A S&W fixed sight, .38 SPL, should be factory regulated to shoot standard velocity 158 grain bullet to POA equals POI. Back in the 80’s, I had to send a nickel plated Chiefs Special into the factory. Shot way low, left.
A S&W fixed sight, .38 SPL, should be factory regulated to shoot standard velocity 158 grain bullet to POA equals POI. Back in the 80’s, I had to send a nickel plated Chiefs Special into the factory. Shot way low, left.
The last paragraph is why I vacillate between J frames and mini .380’s like the Kahr P380, Sig P238, and S&W Bodyguard. The autos are small enough to really conceal in my trouser pockets unlike the snubbies. I can use a holster with a panel (like the Nemesis) to break up the gun outline but the result is a larger than wallet size square bulge.
If I had to purchase a new J-frame, I would be sure to inspect it in person before purchasing. I would probably opt for a M&P 340. It has the tritium sights and is black, meaning less likely to draw the eye if exposed within the pocket. It meets the weight need with the aluminum and Scandium alloy frame at fourteen ounces.
That being said, I would consider carrying a Glock 26 or 43 in a tuckable holster. I have been able to do so in dress clothes on a regular basis with no issues. I use a Milt Sparks Nexus with the Kydex clips replacing the self-closing loops with a G26.3 with a SCD. Mine sits just fine a bit around 2:00 on my waist. It is not as fast as a pocket holster, but it has the advantage of being better concealed and I much prefer ten rounds of 9x19 to five rounds of .38 Special. Since I am playing the odds, I am willing to sacrifice draw speed for better concealment as the latter is much more of a day-to-day concern. The thin construction, low ride, and extreme cant of the Nexus work well to conceal the short Glock butt.
Kramer Leather also offers a holster that clips to the waistband and is covered by the belt. The gun actually sits below the waistband, so a dress shirt can be tucked over the gun and bloused around it. That is the same technique I use with the Nexus. It requires the use of long-tail dress shirts for easiest wear.
Glock 42 for the win. Just make sure it has all the newest updates. Mine has been flawless and rides in my pocket everyday.
separate the wheat from the chaff. read HCM's posts in this thread, he's spot on.
consider yer task's requirements, review the available tools, then carefully make an informed decision.
I like revolvers and recently considered buying a member’s great J frame deal currently in the classifieds.
Ultimately I decided the G42 is just a much better solution to the pocket carry problem.
The LCR 9mm is a very reliable and accurate gun that is punishing to shoot. But moon clips are oh so nice and 9mm is all around and has great ballistics out of the revolver. It’s too big for a pocket in my life.
I have pretty much given up on pocket carry actually. For deep concealment the best solution I have found is a thin belt directly on skin with a smallish gun (G26 Max) riding IWB to that belt very low. Then dress around that.
I carry a 640 pro.
If I was in your situation, I'd buy a 9mm LCR. The trigger on my 640 was terrible until my gunsmith polished it out (and removed metal shavings, QC on my piece was terrible ) and the DA LCR trigger is great. 9mm has .38/.357 beat in virtually all aspects that matter, IMO.
REPETITION CREATES BELIEF
REPETITION BUILDS THE SEPARATE WORLDS WE LIVE AND DIE IN
NO EXCEPTIONS
How about this: Shoot 7 yard and 25 yard test targets from a rest. Then find a good S&W gunsmith, call him, and send the gun off for repairs (with the targets so he can see the problem). Or call S&W's service department and talk to them. (I don't know what their turnaround time is, though.)
If we have to march off into the next world, let us walk there on the bodies of our enemies.