I'm not sure it's worth it - J Frame Training

[OC_Gunner]

I realize this is a platform that takes a lot of practice to master, but so far the training has been very painful.

I have about 50 rounds through my 642 spread over two range trips. Yesterday, I put 30 rounds through it and I really didn't want to go any further.

The more I shoot this thing and learn the grip and trigger, the better it gets. I'm not sure I'm willing to put in the thousands of rounds it will take to for proficiency. My trigger finger is bruised today, it beat the hell out of my hand and pinky finger.... and that was just 30 rounds!

Am I crazy or is this not worth it?!?

[I Swan]

It is worth it. I really do like the 38 snub for CCW. I actually don't find them too hard to use at realistic typical self defence distances. I can carry a steel frame one without too much for discomfort but I recently bought a 642 to try out. Usually I use a Taurus 85 but I also bought a pre lock 649 to try and I want to try out the LCR's in 9mm and 38.

I have a Sp101 357 which I find hard to shoot so I can only imagine how hard it is to shoot a lightweight 357.

[trackcage]

My guess is thats why you see so many of these for sale... I put ten rounds through a friend's and that was all I needed to see. That being said, if you want to be proficient, that's what it's going to take

[Marquand]

If you are going to trust your life to that 642 then yes, it's worth it.

I feel your pain, literally and figuratively. I own a 642 and while it's featherweight package is wonderful to carry, it's a bit of a monster to shoot. I'm fortunate in that I have an all steel Model 60 to shoot as well. Dividing my time between the two lets me get a J Frame workout with 50% less pain.

Are you using the factory Uncle Mike's-type grips? You may find some Pachmayr grips allow for more practice with less pain and fatigue.

[OC_Gunner]

I'm considering switching out the grips to something a little fatter to absorb some of the snap. The Hogue grips look pretty beefy. I'll look into the Pachmayr as well.

[Ugly Hombre]

Put Pachmayrs on it- they work well at taming recoil.

[AFTII]

Dry fire practice is your friend. The action smooths out quite a bit after 1000 or so trigger pulls. I also installed the Apex trigger kit in mine. Now its very easy to stage and fire almost like a single action trigger.

I have a set of Crimson Trace 405's coming this week. They should really aid in dry firing practice. As for recoil, I find that the American Eagle 130gn FMJ's are not that bad. I'm hoping the 405's also help in the recoil department.

[OC_Gunner]

Thinking about giving these a try:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I77PKJY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

[OC_Gunner]

Dry fire practice is your friend. The action smooths out quite a bit after 1000 or so trigger pulls.

I will certainly do this as well. I have no idea when the trigger is going to break and I feel like it is more or less a surprise. Dry fire should help learning the action.

[Ugly Hombre]

Yep, those Pac. grips should work well.

http://www.smithandwessonforums.com/forum/attachments/s-w-revolvers-1945-present/13675d1358727170-smith-wesson-j-frame-round-square-butt-photo.jpg

[Fishslayer]

The little J frame snubby is for last ditch up close & personal shooting.

Unless you're in a TV show. Then you can pop the badguy from 50 yards in mid tac roll while auto weapons fire is kicking up dirt around you.

[ijustdontknow]

I do enjoy shooting standard 38sp out of my Ruger LCR 357. However, with a snub nose revolver, I'm happy with 8" groups at 7-10 yards.

It all depends on what you mean by "proficiency". If you are trying to qualify or shoot bullseye, that is one thing. For me it's confidence I can put my first shot into an 4" circle at 7-10 yards and follow up with a couple more shots within 8" or so is my goal.

Also, with a snub nose revolver I found that I was squeezing the dang grip too tight trying to anticipate the recoil and get back on target. Not saying hold it in a manner that you lose control, but try different grips to see if something different works for you. Now if you've had training by a professional, or have done research and set personal goals, kindly ignore everything I just said. I'm surely not qualified to instruct anyone else, just sharing my personal experience.

[JTROKS]

Get an all steel J frame and it will take the sting from the meanest 38 Spl round.

[sealocan]

although I've never had a problem shooting J frame revolvers, even the air weights,unless I shoot a lot of + P ammo.
since no one's recommended it yet I'm going to say try some padded shooting gloves.

just make sure you fire a few rounds each time without the gloves so you know how it affects your point of aim.

[bwhited]

I would acquire the use of a full size to get down how they operate to a fine degree then switch to the CCW to fine tune the lessons learned on the full size.
This way the smaller firearm will take much less practice. Really only enough to get used to that particular firearm.