IS THE J-FRAME MY NEW TUXEDO GUN? Several Advantages Of The Small Revolver For Dress Clothes

The J-Frame came in to my collection back when I worked at the gun shop and was routinely carrying a backup gun (which of course had to be a revolver, since they never jam.../sarcasm).
When my lifestyle changed to the point that 2 guns wasn't practical, it languished in the safe for years. Then recently, after some exchanges with folks like Caleb Giddings, Lee @ The Obscene Sailor, Darryl Bolke and others, I've started appreciating the j-frame's practicality as a "Regular Guy's Gun"
While we'd all like to be able to carry an optimal fighting handgun 100% of the time, we're all familiar with the Italian proverb "Le meglio è l'inimico del bene" (Perfect is the enemy of good).
Since Rule 1 of Gunfighting is "Have a Gun", it would stand to reason that having different tools for different applications would make good sense.
Not only does the J-Frame carry more discreetly than my G19, in the social circumstances that would call for that discretion, the texture on my Gen 5 Glock can actually be detrimental to the lifespan of my clothing.
The more time I'm spending with this little revolver, the more I'm finding use for it.
I won't stop carrying my Glock, but I also don't feel compelled to compromise to accommodate it either.
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[@TheSuitedShootist]

For those that are curious: J-Frame: Smith & Wesson M&P 340 Grips: Ahrend Round-Butt Boot Grips (Discontinued) Holster: PHLster City Special www.phlsterholsters.com/shop/city-special-revolver-holster/ Clip: Discreet Carry Concepts Mod 4 discreetcarryconcepts.com/HLR-Discreet-Gear-Clips%E2%84%A2-c26960683 Ammo: Federal Gold Medal 38 Special Ammo 148 Grain Match Wadcutter (no links to gun or ammo to avoid running afoul of the algorithm)

[@MemphisBeech]

I was just gonna ask, too.

[@daves6851]

If someone asks for my wallet, timing will determine which wallet they get

[@thorshammer5134]

I highly recommend underwood 158 grain Gold dot +p or their +p Sjwc. Incredible performance from the short barrel, touching base 357 mag levels. Getting around 1064 fps , so around 380-400 fpe for the j frame 38. Pretty impressive.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@@thorshammer5134 the wadcutters offer very manageable recoil, meets FBI penetration, and shoots to the sights. I don't get too hung up on energy as long at the other factors are there

[@thorshammer5134]

@@TheSuitedShootist gotcha, I often carry a s&w 442, the 158 grain match the sights on mine. Underwood has been the most accurate as well as the most powerful. Still very easy to shoot even rapidly at 21-30 ft which is the intended range. Not that you cant shoot further. I ran through several altamont grips, hogue, and some others and settled on the hogue mono grip. I’m taller at 6ft 3 and a pretty athletic 200lbs and the bigger grip doesn’t even show in appendix carry. Not a fan of pocket carry, to slow and awkward. The 442 is my take anywhere pistol and took the spot of my ruger lcp 10th anniversary model. For many of the similar reason you stated. Cool review and good to see someone still trust the good ol snubby.

[@oldcop18]

Been carrying a J Frame since my 1968 rookie year & continue in retirement. I’ve gone to pocket carry all the time but some of my slacks don’t work (shallow pockets, etc.) and that’s when the old LCP fills in.

[@Fudmottin]

I've found, much to my embarrassment, that I get recoil sensitive with an M&P 340. So I'm searching out grips. VZ has a nice line. So does Altamont. The Altamont grips I have are rather slick. That kind of bothers me. VS has three layers of texturing with models in the 320 line having the least. Rubber grips seem to tear my skin apart. I would rather have some light bruising than torn skin. What are your thoughts on this?

[@oldcop18]

@@Fudmottin I have XLG hands and find the factory rubber boot grips work fine. For extended range sessions, >100 rounds, I use oversize rubber grips to save my hands. I have a box of grips gathered over the years that didn’t work for me. There’s a fine line between keeping your J Frame concealable concealable & grip size. Goos luck & sorry for not responding sooner, I just saw this.

[@tangero3462]

The Enigma is great with J frames. I don't know how, but it actually seems to work better than with the same holster and wing on my belt. For formal carry, you really can't beat it, especially with the grip shape blending so effortlessly

[@TheSuitedShootist]

100% agree. There's some distinct advantages with this rig.

[@bwofficial1776]

Just the video I was looking for. I'm starting a tucked-in office job soon and as a really thin guy, I came to the same conclusion that a rounded snub revolver will probably conceal better and be more comfortable than my sandpaper-textured red dot-equipped G19-sized M&P. I have an Enigma and dropping the ride height to deep carry the M&P with the grip at belt level just wasn't workable. Thanks to your channel and others, I've started paying more attention to how my clothes fit and that I shouldn't necessarily dress around the gun. Also, just so you know, the pattern on your jacket is showing some wild moire patterns on my screen. This might not be a good jacket for video productions.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Thanks for the tip. It's tough keeping things varied sometimes.

[@zeitgeist888]

Good points. I started carrying a J frame in ankle holster as a BUG for the first few years as a LEO then switched to vest carry as it was faster and easier to access. I quickly switched to a Kahr PM9 vest carry because it is flatter, it held more rounds of more powerful ammo while being faster and easier to reload so I never looked back until I retired. Now for NPE situations or deeper concealment I carry a Kahr P380 in pocket or Smart carry. This may change to a LCP Max for even better sights and capacity if/when they have been out longer and I can vet it when ammo prices get better.

[@10thmtn86]

I tend to dress business casual, and I don't wear my clothing nearly as tight, err, "fitted" as you seem to prefer...lol. A pair of 638 J frames in Mika pocket holsters works for me. I had high hopes for the LCP Max (nice night sights) but mine had the mag come loose under recoil. Sent back to Ruger for repair but I will stick to revolvers. They work.

[@oldronin99]

This is something I've been think about recently - tiered carry. Pocket pistol (Ruger LCP, e.g.) < J frame < compact 9mm (G43x, e.g.) < larger pistol (G19, e.g.) I learned to shoot a J frame 44 years ago. They still work well for me.

[@WayniacKT]

I carry a Taurus 856 aiwb just like this, with a sig 238 in the pocket as a backup. I can carry like that even when wearing a sport coat. Thanks for the great video.

[@robertdunlap5994]

Congrats on another thought provoking video. While most of my days are spent working from home in faded t shirts and cargo shorts, I recently purchased an LCP to fill that niche for me. On the occasion when I do need to dress up I prefer my suit pants and business casual slacks to fit a bit looser than my casual pants/jeans. The j frame has its advantages over the smaller gun, but I can drop the LCP in my strong side front pocket and it looks like a wallet or phone. The j frame in my same pocket is just a tad too heavy for me personally because of the fabric of the slacks. Carrying the j frame discreetly usually involves the Smart Carry in this style of dress. The SC is never going to be part of a quick draw competition. It all comes down to personal preference. Perhaps once they become more widely available I’ll pick up another Enigma for my j frame. Win-win.

[@LL-fi4rr]

No feathers ruffled here. I really enjoy carrying an Airweight. Light, low maintenance, reliable, and it's curved in all the right ways (unlike me). However when it comes to a suit I tend to favor ankle carry, and the cylinder is just a bit too wide for form fitting pants, so I prefer a 380.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Agreed. I've never been able to make pocket or ankle carry work for the snub. At least not yet.

[@MemphisBeech]

Great content as always! Thanks for posting this.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bobgoblin1587]

I love my CZ P01, but this video is making reconsider carrying my 3" Kimber K6s.

[@johnborges8231]

With you on this. If you are just out and about living a normal life the J-frame is definitely the way to go. If you are constantly watching for trouble and in a hot zone yeah gear up with a fighting load out. Heck we aren’t going into gunfights so that’s a thing right? I stock shelves and deliver wine for a living and I carry minimally. If zombie’s all of a sudden pop up I’ll have something for that if that is realistic in the vehicle. J-frame all day 👍🏼

[@TheTubaEmporer]

Great video, as a fellow Sartorially minded man, I’m working to find the best concelaled set up that works with my suits and clothing

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Glad you enjoyed it! If you haven't already definitely check out my videos on the Enigma, because that's 100% a viable option. kzbin.info/aero/PLr67kkCLrqEWBgz60LQtPii7Oz-dSg5BB That said, there's totally some appeal with this being far more forgiving on my clothing.

[@comeoncents3288]

S&W 442 with classic black pearl grip. I get all fingers around grip and no length added. It’s a get off me gun. Use a molded leather pocket pouch made by Holster Pro. Great video.

[@kevinelliott9679]

I have been running my model 38 shrouded hammer J frame in a City special on an enigma, in situations where concealment is extra important and people around me are going to expect me to be unarmed.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

One of the places they thrive is when it gives you more gun than anyone around you has. Great discreet carry piece.

[@craigneedham4223]

I have a 642 that I run in either an enigma or a galco ankle glove. Most of the time it’s in the enigma for lounging around the house or if I go somewhere more NPE I’ll throw it on if my threat assessment is low.

[@SnakePliskin86]

I dress business casual, shirt tucked in. I am still considering the enigma for my shield plus, but the sport coat, I never considered that. I thought of that fancy vest thing but that’s a little overboard at my job. But this is still good for thought, another great video!

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Glad you enjoyed it! The Enigma adds a level of versatility that I think it 100% worth it.

[@sauerkrautjr]

Sweaters are great in cold climate areas as well.

[@Fudmottin]

VZ grips has a 320 line that is smooth rather than heavily textured. Worth a look.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Thanks! I'll check it out.

[@nightfury6836]

Brilliant stuff as usuaL on this channel. You should check out the new .32 H&R Magnum Lipsey's/Smith and Wesson collaboration J Frame that has just come out. Probably one of the most well thought out firearms to come out in a while. Just had a really awesome phone conversation with Jason from Lipsey's yesterday. He's a really humble guy that knows his craft; he's really excited about this J Frame project. I've got 2 on order.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

I got to play with them at SHOT. They're very nice and exceptionally well made. I like the idea of the caliber, I tend to stick with calibers I can find at the local sporting goods store. That's just me personally. Two good friends were part of that development team.

[@JohnW-yv6yp]

Solid video, and yeah at a wedding or or formal event, parking lot stick up or car jacking going to or from the event is more likely than a Red Dawn scenario lol.

[@user-im6fy4qp6m]

so its 2 years later, what did you end up deciding on for the holster system? im just starting out with the j-frame and so far pocket carry seems to be good for me

[@TheSuitedShootist]

For my snubbies, it's ether pocket carry or the PHLster Enigma Pocket Carry: kzbin.info/aero/PLr67kkCLrqEW2pg5Eoe3gNUP6UMv4KF9V PHLster Enigma: kzbin.info/aero/PLr67kkCLrqEWBgz60LQtPii7Oz-dSg5BB

[@philp411]

Snub revolvers are excellent for discreet carry.

[@michaelschaffer9165]

Please consider Talon rubberized Grips for discrete carry.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

I've tried a few rubberized boot grips but personally I REALLY dislike anything sticky/tacky for deep or pocket carry.

[@cabragooncabulous4082]

As a partime realtor and a practical gun enthusiast. The jframe is great. As you've said. Get out of trouble gun. It fits the attire. And as for the longevity? Its a jframe. And its so easy on on fabric. I wish I could carry a lcp 380. But even some cases it still too much for slack pants. I for one. Love the frame. Its a non thinker. You explained this issue perfectly in this video

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Thank you!

[@MrRotwell]

Great video as always. That sport coat looks awesome on you, by the way. Like, I know that’s your thing, but it struck me as soon as the video started.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Thanks man! Canali is a favorite brand of mine. It tends to fit me well off the rack, and the 3-roll-2 is a nice touch that subtlety separates it.

[@jevondismuke5252]

With a good holster its definitely a good tux gun

[@mustardbiscuits9750]

What holster setup do you have for this? And what would you recommend as far as ulticlip or DCC models for this style of holster for under-the-belt attachment? I’m trying to work out the dimensions and sizing before buying stuff

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Grips: Ahrend Round-Butt Boot Grips (Discontinued) Holster: PHLster City Special www.phlsterholsters.com/shop/city-special-revolver-holster/ Clip: Discreet Carry Concepts Mod 4 discreetcarryconcepts.com/HLR-Discreet-Gear-Clips%E2%84%A2-c26960683 Ammo: Federal Gold Medal 38 Special Ammo 148 Grain Match Wadcutter The DCCs are far superior to the UltiClip in both function and design. Eventually this will be getting an Enigma as well I suspect, to allow for deep carry.

[@mustardbiscuits9750]

@@TheSuitedShootist Thanks for such a detailed reply! Would the DCC Mod 2.1U be a good clip choice for this particular holster and gun considering it’s similar dimensions to the Mod 4 while also being tuckable?

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@@mustardbiscuits9750 the specific clip will depend on your desired ride height. This rig is light enough that a behind the belt clip should work just fine. A 642/442 may be too heavy though.

[@6236003]

"I could quite literally rub my face on this thing..." Is that a cry for help? In all seriousness your videos are great.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

DON'T YOU JUDGE ME!!!! 🤣🤣🤣 Glad you're enjoying them! Appreciate the support.

[@J.R.F.23]

To: The Suited Shootist - For when the J-frame is too big or thick. I recommend the S&W M&P Bodyguard 380 over the KelTec 32. #1) It has better stopping power. #2) More ammunition options, #3) the sights are dovetailed in, so easy to change. #4) Crimson Trace makes a green trigger guard laser for it, for more precise shots, even in day time. #5) The "biggest reason": In a pocket pistol the Bodyguard has "double strike capability"; which in my opinion is extremely important in a pocketable micro pistol! (plus S&W has a Lifetime Warranty)

[@TheSuitedShootist]

After several in-depth discussions with Claude Werner, Chuck Haggard, & Darryl Bolke, I'm confident in my choice. 1) Stopping power isn't a thing, & 32 recoils less than .380, allowing for faster effective hits. 2) More doesn't necessarily mean better. There's a lot of underperforming ammo on the market. The Fiocchi FMJ satisfies the FBI penetration requirements. 3) The sights do leave me a little wanting, but I can get them dovetailed 4) Lasers are, at large, not particularly useful 5) "Second Strike" is a marketing gimmick. If the round fails to go off, that triggers an immediate action drill.

[@ricjona1069]

I carry 2 and a speed strip. Location is dependent on where I go and what I wear. Suits...1 OWB at 4 O'clock (or shoulder holster) and 1 ankle.

[@adriangeary9628]

An ankle holster with a j frame is great for wearing thin linen white shirt and khaki linen pants.

[@kravenofspider]

Just for a shield, have you considered a slim bond arms stinger in. 38? Two shots sure but just a get off of me gun.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

I'm really not a fan of those for any serious use. They may be better than nothing, but with the current offerings I can't make a good argument for it over something else.

[@TheGunnyBadger03xx]

Ankle carry is an acquired taste. A S&W 442 with a few speed strips can be hidden in just about any attire.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

I'm taking an ankle carry class from Chuck Haggard next month that I'm very excited about.

[@beyproctor7673]

For now I would wear a CZ Rami in an Enigma with the grip at belt level for super discrete suit carry. That would give me 11 rounds of 9mm to get out of a tight spot. It carries like a dream that way. The rubber grips probably wouldn’t wear out a shirt but the hammer probably would. I might prefer a snubbie when I can afford to get one with an Enigma.

[@mikethrehane8231]

I carried my RAMI on the belt and in an Enigma for several months and it was a clothing destroyer! Lol.

[@beyproctor7673]

@@mikethrehane8231 you’ve convinced me. I’m shopping now.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

I haven't played with how deep carry could impact the garment wear yet. That's certainly a consideration.

[@JayG87]

Tuxedo Ad before the video was appropriate.

[@daves6851]

Still searching for the best way for ME to appendix carry my j frames, for now I carry a sig p238 in a rear pocket holster. Until I find a way to make any small gun not make by belt have a slight goiter look. Yes I'm that thin haha.

[@daves6851]

For now it's better than a sharp stick, right.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@@daves6851 the Enigma might be worth a look for you

[@daves6851]

@@TheSuitedShootist I looked at their site. My 360PD has a barrel/ejector shroud that is wider than that part of other j frames. The phlster city is one option so far that includes that model in its ad.

[@daves6851]

@@TheSuitedShootist thanks for the tip on the enigma.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@@daves6851 happy to!

[@oldronin99]

I think of the J frame as the modern (and much better version) of the derringer.

[@noah.s95]

I normally carry a G19 with an RDS and X300 in a belt mounted AIWB. I steal my wife's G48 with irons in an Enigma for formal or dressy clothing.

[@nicolathonathan770]

What holster is that?

[@TheSuitedShootist]

That's the City Special from PHLster

[@adam30483]

What grips are those?

[@TheSuitedShootist]

They're Ahrend boot grips. They've been out of production for a while, but you'll occasionally see them on eBay.

[@edmunddworakowski7499]

My M-60 has a set of Crimson Trace Laser Grips... Sights, I don't need no stinking sights...

[@TK-cl1jm]

Dude. Go easy on the filter. You look like Eddie Munster.😂

[@RoadTraveler]

Algorithm

[@ericanderson2791]

if you want a snubby for a tux gun I use a kimber k6s with the polished mirror finish...its the bestsnub nose o n the market in my opinion...especially if were talking about carrying in a holster

[@TheSuitedShootist]

They're a little heavy for my tastes for the capacity.

[@stephenkenny7661]

NO....Seecamp 32 or 380 cal...the one and only MOUSEGUN!!!

[@TheSuitedShootist]

But their sights *suuuuuuuuuuuuuck*

[@stephenkenny7661]

@@TheSuitedShootist TRUE!!! NO SIGHTS!!!! BUT IT IS SLEEK!!! LIKE YOUR SUITS ! I MUST SAY I DO LOVE REVOLVERS!

[@edmunddworakowski7499]

Make sure you unload before running your J frame over your face...😁

[@commonsense7787]

The untucked shirt looks like a paper bag full of soup with a sport coat or jacket. Appendix just isn’t an option for a man in a suit. But what do I know. I’m just a full time EP guy that wears a suit.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

A) I just didn't bother to re-tuck the shirt for the sake of expediency, I've never advocated for an untucked shirt & jacket. B) I and many others (including several FAMS I know) regularly carry appendix with tucked in shirts. In fact, I've got an entire playlist on the subject. C) With the advent of the Enigma, it's made this an even easier proposition. But what do I know, I've just carried a gun in dress clothes for a decade without the luxury of credentials, or it being an expectation of the job 🤷‍♂️

[@willm9359]

Too many calibers, too much logistical concern.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

If you were trying to supply multiple battalions on a foreign country, but it's not like 38 is an obscure cartridge.