K frame pocket gun?

[Mr. Black]

So yesterday I got to shoot one of them little J-frames. It was titanium (he said) hammerless and in .38.

Suffices to say, I was impressed. It was exactly what I was looking for for those times when I don't want to "suit up"

I was not, however, Impressed with the new smith's trigger pul or ergonomics.

So I was thinking, how much bigger is a model 10 than a J frame. If one put a short barrel on a K frame would it also make a good pocket gun or would it be too big?

 

[dfariswheel]

Smith & Wesson used to sell a "K" frame with a round butt, fixed sights, and a 2" barrel. I believe this was a Model 10 Military and Police.

I guess it could be a "pocket gun" if you're a sufficiently large man, but it's still a fairly heavy, bulky gun.

 

[Byron]

The cylinder would be too thick making it obvious the revolver would be in your pocket. The increased weight would seem to be uncomfortable.

 

[popeye]

Hope attached pic gives idea of sizes. Two K frame Smiths, Two J frame Smiths, and two D frame Colts. Colt might squeeze in as pocket gun with the short frame grips on them. These are approx. .5" extention grips on Colts.

 

[Mike Irwin]

S&W also sold a Model 12 Airweight with a roundbutt and 2" barrel.

 

[Al Thompson]

IME, the K frame Airweight is doable - especially in a jacket. Ditto for the Colt Cobra.

I have a K frame (M64) 2 inch, RB that is just too heavy for such use.

 

[popeye]

I've got a 12-3 2", SB. Just the right weight but just a bit to big for pocket, RB would be O.K.. My pocket carry's are 1 7/8" 940, or P-32. At 240, I'm close to goin to "Omar the tentmaker" for my duds, so I can where baggy pants.

 

[Johnny Guest]

Agreed as to too heavy - - -

- - -especially if in steel. I really think the K frame S&W is too bulky for my personal pants pocket use, even in the model 12 Airweight. My upper limit for pants pocket is the Colt D frame, and I switch between an Agent and a Smith M37 in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. The choice comes down to whether the trousers du jour are pleated or flat front. The identically sized Colt Det Special and M36 S&W are both too heavy for me.

popeye, that's a nice comparison photo. I think one nearly has to handle and actually pocket the various models to truly appreciate the differences. Even if you study the height, width, and length measurements, and the true scaled weights, the differences are so subtle that it's hard to decide in that manner.

With pants of thick, loose fitting fabric, constructed with deep pockets, it is possible to HIDE even a four inch revolver or a medium size automatic. But to constantly CARRY such an arm day in and day out becomes very uncomfortable.

Best,
Johnny

 

[JDSlack]

Mr. Black,

IMHO if you are going to carry it as a "pocket gun" that is, in your hip or front pocket, the lightweight (or regular weight J's are great. As for the ergonomics of the trigger, I would suggetst adding a Tyler "T-grip" and use the issue stocks. I have carried a 642 in that configuration for quite a while and it works well with a good pocket holster. I use this for those ocassions when wearing a hip or IWB holster isn't practiable.

 

[tbeb]

A "K" frame Smith & Wesson, even with a 2" barrel is too big for pocket carry. A "J" frame is hard to beat for this mode of carry. If you're patient you may find a nice used model 37 or 38 for about $250. These are both airweights. The 37 has an exposed hammer. The 38 has a shrouded hammer, and I think it is one of the best pocket revolvers. For $100 less, look for an older Charter Arms Undercover .38. Opt for a Smith & Wesson, but an older Charter Arms will serve you well.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I was not, however, Impressed with the new smith's trigger pul or ergonomics.

It's a very rare Smith & Wesson action that doesn't need a bit of work, in my opinion. As for the ergonomics... Well, my pre-agreement J frame took a little getting used to, especially the narrow trigger and small hammer spur.

 

[Tamara]

Here's another comparo:

On the left, a J-frame and an Improved I-frame (a 442 2" and a 34 2"). On the right, a pair of K-frames (a 12-2 2" and a 64-4 2").

The 12-2 is an airweight K. Very light for its size, and (with the stubby barrel, fixed sights and round butt) not overly large, either.

 

[chaim]

If your problem is with the trigger pull you can always get a trigger job. If you don't want to spend the extra money, I do think the Taurus small snubs have a better trigger than the J-frame S&Ws (the J-frame is the one revolver where S&W uses a coil mainspring instead of their usual flat mainspring so that changes the feel enough that Taurus which is more experienced w/ the coil spring since they use it in all their revolvers is just better at it). Another option that has been mentioned here is the small Colts- I don't think they have a better trigger but they do have a different trigger which just might be what you are looking for.

 

[MR.G]

Get the S&W J frame. Change the rebound and main springs to Wolf reduced power, polish the internals, and fire it a couple of hundred rounds. Trigger pull should be a lot better. I have carried an L frame 686 plus 2-1/2" in my front pocket before, but my J frame Airweight carries a lot better.