Author Topic: S&W J frame? (Read 4363 times)

sk330lc · « **on:** August 30, 2009, 02:35:11 PM »

Which S&W 38Special J frame would you Pick for Carry? the 637, 638, 642 . Why would you Pick that particulare Model?

cwlongshot · « **Reply #1 on:** August 30, 2009, 03:29:44 PM »

638 was my choice. I've had it for many years. Not the prettiest, not by a long shot, but functionally, its superb!!

CW

Swampman · « **Reply #2 on:** August 30, 2009, 03:43:42 PM »

I have a Model 36 & I really like it.

Graybeard · « **Reply #3 on:** August 30, 2009, 06:15:16 PM »

I use the 638. It has the shrouded hammer so you can fire from inside a pocket if necessary without the hammer hanging up yet if you need to make a carefully aimed shot single action you can do that as well. It's light and hardly noticeable. I've owned about all of them but for me the 638 is a keeper.

rockbilly · « **Reply #4 on:** August 31, 2009, 05:33:57 AM »

I like the 642 for the same reasons GB stated, but mine is in a .357, this way I have a broader choice of ammo. Mine is also equiped with CT grips.

WD45 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 31, 2009, 06:22:48 AM »

I like them all

Best functionality the 638. It comes out of the pocket easier without dragging on the hammer for me also

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #6 on:** August 31, 2009, 07:27:19 AM »

A 649 is on my list. Nothing to snag and only one way to shoot it. so only one way to train with it. So only one mussle memmory function.
Draw, point, finger to the trigger, asses, and squeeze. Squeeze again as needed.

Mikey · « **Reply #7 on:** August 31, 2009, 01:28:49 PM »

M38 for all the reasons Graybeard listed. A perfect pocket companion.

Feddog82 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 31, 2009, 03:57:20 PM »

I have a 442-1 (no Lock) and I love it. I have carried it everyday that I could since I bought it. It's the same as a 642 except "blue" instead of "stainless". Quotes b/c they are more like black and grey b/c they are not really blued or stainless I just don't know what they really call it.

Old Griz · « **Reply #9 on:** September 06, 2009, 07:35:49 PM »

I've got the 638 for all the reasons Graybeard mentioned. I like being able to cock it and fire it SA if I want to. It's comfortable to shoot and points like your finger. Couldn't ask for more in a pocket gun.

rong · « **Reply #10 on:** September 20, 2009, 12:14:51 AM »

+1 Mod 36

popplecop · « **Reply #11 on:** September 20, 2009, 02:56:36 PM »

Have had a 36 since 62, see no reason to update or change.

sk330lc · « **Reply #12 on:** September 21, 2009, 11:28:45 AM »

the 638 was my choice. I love it. the shrouded hammer is awsome. A bit stiff but that will soon loosen up .

aimhard · « **Reply #13 on:** September 21, 2009, 12:30:05 PM »

Over the years I've had a 36 a 60 and a 360. All of the J frames are well built and dependable. I prefer having a hammer to cock for single action accuracy. I've carried every day for 30 years and never have had trouble with the hammer snagging clothing. I also like the scandium frames light weight.

Wyo. Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #14 on:** September 21, 2009, 12:33:48 PM »

$:-\$ .My J is a model 60, with the option of 357's if I choose. Right now it is loaded with Rem. 125 38 spl. + ammo. I bought a bunch of it before the price went through the roof. It is my most carried side arm. But in this country the weather is cool enough it is easy to cover, and really crime that would require a high cap. pistol is low. Atleast for the present.

John R. · « **Reply #15 on:** September 22, 2009, 11:29:53 AM »

Over the years I've had 5 different M36's. I currently have a M38 and a M60. I really like the M38 for sticking in a coat or vest pocket in the winter (or what passes for winter, here in MS.)

Big Nasty · « **Reply #16 on:** October 15, 2009, 03:30:45 AM »

I love my air weight 38 spcl +p 637 chiefs special.

Dee · « **Reply #17 on:** October 15, 2009, 04:45:37 AM »

I carry a Model 60 EVERYDAY, with my own action job, Ajax ivory grips, and a polished aluminum Tyler T-grip. Slick, smooth, and comfortable. During the winter I sometimes carry a Glock 21 with night sights
.
My load is what it always is in 357 magnum. 125 grain jacketed hollow point. Best one shot stopping record in the pistol fighting business.
In 45acp, either a 200 grain truncated flat point, or a 185 grain jacketed hollow point.

44 Man · « **Reply #18 on:** October 15, 2009, 04:52:07 AM »

+1 on the Airweight. I've owned my model 37 for many years and it has served me well. The last critter to drop to it was a field mouse at 10 yds. Of course the hammer spur has been bobbed. She's the one at the top of the pic. (Yes, if you look closely, they are all loaded) 44 Man

lrs · « **Reply #19 on:** October 15, 2009, 02:11:34 PM »

Do any of you shoot reloads through your J frame?

Dee · « **Reply #20 on:** October 15, 2009, 02:13:44 PM »

Never! The owners manual reads just like the Glock manuals. Never shoot reloads thru the J frames. It'll ruin"em.

Graybeard · « **Reply #21 on:** October 16, 2009, 02:50:18 AM »

Quote from: lrs on October 15, 2009, 02:11:34 PM

Do any of you shoot reloads through your J frame?

Only when I'm shooting it.

I do carry factory in it but shoot only reloads really. I'm not rich enough to afford factory ammo for shooting practice so use only reloads for that but as I said I do carry factory in it.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #22 on:** October 16, 2009, 02:55:32 AM »

638 , reason -all of what GB and others say about it with one other reason , snakes i can fire it single action at snakes and hit them better . Other critters also . You can also get a higher grip on it .

John R. · « **Reply #23 on:** October 16, 2009, 04:48:26 AM »

How in the world would you ruin a J-frame by shooting standard pressure reloads in it?

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #24 on:** October 16, 2009, 05:20:20 AM »

Shoot alot of them . The mod 38 airweight i have had to be sent back to S&W to have a spring and latch replaced . This was from shooting low pressure pratice rounds .

Dee · « **Reply #25 on:** October 16, 2009, 11:14:57 AM »

Quote from: John R. on October 16, 2009, 04:48:26 AM

How in the world would you ruin a J-frame by shooting standard pressure reloads in it?

It was satire. A joke. A bunch of folks FRET over the owners manual in Glock boxes say not re-manufactured ammo, so instead of realizing that it is for warranty issues, they think you can't shoot reloads in them. I just threw it out at the Smith Js. I have been shooting reloads in Smiths of all sizes for 40 years.

lrs · « **Reply #26 on:** October 16, 2009, 12:42:02 PM »

A while back someone mentioned 200gr bullets for a .38.
Any of you try these ?

Graybeard · « **Reply #27 on:** October 16, 2009, 01:00:39 PM »

Not me, that's Mikey's baby. In a .38 Special case I seldom go over 140 for JHPs.

45-70.gov · « **Reply #28 on:** October 16, 2009, 02:27:46 PM »

642....what my kids carry

640 what i carry

the old body guard mod 38 i think is what my dad carried

just learn to shoot DAO......never cock it under stress

no pocket dirt to get in hammer hole

deerhunter · « **Reply #29 on:** October 18, 2009, 09:24:03 AM »

I vote for the 642 airweight. I like this model because there is no hammer, and its DAO, and for pocket carry, there is nothing to snag on the draw.