Alternatives to a S&W J-Frame?

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I have a S&W 640 for concealed carry when I am not going to carry my Glock 30.

I am looking at the Kel-Tec PF-9 as a potential replacement to the J-frame -- note I have not definitely decided to replace it. I may decide the weapon I have now is the best fit for me.

My requirements for any replacement:

  • I am looking at semiautomatics, not other revolvers.
  • The ammunition fired must be no less potent than .38 spl+P.
  • Magazine capacity + 1 must be greater than 5.
  • Must be easier to conceal than the J-frame -- that cylinder is the difficult part.

So, what recommendations do you have (including "Stick with your J-frame"), and why?
 
Kahr PM9... I have owned a Kel Tec PF-9 and the kahr is heads over tails a better gun. Lighter trigger than the J-Frame, more accurate, and more concealable.
 
Another vote for the cw9. Almost the same size as the pf-9...roughly $100 more, but considerably less than the pm9.
 
I like the Kahr CW-9. Very small, highly concealable. IMHO (and I know there are lots of people who love their Keltecs) a far better gun than the PF-9. I believe Kahr recommends a 200 round break-in for the gun. Some have troubles during that period, others do not. However, the Kahr pieces overall seem to be very high quality and reliable guns.

As skywarp mentioned, the Walther PPS is a great little gun too; but if I recall correctly it is a bit more expensive than the Kahr CW9.

Unfortunately the rest of the guns that you are going to find in that size range are going to be .380 and smaller. I happen to like .380, but many do not, and you specified that it has to match .38spl+P. Since that's the case, those are really the only affordable options you have. Anything smaller and you're looking at the Rohrbaugh 9mm, which is substantially more expensive.
 
I've checked out Kahrs, I've tried GLocks, I've tried several other semi autos -- and I keep coming back to the airweight j-frame. I know it wasn't what you wanted to hear, but the 442/642 are really well suited for what you're looking for
 
Lose the S&W and get a Colt. 6 rounds, only slightly bigger, and goes bang every time you pull the trigger. If you absolutely have to have an auto, my vote would be a Kahr.

personal018.jpg
 
Sig P239
9x19 Luger
.357 Sig/.40 S&W
O.A.Height: 5.1"/5.2"
O.A. Width: 1.2"
O.A. Length: 6.6"
Weight 27.5 oz. / 29.7 oz
Bbl. Len.: 3.3"
Capacity 8 / 7

The DAK & SAS models are DAO.
Standard and two-tone are DA/SA.
 
How about the CZ 75 PCR Alloy frame
DA/SA w/decocker
9MMx19 14 rds mag cap.
O.A>L. 7.2"
Height 5.3"
Bbl. Len. 3.9"
Weight: 27.2 oz.
No Magazine Disconnect
 
Depends on how you plan to carry. Belt carry (IWB or OWB) opens up a lot of possibilities. But for pocket carry, I've always preferred the little round guns. That rounded backstrap of my 642 makes fast, repeatable draws a snap.

Just curious, what about the 640 doesn't work for you?
 
One possibility is a Detonics Combat Master. It is about as large as a J-frame but is narrower. Pocket carry is possible but not the best. These take some practice to shoot well as I found out when I shot a buddy's sample.

I really like the J-frame for pocket carry, and that is where mine is. For belt carry, I prefer the 1911-pattern pistols because they are easy to shoot and easy to conceal. On the belt, the hard part of an auto to conceal is the grip frame. With a revolver on the belt, there are two hard parts to conceal: the grip frame and the cylinder.
 
The Kahrs are nice. Another I've been checking out lately are the Bersa Thunder Ultra Compacts, a few of my friends carry and really like them. available in 9, 40 and 45. List on most of them is under 300.
 
Well . . .

An aluminum-framed, high quality officer's-sized .45ACP ain't much bigger, and it is very, very thin in profile. Mine is a first year, "Type I" Kimber Custom Shop Ultra CDP and it has been super reliable and very, very accurate. Note the factory "melt down" feature that's much more "melted" back then than it is now on the Series II versions.

2256357CCW.jpg


That's what I go to when more than a J frame is desired. In a small pistol, a .45ACP will kick 'em much harder in the azzzz if you have to use it.

T.

PS: What do I have in my pocket right now? What do I usually tote as a preference? . . .

A Model 37 lightweight J-frame snubbie! It's in my pocket right now. It is soooooo easy to pop it in the pocket in a good concealment pocket holster and forget it!


PPS: A pair of .45ACPs are always near though . . . one a bottom feeder and one a chopped barrel Model 25-2 revolver with moon clips!
 
It is a very very rare occasion when I carry anything other than a full size1911 .45 acp or a Smith model 29 in 3, 4, or 6 inch, always with a BUG of some sort. Many times that BUG will be a .38 Smith J frame 2 inch.

I respect all the answers posted so far, but on those very few times when I only carry one small gun, it will usually be that Model 60 loaded with FBI lead HP Plus P rounds and backed up with as many speed loaders or strips as I can hide. I know it's old school but no matter what other gun I try, I still find myself going back to the little Smith. It just seems to solve my problems without creating new ones.

Respectfully,

DarkSoldier
 
What about the PM45 at 17oz.?

The Kimber CDP is really nice, but twice the weight of a J-frame 340/360 in .357
 
I don't believe there is one. I'm still unconvinced that small pocket autos aren't prone to having issues. That little cylinder may seem like it makes it harder to conceal but I don't really think its a big issue. The print of an autoloader is what screams gun to people.
 
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