S&W J Frames

[JimCunn]

I have three Airweight 637-2 J-frames lightened up with titanium .357Mag cylinders reamed for 9x19mm.

 

[aaaaa]

Nice 357 J-frame. I saw a S&W warning regarding the titanium cylinder:

Warning: Do Not Use Magnum Loadings With Bullet Weights Of Less Than 120 Gr. This Will Reduce The Possibility Of Premature Cylinder Erosion.

Is the barrel stamped on the other side to not use less than 120 grain .357s?
This article explains why one should not use them:
https://www.all4shooters.com/en/shooting/culture/titanium-cylinders/

 

[aarondhgraham]

Just a piece of useful information,,,
Maybe.

My pair of J-frames have different butts,,,
The Model 36 has a round butt,,,
The Model 34 is a square butt.



That drove my OCD personality crazy!

But I accidentally found a solution,,,
I ordered a set of Pachmayer "Compaq" grips for each.

Even though they are made to fit different butt styles,,,
Their outer dimensions are identical in shape,,,
Now they both feel the same in my hand.

Aarond

.

 

[JERRY]

View attachment 1064824

I'm interested in you take on that airweight with wad cutter target loads regarding recoil. What would you compare the recoil to? Also, I like that hybrid holster; leather against the body, kydex for the gun retention, belt clip not on the cylinder which adds unnecessary bulk.

 

[Autodidactic]

I only have one revolver and it is a J-frame, model 642.

Hogue Tamer grip. Cartridges are Black Hills Honeybadger, Hornady Hollow Point, Norma FMJ and Winchester FMJ.

Same, although I just took off the Hogue Tamers and put on the original grips for concealability. Mine currently has 135 grain Gold Dot in it.

 

[38Mike]

I'm interested in you take on that airweight with wad cutter target loads regarding recoil. What would you compare the recoil to? Also, I like that hybrid holster; leather against the body, kydex for the gun retention, belt clip not on the cylinder which adds unnecessary bulk.

The ammo is Underwood 150gr wadcutters, not a “target” load, but not too bad recoil wise, about like any of the plus P loads available, with no huge fireball. The VZ grips really help me control the gun. The holster is from Garrett Industries; it is kydex on outside and leather lined. I wear it in appendix position; has tuckable feature which is nice. Think they call it the Revolver holster nowadays. A nice carry set up; works well for me...

 

[JFrame]

I've posted this J-frame "family photo" a couple times on this forum... It's a crappy pic, but I've never been able to generate the energy to try for another one.

Top row (left to right): S&W Model 40 (nickel plated), 63 kit gun, 640 (no dash .38 only), 638
Middle row (left to right): S&W 337PD, 317 kit gun, 60 Pro, 360PD

I had enough room in the pic for a few NAA revolvers...

 

[Hondo 60]

I need a model 49!
Had a model 38, but even that hurt to shoot.
Sold it 2 months ago.
Now I'm just waitin for the right deal to come along.

 

[Haywood]

I need a model 49!
Had a model 38, but even that hurt to shoot.
Sold it 2 months ago.
Now I'm just waitin for the right deal to come along.

I’ve been looking for a 49 for a while. At actions they just keep bidding and go way to high. I inherited a 638 recently so I’m thinking or having it refinished black and it needs the Internal lock removed. I use Pachmayr Compacts or Hogue Tamer Grips and recoil is no problem.

 

[Autodidactic]

I’ve been looking for a 49 for a while. At actions they just keep bidding and go way to high. I inherited a 638 recently so I’m thinking or having it refinished black and it needs the Internal lock removed. I use Pachmayr Compacts or Hogue Tamer Grips and recoil is no problem.

Hogue Tamer Grips are good. I had them on my 642 for a while. Although they for sure help with grip and recoil, they are bigger than the stock grips and I switched it back to the boot grips for carry.

 

[aaaaa]

Hogue Tamer Grips are good. I had them on my 642 for a while. Although they for sure help with grip and recoil, they are bigger than the stock grips and I switched it back to the boot grips for carry.

I got the tamer for my 642. The extra material behind the backstrap not only cushions your hand, but also moves your hand a bit farther back for better trigger reach if you have large hands. I wish they made one with the extra material behind the back strap but no longer than the stock grip. That would be perfect for carry.

 

[Haywood]

I

I got the tamer for my 642. The extra material behind the backstrap not only cushions your hand, but also moves your hand a bit farther back for better trigger reach if you have large hands. I wish they made one with the extra material behind the back strap but no longer than the stock grip. That would be perfect for carry.

I saw on a forum page where a guy trimmed the bottom part of the Tamer flush with the frame. I don’t mind the longer grip. When I buy pants or shorts I make sure they fit the pockets in the dressing room before I buy.

 

[cfullgraf]

I'm interested in you take on that airweight with wad cutter target loads regarding recoil. What would you compare the recoil to? Also, I like that hybrid holster; leather against the body, kydex for the gun retention, belt clip not on the cylinder which adds unnecessary bulk.

Recoil in an Airweight with target wadcutters is quite manageable. I used them to practice on the DA trigger of my 642 and got proficient with it. Anything more powerful than regular 38 Special, the recoil is not pleasant for me.

My favorite J-frames are my 642, 442, and 437. All three are machined for moon clips.

I have a variety of J-frames in a variety of chamberings.

 

[Jonesy814]

Recoil in an Airweight with target wadcutters is quite manageable. I used them to practice on the DA trigger of my 642 and got proficient with it. Anything more powerful than regular 38 Special, the recoil is not pleasant for me.

My favorite J-frames are my 642, 442, and 437. All three are machined for moon clips.

I have a variety of J-frames in a variety of chamberings.

Yes, wadcutters have very manageable recoil. I reloaded and typically load a 130 grain bullet with 3.5 grains of Titegroup. Minimum load is 3.2 and max is 3.8 grains. Mine are right in the middle. The recoil is reduced enough to shoot 50 rounds in a range session with my Airweights without getting beat up

 

[Autodidactic]

Recoil in an Airweight with target wadcutters is quite manageable. I used them to practice on the DA trigger of my 642 and got proficient with it. Anything more powerful than regular 38 Special, the recoil is not pleasant for me.

My favorite J-frames are my 642, 442, and 437. All three are machined for moon clips.

I have a variety of J-frames in a variety of chamberings.

Yup, same story. I bought my 642 and as it was my first .38 snubbie, I bought a bunch of wadcutters to practice with and get proficient.
38 Special 148gr CPWC New - Precision ONe Ammunition

I also regularly interspersed FMJ and some +P. The problem is, even moderately hot standard pressure is strong out of an airweight. +P is for sure. The really hot stuff such as Underwood or Buffalo Bore is atrocious.

Yes, wadcutters have very manageable recoil. I reloaded and typically load a 130 grain bullet with 3.5 grains of Titegroup. Minimum load is 3.2 and max is 3.8 grains. Mine are right in the middle. The recoil is reduced enough to shoot 50 rounds in a range session with my Airweights without getting beat up

 

[Jonesy814]

I should have added that being able to shoot 50 rounds, or more in a range session has allowed for enough practice that I shoot a J frame as well as just about anything. A friend and I typically shoot them out to 30 yards and occasionally further. We laugh when people say they aren't much good past 15 feet and respond, don't blame the gun, blame the shooter

 

[kevincallahan]

Bought a 36 years ago when I first went on the job. Carried it as my off duty and my backup for many years. Later went to a colt mustang as my backup but still have that 36. I don’t carry it much anymore, I am retired and have a 290rs I really like. But, I would have full faith in my j frame.

 

[JERRY]

the people I've seen in person that say J frame and +p ammo are not so bad usually have grips on the gun near as big as the gun itself. I can do 50 rounds of 158gr +p in a 642 with the "boot grip" and exposed backstrap easy enough, but that gives me all that I want for a while.

in an airweight with minimalist grips to be conducive with ccw I think the 148gr. wad cutters are best for beginners.