CCW with a J-Frame

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ckpj99

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I'll be taking my Ohio CCW class in a couple weeks. For that past eight or ten years, I've been shooting mainly revolvers. I've had a semi thrown in there once or twice, but they always get traded away. I currently have a model 10, a model 36 and an ancient H&R Sidekick.

I'm going to take the class with my Model 36. First, because it's what I'll be carrying. Second, I know that I shoot the gun better than most and it will be nice to show off, lol. My groups are getting to be around 3 inches with it at seven yards. I've been working really hard to build up my strength and work on pulling the trigger without moving the gun, which I've discovered in more technique than strength anyway. "Press the trigger back in one motion, don't stage it."

Anyway, for those of you who carry j-frames, what do you use to carry it, and what do you carry with it?

I have a pair of speedloaders, which seem bulky to me. I also have some speedstrips. I also have a variety of holsters for it. My 36 has a three inch barrel, which makes pocket carry very hard. So I have an IWB from Lobo, an ankle holster from Bianchi, and I have a Bianchi leather OWB. I'll just have to experiment to see what I like best.

So what do you guys carry to support your firearm.
 
I pocket carry mine. If I was going to use a IWB holster, I would use a bigger gun

Speed strips make for easier carry of reloads
 
I have carried a 637 and a 642 IWB in a TT Gunleather Mike's Special. It was actually made for an SP-101 that I used to carry. It wasn't as snug obviously, but pressure from the belt gave good retention. I wouldn't have tried it with an OWB holster, but it worked pretty well.

These days if I carry a J frame, it's in a pocket with a Blackhawk pocket holster I picked up at Wal Mart. I figure if I'm going to go to the trouble to put on a belt holster, I might as well carry my G19.

I have considered the Blackhawk Speed Classic, but haven't gotten around to it.

As far as reloads... I don't carry any extra ammo. Guess I like to live on the edge.

Nice choice on the 36, BTW. Classic and classy.
 
I carried a 3" Model-36 yesterday for the first time (it had been a safe queen) in a belt holster I got with the gun.

The holster is a high-ride, closed muzzle model with a retention strap. I like the strap for the 36 b/c it covers the hammer spur and keeps my forearm from hitting it. Protects the fabric of my cover garment, too. I wore the holster at 3:30 and it did great.

The holster is a Bianchi "Shadow #8". I have to go over to the Bianchi website to see if it is still in their model lineup. The holster is a great match to the 3" model 36.

For a reload, I carried a little leather speed strip holder that rode next to the holster. Had it custom made with another holster.
 
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Thanks for the input folks.

I totally agree with the pocket carry idea. It's just with my build and that longer 3" barrel, it doesn't fit.

lowercase - you mention a speedstrip holder. Have you seen any commercially available options? I've seen the Tuff Products ones that are nylon, but they're kinda ugly. I'd much prefer leather.

9mmfan - My 36 was made in the early 70s, it's no dash. It's nickel and I have rosewood grips. It is classy, but since it's so flashy, I think it's more of a gun for a dirty cop instead of a police chief. I feel like I should be hustling pool or shaking down drug dealers when I wear it. lol.

I like the looks I get because I'm only 30, so people think I should be sporting Glock, and then they get mad when outshoot with such "antiquated" equipment.

I tell them that my 36 is very tactical. My tactic is that if anyone ever gets there hands on it other than me, they won't be able to hit anything with it.
 
Here's where I got my speed strip holder.

I'd contact him and see if he had any in stock.

http://www.haysholsters.com/Blank-1.html

Here's a pic of my speed strip holder. When you unsnap it, the part that holds the speed strip falls forward a little (away from the body) to make it easier to grab the speed strip.

yznt.jpg
 
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ckpj99 said:
9mmfan - My 36 was made in the early 70s, it's no dash. It's nickel and I have rosewood grips. It is classy, but since it's so flashy, I think it's more of a gun for a dirty cop instead of a police chief. I feel like I should be hustling pool or shaking down drug dealers when I wear it. lol.
Click to expand...

Nonsense! Get yourself a BBQ rig and it would be legit. Something in a nice floral carved brown leather.

Of course you could go the other way and hang out in pool halls. Then you wouldn't need a holster, just tuck it in your belt. A single gold tooth would certainly add to the look.:D

As far as folks not understanding why you choose that gun over some über-tactical high tech jobby, well sounds like their problem. Just print that small group and smile to yourself. Gold tooth or no.:cool:
 
I purposely came here to see if there were any threads pertaining to the Model 36. I work with a guy who's looking at selling his father's BUG.
 
I carry a Smith M60 with a 3" bbl. on it in this rig...it's a home made affair in the Tom Threepersons style. It obviously needs a cover garment of suitable length to shroud the bbl., carried in the old FBI position (~ 4 o'clock), it's as fast to get into action as anything on the market. No straps whatsoever, just a good tight fit to the gun and especially, to the belt.

The pic shows it almost on my hip, but in day to day carry, it's farther back and the muzzle is tucked into my hip pocket. The gun in the pic is the current M60's predecessor, a 3" M36 in .38 Special.

For carry, it's loaded with either Federal 125 gr "Critical Defense" 125 gr. FTX boutique SD rounds, or R-P's standard 125 gr JHP. The Remington round chrono's at 1280 fps from the M60 according to my PACT unit.

I've carried that rig for many years, but have since come to the conclusion that a trigger covered by leather until the gun almost clears is a better design....The excellent instructors out at Front Sight convinced me of that modification.

HTH's Rod

 
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Good work on the Threepersons, looks pro. I must say I'm somewhat taken aback by the idea of some out west Gunsite BDU hipsters telling a good ol' hillbilly such as yourself what he ought or ought not wear.
 
I always carry my jframe in an inside-the-waistband holster. I pocket carry the speedloader. On occasion when I can't get away with the waist carry, I pocket carry in a cargo pocket.
 
5th, Thanks for the compliment on the holster, been fixing horse tack for 30+ years as well as building the family's gun totin' gear...

Those guys out there at Front Sight, know a thing or two about gun fighting...lots of 'em are LAPD, and Orange Co. SWAT. I went with the idea that I'd learn all they had to offer, and modify it as needed to my own situation....I liked the training and did well at it. So much so, that I got a half dozed of my pals to go the next year, my wife included. I'm retired from the airlines, (B727's, DC8's, & A300's predominently), and have spent a good bit of my professional life taking and receiving technical training. The Front Sight program is as good as any flying training I've been exposed to.

It's good and taught by the best...I'm considering going again (the third time), with a Smith revolver this time. I've been twice using a Glock 17 the first time, and my own Ruger SR1911 .45 the 2nd. Shot Distinguished both times. It's a 4-day Defensive Hand Gun Course and you'll shoot 600 rounds by the final day...very range oriented, but not a boot camp atmosphere. Check it out if you're interested in improving your skills...they're located in Pahrump, NV, west of Las Vegas.

Best Regards, Rod
 
Riding partner....

My "riding partner" ;) , in the past has been a snub .357magnum SP101 or a Taurus Protector Ti revolver.
I put a slick CT laser aimer on the Protector.
I also put 02 Bianchi speed strips in a Altoids mint tin. ;)

I'm left handed so speed loaders were kinda trickly. I did buy a few Safariland Comp II speedloaders for my Ruger GPNY revolver in the 2000s.

I like ported revolver barrels too. Gemini Customs is a-ok in my book.
Mag-Na-Porting is smart too.

Clyde
 
I've been an LEO since the 70s. Carried a J Frame both on and off duty, as a primary and back-up. In fact where I work (depending on assignment), we still have an option and most days I will have my Model 649 with me. I generally use a strong side street combat or pancake style holster. They work, that's why they have been in production for over 60 years and are still one of S&Ws best sellers.
 
lowercase, nice model 64!


back to the story... for me (and im a tall, medium frame guy) the J frame is wasted on the hip OWB or IWB unless its just too hot and humid for more than a t-shirt.

the J frame shines in a decent sized pocket or IWB when its blistering outside. however, if you are determined to use the J frame as your primary ccw piece for OWB id recommend the FLETCH. also, look into the "split six" type of speed loader holders. if you ccw a wheel gun the split six type rigs make a safariland comp I speedloader (the best ive ever tried) disappear.
 
Among others, I also have a 36 snub, a pre 10 and had a sidekick. I was using a LCR for CCW but traded it off on a couple of Smiths. Anyway, I love my 36. I carry it OWB - but I make my own leather (I do holsters as a hobby). For me I like the size of the 36, am comfortable with 5 shots and I love the 38 spl. I have my holster canted forwards and it carries tight to the body on my right side towards my back. As for extra cartridges, I don't like the bulky loaders - a speed strip works well but I am also going to make a "drop pouch" that will ride just in front of the holster.

I'm in AZ in the winter where conceal and open carry ore often used. I usually have a open shirt over my T shirt (for sun protection) so my 36 doesn't print. In MI, I am awaiting my CCW - should be here anytime. I will continue to carry OWB - shirtail over in summer and if I'm here in winter, a sweatshirt or similar covers it easily.

Good luck with your class - sounds like you like your 36 as much as I like mine - a great little pistol! :)
 
S & W 642 in a Mika pocket holster. I use the round bottom model for jeans & the square bottom when wearing dress pants.
 
Smith 60-9 in a Bianchi Remedy holster or a Smith 442 in a coat pocket. I like the small size and the reliability of a five shot revolver over an autoloader. If I feel the need for more firepower, i.e. spending an evening in Detroit, my Glock 26 is a "perfect" choice.
 
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