looking for a J frame ideas

[AWMP]

This what I am looking for, j frame in .357(first choice) or .38, lightweight. Best place to buy? Price check?
Best ammo to carry?
Best belt holster to carry?
Idea about getting it magna ported, can you still shoot shotshells out of a magnaported pistol?
Thanks in advance I know this is a long one. Take care
AW

 

[RustyShackelford]

Militarypolice.com/J-frame information...

Are you or were you a US Army MP? If you are interested, check out; www.militarypolice.com . I use it often, .

For the J frame stuff here are some basic guidelines;

prices/models; www.gunsamerica.com

I suggest the S&W model 442/642 or 638 .38spl. The 638 is a SA/DA model with a covered hammer. This works well for CC/pocket carry.

AMMO: use Speer Gold Dot 135gr +P JHP W-W 158gr lead SWC-HP +P or the Winchester 130gr +P SXT protection load Corbon 110gr JHP +P+. Glaser/silver safety slugs and Magsafe .38spl loads are a good choice for urban areas or protection in areas with many people. See these sites for ordering/specs/details; www.corbon.com www.natchezss.com www.midwayusa.com www.magsafe.com .

HOLSTERS; Check www.donhume.com www.miltsparks.com www.blackhawk.com. Blackhawk sells a great J-frame belt holster based on the classic Berns Martin style. Many high quality J frame holsters are available. Look around for the best deal.

Use factory loads only for defense, no reloads/handloads. Check your weapon(s) and ammo often and keep them clean.

Rusty

 

[Cosmoline]

From experience, I'd advise STRONGLY against going with a ported .357 mag in J frame size. The smallest .357 I'd suggest anyone get is an SP-101 or K frame size. Contrary to what some gun store clerks will tell you, your flinch does not magically go away in a self defense scenario, nor does your accuracy improve. You can expect both to get much worse, though it's true you may not notice how bad you're shooting. And porting, esp. in such a small handgun, is a waste. The last time I came close to having to shoot someone, my hands were shaking badly and I can only guess how bad my aim would have been. You want to have a sidearm you're 100% comfortable shooting, with no pain or flinch.

After much experimentation, I think the original is the best. A model 36 or 60, or the variations on those in .38 Special or comparable round, are the perfect balance. The steel frames are light enough to be carried in pocket, but heavy enough to soak up the .38 Special's recoil.

Carry options are pretty much unlimited.

 

[Sistema1927]

"when know one else can or will MPs get the call"

Might just be an oversight, but "when no one else can or will MP's get the call" is what you probably meant to say in your sig line.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

Another vote for the S&W 642.

Extremely light, common on the used market, snag-free, etc.

If you're an average-sized guy, you can probably carry it fine in your front pocket with a pocket holster. I like the DeSantis Nemesis, and it's under $20.

I'm a pretty small-framed guy, so I carry my 649 on my belt instead, using Barami Hip Grips. When a revo is in my pocket, the lighter weight of an the alloy frame (642, 638, etc) is very noticeable. Carried on the belt, I don't find the steel frame that excessive.

I'll modidy my rec slightly: 642, but consider the 640 (same thing but all-steel frame) if you don't mind carrying a heavier gun on your belt. If pocket carry is even a remote possibility, go 642.

The above are the "Centennial" series, with the hammer totally internal. The 49/38/649/638 "Bodyguard" series have a shrouded hammer that you can still cock, but is snag free. The 36/37/60/637 is the "Chief's Special" and has the fully-exposed hammer.

If you hit the THR Search button, you'll swiftly realize that the S&W 642 has a huge cult following, and is one of the most often recommended guns on THR.

-MV

 

[WHW]

RustyShackelford said it all. A very good post.

The only thing I could add would be to go with a heavier gun than the airweights if shooting .357. The 640 is a great concealed hammer gun. The Ruger SP101 snub is heavier still, and one of my favorites. If you are comfortable with going a bit bigger, check gunbroker.com for a 21/2 inch Security Six.

Good luck.

whw

 

[GunNut]

342(if you can find one reasonable) or 642 are great pocket guns in .38special.

If you want a pocket size .357mag, look at an all stainless steel S&W 640.

Steve

 

[aaronrkelly]

I have a Smith 637 (.38 spl snubbie, Airweight) and think its great. Its the gun to carry when you dont want to be bothered carrying a gun. Just disappears. Today I carried it while riding a Genie lift, forklift, boom truck and countless ladders while running over 8000 feet of CAT5E cable.

I never once even noticed it....the gun just wasnt there, honestly.

I also have a Taurus 605 (their J frame equivalent) in steel frame 3" barrel. Its quite a bit heavier.....but also its a .357 magnum. I actually dont like shooting .357 out of it. Lots more recoil and I cant hit the broad side of a barn with it. Stick .38spl in it and were good to go, my wifes even pretty good with it.

Not sure why, I suspect the .357 changes the POI quite a bit and I just havent gotten used to it......but you would have thought I would have figured it out after about 30 rounds.....but I couldnt get it down.

 

[Cosmoline]

Don't overlook the famous KL Null holsters, which work exceptionally well with J Frames. They go back to the Seventrees spy holsters.

 

[AWMP]

Decided on a 642 or 442, looking to buy one now. Just need to find a good holster now. (just like all of you I have a drawer full that did not work)
Any suggestions? I have always used Milt Sparks Versa Max II's. Would like to find a good leather OWB or IWB holster.

 

[jonsidneyb]

In my opinion the very very best pocket holster for these is the one by Milt Sparks. My favorite IWB set up for this is the hipgrip

 

[AWMP]

Which Milt Sparks?

 

[jonsidneyb]

This Milt Sparks. It is fantastic. I went though a ton of holsters before this one.

 

[AWMP]

Very nice, what model holster is that? Is it a belt holster? Looks like what I have been looking for , now just have to find one, lol. Speed loader case to match maybe?

 

[Seven High]

I carry a SW 642 on occasion. The Desantis nemesis is a very good holster to carry in your pocket.

 

[AWMP]

Anyone recommend a nice belt holster for 642?

 

[jonsidneyb]

That is a sharkskin pocket holster. Probably about 6 year old. Shark is very tough. It does not have a scratch on it. It is the only pocket holster I have ever tried that works for me. It got me to get rid of my automatic mouse guns and pocket a J-frame.

 

[jonsidneyb]

If you take a look at the 3 inch J-frame. It has a hip grip on it. I am sold on those. I think it is more concealable and comfortable than any holster made for a J-frame. They are pretty cheap. Give one a try.

It is a hook molded into the grip, you tuck your gun it will hold it there tight.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I bought a S&W M-638 last month and I'm glad I did. I reallt wouldn't suggest a .357 in a ultra-light snub. I carry Speer Gold dot Short Barrel 135 gr .38 +P rounds.

I'm still looking for a holster I really like. I'm using a Fobus Conceal Carry Paddle holster right now that is not too bad. (Model J357) https://secure.fobusholster.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=158

 

[JMag]

I think you'd be better off avoiding porting on a snubnose...the blast, the fire spitting...not good, especially if fired from your jacket pocket.