If you could only have one model J frame what model would it be?

[David E]

I want one for ccw most likely

In that case, a 42, 442/642 or 38/638 or 342 or 340 (I'd only shoot .38's)

 

[Boxhead]

The only one I own. This M63 I bought the year they came out.

 

[rchery59]

I do have only one J frame. Pinned barrel Model 60. It's on my "never sell "list.
It resides in my right hip pocket 90% of the time.

 

[Nom de Forum]

A Model 38 Bodyguard from the 1980s with original wood grips. It is not much fun to shoot, but it is light, disappears in a coat pocket, and slides smoothly out of a coat pocket.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Model 642 no-lock. I consider J-frames to be guns of practicality, they do some things even today than no autoloader still can.

If they made a model 638 no-lock, then that might be it but I think the "hammerless" Centennial series still is so great. The "bodyguard" revolver to me for some reason, look slightly cooler and they have the advantage of SA fire.

Too bad Smith doesn't make the 638 in a no-lock version!

 

[hAkron]

I like the 642 (or 442). To me they are just about the perfect SD gun. Perfect size for pocket carry. Nice DA trigger pull. Fully shrouded hammer. Light alloy frame. I'm fine with .38 +P...actually prefer it to 357 in such a small gun. Also, very reasonably priced.

 

[9mmfan]

In practice? 642, since I already own one. Meets all my for real J-frame needs.

In theory? Torn between a 640 Pro, just 'cause it's so sweet, and a Model 40 with the grip safety. For the same reason, coupled with my unearned sense of nostalgia.

 

[bannockburn]

A Model 36 round butt with a 3" heavy barrel. Let one of these get away and would love to have one back in the fold. Runner-up would be a Model 638 with a 2 1/2" barrel.

 

[clutch]

442, wasn't expensive, not worried about carry wear, hides well, and it shoots good.

 

[Radagast]

For a specific purpose?
Deep concealment: 342, loaded with .38 specials. I'm assuming a larger gun for most other purposes.
Open carry, or IWB: Model 60 Pro 3 inch or Model 60 Target 3 inch. Probably the best compromise gun since the demise of the three inch Model 13/65.

Just because?
The classic Model 60 has always appealed to me.

 

[Stainz]

For fun - my 3" 63.
For CCW - at least until my shoulder heals - my 351PD.

 

[AFDavis11]

I like the 442 the best. At the moment I'm carry a new Bodyguard .38 revolver. Not really a j frame. But really close. It's growing on me. It's an excellent back-up gun.

I really like air weight revolvers for carry.

 

[Waveski]

Model 36 Chief's Special.

The snub nose revolver that is the benchmark against which all others are measured.

 

[tomrkba]

I would prefer a 640 with front and rear night sights.

 

[frankiestoys]

I now have a 442 but had the 642 same gun like them both can't go wrong with either

 

[Wil Terry]

A Kit Gun.

 

[Hoppes Love Potion]

If it was just one allowed it would have to be for self defense, so the 351c or the 640 .38Sp-only. I consider the 11-oz AirLite a good match for the .22 Magnum ammo and the 20-oz steel framed 640 a good match for .38 Special. I guess the 351c would be best for daily carry.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm a J frame freak so I can't pick only one! It depends upon what you are using it for...

I can't do just one!
If you really want only one I agree the Chief's Special is the one.



If you are going to pocket carry like I do, the S&W M442 is nice and my daily carry.



If you want more power the M640 or M649 are great on the belt.
I was searching for a M649 for a long time when I found the M640 below.
I really like the S&W Bodyguard frame but the Centennial frame is also nice.

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

I'm partial to my no-lock 442 . Really digging that M63 as well. Thanks everyone for the pics.

 

[skoro]

For me it'd be either a 642 or 442 w/o the lock.

 

[fastbolt]

If you could only have one model J frame what model would it be?

I'm probably the wrong person to ask such a question. I have 7 of them at the moment, and wouldn't mind picking up another 2-3 of them.

The "answer" depends on your perceived needs, any personal preferences, and to no small extent how well you've developed and maintained your revolver skills.

A bit recoil sensitive? Look at steel-framed models.

Want square butt or round butt?

Don't mind some recoil and want a more pocketable (pocket holstered) snub, weight-wise, to use as a lawfully carried concealed snub? Look at an Airweight.

Want blue/black finish or stainless?

Want traditional DA, with the ability to shoot either DA or slower, thumb-cocked SA?

Want mostly DA capability, but wouldn't mind occasional SA capability for plinking, sport shooting? Look at the traditional Bodyguard style with the less-snag-prone shrouded hammer (not the newer snub of the same name).

Want DAO? Look at the Centennial-style (or one of the short runs of the 40/42's, with grip safeties).

Want .38 Spl or .357 Magnum?

Want a more durable aluminum frame? Look at the Scandium models?

Want really light weight? Look at the Ti/Sc/PD models with titanium cylinders and alloy yokes.

Shooter and ammunition considerations abound. Some potential owner maintenance issues, too. (Careful cleaning those titanium cylinders and alloy frames.)

How about a middle-of-the-road lightweight gun, between an Airweight and a Ti/Sc/PD? M&P 340/360 (Want DAO or TDA?). Chambered in Magnum, with black finished stainless cylinders, but still with a Sc aluminum frame, sleeved barrel (steel liner & alloy shroud) and an alloy yoke.

Want one with the ILS (lock) or a No-Lock model?

Fixed sights? Adjustable sights? Night sights? Fiber optic?

Pretty much something for everybody who might want a diminutive 5-shot J-frame.

 

[mykeal]

 

[HexHead]

Model 36 Chief's Special.

The snub nose revolver that is the benchmark against which all others are measured.

Pffft. That would be it's predecessor, the Colt Detective Special. I have both.

Now if you are just referring to J-frames, I'd be inclined to agree with you.

 

[benzy2]

Tomorrow I'm taking a stab at two the LGS has in stock. One is a Model 36 3" barrel with round butt. The other is a new 642 Talo edition from the PC guys. Handled both on Friday and wanted to give it time to sink in. Well, that has come and gone and both will be on their way home with me in the morning.

If I were to only have a single J-frame it would be my first, a 34. Too much fun to have a little .22lr revolver around. Lucky for me, I have no such restrictions as to how many, simply how much I can justify to spend.

 

[pharmer]

Only one? 640, .38spl. Joe