Please talk me out of it

[erice303]

I have been wanting to get a j frame for some time now, but the urge has never really been that strong. For the last few months i have been saving up to buy a PM9 because i keep finding my self gabbing the p380 instead of the G26, and i do fell under gunned while carying it. I just saw that Smith and wesson just released a limited number of M&P 340 without the internal locking system, and i am dying to get one. I am not under any allusion that i will be able to carry magnum ammunition out of a 13.3oz gun but 135gr +P load has a very good track record as a man stopper from short barrels. And lets be honest it looks awesome.

I plan on pocket carrying and am a little conserened with the printing, and that my lust for this pocket cannon will not survive a few range dates.

What do you guys think?

[garyb]

I don't know what cal you are looking into, but my future son-in-law (to be married to my daughter on 1/1/11) just purchsed a light Jframe 357mag. Our first trip to the range proved to be disappointing. It shot 38's ok, but the 357mag was horrible to shoot. It was not terribly accurate, especially at 10 yrds. At 7 yrds it was fair, not good.

Now I have a PM40 and have shot other 40's (glock and springfield). I don't find the 40 to be that snappy as others describe. It is a very shootable cal. However, this 357 was intense, meaning not fun....almost scarry. After shooting it, I asked myself...why? I know he is very disappointed in how he spent his hard earned dollars and gift certificates, as he was going to buy a TC Encore and just had to have the Jframe. Same hankering you seem to have. It's a nice looking piece and is pocketable. It is going to take him ALOT of practice to get used to shooting this piece. Good luck with your decision.

[piglaw]

I've had just about all the sub-compact pieces out there at one point or another; all are a compromise. I find that I just don't carry a more potent, holstered belt piece any more because of the active nature of my work and the trouble of keeping it hidden. Had a PM40 for some time, but it's too bulky for me to carry in a front pants pocket without printing; PM9 would be the same. Too bad, because I loved the caliber and piece, (although it would induce hand tremors after a few shots.) Had a Ruger LCP for awhile, which carried beautifully, but wasn't in love with it. Traded it in on an LCR, which is great, but does print somewhat in a front pants pocket, depending on the pants. I've just ordered a P380 for the times I want to go armed, but don't want the bulk of the .38 LCR. Sure, it's only a .380, but it's better than a rock. So I, at least, really want options... which means get both. Hope that helps.

[gb6491]

I'll not try and talk you out of a "J" frame or similar size revolver as I'm pretty fond of them, but do have some food for thought:
I have a .357 "J" frame. It's an all steel model 60-9. I rarely shoot .357 in it as the recoil can be brutal; especially in the heavier weight bullets. I believe all post 1966 "J" frames are built on the "J Magnum" frame. It's slightly larger than it's predecessor and IMO pushes the package to the limits of pocket carry. I'm not saying pocket carry can't be done with them (as many folks do), but think you might be happier with an older .38Spl. model, especially, if you don't plan on feeding the newer ones .357.
Here are some shots of my 60-9 and an older square butt, model 36 (I prefer the 36 for pocket carry, even with the added bulk of the square grip frame):



FWIW, my model 60-9 is very similar in size to the CW9. The Model 60 is thicker through the cylinder area. The CW9 is ever so slighty longer and has a slight amount more height (which would be equalized if Kahr made a flush fitting magazine for it).

Regards,
Greg

[jlottmc]

I have a Taurus 605, and love it. Full house magnums aren't bad at all, kinda enjoyable in fact. With a good pocket holster, it will print one big lump, and that's about it. Get one if you like it, or shoot it first if you can.

[garyb]

The PM40 (I carry daily) or PM9 (same basic size) don't print if you use the correct pocket holster. I don't get the hand tremors from it that some describe. These guns are both under an inch wide and you will be hard pressed to find thinner guns of this power, as far as pocket print goes; unless you go to .380 formats - which have the advantage of being smaller and lighter and are also fine if that is what you decide to carry. It is a personal preference and we are all different. I'd look at length, height and width dimensions as well as weight, if you are getting it for pocket carry. The .40S&W, 9 or .380 are all very pleasant to shoot, but I don't think that is your question. The Jframe revolver will be wider than the PM and most pocket carry semiautos (due to the cylinder), but the jframe will be lighter unless you compare to .380's. However, without getting into caliber debate, or Jframe vs semi issues: If pocket print is the issue, I do suggest you check out www.pocketholsters.com . This holster has a back flap of leather that is the only print on the pant - rectangular like a wallet). The leather back flap can also be removed, but I've found it to be such a nice feature to eliminate print, that it is essential to me. With this holster, the PM40 (or PM9) or any pocket sized gun including the Jframe, will carry very comfortably and nicely in front or back pocket of most pants. This company (Guru) makes this pocket holster for most pocket size guns. Please understand that I am not beating up the Jframe at all becaue it is an excellent revolver design. I was merely pointing out my son-in-laws experience with the "light jframe in the 357". He may eventually develop a fondness for that light 357 jframe, or just shoot 38's out of it...I don't know. I'm just giving input to your inquiry. I'm sure you know what you are looking for anyway, so no one will talk you into nor out of anything...ha ha. Good luck

[Bawanna]

I'd get the PM9 first (I have patience issues also) and then get the Jframe. Unless your older than Jocko time is on your side and you'll no doubt end up with both anyhow.
You know the PM9, so while your bonding with that you can be carrying it around while your research revolvers.
I love revolvers too for many reasons too.

You gotta have both, just set the priority list.

[jlottmc]

I forgot to mention, there is no way on God's little green Earth that we of all people would try to talk you or anyone else out of buying another gun. Just not gonna happen.
J-Frames are wonderful, and have an almost cult like following, they serve well too, but they are plentiful, and Smith is not the only word in small wheel guns like that these days. Buy whichever you want, then save the money for the other and don't look back.

[8th SPS USAF]

J frame

If you buy the J frame, and pocket carry, it will not show that it is
a gun. Looks like maybe something like a roll coins. If you pocket
carry a semi, people think they can guess it is a pistol. I carry front right pocket for my small guns with no holsters. I have for years and never
a problem. If you get a J frame, get one without a hammer spur. IMO

Good luck

8th

[Dietrich]

Sorry,but I can`t talk you out of it.I have a J-frame 642 that I carry IWB and pocket.It`s loaded with 125 gr.+P Winchester Silvertips.When I look at those silver bullets I kind of feel like Clayton Moore.[ Clayton Moore played the Lone Ranger for years on tv for those of you too young to know.] I also have a PM9 that I carry most of the time.It also is carried IWB and in my pocket depending what I`m wearing.I don`t feel under-gunned with either.Get both.

[O'Dell]

I'd get the PM9 first (I have patience issues also) and then get the Jframe. Unless your older than Jocko time is on your side and you'll no doubt end up with both anyhow.
You know the PM9, so while your bonding with that you can be carrying it around while your research revolvers.
I love revolvers too for many reasons too.

You gotta have both, just set the priority list.

I agree on the PM9 - and then I would forget the J-Frame. Don't own a wheel gun and have no desire to do so.

[JustinN]

I'm not sure exactly how it compares, but I had a S&W 386 SC Mountain Lite. Nice small (not pocket by any means), super light weight gun...but I shot 357 +P out of it....it literally bruised my hand after a cylinder full....needless to say I did not shoot that gun much....just my .02 on small, lightweight guns with +p 357.....

[jocko]

I think the Smith J frame is the most beautiful little gun ever made, in damn near any version, but that being said they are a handfull to shoot good and when u step up to the +P and beyond then the fun ends, and so does accuracy. I love my Model 60 but I can't hit jack sh-t with it let alone the pain and agony of shooting it. Certainly never a 200 round session gun like my PM9 is and has been on many shoots.

[dusty10]

I love my old j frames (model 60 no dash and model 36-3) which are chambered in 38 special and are easy to shoot. Anyone that wants to shoot .357 out of such a light, small gun is going to be disappointed. Even the Ruger SP101 in .357 is a handful during a long range session and those are much heavier than the new light weight Smith J frames chambered for .357. Buy the PM9 now and search for a vintage Smith J frame in 38 special. You'll be happy you did.

[erice303]

Thanks for all of your advice guys/gals. I went to the range today and tried out some revolvers. Coming from autos it is quit a bit different. Tried out the ruger lcr, smith and wesson J frames, and 38 bodyguard. The resoil on these revolvers is worse than i expected even standard pressure 38 specials felt much more than p380 or the G26. One side effect of these revolvers is that the recoil on my guns felt like nothing.

What i like about this snub nose revolver
1. night sight
2. It is light 13.3 oz empty
3. can shoot 38, 38+P, and 357(probably will never do it but like the option)
4. i think a revolver will make me a better shooter
5. i think it looks bad ass
6. There is a limited version out that does not have a internal safety lock (has been known to lock by its self )
7. $50 manufacturer rebate

What i don't like
A. only 5 shot
B. trigger is much worse than glock or kahr (causing less shooter accuracy)
C. slow re lodes
D. harder recoil

#6 is the real reason that i am having trouble holding back, and i do agree that one day i wil most likley end up having both.

Ok guys just look at this thing



whitecoyotie if you have a problem with me posting you picture just let me know and i will take it down