I have both pre lock 442 and 642. Changes Depending on the weather or color of my clothes. I use a galco SOB and a non labeled kydex, both IWB. If I could ever find a deal on a pre lock scandium magnum I may change. I carry gold dot short barrel +p. In my truck glove box I carry an old double speed loader basketweave carrier and a pair of speed loaders. I don’t go to shady areas on purpose but if my spidey sense started tingling I’ll throw the speed loader in a pocket.

Even in the winter I wear maybe a flannel or a fleece nothing heavy. In the spring summer and fall I wear shorts and t shirt pretty much all the time so something large and outside belt carried is not feasible for me.

I frequently carry a S&W M&P 340 in a pocket holster loaded with Barnes .357 125gr Tac-XPDs, no reloads.

S&W Model 642 in a Don Hume pocket holster

I regularly carry my 340sc or 442 for ease and comfort in my front right pocket with 1-2 speed strips. I also like the Gold Dot 135 grain +P .38 or the short barrel 135 grain .357 load. I have also carried both guns if going to the hazardous city where you can't depend on being safe. When seconds count the police are only minutes away they say. I also like the options of a quick reload (second gun) and no empty shells bouncing around on the sidewalk.

Been carrying revolvers a bit more lately. Mostly S&W 640 IWB (or OWB depending on weather) and 442 on ankle with two 8 round speed strips and one speed loader of .38+P. This combination is very easy to carry and I hardly notice or feel either pistol.

I have a 586 plus that I carry on hikes and walks with my dogs. I usually carry it in a Hill People chest pouch ( I have a modified battle belt that is rigged for dog training so that precludes waist band carry). The 586 Plus has had the hammer bobbed, Big Dot sights installed, and action tuned.

Sometimes I carry Kimber 6s 3 inch OWB or IWB (looking for a really good IWB holster for this one) and Kimber 6s 2 inch on ankle with one Speed strip of .357 and other .38+P and a speed loader of .38+P.

I use orange colored 8 round or 6 round speed strips for .38 caliber rounds and I use black colored 8 round or 6 round speed strips for .357 magnums.

Thinking of getting a Model 66 2.5 inch barrel and then getting the hammer bobbed, big dot sights, and action tuned.

60's vintage Mod 40 (flat latch) is usually in my pocket if my Seecamp is not,

just picked up a 60 that was bobbed and worked over by a local smith,
very very smooth, that may replace my 40

Most detectives and other plainclothes officers in the Michigan State Police from the 60s to 1990, carried one of these S&W Model 38, “Bodyguard” 5 shot, “J” frame revolvers. Most of the time, they carried no extra ammo and simply carried it by just sticking it in their wast band with a rubber band wrapped around the grip to help keep it secure. These were simpler times and many a bad guy was arrested at the point of one of these revolvers.

These model 38s were special made for the Michigan State Police with a stainless cylinder. Uniform Troopers also carried one of these as a back up gun usually in their right front uniform pants pocket. Before issuing the stainless cylinder models, the blue steel cylinders were quite prone to rusting from sweat.

The guns would wear out (the alloy frame would stretch) from just qualifying 4 times a year. After several years the shooter on your left or right side would complain about getting hit by lead fragments from the worn model 38. So, it was then time to turn it in for a new one. The metallurgy in these early alloy frame guns was not near as durable as the modern day alloy frame guns.

In spite of these problems, these stainless cylinder model 38s are highly sought after by anyone who knew about them. Mine went to my daughter who retired from MSP about three years ago.



Trooper Joe

This is Florida so it is HOT 10 months out of the year. For me S&W 638 right front pocket in Mica holster. Remington +P Golden Sabers. No reload most of the time. Did I mention it's HOT?

Especially in the summertime, if I'm out and about in the house or working in the yard I'll carry a J frame. Used to EDC it and went to a compact bottomfeeder, but it's just too light and handy to not have on me or in the pocket if I'm at home.

SS Mod 60 I got for a BUG in .38 when I was policing. Then I gave it to my mom. She can’t handle the recoil anymore (arthritis) so I got it back and gave her a Beretta 22. Now I carry the S&W for short trips to the mailbox or in the yard as a Glock 19 is a little big for mowing or weeding etc..

It’s hot here in TX, so depending on clothing and activity I EDC with the J-frame or the G43x

EDC is an early 442 No Dash...or a Three-inch Fixed-sight Model 60-3...or a Model 340 PD...or a...Well, you get the idea!

I suspect more of us sometimes carry a J frame than want to admit it.

While there are many small semi autos that now completely outclass the J-frames (at least on paper) the dang J-frames are just so good at what they do that I don't think they are going away any time soon.

I carry a D frame Colt sometimes. I carried it for 15 years when I decided I needed a smaller conceal.

My first pocket carry gun was a 642 with a CT grip.
I sold it after buying and loving my LCP for pocket carry.





But after years of missing having a j-frame, I bought a 442 yesterday.
Thanks to all recommending the Apex kit, I ordered it tonight..

I often carry an Air Lite Centennial. I added the Apex kit to mine. It is super light, and shoots a powerful round. I usually put moderate power .357s in mine, and carry one speed strip for a reload.

Even though it is bigger than the micro-autos, it hides in a pocket nearly as well as a tiny 9mm or .380, and it easier to shoot.

I have a 49 that is my shorts pocket gun. Works great with Speer Gold Dot.

Chiefs Special and Colt Detective never out of style.

^^^ Well said Kobren.

Got a 340PD in my pocket right now. I also pocket carry a reload in an HKS speedloader. I use a Bear Creek holster for the gun, but the HKS rides bare in whatever pocket it's in. I've carried this way for over a decade and have never had an issue with either loose rounds or speedloader malfunction.

I don't carry that often. If I "fear" something, I just don't go. But for the last 25 years I've been carrying a 337. Nice light little gun. My "backup" in case something untold happens to the air light is a 360. Same gun almost, but I bet you've never seen one. They only made 50. Someone made a mistake and the frame window is too small for a 357 cylinder. It only takes 38s. Over that 25 years I've only needed to carry 38s, as mostly the bad guys leave me alone.