business gear. It is always at my side, in meetings, in the hotel room, in my drivers car and unless there is some employee rage action I'm prepared (including knife and LED flashlight) and probably won't need it.....but you just never know,,,,do you?
Carry for the occasion.
Carry what you need for when you might need it.
Last edited:
I have several guns but the one I find myself with all the time is my J Frame S&W Model 60 in 357 Magnum. That being said it really depends on where I'm going. There is no one gun to answer all your concealed carry needs. That's a lesson it has taken me a long time to learn.
orionengnr
Member
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2005
- Messages
- 5,711
.
If that's the way it works out, then taking a few more of them along with me will just have to be enough.
I'd sure hate to have my headstone read:
He took a few down but ran out of ammo
All that said, I carry a single-stack semi-auto with one spare mag, so who knows how it will work out?
ClubHouseCowboy
Member
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2006
- Messages
- 8
Hey, have any of you guys ever used a handgun in self defense?
- Status
