If you could only have one model J frame what model would it be?

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No 940 love? Not my only J frame but it is a neat one because it is chambered in 9mm.

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The one on the left.. my first CCW gun when CHL first started here in Texas.

And yep, still have it.

Deaf
 
The only J frame I've ever owned is this 49. Seems to work just fine. I like it, but got stung on the purchase by naively paying too much for it, so there's kind of a stigma to it with me. I don't think my paws were meant for little guns though, I can't shoot it at all with the original wood stocks on it. But the package drops easily into a pocket and carries nicely.

Now, that 36 up above is a MUCH more appealing pistol to me! I greatly prefer the blue finish and the nonshrouded hammer. I'd trade for one of those in a heartbeat.

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M638-2. Pre-lock and a J-magnum frame. Ideal for pocket carry. Apex spring kit makes it even better. Just ordered a Crimson Trace laser grip for it today.
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Gotta admit, a 3" Model 60 with adjustable sights would be a pretty cool kit gun. Or a 3" Model 317-1 AirLite. Before the Hi-Vis sights (yuck!).
 
The model 36 variety is what I own. Not quite as practical as the modern J's, but they can be a little more concealable. Mostly mine are just part of a collection.

If I was getting a new one for carry, I'd probably go with like a 342 or a 442.
 
A 642 with no lock.

The only one I have kept over the years.

The only one I will always have a sample of floating around.
 
I plan on picking myself up one of the newer no lock 642's in the near future to use as a primary carry now that the weather is starting to warm up. Depending upon my experience with that gun, it may branch out into a 637 as well.

However, if I were to limit myself to a single J frame it would probably be either a 60 or a 649. The steel framed guns are a little heavier, but the extra weight makes them more controllable when shooting. The 649 would be the better carry option thanks to its shrouded hammer, but you don't sacrifice the ability to fire in single action like the centennial framed guns do.
 
Altho J-Frames are not my first choice when it comes to revolvers, I carry a 637 every day.
 
Here are my J-Frames I don't think I could pick just one.
 

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I'd have a hard time picking just ONE of my J's as my favorite.

For some years it was my 1 & only J, a nickeled M36 3" HB.

Then, it became a 649 (stainless Bodyguard .38).

Some years later it became the new 642-1 variation of the 642 (I liked that it was rated for a steady diet of +P loads). I also liked that it was significantly lighter to carry than my steel J's or my Ruger SP101DAO.

Over time I added a 37-2, another 642-1, a first production run M&P 340 (with the ILS/lock), and then another M&P 340 (using the excuse that the second one was the No-Lock variation :) ).

Which one do I carry the most often?

Seems that first M&P 340 (Lock model) has bumped my 642-1's to "second place". Why?

*Better sights. Really better.
*Stronger Scandium aluminum frame
*Lighter in my pocket (holster).

Why the Lock model instead of the No-Lock model (since somebody's bound to wonder)? Because I've been trying to wear it out since I bought it in '05. I've used it as a practice gun to maintain my revolver armorer skills ... It's developed a really smooth trigger from all the shooting ... And, it's become so worn, dinged, scratched, gouged & marred from all the handling, shooting, training, etc, that it's comfortably worn and I never give its appearance a second thought. ;)

Guess you could say it's become my 'favorite' choice for carry and heavy range usage, but I have other J's I 'like' better.
 
I've considered a bunch of things as I toyed with the OP's original query. If it's a real hard times event - or the infamous Zombie apocalypse - the below choice makes sense. Consider ammo availability... .22 LR or WMR... have both been quite difficult to find. My usual .38/.357M mainstays - 158gr LHPSWC +P .38 Spcl by Remington (R38S12) and Georgia Arms similar load are both gone now. I keep thinking, "What ammo seems to be available?" Well, from old .32 S&W & .32 S&WL, to modern versions, like .32 H&RM and the recent flash in a pan, the .327 Federal Magnum, the .32 seems available from many sellers at the local gun shows I've attended. Even the little .32 ACP, with it's vestige of a rim, can be found. All five will chamber and fire from my 2 1/8" 632 Pro - making it perhaps a decent choice for a 'universal' pocket protector.

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Finding a break-top .32 S&W's stash of old ammo - or that of a Colt Police Positive Special in .32 S&WL - or even some .32 Seecamp, etc, ammo - and you are good to go. I still see .32 H&RM and an odd box of .327 Federal Magnum ammo here and there. Besides, it's a cool revolver... recently made, and without the IL, they didn't last long. I may have a use for mine... wimpy-poff loads to near .357 Magnum levels - hmmm....

Stainz
 
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