Should I sell my J-frame?

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archigos

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I have a S&W 637 Airlite J-frame and rarely use it. Its not so fun for me at the range because of its small size and lack of a slide, and I can't currently conceal it well. Pocket holsters don't do the trick because its simply too big (the butt sticks out of the pocket of all of my long pants, even if I don't put it in a holster at all), and my IWB for it is, well, useless. I've used it a couple of times only to find the holster & J-frame floating around in my shirt a couple of car rides later.
That being said, I do like wheelguns (there's something of a classy feel to them), and it is the only one I own.

To summarize, I'm contemplating selling it because it sits locked up 99% of the time and I could use the money toward a compact semi-auto for IWB carry. I just hesitate to part with my only wheelgun, and I've never sold a gun before.

I know I have to make my own decision here, but I'm just looking for some input to help me along.
 
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They are not hard to conceal at all. It is one of these easiest because it is so light.

What do you plan on concealing if you sell this?
 
I could conceal it well if I purchased a nice IWB for it, but I'm reluctant to bother carrying it IWB because there are a lot of semi-autos that conceal nicely and have a little more heat.
 
You can do what you want with your M637 but I can't agree with your reasons. I have used 3 different pocket holsters with my S&W Airweight J frames and all worked very well. I pocket carry a J frame all the time as my primary carry piece. As for the revolver floating around in your shirt, you are either using a poor holster, poor belt or both. That just shouldn't happen.

If you really want to sell the revolver because of the above reasons you are cheating yourself. If you would prefer a semi-auto then buy a semi-auto. BUT, if you don't like pocket carry for a J frame you won't like it for a semi-auto. Also, if you had trouble with the IWB holster coming loose with a J frame the same thing will happen with a semi-auto.

If you're looking for a really light 9mm might I suggest a Kel-Tec PF-9. If you want something even smaller but cost isn't a worry I would suggest the Kahr P380. It's in .380 Auto but it's a really nice pistol and it both small and light. (under 10oz)

Good luck finding something you will like to carry...
 
The J-frame is simply too big for pocket carry without me going out shopping for special pants. The butt sticks out of the pocket. I carry my LCP everywhere in a Desantis Superfly and it works quite well.
Regarding IWB carry, I've acknowledged its because of a poor holster. The weight is not the issue.
 
Ugh. I edited the original post so that other people would see that before responding, as I think most people only read the first post or two.
I recognize that J-frames are very popular for pocket carry, but it just doesn't work for me. I was trying to drive the discussion in a manner that would be more productive toward my original goal in posting, it was not meant as any offense toward you ArchAngelCD, and I do appreciate your input.
 
Unless you're into "emo-fashion," I'm curious why all your pants allow the butt to stick out.

I only have a pair or two that allow that, so for pocket carry, I don't wear those!

A good holster and/or pants would solve your problem nicely, but if you want to sell it, you won't get much money for it.
 
If you would like to own a revolver buy a steel K or L frame gun and go out and have fun and shoot it. You are not seeming to have any luck carrying it and if you want to be proficient with a J-frame airweight you must practice with it. They are nasty little beasts to shoot in my opinion. I carry a S&W 60, a steel gun, and carry it IWB. Airweights are definitely not guns to carry for defense if you are not going to put rounds through them. Without practice, the safest person in the gunfight will be the one you're trying to shoot. Obviously that's true of all guns but snubnose airweights are about the biggest challenge there is in terms of combat shooting competence.

Carry what you feel comfortable with and will practice with. So, sell the airweight, and buy the S&W 66, 686, ruger gp-100 etc. and have a great time at the range. They make awesome home defense guns also.
 
J-Frame works for a CCW every day for me.

...Just in case anyone pops in here and gets a different impression.

Yes, you do have to practice with it. I stunk with it at first, better now. No particular vexing pants problems either.

If it ain't your cup-o-tea, then sell it.

Les
 
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Archigos, if you click on "wheels" in my sig line, you'll learn what J-frame I carry and how much I like it.

However, like you, I don't like pocket carry of anything. I'm a thin person, so carrying anything in my pocket makes me look like I'm carrying a cheeseburger. Just doesn't work for me.

So, I carry my 642 OWB. I also put a set of Hogue monogrips (full 3-finger) on it. Much easier to control.

Do as you wish. If you have no confidence in it, then sell it. Good luck finding what works for you. But I agree with what someone said above: it may be hard to find something substantive to pocket carry if you don't like an air weight.

Nem
 
Perhaps you should replace your pants rather than your gun.

I carry my J in my right front pocket.
I hadn't thought of carrying a cheeseburger, might try that in my left front pocket.
 
Don't sell your j-frame. Save up money to buy the gun your really like. But the j frame has its unique traits that you may wish for in the future.


In fact, unless you really need the money, don't ever sell any gun that is in your current possession....even guns you don't like. (Why? Well, if I have to explain... Really...think about it.)
 
You should sell it.

To me.

For 150 bucks.

Today.

Seriously, what grip is on it?

I've been pocket carrying a Model 60 with stock rubber grips, which are a lot bigger and longer. It does require a reasonably roomy pocket.

My 642 doesn't stick out of anything I wear with a Nemesis holster.

And I will buy your 637 for $150 any time, anywhere. J-frames are wonderful things.
 
Keep it! some day you may really want it back.Try some other opt.but keep it You might just wind up back where you started,I did.
Ive tried many small autos Kahr cw40 ,Glock 26, Keltec PF9,Bresa 380,ect.
And the one I carry every day is a S&W638 IWB. and the only ones I sold and miss is a couple of J frames I let go.The right holster and belt is as important as what you carry.
And I have a box full of poor choices to prove it.
Bob.
 
It is your choice. If it doesn't suit your needs, get rid of it. There is nothing extremely collectible about your gun and you can always get another like it in the future. It isn't doing you any good and you may find another carry gun that suits your needs better.
I pocket carry a 642 a lot in a pocket holster anytime I am wearing anything but jeans. It conceals very well.
In jeans I carry a Kel-Tec P-32 as it is better suited for my non baggy pants.
 
After owning five or six j-frames in dirrent frame materials, I came to the same conclusion as you did.

Buying a Kahr PM9 expedited the decision-making process. The Kahr fits in the front pocket of any pants or shorts I own. The j-frames, not so much.

Since that time I have owned K, L and (my personal favorite) N-frames in 4 and 6". The 4"ers work well IWB when a cover garment is available.
 
archigos,

It comes down to one question....do you shoot it well?

Personally I have no desire to own that gun as I do not shoot light snubs well. I own a steel framed J frame but a Detective Special is my favorite concealed carry snubby. Why? I shoot it very well.

Good luck
 
Archigos,

If the grip of 637 sticks out of the pocket, you can put it in grip forward. I do it sometimes when I wear shorts with shallow pocket, it helps.

Mike
 
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