Just can't replace my J-frame .38

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Bob79

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I have tried over and over again to buy, carry, and trust a small semi auto, but I can't do it. I don't think all semi-autos are garbage or unreliable, it just seems the small ones just aren't reliable enough for carry. I have several Glocks, but found the G26 too big for carry. I've had Kahrs, Kel Tecs, Sigs, S&W, and most recently the S&W Bodyguard 380.

I keep coming back to my S&W J-frames, and the most loyal being my 442 no dash. I recently purchased a S&W 337PD for the reduced weight, but it hasn't arrived yet. And I now like to use the Clip draw specifically made for the S&W J frame. It really reduces bulk because there is no holster, and the only downside to it is sweat, on hot days it gets sweat on it. But then I just have to faithfully wipe it down with some CLP.

I know its only 5 shots, but 38+P beats out any .25, .22, .32, or .380, and even beats a few 9mm guns. "5 for sure" in a light weight package under 16 ozs (under 13 ozs for the 337PD) just can't be beat. I think I'm finally done wasting my money on small auto loaders. I plan on sending the 337PD for a hammer bob, action job, and installment of a big dot front sight.

Stay safe!
 
Don't, then. 8)

I went from carrying a .38 special to a Glock, myself and am happy with it, but if that doesn't work for you, then well .. err ... don't?

Happy to hear you're liking the snubbies. I'm a big fan, myself ... two of them are in a glass case sitting next to me as I type this, and in light of some of those Custom SP101s I'm almost tempted to get one ... but for me even a well done 101 trigger doesn't feel right.

Pics of your gun, btw?
 
Geez Bob79! I read that and I thought I wrote it. I've always been a revolver fan but but I love bottom feeders as well. I just couldn't bring myself to trust them for defense. I tried real hard but a Kahr PM9 brought me back to my senses. I wanted to trust that thing but it just wouldn't let me, even after an expensive trip back to Kahr. I love my SR9 but it's not a carry piece. I love my 1006 but the same thing. Now, my little LCP is trying it's best to change my mind. Well, it actually has. It's been perfect from day one and I'd carry it now. Not for everyday carry but for the few times when even the 442 is too big. 5's enough for a ccw so I'll stick with the J frames.
 
I used to carry a 642 in my front pocket. Then after it developed a problem with light primer strikes I lost faith in it, even after repairs. I then started carrying a P99 IWB and still do.

I may in the future buy another snubbie for pocket carry when dress code requirements force me to, but next time it wont be a 642.
 
Pics

Here are a few pics of the 442...
 

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Maybe you should give that Ruger LCP a try. I heard that it's the cat's meow where where pocket pistols are concerned.
 
Tried the LCP and sold it. It did jam once, but it was just too "Kel Tec-ish". It produced the smilies like the P-3AT does, and while it feels more solid than a Kel Tec, it just didn't do it for me. Not a bad gun though.
 
The Ruger SR9c is the natural option for the snubbie owner who wants to flirt with the auto end of things.
 
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If anyone can prove there's a better CCW pocket gun than a S&W Airweight it would be hard getting me to believe it.
 
Racinbob

Weird Man! I have the 442 with the same Pachmayr grip even! Yeah, I gave up on pocket carry for that gun, so I put something on I can really grab. Makes shooting it a dream.

AND I carry a LCP when the 442 doesn't fit. Like this eve. when I went fishing at the bay. Just slid that tiny auto into my shorts pocket and didn't even notice it was there while I waded and fished the bay for an hour before dark.

BTW I got a nice 14 inch spotted bay bass on an Amigo fly using a 5 wt flyrod. :)
 
Small autos aren't unreliable. My LCP has been flawless since day 1, never a single issue, despite my best efforts to induce one via mixed mags or purposeful limpwristing.

It's a better pocket gun than a j-frame because it actually fits in all pockets. The j-frame does not. I had one. Got rid of it (and eventually got a SP101 instead).
 
If it ain't broke don't fix it.


If you like the J-frames, then carry them. I personally don't even currently own one, just ain't right is it, but anyway if you find the gun you want to carry for what ever reason thats a good thing. I carry a PM45 and I don't carry anything else, except a NAA every now and then. Just quit trying to find something different and embrace the J-frames if thats what you like.
 
I have a J frame M36 no dash & a new SP101. The weight is not even close. Ruger is small enough for concealed carry, but it's MUCH heavier than my 36.

The 101 would be fine for a shoulder holster, IWB or hip holster, but definately not a pocket gun. It would pull your pants down! :eek:
 
J-frames are what real people actually carry every day.

All the others, is just what they SAY they carry EVERY day :)

A IWB J is .. awesome. and scary accurate. I never cease to shock myself how accurately you can shoot a J at extended ranges.
 
I am a big J Frame fan and own several 2 and 3 inch. I probably shoot the S&W J Frame more than any other gun (just reloaded 3,000 38 Special).

Even though my pocket carry choice would be the S&W J Frame, I don't carry it because it's just too big and bulky in my front pocket.
pocketcarry38.gif

I do pocket carry a Mod 60 around the place, with the first round snake shot.

I pocket carry a Kel Tec .32 or P3AT, Micro Desert Eagle or Ruger LCP. I also have a SIG P238 and Diamondback but both of these two guns are totally unreliable.
 
I never cease to shock myself how accurately you can shoot a J at extended ranges.
Click to expand...
I like to shoot small guns at 52 yards. Standing, one and two hands.
52yards38Smith.gif

My favorite 52 yard shooter is the 2-3 inch S&W J Frame.
52yards38Smith2.gif

laser52yards38SW.gif
 
I have a J frame M36 no dash & a new SP101. The weight is not even close. Ruger is small enough for concealed carry, but it's MUCH heavier than my 36.

The 101 would be fine for a shoulder holster, IWB or hip holster, but definately not a pocket gun. It would pull your pants down!
Click to expand...

I consider the weight of the 101 to be a good thing :D
 
I agree. The G26 is about the smallest auto that I have real confidence in in terms of reliability, and it's a bit chunky to carry every day.

I have a Kahr PM9 and a Ruger LCP, neither of which do I trust as much as my 642. I might sell the Kahr.
 
IMO, the J-Frame is the best pocket carry ever made. Tiny autos are really cool, too, but the pocket is a hostile environment and I have seen the tiny autos fail to go into battery due to lint. YMMV.
 
M2 Carbine, nice post ! We like our J- frames around here too. Nice range you have there, it makes me want to move to Texas. Keep up the good work !
 
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