The Role Of The J-Frame Revolver

My opinion on the weapon and its real world use.
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[@oldcop18]

I used a Colt Detective Special (about the same size as a J Frame) in a 1974 gunfight w/three armed robbery suspects, reloading under fire before walking away w/o a scratch, and the suspect down. In retirement my EDC is a light J Frame in a pocket holster b/c I’m in my late 70s & my days of going after bad people are long over. Back & hip problems prohibit me from packing a larger auto loader.

[@7-ghostbones166]

I'm an old school cop myself. Just had my 4th lumbar surgery, which was my 24th overall. So I can attest to your "medical need" for a smaller carry piece.

[@JohnLloydScharf]

I appendix carry a J-frame with more muzzle energy than any autoloader. I have a6-shott LCR with more muzzle energy than any 9mm. I was trained with a Remington 870 as a primary weapon and a Model 10 S&W .38 Special for self-defense to prevent escapes or invasions on perimeter patrol. I still carry two weapons at all times to overcome any malfunction or need for more rounds. As a correctional officer when my back could carry a 200-pound man 100 yards, I worked in a prison with no weapons other than a brain and an opposable thumb. Now I am 73 and had to retire at 55, but I still have a working brain and an opposable thumb intent on serving the cause of life. Deadly force is justified only when undertaken to prevent the imminent and otherwise unavoidable danger of death or grave bodily harm to the innocent. This requires an assessment of the ability, opportunity, and intention of an aggressor necessary to cause serious or lethal harm. The use of persuasion and conflict reduction rather than resorting to the use of force demands assertiveness and courage. I am old and not as sharp as I used to be. If you want to test my assessment skills at this point, it might not meet your needs over time.

[@richardkluesek4301]

I'm in your generation and as a blue big city armed citizen licensed to carry packed a Colt Commander .45 and/or Detective Special with shrouded ejector rod for 40 years for business protection during ancient times before cell phones and prolific cameras everywhere. Since retirement in warm Dixie my edc is a S&W 642 holstered in the front pocket, just acquired a Kimber K6XS which is very much like an aluminum Colt Agent (or "real" Cobra) with a bolt on hammer shroud. But it is noticably bigger and about 2 ounces heavier for that 6th shot.

[@Ed-ig7fj]

@@JohnLloydScharf I'd trust your assessment skills any day of the week. Thanks for helping make us safer. -Old Guy

[@ChrisSmith-jcs1111]

I'm retired from a state drug enforcement agency with 35 + years. Our standard handgun issue was a 4" S&W model 66 and a model 60 as our UC/backup weapon. The qualification for both was the same, with the last 6 rounds from a high kneeling barricade at the 50 yard line, plus a reload with the model 60. With the 60, every round from 25 yards or less better count. We transitioned to Glocks in 1990 and issued the 17 and the 26. I was able to talk them in to keeping my model 60. I've purchased two 642s since my retirement and carry one of them when carrying my Glock 19 is impractical.

[@jeremyclementmusic]

I have a 642. I'll NEVER sell it. In the yard, at the house, running errands...so light and convenient. Tough as hell and less likely to jam at point blank. Enclosed hammer keeps junk out of the lockwork. I've had higher capacity pocket 380s, and while they're more accurate due to a lighter trigger, I frequently had malfunctions. I do have a cz with 19 rounds, and a 45 & 10mm 1911's. I often carry a 686+ when I want 7 rounds of butt kicking 357. But the J frame is such a special carry gun, I believe everyone should own one.

[@sputnikjones6838]

I got mine.

[@BirdDogey1]

I'm old (LASD 1989 academy grad) so I love J frames. In my summertime rotation here in Texas.

[@Ed-ig7fj]

Isn't it a shame that we have to think about personal defense almost all the time? This isn't the world I grew up in. --Old Guy

[@matortiz2322]

50 state legal, deep concealing, comfortable to conceal, and shoots all ammunition from wadcutters to sjhp I also feel a revolver is a personality statement I feel my revolver reflects my pioneer personality

[@littlejimmy7402]

I typically always carry. I'm carrying now. I carry sitting on the couch or mowing the lawn. I'm looking at the new ultimate j-frame (playing with .32 H&R mag). I have a trusty LCR with Me a lot. The grip it came with is sofa comfy firing +P .38s, very comfortable follow up shots. It's not a hateful gun to shoot by any means. A wheelgun is less likely to get gumbed up during summer yardwork. I like to have a lot of different tools in every tool box. A full sized gun with a reload can be a lot of weight on a tired old spine. I'm not in some bad neighborhood or anything, bad things happen every day. I've had one of them when I was a kid, the idea of losing control of My life is a non-starter. That said, shoot a snub before you buy one. Not all snubbies are friendly

[@frankbutta9344]

I think some people are mistaking the point. He’s saying the J frame doesn’t need to be reinvented, and it’s good to go for its intended purpose. 👍

[@christianorr1059]

I just took a brisk walk around the neighborhood with my Makarov in the front pocket of my cargo shorts. The safety/decocker irritated my right thigh a bit, but other than that, good-to-go!

[@ed5042]

I bought my j frame back in 86, stainless, action is so smooth, easy to carry, will never leave my collection. I have the don hume JIT holster, strip loaders, and ammo in a separate bag ready to wear.

[@cgsai2008]

Good points. For all the haters, Gabe emphasized that this pistol is a compromise.

[@PalmettoDissident]

I'm a big fan of your old blogs. Great that you're here on YT! Keep at it.

[@jes51767]

Excellent information. Thank you for sharing.

[@7-ghostbones166]

Well sir respectfully I have to disagree. We come from the same era of law enforcement in which the revolver was issued equipment. As noted below, other advantages got left out. High on my list is contact shots that would jam up a semi-auto. Not to mention the fact that my immediate action drill for a revolver is simply to PULL THE TRIGGER. Your average person can smoke any Delta Operator or Seal who has clear a semi auto. Plus that whole issue of older folks having issues with pulling back a slide is still a VERY viable argument. Granted, S&W's have good triggers...but to say something like an SP101 can't be tuned? That's just not true what so ever, and I have two that are proof. Still, I respect you knowing history and all. But I think the counter argument here is formidable.

[@229glock]

Gotta love a guy who needs 3 tomahawks. In his garage.

[@suareztactics]

There are four...

[@cabragooncabulous4082]

Sir! you’ve explained. Going to the gym, walking dog, when running a simple errand. Etc. Thats when we all J frame proponents carry them. If I know chits going down? Im carrying way much more grant it. But all I say to all is be good with it! Other than that. I have fire extinguishers. Not a fire truck in driveway just in case. Great stuff otherwise.

[@kendelvalle8299]

I think pistols like the Sig 365 and the Glock 43 and 43xl have taken the place of the small J frame snub nose. Yesterday I pocket carried a 43xl at a party. I wore shorts and a T shirt. Used a soft pocket holster. I had an extra mag in my other pocket for a total of 31 rounds. No one noticed. I use 15 round Shield mags. Back when revolvers ruled I carried a S&W model 13 in .357 mag. Had both the 3 in and 4 in models. Still have them. Both tuned years ago. I carried a Sig 229 or 226 in .357 Sig with a Clipdraw for years... but at 77 it hurts my hip so I am experimenting with pocket carry. By the way... a pair of Parry suspenders that hook unto your belt with plastic clips is of great help in concealed carry... pocket or waist.

[@Harleywindtherapy]

My role for my SW 442 is in my coat pockets in winter, my ankle at times...a backup to my G26 with a G17 backup mag. I absolutely love my revolvers (have a lot) but i also know (for me) I'd never want to carry it as primary.

[@ed5042]

failed to mention, another great video!

[@edbarton-rz9cs]

Excellent video Realistic and practical My Taurus 605 poly 357 38 110 gr Is my ALL PURPOSE EDC it is my Swiss Army knife/handgun - EDC - or- snake shot for living in Florida by a lake - can be pocket,IWB OR OWB carry. The SNUBBY is very practical in a everyday real word situation Every tool has a design purpose and disadvantage- you should plan accordingly What I like MOSTLY about my Snubby - is my cancer medications have produced weakness and fatigue- on my bad days, I increase the probability of stove pipes. In those days- a Snubby is more forgiving ………..

[@LionquestFitness]

I got a kick out of what you said about Taurus revolvers not being of the same quality as older S&W's. Very true, but what does that say about modern S&W revolvers? Anyway, interesting video and opinions on carry. The tool is chosen for the task at hand.

[@User-cc6cq]

If you don't need to compromise, don't...

[@richardkluesek4301]

For survival within the harsh realm of the "Rule of 3" ( yards, shots, seconds). At 7:30, an interesting insight and explanation of size ratio to density of weight versus other options, and applicable to other sidearm comparisons like a Glock 19 vs a Commander.

[@comeoncents3288]

Very valid points. S&W 442 is the one that likes to go out for some reason over my S&W 3913.

[@ccsmith2937]

It’s a good option for winter carry in a jacket pocket. It always good to have options but I agree not to have a J frame as a primary carry. 👍👍

[@DookeyRidr]

And then Rhett Neumayer (Demonstrated Concepts) walks in and says “Hold my beer…”

[@suareztactics]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@vegasprepping1022]

J frame is a going to Costco gun... not the going to the Walmarts gun....

[@comeoncents3288]

True

[@rickrobinson8417]

We should all refrain from going to walmart.

[@ccsmith2937]

😂💯

[@stephenbramel9395]

There was a run for awhile on Suarez Seecamps, are they still viable as a backup I’ve been looking at the newer ones but wondered about the quality? Thanks Gabe for keeping it in perspective!

[@briantatro7493]

Just got a 340 pd for summer shorts carry and or back up gun. So light just forget I’m carrying it

[@rickrobinson8417]

Check out hamre forge grips I like them even over the clip draw

[@jar6588]

When Im solo I carry a 642 5 shot with xtra strip and I carry a Smith CSX with xtra mag when with family ✌️🍺🇺🇸

[@BenTen734]

Nice vid and info..thanks Gabe

[@901AiAudio]

I carry a CZ P-01 most of the time but when I need something smaller I carry my S&W model 60 .357 magnum! In my opinion the model 60 is more versatile because you can shoot .38 spl or .357 magnum! The trigger on the model 60 is a lot better as well!

[@paraAA82]

Excellent video Gabriel! Thanks!

[@halledwardb]

Ive been thinking of a Ruger lcp 9mm as a back up to my Glock. Not sure if thats a terrible idea, but ive been think about it anyway.

[@thomasholohan4090]

Understand your points, but (1) there are 14 states plus D.C. in which magazine capacity is limited, thus reducing (but not eliminating) a semiauto advantage; (2) a loaded Glock 19 weighs almost 2 lbs.; (3) there are many people who have difficulty racking a semiauto slide, particularly women, the elderly, and those with arthritis, disabilities, etc. If one cannot clear a malfunction, carrying that handgun is ill-advised. As always, no single preference is suitable for all.

[@ds5503]

Nailed it. Also, J-Frame is the most difficult thing to shoot that I own. Practice, train. It's not something a person can buy, shoot occasionally, and have hope they'll succeed when consequences are dire.

[@iankelly3479]

An intermediate, to large sized pistol or revolver would be preferable. And in a caliber that is powerful enough to get the job done. I like the .357sig caliber for my automatic and the .44spl for my revolver. I carry two handguns and both have Gold dot projectiles in them. I personally saw the aftermath of what a 44spl Gold Dot did to a person's leg. He had a golf ball sized hole in his leg and nearly bled to death. And also a broken femur due to the gunshot. While not a Magnum load in 44, it's the snubnose that I bought. After I was educated on it's effectiveness. Probably somewhat similar to .45acp. A tourniquet was required to sustain life.

[@Flyshooter2]

Due to biz dress parameters in a prohibited environment, sometimes an ankle is all I’ve got. That’s the reason.

[@steveb8001]

Carry a S&W 360 pd or my PPK 80% of the time because carrying a large capacity pistol is too much. But his argument is sound, I carry the smaller guns as a compromise, because if I could I’d carry my HK USP 45.

[@Mr12bore]

Where did he said to send it? The cylinder drags

[@carolanne8118]

Sir i was wondering why u dont advocate for the hk p30 s and p2000 s? They seem to be very reliable da sa pistols like cz s

[@suareztactics]

They are reliable...but almost everything is these days. The triggers are never going to be as clean, smooth or light as the CZ...at least in my experience. Moreover, it is not easy to add optics to the slides...essential in my opinion...in 2024.

[@carolanne8118]

Thank u I appreciate it

[@4catsnow]

The "mutated" platform of the Smith & Wesson snub-nose J frame went toward a similar barrel length,, matched to an large-frame 29 ounce,, very easy to conceal action that could shoot 410 2 1/2,,,.45 Colt,, and .45 ACP....The brain trust in our state tasked with approving guns for sale saw,,,laughing while they thought it would be used for skeet shooting...unaware that Federal was introducing the 2 1/2 410 000 personal defense...Some people just like revolvers..

[@rbm6184]

Well revolvers are more reliable than autos with better triggers and safer carry and capacity does not matter in a five second gunfight when no one is going to get through a mag or cylinder let alone have time to reload. We are responsible for every round that leaves our gun with a lawyer attached to every bullet so we better make our shots count and not fire any more than is necessary. Granted the above average person living in gangland or high crime area has a greater chance of that less than one percent chance of multiple threats and a longer 15 to 30 second gunfight and its why we carry reloads just in case and don't stake our lives on averages. Yes a bigger pistol is easier to shoot and a better option but not as concealable.

[@matthewrobinson4323]

I don't mean to sound contentious, but I think your opinion of the small J Frame size revolver might be colored by your police history. As a police officer, you would certainly need more fire-power. I'm 77 years old, and I've had to present my firearm only once. Merely seeing it reminded an entire gang of young tough guys of a previous engagement elsewhere. And judging by how quickly they departed, it must've a very important engagement, it was far away, and they were very late for it. That was about 35 years ago. My carry rotation is a Charter Arms Undercover, a Charter Arms Police Undercover, a Taurus 856 Ultra Lite (which I just loaned to one of my grandsons to try out to see if he prefers it or his Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9 mm (Not everyone is a revolver guy, and there's no one size fits all), a Rock Island Armory M 206, and a Rock Island Armory M 200. But even with my Undercover (5 rds) and a couple of speed strips, I'm better armed than the overwhelming majority of potential victims.

[@suareztactics]

Not at all...that is your opinion and you stated it without falling into the usual internet trollisms we see so often. But I will say too that I have been out of police work and in the private sector training and doing other things, both here and OCONUS - thus my POV is far more complete than would be that of only an American police officer. I drive very well and have not been in an unexpected collision, yet I still wear my seat belt and make certain my vehicle is sound. For the same reason I carry a full size CZ-75 and a couple of spare mags. We don't know what the next day will bring. Good luck sir.

[@OL-Tom]

I like my 642 Airweight. I carry mine in a Desantis B2 pocket holster. It's usually my quick trip to the store because I forgot something. Mine does have the Suarez FS kit installed. My usual EDC is 12+1 and two extra 15 mags

[@telesniper2]

So you go all in criticizing people's CCW choice, but I don't see one video from you about body armor. You DO wear body armor don't you???

[@suareztactics]

Omg...another internet arguement. I worked streets for 15 years ... gangs...SWAT...undercover stuff. Lots of shootings. Never relied on armor...but on tactics. Do I wear armor today...it depends what I am doing. If I was working direct action stuff I certainly would. Look...you wanna carry a J frame...go for it. I think doing so when there are other options is stupid. Again...like I said...if you disagree there are plenty of other channels for you to follow. Cheers.

[@alexmcgregor2854]

It’s the real 007 gun.

[@JR-gp2zk]

FULL SIZE PISTOL 😂 I thought the same thing when I first started carrying. And when showing a J frame he has crappy clip grip on it. Lighten up Francis.

[@kylewood8327]

Pros and cons both ways…but IMO if you want to carry a J frame then why not carry a micro pistol like the P365! This makes more sense to me.

[@cdlund2840]

j frames are what the real world carries everyday. Only a very slim minority carry heavy and huge service pistols. Too heavy and too hot, only a KZbin tactard carries such an inconvenient gun around like a G19.

[@darrelldunlap7249]

Nope!!!!!

[@suareztactics]

LOL..or people who have been in gunfights. Just saying.

[@mikeseier4449]

His way of thinking?.. I have a seatbelt in my vehicle… Why not get a five point harness?….I have a few fire extinguishers in my house… why not get 5 more and a sprinkler system?.. 😂

[@shadowwolf9503]

​@@suareztacticsRoger that ! I worked finishing drywall for several years. A guy on my crew got into a gunfight just a month after i started. His carry and truck gun was a S&W model 60- 38 special Snubbie. He made the mistake of getting involved in a domestic fight in the parking lot of a restaurant in his very rural town. The guy didn't like being told to quit hitting his wife and grabbed a 12 guage shotgun from his car. My coworker to retrieve his 38 from his truck and for cover. The guy fired his shotgun, loaded with birdshot, hitting my coworker in his right leg, arm and side. Although bleeding pretty decent, he did manage to get the 38 out of his glovebox. He stayed down as shotgun guy fired 2 more roynds- missing my buddy but hitting his truck. My coworker peeped around the back of his truck and put shotgun guy in his sites (It was loaded with plus P hollow points). But he didnt shoot. He told me with his hand bleeding, and feeling numb from the birdshot, he was afraid he would drop his revolver if he fired it. And just him having it aimed at shotgun man was keeping him from advancing toward him. Meanwhile, another guy in the parking lot, who had been watching, grabbed a 22 rifle from his truck and fired one shot at shotgun man, hitting in him the belly. The 22 didnt seem to really have an effect on him physically. He just walked back to his vehicle, hollering and cursing about being shot. My coworker decided to get to a friend's house a couple of blocks away, and took off limping, 38 still in his hand. Halfway there, he seen shotgun guy starting his car and pulling out of the parking lot. He crawled in a nearby culvert. The police showed up soon after that and captured the shooter. He was taken to emergency surgery. He lived and did 5 years. My coworker quickly bought a Ruger 45 auto and a Ruger 44 magnum- and sold me the model 60 at a very good price. He told me the 38 felt like a bb gun when he was facing that shotgun- and if there was a next time- he wanted a big handgun that fired a big bullet. Didn't aim to rant lol. But that is my experience knowing someone involved in a shooting.

[@dannyboy74]

Spewing facts! 👍

[@davek5027]

IMO, the Sig P365 has made the j-frame obsolete. It’s the same size as a j-frame only flatter, and holds over twice the amount of ammo. It’s accurate and reliable enough for full-time carry. I carry a 12-rd mag in the gun, and carry one or two 15-round mags for spares.