Switching from J-frame to K-frame

C

ckpj99

New member
So I have a Model 36 and a Model 10. The model 36 is my carry gun. It has a 3" barrel. My M-10 has a 4" heavy barrel.

I really like it, but I'm considering getting a k-frame with a 2" pencil barrel for carry.

My reasoning is twofold:

1) The triggers on k-frames are so much better than j-frames.

2) I almost never carry in the waistband. I pretty much always use a shoulder holster or ankle holster or I occasionally carry over the waistband.

What do you guy think? I can shoot my j-frame very well at seven yards, but I have to think about it. I can shoot my k-frame much easier.

Talk me into it! Or talk me out of it!
 
Yeah, I don't think I could still ankle carry unless giant bell bottoms come back in style. It's not even practical with my j-frame. I wear pretty tight pants, and it's on the borderline right now.
 
I'm not sure on the model yet. I'm thinking a Model 10 would be nice, but I wouldn't be upset with Model 64 as well. Open to other ideas. My Model 36 is nickel, and I think I'd like to avoid that in the future.

I want a .38 special, I know that. I don't want a .357. I buy all my revolvers used from one local store, so my options are typically a bit limited and I have to wait a little when I want something specific. The guys at the store are good to me, so I try to be good to them.
 
The K-Frames are much easier guns to shoot well than the J-Frames. It's not just the trigger, but the added weight and the meatier grip, that contribute to that.
 
I have a model 64 with a 4 inch barrel that I adore. That said, finding a holster for it can be a pain for IWB, but then you said shoulder and I do see those somewhat regularly. In my opinion carrying is a compromise between comfort, concealment and the ability to shoot fast and accurately. My personal feelings are if you can conceal it every day comfortably, why would you not? I will say, that model 64-5 is ridiculously accurate for me and I love them and would suggest them to anyone. The barrel does make them a tad heavier to carry obviously.
 
engineer - I also have a 4" k-frame, the aforementioned Model 10. It's a wonderful gun, but for me, I just can't conceal it comfortably. The heavy barrel and the overall length make it too big and heavy. I think a 2" pencil barrel (are 2 inch barrels even called pencil barrels?) with appropriate grips would be perfect.

I have no problem with a shorter sight radius because the sights aren't my issue with the Model 36. The trigger is my only hold up on the Model 36. I really do like the gun, but it's just a bit to hard to shoot quickly.

Thanks!
 
It may take some looking but keep an eye out for a 2 inch Model 12, a six-shot K-frame with the weight of a J (sort of).
 
It may take some looking but keep an eye out for a 2 inch Model 12, a six-shot K-frame with the weight of a J (sort of).
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+1 on this. I looked for about two years for a 2" M12 round butt in my price range. Once I picked it up, I enjoy carrying it much more than my other larger K frames (3" M64 or 4" M13) or even my 2" M36 J frame!
 
It may take some looking but keep an eye out for a 2 inch Model 12, a six-shot K-frame with the weight of a J (sort of).
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Agreed. I went through a lot of carry guns until I found this one, quite by accident really, I had no real idea what it was at the time. Then one day I tried carrying it...and haven't stopped since.



I carry it in either an OWB holster, or mostly now because of the weather, in a jacket pocket.
 
CKPJ99, 2" K frame is a good carry gun over all and I do not think you need worry about finding one with a pencil barrel. At 2 inch it's not a real problem. I have (and still carry on occasion) the S&W model 64, model 15, and a round but pre-model 10. At one time I liked them in a shoulder holster position with the barrel up, butt down facing backwards hid nicely under a vest, but now carry them only on a belt IWB or heavy coat pocket in winter in a pocket holster. (ought to say dropped using the shoulder holster due to shoulder injury that caused loss of mobility) Never tried a K frame on the ankle but seems like it might be less than practical to me at any rate.
You might want to do a search for an old thread 'K Frame Snub Superiority', if memory is correct, for more on the subject.
 
I also have a 4" k-frame, the aforementioned Model 10. It's a wonderful gun, but for me, I just can't conceal it comfortably. The heavy barrel and the overall length make it too big and heavy.
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Take the money you'd spend on a 2" K frame, and order yourself a high quality holster and belt combo.

A 4" K frame is a very easy gun to carry with a quality rig.

That 4" er will carry easier in a quality rig, than the 2" with a department store belt and generic holster.
 
Savit - what type of rig would you suggest? I hate carrying IWB, and I just don't dress the right way for OWB. I have a really nice stiff Amish leather belts, and I currently have a Galco Wheelgunner holster for my Model 10. It's a comfortable setup, but it's just not concealable. I'm only about 5' 7" and I'm a little pudgy. In the winter, it wouldn't be too hard to conceal it, but in the summer, I just don't see it happening.
 
I use Simply Rugged pancake style holsters that can convert to IWB if I want it to. An untucked shirt is all it takes to conceal it.

Switching to a 2" really doesn't gain you all that much IMO.

The pancake style holsters do a good job of pulling the gun tight to your body. That's the key IMO.

Of course IWB will work even better.

I use the Simply Rugged's IWB with much bigger guns than a 4" K frame with great success and I'm only slightly taller than you and a little pudgy myself.
 
May I suggest that you take a good look at late Colt Detective Specials? For me, they hit the soft spot between J and K frames for carry. See, I had a 2 inch 10. It was simply too big- I could carry a 4 incher and feel the the same bulk, honest to God. Enter the DS, and my oh my. Sweet trigger, six shots, and while still bigger than the Js, far more tuckable (for me) than a K.

I still carry a K sized revolver, but it is a four inch 357. For snubbies, the D frame is my choice.
 
ckpj99,

My first 2 carry guns way back in '95 when CHL first started in Texas.

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A S&W 640 J frame .38 for summer and a S&W 64 for winter carry.

Yes both 2 inch barrel. Both I added a red insert front sight and secret service stocks.

Both shoot dead on with Cor-Bon 158gr SWCHPs.

Still have 'em and while I pack a Glock 26/33 I still contend the two will do fine.

Look at them like this:

1. Summer/Winter carry
2. Main gun/backup gun
3. House gun/aways gun
4. Gun for your and the other for your spouse
5. Carry gun and second gun if first one is lost

See there are many reasons to have two. One larger one, and one smaller one.

Deaf
 

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I carry a Model 36 snubbie now - I carry OTB. I love the J frame dearly and I love the Model 36 . . . but . . . to be real about it . . . I love my M & P (pre 10) more. There is just something about the K frame. Unfortunately, my M & P has a 5 inch barrel - a little long to use as a carry piece. I'm still looking though, and if I can find a K frame snobby - I also prefer the 38 spl. - it's coming home with me and will probably be replacing the 36 for everyday use. I have run across a number of K frame with longer barrels but haven't run across a K frame snobby - one will show up eventually.

I think your are "right on" in your thinking but as mentioned, the K frame will not be a "ankle carry" . . . but in a shoulder holster or OTB I think it would be ideal! :)
 
Quote:
It may take some looking but keep an eye out for a 2 inch Model 12, a six-shot K-frame with the weight of a J (sort of).

+1 on this.
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+2 on the above. A nice Model 12 is worth the search. I found a 95% plus condition, 2" barreled, round butt version @ a gun show last July and paid $400.00 for it. It vies with a Colt Cobra snubbie I have for carry concealed duties.
 
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