Who carries a j frame as ccw?

Member

posted

Sorry about straying from the “J” frame subject of this thread. I am not a big fan of the internal lock guns from S&W, but this 5 shot, 3” barrel, model 60-15, slab side, Pro-Shop, is a great shooter. A little snappy with .357 rounds, but just right with .38 +P.

Trooper Joe

Posts: 488 | Location: Michigan | Registered: September 22, 2008

Ignored post by Trooper Joe posted

Member

posted

quote:
Originally posted by Z06:
My 50 y.o. Mod 38 is an AZ Summer pocket carry go-to

Man I like this old timey photo.

I posted this a while back.

A “youth model” Marlin 336, with Ashley front sight post, modified cross bolt safety to a “correct” configuration along with a S&W model 15, “Combat Masterpiece” with .38 defense ammo.

When you stepped out of a patrol car with this gear, the problem was over.

Trooper Joe

Posts: 488 | Location: Michigan | Registered: September 22, 2008

Ignored post by Trooper Joe posted

Member

posted

To get back on track, this 1974 Model 60, was made the same year I made detective. The gun was purchased about 10 years ago, but the holster has seen service off and on since 1966.

Just some thoughts from an old time street cop.

Trooper Joe

Posts: 488 | Location: Michigan | Registered: September 22, 2008

Ignored post by Trooper Joe posted

ScreamingCockatoo

Shaman

posted

My trusty J frame has been regulated to the safe now.
I can't pull the trigger reliably.
Even with a 12 pound rebound spring.

He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster.

Posts: 39922 | Location: Atop the cockatoo tree | Registered: July 27, 2002

Ignored post by ScreamingCockatoo posted

mikey357

Member

posted

quote:
Originally posted by ScreamingCockatoo:
My trusty J frame has been regulated to the safe now.
I can't pull the trigger reliably.
Even with a 12 pound rebound spring.

Sounds like you might need to try the Apex Tactical J-Frame Kit--Gives you a lighter Mainspring and a lighter Rebound Spring--They might even be having a pre-Christmas Sale going on right now...

Posts: 651 | Location: Griffin, GA, USA | Registered: November 03, 2004

Ignored post by mikey357 posted

ScreamingCockatoo

Shaman

posted

quote:
Originally posted by mikey357:
quote:
Originally posted by ScreamingCockatoo:
My trusty J frame has been regulated to the safe now.
I can't pull the trigger reliably.
Even with a 12 pound rebound spring.

Sounds like you might need to try the Apex Tactical J-Frame Kit--Gives you a lighter Mainspring and a lighter Rebound Spring--They might even be having a pre-Christmas Sale going on right now...

It got the APEX kit. It is still too much now.
I can pull it through but I don't trust being able to reliably use it.

He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster.

Posts: 39922 | Location: Atop the cockatoo tree | Registered: July 27, 2002

Ignored post by ScreamingCockatoo posted

92fstech

Prepared for the Worst, Providing the Best
Picture of 92fstech

posted

quote:
Originally posted by Z06:
My 50 y.o. Mod 38 is an AZ Summer pocket carry go-to

I'm a big fan of that particular Galco pocket holster. It's thin, light, provides reliable protection for the trigger, and is consistently retained in the pocket on the draw. It's a good piece of gear...everything you need and nothing you don't. Mine has seen years of use and is still holding up well.

Posts: 9471 | Location: In the Cornfields | Registered: May 25, 2006

Ignored post by 92fstech posted

Member

posted

quote:
Originally posted by Trooper Joe:
quote:
Originally posted by Z06:
My 50 y.o. Mod 38 is an AZ Summer pocket carry go-to

This is a nice model 38 Z06.

I was issued a model 38 with a stainless steel cylinder in 1966 when I was a new Trooper with the Michigan State Police. We carried them in the right front pocket of our uniform pants in a sewn in holster. The stainless cylinder was special order for our department only as far as I know.

This is a photo from the web and not my gun. I kept mine when I retired and later gave it to my daughter who is also a retired MSP Trooper.

These model 38 S&W revolvers were also carried off duty since department orders required us to be armed at all times.

I was a detective for 15 years and carried this as my primary weapon as most of the detectives did.

These guns did stretch over time and would throw lead on the person shooting next to you on the range. We would then turn them in for a new one when that happened.

This problem was caused by the 60’s era metallurgy as well as the hot ammo we were issued.

My daughter does not plan to shoot this model 38 but will carry and shoot a new model 442-1. This 442-1 is a much better gun than our old model 38’s.

In spite of that, most retired officers near and in Michigan try to buy one of these at one time or another. If you come across an old MSP model 38 with that stainless cylinder, buy it and put it on display with an MSP patch. Then buy 442-1 (with new metallurgy and rated for +P).

Trooper Joe

12-6-22, OOPS, forgot that I already posted on this subject.

If you have a former coworker looking for one I believe Kittery Trading Post has one in auction online. I just stumbled across it.

Posts: 498 | Location: Upstate NY | Registered: October 09, 2018

Ignored post by RR posted

Member

posted

Went to my daughter’s house this afternoon and was able to take a few photo’s of my old Model 38.

I think original Michigan State Police issued model 38’s in this condition are going for over $1,000 in this area.

Trooper Joe

Posts: 488 | Location: Michigan | Registered: September 22, 2008

Ignored post by Trooper Joe posted

Wolfpacker

Member

posted

I don’t have any photos to add but just wanted to add that I did not realize that Mika holsters were as popular as they are. I also have one as pocket carry.

Posts: 801 | Location: NW North Carolina | Registered: November 04, 2009

Ignored post by Wolfpacker posted

Oaklane

Member

posted

Trooper Joe, that 38 is a beautiful gun. Glad your daughter has it and it’s still in the family. I’d love to find one some day

Posts: 513 | Location: Marblehead ohio | Registered: January 05, 2020

Ignored post by Oaklane posted

joescuba

Member

posted

I carry a Model 38 as a bug. I can't figure out how to post pictures or I would post a picture of it.

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

Posts: 94 | Registered: February 27, 2007

Ignored post by joescuba posted

Detmongo

Member

posted

I’ve carried a J frame for the last 38 years. Some times as a back up,an off duty or a deep cover gun. I recently retired from LE after 38 years and still carry a J frame more than anything else.

Posts: 11 | Location: LI ny | Registered: December 28, 2004

Ignored post by Detmongo posted

CQB60

Member

posted

Glad to see so many forum members whose opinions I value & respect make use of a J frame. They are still the easiest gun for me to drop in my back pocket when going out the door even briefly.

______________________________________________
Life is short. It’s shorter with the wrong gun…

Posts: 13870 | Location: VIrtual | Registered: November 13, 2009

Ignored post by CQB60 posted

bcjwriter

Member

posted

Upon retiring I’ll probably throw my 642 in a pocket as well.

Posts: 1977 | Location: Southern CA | Registered: July 27, 2008

Ignored post by bcjwriter posted

powernoodle

Member

posted

S&W 43C. Not everyone can handle the power of the .22 caliber.

Posts: 29 | Registered: February 15, 2004

Ignored post by powernoodle posted

Rodfac

Member

posted

Not always, but better than 75% of the time...in an OWB holster at 4:00 position...mine's a Smith M60-15 with a 3" fully lugged bbl. (has the IL) It's a great piece, powerful with most any load but controllable (in my use) with .38 Spl +P 135 gr GD's.

Used as an out-of-the way, chores gun here on the farm, it's also my routine choice for trips to the city. It shares that 2nd chore with a P365 that I like very much.

Here's the obligatory pic paired with its understudy, a M63 in .22 LR. BTW those Monogrips on it make a world of difference when shooting any load...light years ahead of the S&W 'Combats' on the M63. 2nd pic of the same M60, dressed with the S&W Combats, and worn in my usual position in a holster of my own making.

Best regards, and a Happy and healthy New Year. Rod

5th Spl Forces, Air Force Bird Dog FAC, lll Corps RVN 69-70.... We enjoy the Bill of Rights by the sacrifices of our veterans;
Politicians, Preachers, Educators, Journalists and Community Organizers are beneficiaries, not defenders of our freedoms.

Posts: 744 | Registered: April 04, 2012

Ignored post by Rodfac posted

xring04

Member

posted

Picked this up this week. Somehow I had given away all but my 340pd and my Dad’s model 36. I don’t carry Dad’s gun because of the sentimental value and don’t want to damage it.

Older model 37 with the firing pin on the hammer and no lock. It was dirty and grimy, kinda sticky really but I got it for $250 and I was confident it would clean up.

********************************************
On the Right.

Posts: 1201 | Location: NE Fl. | Registered: August 10, 2005

Ignored post by xring04 posted

xring04

Member

posted

Shot well and looked much better after a cleaning.

Threw some grips on it to make it looks like Dad’s

Threw a Wilson Combat spring kit in it and did a little polishing and took it to the range again. 150 flawless rounds and my hand is a little sore tonight.

Carried it tonight and I have a suspicionI’m going to lose it to my girlfriend as her walking gun.

********************************************
On the Right.

Posts: 1201 | Location: NE Fl. | Registered: August 10, 2005

Ignored post by xring04 posted