Still thinking about a J frame...

[CCT125US]

So I have been thinking about picking up a J frame for some time now. I feel it would enhance my students learning and show a wider variety of options to them. I also do not own a revolver, which is kind of criminal. I have a slightly used G26 with NS that never ever gets shot as well as a Sig C3 1911. I think a straight up trade would fly with the LGS for either one. The 1911 was purchased for the same reason I am trying to justify the J frame.... Everyone needs a 1911 right..... yeah, not so much. So the question is which pistol should I think about trading? The only potential problem that some will undoubetly point out is that I would need to stock an additional caliber. Not so much of a problem as my father loads for .38, so no issue there. Thoughts?

[Kyle Reese]

No question about it, sell / trade the Sig C3 & use the funds for a J Frame & ammunition.

[bofe954]

J frame should be in the $350-$400 range. I would think a straight trade for a C3 would be a pretty ugly deal for you.

If you have a local forum I would guess someone would give you a 642/442 and couple hundred bucks for a C3.

[tjbeck]

J frame should be in the $350-$400 range. I would think a straight trade for a C3 would be a pretty ugly deal for you.

If you have a local forum I would guess someone would give you a 642/442 and couple hundred bucks for a C3.

I used to trade my guns in at the LGS and didn't realize how bad the deals were until I sold an unwanted gun through a forum. This is a much better way to go and you will get far more bang for your buck. For example Bud's would give you $475 (maybe more at an LGS but, probably not much) for the C3, or you could put it on a forum for 700 or a J-frame and cash. Just my .02, and I don't think you need a 1911, you either want one or you don't.

[TNWNGR]

If your going with a J Frame as a teaching tool an all steel M-36 or M-60 might serve your need's better than an alloy framed model. Also, don't rule out the Ruger SP-101 for learning to use a revolver, it's weight make's a big difference in shooting a lot of rounds. I'm a S&W J frame fan but Ruger has impressed me with the LCR and SP-101.

[TCinVA]

If I was buying a small revolver for teaching or to use as a loaner gun, I'd go with a steel gun as well.

[LSP972]

If I was buying a small revolver for teaching or to use as a loaner gun, I'd go with a steel gun as well.

Absolutely. I have been carrying one sort of J frame or another, every day, since 1978. Sometimes for back-up, sometimes for primary (only, but those days are over with), but always.

The AirWeights and AirLites are NOT fun to shoot, and in fact can intimidate the heck out of a new shooter. I had to qualify with them at least once a year, sometimes more. In 1992, I scored a M-640 to use for that purpose; I was carrying a new-issue M-642; and haven't looked back. I still use that M-640 to practice with.

Purists, of course, scoff at this sort of thing, insisting one MUST use the same gun/same load to get any meaningful training out of a practice session. BS. I even know a few of this type of guy... and I shoot a lot more than they do.

Anyway, the steel gun is definitely the smart move for a trainer/demo piece. The difference in recoil between it and an alloy (AirWeight) gun is substantial. The difference between it and a scandium (AirLite) gun is startling.

.

[JHC]

I no longer currently own a j frame but I'm thinking hard about a LCR instead if I'm to fill that small niche.

[LSP972]

My mother selected an LCR as her "house gun" after my dad passed. She liked the way it fit her hand better than any of the others we tried.

I was somewhat underwhelmed with her choice, but it was HER choice. I put 100 rounds of standard pressure target ammunition through it, and ten JHPs, as a reliability check. No problems, of course (it IS a Ruger, after all), but it "loosened up" considerably. I'm referring to the fit between the yoke and the frame, cylinder lock-up, etc. The gun still works; but it rattles when you shake it.

Another thing... I read all these folks waxing euphoric about the DA trigger. Its nothing special. Definitely a bit lighter than your average J frame, but certainly not any smoother. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and all of that, I suppose...

Add all of this to the fact that the LCR is measurably a bit larger than a non-magnum J frame, and color me not impressed. I will certainly admit to a bit of bias toward J frames, but facts are still facts. I'm not concerned, because the next time that gun is fired will be if she has to use it, and I have no doubt it will work at that time. But the fact that it became quite loose after 100 wadcutters makes me wonder...

FWIW, I am more "not impressed" with S&W's polymer frame snubby revolver. Jeez, what an abortion THAT is.

Yet, I carry a plastic semi-auto, so I have nothing against polymer per se.

I suppose my point to all of this is, unless you just WANT the features of the LCR, you'll probably be better off with a standard non-magnum J frame.

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[motorjon68]

The LCR feels better because it has a bigger grip. The jframe is durable as hell. I agree that you should go all steel as a loaner. My 642 isn't fun. I shoot it because it is a tool that I use. I shoot my other stuff for fun.