Is it just me or have most J frame sized revolvers become modern day derringers?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Delta-3,

Not sure exactly where you're going with that question. I've always viewed a derringer as basically a belly gun that's useful at contact distances or maybe a few feet beyond. I find my J-Frames to be far more capable...they hold more rounds, have far better sights and a far better trigger, and as a result are far more shootable. I've qualified with them out to 25 yards with no problem. Don't think I could do that with a derringer.

If you mean that they're employed more as a deep concealment, last resort gun that isn't typically meant to be employed as a primary weapon, or even reloaded, then yeah, I guess you could maybe make that comparison. But personally, I'd never feel comfortable depending on a derringer as my only weapon even in a low risk environment...I do that with a J-Frame pretty frequently, though, because it's capable enough to meet my perceived needs in those environments.

pretty much, but even at that they are outclassed. I used to carry a 442 no-lock moron labia edition, as those were on the market at the time. Replaced it with an LCP Custom. It weighs less, smaller in all dimensions, has real sights, holds more rounds, faster to reload, and much easier to shoot, quick or slow.

quote:

Originally posted by 92fstech:
Not sure exactly where you're going with that question. I've always viewed a derringer as basically a belly gun that's useful at contact distances or maybe a few feet beyond. I find my J-Frames to be far more capable...they hold more rounds, have far better sights and a far better trigger, and as a result are far more shootable. I've qualified with them out to 25 yards with no problem. Don't think I could do that with a derringer.

If you mean that they're employed more as a deep concealment, last resort gun that isn't typically meant to be employed as a primary weapon, or even reloaded, then yeah, I guess you could maybe make that comparison. But personally, I'd never feel comfortable depending on a derringer as my only weapon even in a low risk environment...I do that with a J-Frame pretty frequently, though, because it's capable enough to meet my perceived needs in those environments.

I meant that most of us seem to use them as a bug to our primary (most of the time) similar to one using the Derringer as a bug to their SAA or S&W back in the day.
Agreed they are far superior to a two shot Derringer.

I'd argue that LCPs are the modern day derringers, more than J-frames.

The line about "it's the gun to carry when you can't carry a gun" is absolutely true. It's a small, discreet pocket pistol that you can carry a lot more places/times than anything else - including a J-frame.

Modern day Derringer? In the sense that the J Frame makes for easily carried & hidden? Perhaps but the Derringer conjures thoughts, at least to me of two shots of insurance & never to be carried standalone. I can carry the J frame stand-alone. A Derringer? Not so much..

I recently ordered Zeta loaders for my Ruger snubs and they sent me some info on a snub "shooters association". Not really a forum per se, but it looks interesting if you are a snub fan. It costs 38 bucks a year to join (includes a magazine, evidently) and I have not yet spent the money. I will lurk for a while to see if it is worthwhile.
www.SnubNoir.com

How do you like those zeta strips? The J Pak looks intriguing.

And no to the original question.

So far, I have been trying them out with dummy rounds and they appear to be pretty good. Priced right too. I ordered the J-Clip.
Problem:
They should offer a dedicated belt holder for them. Or a case for pocket carry, which is probably more practical.
I also use and like QuickLoad loaders and they have a nice pocket case for their loader. I will work more with both to see which is the better overall loader.
www.quickloadspeedloader.com
www.zetasix.com

Pretty close.
A little more accurate at a little more distance and it holds a few more rounds.

quote:

Originally posted by Delta-3:
Is it just me or have most J frame sized revolvers become modern day derringers?

NONE of my J-frames have become Derringers



My J-Frames carry 5, 6 or 8 rounds of ammunition.

My J-Frames have sights that you can see

My J-Frames have grips that allow you to keep control of the firearm for follow up shots

My J-Frames all have pretty decent triggers

My J-Frames can all keep center mas groups at 10 yards

My J-Frame targets can all make head shots at 25 yards

None of my Derringers can do any of that. In-fact my Derringers only get shot at CAS Matches


Now if you want to claim that the J-Frame is the Modern Day Top Break, I am mostly agreeable with that

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

^^^ well said and valid points.

quote:

Originally posted by YooperSigs:
So far, I have been trying them out with dummy rounds and they appear to be pretty good. Priced right too. I ordered the J-Clip.
Problem:
They should offer a dedicated belt holder for them. Or a case for pocket carry, which is probably more practical.

I bought 4 J-Strips and 2 J-Clips two years ago when they first came out and were deeply discounted ($39 total shipped). I fooled around with the J-Strips and learned that you really need to practice using them just like any other reloading method. I thought the offsets would be more intuitive to use but I personally didn't find that to be the case. After some practice I didn't see much difference between them and the Bianchi Speed Strips I use when carrying a 642.

The J-Clips are interesting and work okay, but again are not as smooth to use as I'd hoped. Perhaps I was expecting too much. I certainly agree with Yooper above that you need to carry them in something rather than just carry a large lump of 5 rounds causing an uncomfortable bulge in your pocket. That said, they do carry smaller than the HKS Speedloader.

At the end of the day, I've determined that carrying either the J-Strip or Speed Strip in my pocket is good enough for a low-threat environment. But if I ever find myself in a situation needing more rounds and fast reloads with only a J-frame, then I'll be cursing myself for not reading the potential threat level correctly AND not bringing a semi-auto with extra mags. The J-Clips stay in the range bag and are a great way to reload the 642 during range practice. They also conveniently hold 5 shot-shells to reload for snakes when I'm at the ranch.

Apologies to the OP for the thread drift, but I thought the review might have some relevance.

If you mean that J frames are more BUG than EDC, I could see that. I /always/ have a J frame on me at home, but usually "plus up" with a "bottomfeeder" if I'm going farther than the mailbox. In every category but capacity, I still think the J frame is a solid choice if the shooter is willing to put in the work.

I was. The derringer reference was liking the j frame more as a modern day bug as a derringer was a bug back in the old days to a six shooter.
I wasn't comparing the two just thinking for the most part J frames are "derringers" to our larger EDC's.

quote:

Originally posted by Voshterkoff:
pretty much, but even at that they are outclassed. I used to carry a 442 moron labia edition as those were on the market at the time.

I need to get one of those!