J frame 25 yard shooting

[Wayne Dobbs]

Next, I shot five rounds using the D&L sights. I couldn't remember how they are regulated, so I dropped the front sight into the notch like I would with my semi auto sights. Here was the group -- decent but way low.

Attachment 128668

Next, I used the laser to figure out how much I needed to Kentucky windage the sights. Here was my group, decent in elevation, but off in windage.

Attachment 128669

Finally, I shot five more rounds using the laser.

Attachment 128670

Hamilton Bowen has said that J frames are mechanically accurate, but hindered a little by long heavy triggers in a lightweight gun, but mostly by poor sights. My experience today underscores the sight part of the equation because the laser gave me very acceptable results but the sights were not letting the gun shoot to its potential. I plan to get with Dave at D&L on the regulation, but the real take away is the value of the laser on a J.

Hopefully others will push their J frames to 25 yards and further, and share their experiences in this thread. (If there is an existing J thread on this, happy to merge this.)

That front sight is at least 0.02" too high by the formula calculations for iron sight regulation. Very common error by gunsmiths plugging in Patridge/bead fronts..

[45dotACP]

I wish I could like this more than once. The weight of this statement, what people should be training to do, etc can't be overstated.

I am rather surprised at the snubbies when it comes to shooting further targets...gonna need to try it a bit more, but if I'm skinning my 856 for a 20 yard shot in low light I'm most definitely sending that bullet with prayers attached...ameriglo front or no, it's still really tough to get hits that far out.

My getting headshots on a paper target in an indoor range stall doesn't change much of what I use a snub for tho.

It's mostly a gun that stays in a coat pocket as a Sgt. Doakes gun (surprise mothaf*cka) so I can keep a hand on a pistol if shit seems weird and can be the first to start the festivities. Would feel better with a bigger/better gun for a long shot in the dark if things were that bad.

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[GJM]

I am rather surprised at the snubbies when it comes to shooting further targets...gonna need to try it a bit more, but if I'm skinning my 856 for a 20 yard shot in low light I'm most definitely sending that bullet with prayers attached...ameriglo front or no, it's still really tough to get hits that far out.

My getting headshots on a paper target in an indoor range stall doesn't change much of what I use a snub for tho.

It's mostly a gun that stays in a coat pocket as a Sgt. Doakes gun (surprise mothaf*cka) so I can keep a hand on a pistol if shit seems weird and can be the first to start the festivities. Would feel better with a bigger/better gun for a long shot in the dark if things were that bad.

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On the other hand, with laser grips that are working and zeroed, that B8 shot in low light is quite doable.

[45dotACP]

On the other hand, with laser grips that are working and zeroed, that B8 shot in low light is quite doable.

For whatever reason, I've never had good results with my laser grips. I have no idea why and it's the damndest thing. I keep then on my model 36 just because they're great J frame grips anyways. The group I fired with that gun was with irons. The laser group would probably be worse.

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[CCT125US]

For whatever reason, I've never had good results with my laser grips. I have no idea why and it's the damndest thing. I keep then on my model 36 just because they're great J frame grips anyways. The group I fired with that gun was with irons. The laser group would probably be worse.

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The disconnect could be what some experience with dots. Every little twitch, spasm and micro adjustment can be seen. Unlike a dot, everyone else can see it too. The iron mantra to accept your wobble, is great until that beam is illuminated all the way down the smoky range and bouncing with every breath. It can be unnerving.

[Malamute]

I am rather surprised at the snubbies when it comes to shooting further targets...gonna need to try it a bit more, but if I'm skinning my 856 for a 20 yard shot in low light I'm most definitely sending that bullet with prayers attached...ameriglo front or no, it's still really tough to get hits that far out.

My getting headshots on a paper target in an indoor range stall doesn't change much of what I use a snub for tho.

It's mostly a gun that stays in a coat pocket as a Sgt. Doakes gun (surprise mothaf*cka) so I can keep a hand on a pistol if shit seems weird and can be the first to start the festivities. Would feel better with a bigger/better gun for a long shot in the dark if things were that bad.

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I need to dig out the 640 and shoot it a bit again, I stopped carrying it a few years ago when I got the colt D frame.

Ive shot the 640 out to around 200 yards on several occasions, it wasnt all that difficult to keep most shots in a 5 gallon jerry can size area when shooting at smaller rocks. A neighbor used to have an empty oxy/acetylene bottle as a target at 180 yards, I hit it with the 640 without much drama. Not every time, but once the hold was figured out it wasnt a very difficult target. Being backward hicks, we shoot at stupid ranges, but not much on paper.

[GJM]

Does this meet the spirit of the pocket carry J?

[45dotACP]

Does this meet the spirit of the pocket carry J?

Firstly that's hawt, secondly...anythings a pocket gun when you wear cargo pants so hell yah....

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[Rex G]

I don't think that most folks pocket carrying a J in pants or coat pocket are doing so in preparation for a 25 yard encounter. I know I'm not.

Under the limited circumstances I carry a J, (around home and walking area in a rural setting), I'm not planning on taking on any and all eventualities, but a certain set of reasoned circumstances.

My J is intended for up close and personal work, should it be necessary. If a bear, coyote, chipmunk or miscreant wants to engage me from distance, I'll hightail it into the woods on either side of the gravel road, and / or circle back to the house for a long gun.

I think most here are smart enough to know why they carry a J...when they carry a J. Maybe I'm wrong.

I like this. Agreed. Part of the “snubby lifestyle,” as I understand it…

[mmc45414]

Under the limited circumstances I carry a J, (around home and walking area in a rural setting), I'm not planning on taking on any and all eventualities, but a certain set of reasoned circumstances.

Ned Beatty coulda flipped the script if he had a J-frame in his pocket...