Which j-frame .38 Special?

[Seaman]

Yo Kreyzhorse,

Pants one size larger still look OK, and are actually easier to walk around in. I don't pocket carry the J-frame much (no pocket holster), but it surprises me that no-one ever notices it in the front pocket because it prints somewhat, but I guess the odd shape works for CC. Usually the J-frame goes in an IWB, sometimes on the ankle.

The Rugers and Kel Tecs are very popular pocket pistols, seems everyone has one, never know if they are carrying breath mints or....

[brabham78]

Glockfan35, you already own one of the snubs on your poll, so why not stick it (38 Bodyguard) in your pocket and see how it works?

In previous threads you've talked about your purchase. A .38 Bodyguard

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=447205 (post #6)

......... and on another thread you talk about how you own a .38 Bodyguard and ankle carry it.

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=448309 (post#1 & 25)

So which is it? Do you carry a 38 already (like you've stated), or don't you?

Since you've said in previous threads that you already own and carry a snub, I'm kind of confused by this current thread that seems to indicate otherwise.

[KyJim]

The Body Guard...because I prefer having the option of SA.

Let's don't get things confused. The original version of the Bodyguard had a hammer shroud and was known as the Model 38 and could be fired single action:


I think the OP and some others were referring to the newest version of the Bodyguard which is "hammerless" polymer design with built-in laser sights:

[9mm]

Oh you want hammerless, sorry. I was going to suggest the S&W 637..

[brabham78]

OP has stated in a previous thread that he owns the new version .38 Bodyguard with w/ Insight laser.

[Doc Intrepid]

Originally Posted by Glockfan35

"...the idea of having a snubbie to throw in my pocket, along with a speedloader or two"...

If you intended to carry a J-frame in some sort of holster, then it's overall weight wouldn't matter much.

But if you're going to actually carry it in your pocket, weight starts to matter.

I own a 640 and a 642 Airweight. I tried carrying the 640 (stainless steel) in a pocket and it just didn't work for me - the weight of the revolver changes how your jacket hangs, and your trou as well for that matter. For true pocket carry, the 642 Airweight is a better choice IMO...and I've tried both.

(That said, if you can carry a 642 Centennial and two speedloaders in a pocket without it looking like you have a pound of walnuts in your pants, you're a better man than I am. After having tried to dig speed strips and other great ideas out of my trouser pockets, for reloads I went to carrying dump pouches on a belt - at least they were quickly accessible. Still, however, my opinion is that if I need to reload a J-frame in the middle of a gunfight, I'm having a bad day. I think of my J-frame as a 5-shot derringer. Reloading it under fire strikes me as a high-anxiety endeavor...)

KnowhutImean?

[Smaug]

I like that the Bodyguard with its integral laser.

The LCR's grip is fat and short; doesn't allow the pinky to get a hold. Some say it doesn't matter, but I don't like the feeling of the dangling pinky.

That is if you're going to carry it a lot and shoot it a little.

If you're going to shoot it more than a little and you can cope with the extra weight, you should get the heavier steel 642.

[brabham78]

If you're going to shoot it more than a little and you can cope with the extra weight, you should get the heavier steel 642

The 642 is fairly light (15 oz empty). It has an aluminum frame.

[Seaman]

"...I don't like the feeling of the dangling pinky."

Smaug, with the J-frames I just curl the pinky under the butt, it supports the J-frame like a solid foundation, and this translates to very accurate shooting. I suspect this is why the J-frames come out of the factory with a short boot grip.

I find that when I put a longer full finger grip on, it is harder to shoot accurately. Likewise with a PPK vs PPK/S.

Sometimes I carry two Bodyguards, the long grip for CQ quick draw, the short grip for the long shot.

In the picture below the bottom Bodyguard revolver looks bigger, but thats just the camera angle, they are both the same size.

[earlthegoat2]

Since the Taurus costs less than any of those S&Ws and is of the same quality I would make it a toss up between the LCR and the 85UL.

[Smaug]

That is an interesting note, Seaman. I will try it some time, next time I get the chance.

The factory grip on my SP-101 can go either way; either crowd the pinky on, or curl it under.

[10 Beers]

So we all agree, except for Earl and me nobody likes Tuarus.

[deathrider]

I myself have always liked the S&W model 37.

hopefully that will be what I get next. if I dont find some other deal that takes my cash.

my mom had a model 37 when I was growing up, thats what I learned on in mid calibers, my dad bought a RG in 38 special, & my mom went balistic, & said we didnt need but 1 gun, so she sold hers, unfortunately still have the junk RG, & still miss the 37, & loved the few model 37s I have seen.

it is all aluminum, including the cylinder, no +P rounds can be shot ever, but very light weight, one of my favorite pocket pistols.

Randy

[vytoland]

none of the above....................i like the S&W model 649

[scsov509]

Love my 642, wouldn't choose another. Works great as a pocket carry option for those instances when anything larger isn't an option, and is also always riding in my winter coat pockets in case I can't get to the primary under all those layers of clothing. I especially love that the 642 can be fired from inside of a jacket pocket if it came to that since there's nothing to snag or prevent operation. Look no further than the 642 my friend...

[mesinge2]

Originally posted by Seaman

The option of having SA for that rare long shot (if necessary) is better than having no option. And the SA snubbie is very capable with 50 yard plus hits.

I carry the S&W M438 Bodyguard which does not snag (because of the humpback frame), and is 15 ounces, light enough for IWB, ankle or pocket.

Krezyhorse, pocket carry is fine, I wear loose fitting jeans with 438 Bodyguard in front pocket, pants are one size larger, 36 instead of 34, with a good belt of course.

+1 I voted 642 only because you did not have the 638 for an option. Mine has been utterly reliable and I love the option of SA.

My .38 SPL +P S & W model 638-3 (2).jpg

[earlthegoat2]

Any Smith made before their manufacturing improvements would probably be superior to anything new.

Vintage 642s and 442s are out there and dont feel like a baby's rattle in your hand.

The 357 LCR would be very nice for shooting only 38s because of its extra few ounces of weight.

I dont own the Taurus 85UL but I would not hesitate to get one if I was handicapping myself to only new guns.

[ChrisJ715]

I got to shoot an LCR over the weekend, loved it.

[10 Beers]

+1 I voted 642 only because you did not have the 638 for an option. Mine has been utterly reliable and I love the option of SA.

My .38 SPL +P S & W model 638-3 (2).jpg

Now that's a classy clasic. Made of METAL like a real gun. (in case the dog finds it) with WOOD grips, fixed sights that can't move, no batteries and no intergrated circuits or opto electronics.

[Deja vu]

Go with any gun you trust. Me personally I would trust any thing from S&W or Ruger.

I carry a J-frame 640... but I shoot 357 magnums.

[RsqVet]

I have a pre-lock, 357 mag 649.

Love it, action has been worked on and I shoot it better than any other snub it have ever shot.

Not one for aluminum framed J frames -- everyone bashes the J frame for not being as strong as a SP101 which I would agree with so why make the things out of aluminum. This and the discoloration / corroded gunk I have seen after carrying one for awhile turned me off to them.

[Roland Thunder]

What is the difference between the S&W 642 and the 638.

What is the difference between the 642 and 442

[MLeake]

42 series are hammerless; 38 series have shrouded hammers.

In airweights, 4 prefix means aluminum alloy frame with blue steel cylinder and barrel; 6 prefix means aluminum alloy frame with stainless steel cylinder and barrel.

[Champion5]

I just picked up a 442 yesterday and took it to the range last night. I couldn't be happier.

[KyJim]

Congratulations on the 442. Everybody should own at least one J-frame.