So I have 2 j-frames that I pocket carry; a 642 and a 640 both non IL models. Until recently have not pocket carried for literally months if not more than a year. That’s changed recently and find myself pocket carrying quite a bit more. Life situation has changed quite a bit spending some time now with the girlfriend’s kids and need to be more discreet.

So that’s got me thinking if I need to upgrade my j-frames. I know Smith offers both models now with improved sights. But honestly leaning more towards the Kimber K6 series of guns. Better sights, a 6th round and hopefully better quality than the current state of Smith & Wesson right now.

But then I think I’ve got both guns broken in, both have had action jobs performed by Smith & Wesson, they’re niche guns that I don’t shoot a lot, is it really worth the cost to upgrade?

Short answer, no. If you have the guns broken in and you trust them, just leave them alone. There's nothing significant that replacing them is going to give you that you can't already do with what you've got.

The K6 is a good gun, but it's bigger than a J-frame, closer in size to the SP101. And even the lightweight model is still a few oz heavier than an airweight J-Frame. I find that makes it just a tad too big for comfortable pocket carry. If you've got big pockets and don't mind the size and weight increase then it's not a bad option, but again I don't imagine I'd make much difference on target between shooting a K6 or a 642.

I pocket carry a 642UC daily, and while I really like it, it doesn't really do anything fundamentally better than my basic 642. The bigger sights do help a bit with quick acquisition, but actually required a bit of deburring and re-boning of my leather pocket holster to keep them from snagging. I also swapped out the VZ grips it came with back to a pair of factory rubber boot grips to keep the whole package smaller and more pocketable. And like you said, you'd also be rolling the dice with S&W's current QC situation.

If somebody was just starting out I'd recommend a 642UC or 640 Pro all day long...but if you've already got working examples of the basic models that you're happy with (especially if they're both pre-lock), I don't think the upgrades are worth the cost or the potential QC issues.

I tried the Kimber K6 lightweight 38 for a few months. It shot about the same as a j frame for me even though the trigger was a bit gritty and never smoothed out with use. I used it in a jacket pocket while walking my dog. It was a little bigger than the j frame which caused it to hang up in my pocket, so I sold it.

I don’t think it’s necessary either, but if you’re shopping, I really like the Ruger LCR. And .327 Federal Magnum gives you 6 rounds in the same space. Pretty good trigger, decent sights.

https://ruger.com/products/lcr/specSheets/5452.html

But Ruger says “currently unavailable” and I don’t see them in stock anywhere after a cursory search.

I’ve had two Kimber K6s and both were exquisitely machined and great in every respect. I was interested in the lightweight version but after a discussion with a fellow member of this board I decided to pass. He had quality control issues with barrel alignment and accuracy issues that Kimber refused to address. He actually purchased one of my two K6s and sent me pictures of the problem barrel. I too have several older j frames and carry a 642 Pro model in my pocket frequently. To answer your question, I personally don’t think I would upgrade your current J frames. The regular K6s are very heavy for pocket carry, and the lightweights do not have the same quality control as the considerably more expensive stainless models. There are several new S&W models that have caught my eye but given the state of quality control, I’m going to sit on the sidelines for now.

I have had very good luck with my Kimbers.
More in line with the Detective Specials in size.
Have not had a problem with them hanging up in the pocket.

Another no vote. You have two guns that are perfect in every sense of the word.

I would say no as well. One reason being J-frames on the used market aren't selling for much right now and it could mean you selling both guns and having to add more money to buy something else. I bought a 642 and a 638 from a local gun shop a few months ago and paid less than $350 for each and they both came with Crimson Trace laser grips from the factory. Now add in the work you had done by S&W and you will never recoup that money back.

If you are already familiar and comfortable with the guns you have now and how they shoot, when you buy a different brand of gun, you would need to buy more ammo and decide what suits you/works best, which can get pricey.

I have 3 Ruger LCRs in 38 Special. I got tired of the crummy trigger pulls on the J-frames and sold all of mine, bought the Rugers, one after the other, and never looked back. Decent sights and I put laser grips on all of them. Wife has one, and I have one. The third is a 3 inch barrel and lives, concealed, somewhere in the house.

I carried a J-frame of one weight and finish or another for about 50 years. I spent a lot of $ sending them off for trigger adjustments, and never really had one I liked.

The triggers on the LCRs are quite nice, my wife really likes hers compared to the Smith I saddled her with for a decade or so and we're quite happy.

Good luck on your journey for the right snubbie for you.

Bob

quote:

Originally posted by 2000Z-71:
So I have 2 j-frames that I pocket carry; a 642 and a 640 both non IL models. Until recently have not pocket carried for literally months if not more than a year. That’s changed recently and find myself pocket carrying quite a bit more. Life situation has changed quite a bit spending some time now with the girlfriend’s kids and need to be more discreet.

So that’s got me thinking if I need to upgrade my j-frames. I know Smith offers both models now with improved sights. But honestly leaning more towards the Kimber K6 series of guns. Better sights, a 6th round and hopefully better quality than the current state of Smith & Wesson right now.

But then I think I’ve got both guns broken in, both have had action jobs performed by Smith & Wesson, they’re niche guns that I don’t shoot a lot, is it really worth the cost to upgrade?

Feel free to take this for what it’s worth - I do not own any of the newer Pro or UC models with the upgraded Novak style sights, but I do own an M&P 340 with the XS Big Dot and the U shaped gutter channel. Yes, the upgraded sights are somewhat better than the traditional J sights, but for me, they are not faster enough to acquire to make a significant difference over the original sights.

For me, what really is a huge improvement, is going with the Crimson Trace LG-405 grip. I’m not really a fan of laser sights in general, but on a J frame I find them to be a huge asset. Target acquisition is now very rapid with those grips installed. I have them on my 638, 642 and the 340.

A J frame has been my primary EDC since the early 90’s and the CT grips have been absolute game changers for me.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: stormin,

I don't see a reason to unless you're unhappy with them. I never warmed to J frames and I went with a .38 version of the SP101. I have two "modern" S&W's, a 22-4 45ACP and a 19-9 carry comp. No QC issues on my end.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: gunsnrovers,

I would say no. If you are staying with a revolver, I'd stick with what you have.

To me, an upgrade would be a 938 (7 or 8 rounds) or a 365 Nitron (11 rounds), or the equivalent small pocked auto from Smith & Wesson (CSX or Shield) and Springfield (Hellcat).

I carry the 938 with the flush 6 round mag +1 for 7, in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster, and find it to be nearly invisible.

I also will add a no. For most of my adult life I ran a late 60’s production model 36 in an ankle rig. I stupidly sold it. I still have a couple other J’s, and would gladly trade a more recent production 442 I have for the old 36. I am on the lookout for an older model 38,49 or other J’s at a good price. The current ( or about since 2000) made guns are often lacking QC. I carry my 442 all the time, but do to barrel alignment ( common to see these days) it shoots 3” right at 7 yards. Aim for the ear hit the nose. Once I find a replacement that shoots to point of aim or close, it will go down the road or be a vehicle bug

I carried a 642 as a bug at work for 30 years. The Kimber K6Xs made me park my J frames. Real sights. Six rounds.

As often as you are likely to need it. I’d say you can get by with what you have.

Now. If you WANT an excuse to buy a new gun (like I did). Go for it.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sgt 127,

Just deleted the notice about this new release from my e-mail. It's almost like S&W is monitoring this thread...

https://www.smith-wesson.com/products/bodyguard-38-2

I would stay with what you got!!

If I'm using the sights in any meaningful way I'm not using a j-frame correctly, but that's just my opinion.

I'd say you've got exactly what's needed. now if you've just got an itch to buy something that's an entirely different animal.

Mines been GTG for 27 years

No change needed (I like the laser grips too)

To me the 642 Airweight (and family) is the master of the pocket carry universe.

quote:

Originally posted by wrightd:
To me the 642 Airweight (and family) is the master of the pocket carry universe.

I agree with this. Just not a great gun to shoot at the range.