An Optic on a Hammerless J-Frame?

[DT Guy]

I have to admit, I'm a bit conflicted on this one. I've grown to love optics (old eyes), but I just don't think they fit with the general ethos of a J-Frame, especially a hammerless one; those are guns you slip in your pocket.

I guess if you're a hard-core optic guy and a hard-core snubby guy this might make sense?

Shield Arms Revolver Optic Coversion


Larry

 

[hso]

love optics (old eyes)

ethos of a J-Frame

Reality can overcome "ethos" when you can't see to shoot. OTOH, changing expectations of precision along with changing vision might be others' choices.

 

[Y-T71]

Personally, I think it negates certain aspects of the intended purpose of the little J frame; close range "powder burn" distance with maximum concealability sights being a secondary concern.

Practically speaking however, I have found that the J frames have most/all of the mechanical accuracy potential of its larger brethren so, that RDS might be interesting at the range.

Just my $.02

 

[Pat Riot]

I can see how this could be a good thing, but I just did a search for a holster for S&W 442 / 642 with a red dot sight. No luck, but that doesn’t include custom holster makers.

 

[chicharrones]

This is like putting a red dot on a Beretta Tomcat. https://langdontactical.com/beretta-tomcat-by-ltt-on-sale/

I’d rather put a low profile laser grip on a j frame like that.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Not for me, and I am a big J-frame fan. However, I appreciate them creating things and maybe I will warm to it more with time.

I would be more intrigued by something like the Leupold version which fits into the Glock rear sight if that could be done for the j-frames.

 

[Rexster]

Well, I see that it is compatible with the PHLster City Special AIWB holster. Waist packs and sling bags may have plenty of room for such a tall weapon. Plus, a J-frame being used as a "kit gun" may well be toted in a pouch or bag. So, not all J-snubs are being carried in pockets. I hope to see a version that fits J-Frames that have exposed hammers.

 

[chicharrones]

Well, I see that it is compatible with the PHLster City Special AIWB holster. Waist packs and sling bags may have plenty of room for such a tall weapon. Plus, a J-frame being used as a "kit gun" may well be toted in a pouch or bag. So, not all J-snubs are being carried in pockets. I hope to see a version that fits J-Frames that have exposed hammers.

I could see it being useful on a 3" to 4" barreled j-frame kit gun of some sort, for sure.

 

[nofendertom]

I am not a J frame fan. I have tried a few and they just don't fit well in my hand. But if a red dot optic is what you need to hit your target, go for it.

 

[Ethan Verity]

I think it's silly, and completely defeats the purpose of the Centennial pattern J-frame as a pocket revolver. It turns an already large pocket gun, into a huge pocket gun, and adds a very prominent snag point (which was the whole point in enclosing the hammer). The J-frame is better served with a tritium or fiber optic front sight, if visibility is an issue.

 

[doubleh]

I have never found any love for the j-frame revolvers as they have always made my hand ache. The concept shown seems weird to me and mostly useless for what is basically a very short range gun. Despite that my opinion doesn't count except for me. How you rig up any firearm is your choice.

 

[cfullgraf]

I could see the red dot on a kit gun, maybe a 22LR S&W M43C.

 

[Dan-O]

Unlike peanut butter and jelly, these two concepts don’t belong together.

 

[Rockrivr1]

The only way I’d put that on is if the gun was a dedicated range gun. I like to pocket carry as I find it the easiest way to have a firearm on me. The sight would probably negate the easy of pocket carrying

 

[buck460XVR]

I’d rather put a low profile laser grip on a j frame like that.

^^^This.

 

[MIKR410]

Honestly I want one of these for my Governor. I am not gonna pocket carry that thing to begin with, and I found the crimson trace grip for it to be awkwardly thin for my hands which made keeping the laser engaged to be difficult.

 

[.38 Special]

In some ways, optics are ideal for guns with a short sight radius. As @Y-T71 points out, the mechanical accuracy is often there, but proving it is damn tough. An optic can be expected to make hitting with such guns much easier.

The question, then, is "Has this thing now made my gun too big for the original purpose?" and that can only be answered by the individual. It probably isn't for me and my 340PD, but optics do keep getting smaller and lighter...

<edit> Apparently I'm now going to spend the rest of the afternoon looking for J frame holsters cut for an optic.

 

[DT Guy]

Well, looks like Colt has also come out with an optics mount for revolvers; this one replaces the rear sight on their adjustable sight models, and only costs ~$80.

TFT Video on Colt Optics Mount


I guess there are a lot of people (like me, lately) who really want optics on their 'serious' guns.

Larry

 

[conan32120]

If nothing else the red dot will show you how much your point of aim wavers during that long double action pull, other than that i dont see the point as I dont see that j frame as being used past bad breath distance in a defensive role. I certainly dont consider mine as a target pistol. I have other more suitable handguns for that

 

[GEM]

I don't see it (ha). For me, as I've said before, the J frame paradigm is for pocket carry. They are not optimal for belt carry compared to the other semi guns out there. If it's a range/match toy - ok. For real carry - nope. I have a laser grip on one. It's not useful in daylight and I'm mixed on it for shooting. I seem to go for the sights instinctively as compared to looking for the dots.

 

[Lefty38-55]

I'd go for Crimson Trace grips with the laser ... on a snubbie

 

[SterlingBullet]

Interesting that firearms can embrace all things for all people.
I still want a top break SA/DA revolver smaller and lighter than a J frame in 22lr, 22WMR or 32H&R with speedloaders. Think H&R 929 or 732 with maybe a little more room between the trigger guard and grip in all titanium.

 

[GEM]

NAA had a 32 prototype but it was pretty ugly and they said it didn't work in 32.

 

[Lefty38-55]

Interesting that firearms can embrace all things for all people.
I still want a top break SA/DA revolver smaller and lighter than a J frame in 22lr, 22WMR or 32H&R with speedloaders. Think H&R 929 or 732 with maybe a little more room between the trigger guard and grip in all titanium.

I would think that a 'smaller and lighter' package than a J-Frame in 22 Mag would be the cat's meow! My neighbor has the scandium (?) lite J-Frame in 7 or 8-shot 22 Mag with CT laser grips and she doesn't feel under-gunned using it for home defense.

 

[Riomouse911]

I’m someone who shoots both optic and open-sighted handguns, so I regularly see how the optic can be a benefit to many (most?) shooters once they get the hang of them.

But, there are practical realities in play as well. Some combos of guns/optics make me scratch my head. This is one of them. Like my range-toy 3” J frame Model 36 that I put large Pachmayr grips on, the optic addition to a 642/442 may (MAY!) make the gun more shootable or accurate at distance. But, it defeats the intended purpose and concealed carry-ability and snag resistant draw of the enclosed hammer, J frame revolver.

{The Pachmayr grip makes the 5-shot, .38 Spl., ccw-intended J frame as bulky as a 15+1 shot 9mm SA-35, a full sized Hi Power tribute.}

Others may like the J frame/optic combo, and if they do buy the kit I hope it works out well for them.

Stay safe.