Airweight J frame with longer barrel and better sights?

[Steve_C]

I think for its intended purpose as a close-quarters personal defense weapon, my 442 does a great job. However, I do not look or act like a potential victim and like to think it would be highly unlikely it would ever be called upon for use in this role.

The recent mass shooting incidents, however, have me reconsidering my carry choice. Ideally, I'd like a gun with the 442's close quarter advantages (revolver platform, enclosed hammer, snag-free shape) but with a longer sight radius and, well, real sights, to aid in distance shooting.

Is there anything out there that's basically an aluminum Airweight .38 J-frame but with sights and a longer barrel? I'm not interested in an all steel .357 heavyweight. I want something like my 442, just longer and easier to accurately hit at distance with. If I had to, I would be willing to consider a revolver without the enclosed hammer...

I looked at a few of the compact 9s today and they just don't give me the same confidence revolvers do when we're talking guns this light and small...

TIA.

 

[J_A_C]

I was in the same boat. Realized I couldn't have everything I wanted, so I went with the best compromise. Yeah, its heavy, but I've been pocket carrying it all week and its really not that bad, something about the shape of a revolver lends itself better to pocket carry then similarly weighted autos. Plus, moon clips make reloads a breeze. Paid $650 NIB. All I'm doing to it is putting on a boot grip to aid in pocket carry, and a Apex kit to lighten up trigger pull.

 

[NMPOPS]

As long as you can hit what you're aiming at out to at least 15 yards a 642 is as good as any 5 shot revolver. if you feel under-armed, perhaps you need a bigger gun that hold more rounds. Personally, I'll stick with my 642.

 

[bannockburn]

J A C

Now that's one awesome looking J frame!

 

[Carne Frio]

It's stainless, not a light weight, butt it is a
five inch barrel Model 60. I handled one in
a gun shop a year ago and it felt great in my
hand.
http://www.gunblast.com/SW60_KitGun.htm