Second CCW gun: J-frame or Glock?

[steadyrock]

My current and only CCW gin is a G26. I chose it for reliabikity, accuracy, weight, and caliber. But I also want to add a second gun in a heavier caliber. I am trying to decide between a Smith model 60 (or 642/442 in 357/38) and a Glock 30s(f). I like the idea of a wheel gun for pocket carry and because of the reliability factor, but I sit on the "wheel gun isn't as effective a fighting platform as a semi auto" side of the fence. I also like that the Glock will have a rail, so could be used with a light for HD/nighttime carry.

What say you? What pros and cons have I not considered? What would be your choice from the above for a secondary CCW and hd pistol?

[Subotai]

After Kenya, I decided my snubnose isn't enough for the mall. I will be purchasing a semi-auto for carry as soon as I have the funds. But the snubnose is perfect for going to 7-11, etc. You can just put it in your pocket.

[Heatseeker]

I have a Colt dick special as my second gun, my EDC is a P239. I am from the "any gun is better than no gun" side of the fence. My third carry gun is a LCP for pocket carry.

[cudakidd]

J frame Smith as my primary carry...

[DSB]

Consider that there is a significant difference in weight between a fully loaded Glock 30SF and a fully loaded J-frame. The answer largely depends on how you plan to carry. You don't have as many option with a 30sf, but 11 rounds of .45 is very comforting.


In my opinion, comparing a J-frame and a Glock 30sf are like comparing a Honda Civic to a Ford F-150.

[glockman19]

I have a Glock 26 and my daily carry is a S&W 442/642. It is much easier to conceal and carry. I can easily carry it in my front jean pocket in a DeSaints Nemesis holster

[grantar2]

My current and only CCW gin is a G26. I chose it for reliabikity, accuracy, weight, and caliber. But I also want to add a second gun in a heavier caliber. I am trying to decide between a Smith model 60 (or 642/442 in 357/38) and a Glock 30s(f). I like the idea of a wheel gun for pocket carry and because of the reliability factor, but I sit on the "wheel gun isn't as effective a fighting platform as a semi auto" side of the fence. I also like that the Glock will have a rail, so could be used with a light for HD/nighttime carry.

What say you? What pros and cons have I not considered? What would be your choice from the above for a secondary CCW and hd pistol?

Well I like wheel guns, the reliability claims are largely a myth. Go back and study police history during the revolver days if in doubt. Additionally do you really want to go to a fight with only 5 rounds, and be limited to the short range accuracy of a 2" barrel. The .357 is a great round. Originally designed to penetrate 1930's auto bodies. Something the .45 ACP wouldn't do.

Although I am not a Glock guy, I shoot S&W in Auto's and Taurus in revolver. .357 4" ported barrel, I recommend the Glock G30sf and its .45 punch, if you don't mind the width. There are a lot of nice .40 and some new compact .45 so I am not sure your limited to those two choices. On the revolvers side it's compact, but so is the Kahr CW9 and it's $305 at Buds Guns last time I checked.

Having said that, I suggest if you haven't already renting or borrowing a Model 60 and going to the range. See if you like the pointability, sight picture and are able to get the gun on target for multiple shots, double action at .357 power. (Maybe even a speed reload). what we know is that it usually takes multiple hits to stop a bad dude doing something capable of putting the fear of life in us. He likely also has friends with him.

Just my two cents. However if you go J-Frame, I have some nice IWB/OWB Hybrid holsters for it.

[bubbagump]

Owned and carried a 642 for a short while. RARELY carried it standalone. It was a niche gun for me. It was great tucked under a leg to avert a carjacking or robbery while seated in your vehicle, but I always had the G19 to augment in case things got really out of hand. I ended up selling it and buying another G19. Love revolvers, but if I find myself in a gunfight, I do not want to run short on ammo. It would suck to be shooting from retention when you hear trigger clicks instead of loud booms.

I also was not very accurate with the 642. My groups opened up significantly with the 642. The lightweight also works both ways. Nice in a pocket but sucks when you wanna get some real practice with it (recoil).

[ronlglock]

I took a law-enforcement handgun class last week and one of the instructors swears by CCW revolvers - specifically J frame.

[grantar2]

I took a law-enforcement handgun class last week and one of the instructors swears by CCW revolvers - specifically J frame.

My question is when he carries concealed (assume off duty) is all he carries a j-Frame?

Don't get me wrong they are great guns, but the negatives outweigh the positives from my perspective. The only place I like a J-frame over a Glock is in the coat pocket. Since I live in California that isn't a place I carry.

[dls]

If I didn't already have a J frame in my CCW rotation/option, I'd buy a J frame tomorrow, I'd be lost without it as an option.

[grantar2]

If I didn't already have a J frame in my CCW rotation/option, I'd buy a J frame tomorrow, I'd be lost without it as an option.

Why?

[ojisan]

For the J frame in .357, you have to go either steel (about 20 ounces) or scandium (12.5 ounces) frame.
The steel frame can be heavy in the pocket.
The scandium is so light it hurts to shoot it...and it's limited to 125g loads.
While there are new short-barrel loads, many .357 rounds really need a longer barrel to get good speed.
The 442/ 642 alloy frame at 14.5 ounces with heavy bullet .38+P loads is nearly the equal of the .357 in the short barrels.
Look at the Buffalo Bore .38+P 158g lead hollow point at 1000 FPS for a j frame.
The beauty of a j frame Centennial is how quick and easy they go in and out of a pocket....you have to have tried it to understand.

Also note that many 9mm loads are not getting fully up to speed in the short barreled autos, barely beating the hot .380 loads.

So for a heavier caliber, you either need to go .357 with 3" or longer barrel, or .40 / .45 in at least a 4" auto.

[Ruby]

If you haven't fired the J-Frame, I recommend you do. I'm not a big fan of the small revolvers. My hands have long fingers and it's actually hard to hold on because of that. The trigger crosses my inside knuckle. Internal hammers are a benefit I suppose but I'm more confident regarding accuracy with the auto's. Most small auto's are more narrow than the J-Frame too.

[Charlie50]

I carried a J frame 642 for years. Still like them a l lot. They do take regular practice to be shoot accurately. Not a beginners gun. My agency only allows three pistols on lic. and recently swapped out my J frame for a Glock 42 as my small gun. In my mind really a toss up (between those two) in terms of pros and cons. My wife shoots the 42 really well and makes a perfect backup for us, particularly when traveling. That was the tie breaker for me. Love the classic looks of a snub, love the organic shape of a J frame. Don't like 5 round capacity but hey "5 rounds for sure" of plus P whatever is not a taser. Glock 42 light thin, 8 rounds (maguts mag) of Lehigh Defence on tap... IMO glock is a tool, good tool but a tool. Main carry is a G26... 80% of time