Help me understand J-frames

[Mitlov]

As you've learned by now, the S&W 642 is the comparable model. However, I highly recommend that you test fire both before making a decision. My father-in-law has the 642. It's light, compact, and very reliable -- heck, it's a Smith. BUT, it hurts to shoot. You may dismiss that on account of the caliber. But, its weight, stiff frame, and grip make it tough. Specifically with respect to the grip, you'll notice that the two sides of the grip are flush with an exposed metal frame.

Ouch!

Recently I was able to test fire an LCR and I found it amazing as to how different the two guns are when shooting. I did some research to find that the LCR's primary designer (some European name) was able to design the polymer frame to absorb a lot of the recoil. The long-strand fiberglass injected polymer is pliable -- there's a significant amount of flex in the material. That absorbs a bunch of recoil. But perhaps most notable is the LCR's grip, the Hogue Tamer, which includes a thick gel pad insert in the back of the grip. So instead of having the metal frame destroying your hand, you have that grip with the gel insert.

As for durability concerns, Ruger stress tested an LCR, putting more than 10,000 rounds through it. When American Rifleman called and asked to test one out for an article in a 2009 issue, Ruger sent them that pistol. It functioned flawlessly and the gun was given the highest rating. I love mine.

I found a 642 to shoot and it was punishing. Haven't tried an LCR yet but the reviews have me very, very, very interested.

Sent from my SCH-R530U using Tapatalk 2

 

[BlindJustice]

I have the Magnum J Frame

S&W beefed up the 60 & 640 J-frame in the late '90s and
they are .357 Magnum all stainless Steel barrel, cylinder and
frame. forward of the cylinder the frame is longer and a bit more
than the prev. 36/60 et al. Cheifs Special frame. I compared it
side by side with a 638 snubbie and it was definitely a 'beefed
up' frame

Note: the current production 60, 60LS & 640
Snubbie barrel length is 2 1/4" the
rest of the .38Spcl +P snumbbies are
1 7/8" in length.

Mine is a Model 60-15 .357 Mag 3" bbl. W&E Adj. rear sight.
It weichs in at 25 oz and I believe a comparable
Ruger SP101 with it's overbuilt as usual cast frame
and a 3" Bbl. is 27+ oz.

I usually shoot .38 special and the HD/SD load is
.38Special +P Nice Balance, I need better fitted
Herretts Jordan Troopers?? grips to shoot more than a couple
of cylinders of .357 Mag.

Randall

 

[Deaf Smith]

Nothing like a tried and true Centennial.

The one on the left is my original carry gun when CHL first started (I have a very low CHL number!) The Eagle Secret Service stocks I added as well as had a red insert front sight added.

The other one is my .357 magnum version. I added the chrome trigger myself and VZ grips.

I still use my original Centennial often!

Deaf

 

[tipoc]

From Torgy,

BUT, it hurts to shoot. You may dismiss that on account of the caliber. But, its weight, stiff frame, and grip make it tough. Specifically with respect to the grip, you'll notice that the two sides of the grip are flush with an exposed metal frame.

A wide variety of aftermarket grips are available for the J frame Smiths. This makes the guns extremely adaptable, within certain limits of course.

Getting advice like this about small carry guns that you have not shot or handled on the internet is about like getting advice on bicycles if you don't ride a bike. It's all good till you actually start riding. My advice is to start riding.

tipoc

 

[MartinS]

The 38 J's are a hoot to shoot, the Airweights too. The bark and buck of them are not at all out line for a fighting gun. Unfortunately recoil and blast are subjective in effect so the horror stories of bleeding palms and compression fractures of the wrist can be self fulfilling.

 

[italianbreadman]

It's really interesting to read anecdotes about the 642 vs the LCR. I've heard that one is tame while the other is brutal... and then in the next conversation there are people saying the opposite!

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

To make this simple:

The 442 "no-lock" model is the go to carry piece for J frames. I load mine with Buffalo Bore 150 grain hardcast wadcutters.



The 60 is directly comparable to the sp101.

The beauty of the J-frame is its ease of carry and concealability.

 

[tipoc]

It's really interesting to read anecdotes about the 642 vs the LCR. I've heard that one is tame while the other is brutal... and then in the next conversation there are people saying the opposite!

The truth is...they are both right.

This is why you have to get the gun you want and go shoot it. Then when, not if, you decide you want to try the other one, side by side, buy that one as well.

This is the best way to learn. The only way really. It's the way that is the most fun as well.

tipoc

 

[italianbreadman]

The truth is...they are both right.

This is why you have to get the gun you want and go shoot it. Then when, not if, you decide you want to try the other one, side by side, buy that one as well.

This is the best way to learn. The only way really. It's the way that is the most fun as well.

tipoc

Ugh! And the most expensive!!

 

[tipoc]

You in a rush?

You can rent them often at ranges. You can hook up with someone here and shoot their gun.

But in truth buy one now. In 6 months get the other. Use layaway. In two years your tastes will likely change. What seems a heavy recoil now will be light in a year. Or maybe the other way. If you are lucky you'll be shooting the rest of your life.

The only way to learn this stuff is by doing it. It's not different from anything else.

Flying paper airplanes is cheap. Shooting, not so much.

tipoc

 

[italianbreadman]

You in a rush?

Nope. No rush. I'll likely rent them before committing.

Actually, I've got an SP101 in .357, really nice, beautiful gun with custom rosewood grips, too. For my purposes, though, I'd like to trade it away or sell it and get into one of the smaller-framed lightweights.

 

[MOUNTAIN WILLIAM]

I think that the Ruger SP101 is a much more robust revolver than the S&W J frames, now if they would only make one with the features of the venerable Centennial series, specifically the .357 mag 640 Pro model.

 

[italianbreadman]

Gotta love those 640 Pro sights! Still pretty heavy, though, specifically for pocket carry.

 

[Deaf Smith]

Just carry that 640-1 in a IWB in the appendix position.

Yes you feel the weight, and that weight is comforting!

Deaf