My grandfather daily carried an 2" I frame .32 S&W Long (very much like the one in this video) but it had a smooth trigger and a "Tyler T Grip" adapter to make it more suited for double action shooting, Oh and he "bobbed" the hammer.
I appreciate this channel. Of the gun channels I've found, yours is the most comprehensive and intuitive. As a new gun owner who loves revolvers, I learned a lot from this. Been considering getting a snub nose, your break down of the different types of frames and grips was really informative.
When I was a police officer in the mid-1980's, a Smith and Wesson Model 38 Airweight Bodyguard with nickel finish rode in my ankle holster or coat pocket (in winter) as my secondary gun. It felt good to know it was "on-duty" with me.
I began a career in law enforcement in 1973. The S&W Model 40 Centennial was my first CC/off duty revolver. Later I added a S&W M19 with 2.5" barrel. I still have that beautiful revolver but it is a bit too heavy and big to conceal under light clothes, so it no longer gets carried very much. When the Model 640 in stainless came out, I bought one and retired my Model 40. Now I am retired and still carry everyday and my current "most days carry" gun is a Model 642. I always liked the concealed hammer design and now prefer the light weight 642. I have many other CC handguns, autoloaders and revolvers, from .32 ACP to .45 ACP and everything in between, but the S&W J frame .38 snubbie has been my "go to" carry gun for more than 45 years. I still have all three, but the 642 is my everyday "using gun" now. I carry it in a DeSantis OWB leather holster, under an un-tucked shirt. It is outfitted with small Rosewood checkered grips and a black aluminum Tyler "T-Grip" grip adapter, something I have not been without since the 1970s.
I’ve carried/shot all my J frames set up the same way since 1968 when I began my career (retired 30 years later) and see no reason to change anything today.
@@craigfinley2507 The greatest invention ever! Far better than lasers, red dots and weapons lights for self defense handguns. UA-cam doesn't allow me to add links, so just put it in an eBay or Amazon search. Get some soon. Thank me later.
I only found him because another gun site mentioned that he did such a great video on a topic he said just go watch his video. I have nothing to add to what he said.
I own several J frames and my favorite carry J frame is the model 638 bodyguard. The shrouded hammer allow shooting from a pocket, yet the gun retains the signal action capability.
Man, are you a refreshing NKD (non knuckle-dragger). When my ex-wife and I were dividing up our late dads' firearms (yeah, I know), I acquired an S&W Model 10 with a 2-in. barrel, which sparked my interesrt in smaller revolvers. Your channel's a great resource. Thank you!
I think the K/L/N frame trigger design is superior to the J frame trigger, but do agree with you and think both are very nice triggers. However, have you ever played with an old Colt DA revolver? As much as I love my S&W M69, I handled a Python and the the Double Action pull was just a delight. I always thought it was just myth about how the Colt triggers were perfect, but man, I will tell you the DA Colt pull is miles above S&W. The Python was around 5lbs DA and there was zero stacking. SA i would say I like my M69 better, but it's not stock. And it's possible the Python I saw had some work done. Issue is that I'm not willing to pay $3000 for a revolver.
I tried Colt revolver once I wasn't happy, colt's cylinder have you to pull back while S&W has a push button. Also S&W seems to have a friendly smoother trigger.
I just wanna say thank you guys for running such a professional channel and website. I will never again by ammo from anywhere else. Keep up the goodwork!!!
Another great video! I saw my dad get shot in the shoulder with a S&W .32 long many years ago. He survived but it was close. Anyone that thinks these guns are no good just don't know. Many thousands have met their ends from being on the wrong end of a .32.
You got that right Pablo. For up close social work, not one thing wrong with 32acp ball ammo. You need to have a fine filter with things spoken about here in the cyber world, then always use two filters
Some years ago when I worked for FN we had an retired SGM who studied firearms fatalities. One night he asked the group "what caliber has killed more men than any other?" Lots of reasonable guesses, but none correct. The answer was .32!
I never ever felt undergund while carrying a .32 anything’ whether it was a 1903 colt pocket model or a Smith and Wesson .32 hand ejector’ anyone who says it’s not effective I dare them to stand in front of it’ Stopping power is a myth’ I’ve seen 250lbs of raging angry drugged up creeps dropped by a lowly .22 short to 110lbs of raging animal angry men take 7 shots from a .45 and walk into a hospital E.R.’ That myth is shattered’ the only differences in any of those cases was bullet placement’ I’d take a guy who knows his way around a .32 ppk or similar auto or same caliber revolver any day of the week and twice on Sunday over a guy with a 16 inch naval gun who couldn’t hit the earth if he was standing on it, all comes down too shot placement’ any caliber fired with accuracy into the central pumpkin’ will drop em’ all day long,
@Nick I like your set up. The AR is a great setup but by no means is it the end all be all. I have a Henry lever chambered in 357 as my home defense rife. I feel very good about that accompanied by my SW model 66.
I absolutely agree with the kudos given to Lucky Gunner. I watch a lot of LG videos twice because there is so much good info. THANK YOU LG FOR NOT WASTING OUR TIME WITH A LONG INTRO!!!! I carry a Smith and Wesson 340 everyday and all day. I've got both the M&P and the PD versions. If I'm carrying just one it is usually the M&P. My primary goes in a horse hide and Kydex AIWB hybrid that I made for it. The secondary goes on my ankle or in a pocket. My main reason for going with the 340s over the 642 is the ability to add an XS Big Dot sight to them.
Being a person with a love of revolvers during the cooler seasons, I sure learned a lot. Thank you for the history lesson. And yes, the smooth triggers are indeed a blessing as I seldom shoot SA. Be well and safe
My great aunt carried a .32 revolver in her purse for most of her adult life. She was forced to use it once, and while it was not fatal, the perp ended up going to the hospital and was arrested there, this was back in the 1950s. It sure made him and his buddy leave her alone!
The J Frame snub has stood the test of time because it is the most instinctively easy to use in a panic situation by a newbie or expert can be shot from a pocket or even pressed against an attacker and can be counted on to fire.While I still like my autos I still won't sell my snubs anytime soon.
For a gun that I intend to slip into a pocket, the J-frame is the king. 5 shots of .38 special in a super reliable platform beats out a 9mm that doesn't like to run in the same size.
@@RaderizDorrety lcp max has been extremely reliable with 12x 9mm rds. The only firearm I ever returned was a Taurus .38 revolver that jammed randomly 🤷♂️ I do trust the SW bodyguard .38 I replaced the Taurus with my life though, but rather carry 12 rds on a slimmer more pocket friendly pistol package.
That 32 S&W would be awesome to own. What a piece of history right there. Bought a used 442 rcently..looking for a nice used Chief Special for my father. Hes always wanted one . love this whole series, i keep watching them over lol
Great review and history of the J frame. I love my 642 Airweight. It has been one of my all time favorite off duty carry guns, and has also served me as a BUG while on duty.
Nice bit of history there and congrats on snagging an I-frame. You really don't see those around in used gun counters often. My first S&W was a model 638-2 (pre-lock). The bodyguard. I actually dig the form factor because sometimes you want that single action shot. Later on, I was made aware of the model 649 in .357 Magnum. It's a solid chunk of steel and a good 7oz heavier than the 638. It's in the same form factor except it has a bull barrel on it that is a ¼" longer, so it doesn't fit my Kramer pocket holster for the 638. Another feature it has is a pinned front sight. I replaced the front ramp sight with an XS big dot tritium sight. It is quicker to pick up, but it is also less precise. The extra mass of the revolver makes shooting hot +P ammo more comfortable. I've shot 180gr Remington .357 Magnum HTP through it. I don't recommend doing a lot of that. In spite of the extra weight over the 638, the 649 is my pocket revolver of choice. As I'm sure you've discovered by now (I don't know if you did a video on it), retrieving a J-Frame revolver from a pocket is *much* easier and faster than any semi-auto because you have that large grip to grab onto. Obviously five rounds is a limitation many people can't live with, but if you need more than three 38s, you can have two 357s in there. I've heard them referred to as aces in that context. Great video. PS: Running Fiocchi 142gr 357 Magnum FMJ ammo is a great way to attract attention at an indoor range. You can feel it in your chest. And, after 100 rounds, you get to show your torn blood blister on the web of your hand to people. Yeah, I'm not doing that again. But I proved to myself I could shoot both right and left handed and center punch the target at 7 yards with magnums in a J-Frame.
@@mikewade386 Arizona looks OK, lots of good places. :-) But I have auto immune encephalitis - lots of medication, several seizures and intensive care hospitalizations on the NHS (would be $200,000 in US). Health insurance would be pretty pricey I guess. My lovely wife have a great family here, pro DJT. Mine still think Biden won (orange man bad!) - crazy. Mind you Greece is introducing 100 euros a month fine for the unvaxxed elderly - may be coming to the UK one day. Dark days all over. From dark comes light. God Bless.
Oh I know it’s old folk to you but anything that is new about the pistols we have. I love watching the info about different pistols most I have and teaches me how to field strip. That’s the best thing. Way to go god bless America.
About 5 years ago I shifted from my M&P Shield 9 mm to a 442 J Frame, and haven't looked back. It was supposed to be for summertime carry only, and then shift back to the Shield in the Autumn. However, I didn't specify Autumn of which year. Nothing wrong with the Shield. But the J Frame is just magical. The only thing I disagree with you on in this excellent video is the grips. I swapped out the original synthetic grips for the old classic checkered wood, and couldn't be happier.
To each his own Matthew. I personally would not trade the stock grips (butt or combat) on the Smith J's for any I've seen. The ultimate for comfort, durability, and low maintenance for me.
@@andyostertag We are in absolute agreement. I find the old classic wood stocks more comfortable, but the real reason I switched is I like how they look. It's all personal preference. 😀
@@BELCAN57 practice will teach you that the 1-7/8" barrel will be as accurate as you are. Please view the video from Silverado Shooting Academy on "Mastering the Handgun". Practice, then watch it again, and then practice some more. Wonderful insight on taming the reactive response within
Got my first centerfire revolver in 2010. A S&W model 36 with pinned barrel, firing pin in hammer, case hardened trigger and hammer, hand checkered walnut squared grips and the most beautiful blue finish. It is deep mirror like bluing. I can see my reflection in the finish. My gun left the factory in 1966, according to a S&W rep and has the (then new) contoured cylinder release. More than just a gun, this model 36 is a work of art and a piece of history. They don't make'm like this anymore. Fuhgeddaboudit!
Kimber k6 / IRA 31.0 / 9.0 are the best I have handled. With Charter next then Tarus Rossi. SnW don’t seem to be interested in concealed revolver carriers. Fit n finish just ain’t there
@@johnwayne7476, I have little snubbie experience except for my model 36 and a Ruger SP-101 so I must defer to you for hands on knowledge. My Smith from the 1960's has excellent fit and finish for a 50+ year old handgun. If they have come down in quality it's a freakin' shame. Thanks for the input.
Marty Jewell ya they are just dependent upon the name the older handguns built . I’m sure they will say they can’t afford to build them that way now . It’s a lie. They are just greedy and don’t care. I was at a gun store a while ago and handled a S W a Colt a kimber and some tarsus . The barrel gap from the cylinder to the forcing cone was not worth the price they want for a brand new unfired side Arm with Tarrus and Charter being slightly better fit . The Kimber is exceptional for a gun made in the USA and although I’ve not handled one yet RIA is bring in some hand fitted revolver from somewhere in Europe I believe it’s probably close to the old west Germany level of quality, I have watched early reviews and the samples sent to the reviewers are top knock with Recessed cylinder and hand polishing to boot. It really sad concerning the state of American made classical firearms in my opinion. Like the old saying “ They just don’t make them like they used to “ you can apply that to the firearms for sure and possibly to the craftsman as well I suppose. Hold on to that snobby she is a sweetheart and should serve you well. I carry a 850 Polly 38 special 😏 it will bounce a soda can out to 50 yards all day long with 158 grain soft lead rounds . It’s every bit as accurate as almost any of them lighter and cheap . Like 200 out the door cheap. If I had a chance at one like yours and could afford it I would definitely pick one up.
In 2018, I inherited my Mom's S&W CS Model 36 .38 Snub-nose Revolver, which was manufactured in 1973, and she bought it in 1977 - '78 (or so). To my surprise, although I never saw her ever shoot it, apparently wherever, or "whomever" she bought it from, had never fired it either. As I was buying a S&W Model 29-1 .44 Magnum at the gun store that is around the corner from my home about a month ago, I happened to mention my Mom's Model 36, and they said they'd LOVE to see it. Nearly every employee behind the counter just went nuts over this little .38 when I brought it in to show them ... "especially" when THEY determined that it more than likely had never been fired before. So now, I have this beautiful little S&W .38, that is now 47 years old, but has never been fired ... and I can't seem to bring myself to fire it either. -- BTW, it fits perfectly in my pocket, lol.
Great channel; informative, concise, enjoyable, professional. Best gun channel on UA-cam. I like the series aspect, what's next? The evolution of popular calibers and their roles in transforming firearms as we know them now would be on my watch list.
My dad bought one of these in 1969, passed it on to me in 1985, still have it, and still in mint condition....very good quality, fires well, reliable. Very nice little gun. Packs a wollop as well....
I love 32, I was hoping with the advent of 327 fed mag that the market would have introduced more than it did, specifically a good modern target revolver but alas it was focused on CC, 32 seems to be very accurate and a great small game cartridge
I love the S&W .32 revolvers. The one like yours became the 30-1 (there was a 31-1 which has a square butt and is the only time S&W ever used a model number to show something as minor as a grip profile change). Several years back, while still and active LEO, I developed some rather severe osteo arthritis (Oddly, I'm 10 years older now but overall much better ... which speaks volumes for the demand of the job). Anyway, Shooting (something I practiced a LOT) was frankly too painful for a while. I was always enamored with the .32 S&W Long (and .32 acp) and my department had a .32 Long S&W 31-1 in inventory which I got issued as a BUG/OD piece. Meanwhile, I kept seeing these S&W 30-1 J-frame snubs and badly wanted one as I much prefer the round butt grip (square butt may be better for shooting ... maybe ... but the roundbutt carries better). Only whoever had them was VERY proud of them and I saw ridiculous prices. Well, in my time of need (very tender hands and all) I found a VG condition S&W 30-1 and got it for $200 out the door. Obviously it takes any S&W J-frame grips so I upgraded from the skinny wooden stocks and off I went. I shot everything from RNL to full wadcutters (which oddly tend to be the hottest load depending on manufacturer) and some 115 gr hard cast LSWC loads. I even found some .32 ACPs that would headspace well enough to be reliable. My old agency kept some boxes of high quality .32 acp for some of the backup guns others used and they (Gold Dots) worked 100% and were even accurate and did not stick in the chambers. But that depends heavily on brand and I didn't want to trust the variance from one lot to the next for my safety using a round for which the gun wasn't really chambered. Anyway, I wound up choosing the 115 gr HCLFP rounds (Hard Cast Lead Flat Point) loaded by a now defunct manufacturer (but now Buffalo Bore makes what appears to be the same load) as my carry ammo. Deep penetration and in every medium I tested they yawed and even tumbled all the way through which produced a bigger profile than a hollow point would ... not that a JHP will expand at typical .32 S&W Long velocities anyway). Even those "heavy" loads were very mild (so mild my ex-wife, with her forearm held together with a plate and screws could shoot it). I've shot a lot of J-frames and carried various ones, and I know they can be surprisingly accurate but between the .32's accuracy and the very light recoil, I could shoot this tiny revolver not only accurately, but FAST and accurately. I'm a big believer, having seen what happens when bullets hit bodies, that insofar as handguns its 99% "Where" you hit them rather than "with what." Today I still tote that little J-frame sometimes and it remains my front room "go to" handgun in it's discreet case for in case trouble comes a-knocking. If anyone decides to carry one (oh, and I also have a S&W Hand Ejector .32 I-frame with a 4" barrel ... I really like the I-frames), be aware not all ammo is created equal! I was once qualifying with mine and chose to use some inexpensive lead round nose ammo I'd found (I want to say Fiocchi, but it might have been S&B or another import). While doing course-required "draw and fire five shots as fast as possible" (course based on a 5-shot .38), my earplugs fell out and I (foolishly) continued the string of fire anyway. My ears did not ring. Now, I'm sure damage was done (they ring ALL the time now), and admittedly this was outside, but if those rounds were mild enough to not make my ears ring I can't help but think they would not have been the best for self-defense.
Purchased my stainless Chief in 1983, when I joined the metro PD. Carried it every day as a backup for 30 years. Still one of my most beautiful guns I own.
One of my first pistols was a Mod 36 I bought in 69 or 70 but sold it soon afterwards, bought a another 36 called The Classic Model 36 last year, only the Cylinder Release Button was different but all else the same, nice wheel gun for carry or bedside. I feel safer with a Revolver down my pants than a semi-auto that's for sure.
I don't know if this is still the case, but it used to be common to refer to serrated triggers as 'target' triggers, and smooth triggers as 'combat' triggers. This makes a lot of sense when you think of single-action precision shooting vs double-action combat shooting.
How true, but I'd like to find out if any actual tests were ever made to determine if the serrated triggers made single action shooting that much more accurate. My older Ruger Security-Sixes had serrated triggers, but I was happy to see the old triggers go and could never see any difference in my own limited shooting as far as accuracy between single-action and double accuracy. (It was was the modern replacement springs that made the difference!)
@@johnroberts6695 Well, I guess accuracy is up to the shooter and their technique. I do think that serrated triggers give more tactile feedback, and in that sense, they are easier to develop good technique with. They also stop your finger sliding laterally in the trigger, and that is also going to help with consistency and therfore accuracy. It could well be the opposite - a serrated trigger would be uncomfortable as hell if you were shooting a high volume of ammo in double-action mode ("combat" shooting). Maybe the serrated trigger is the standard, and the smooth combat trigger is actually the "enhanced" version.
Just pull the trigger again? What about a hangfire? "Click" "Boom" "Boom" Threat neutralized. Ten seconds later... Powder ignites on the seemingly dud round indexed with the frame... "KaBoom!" goes the gun...
Until a small spring fails and the gun locks up, or there’s a high primer, or a bullet backs out, or a multitude of other things happen. I love revolvers and even carry them often, but they can jam just like any other gun.
Very informative video. I have a older blued Bodyguard and the details about the trigger grooves and the reasons for the smaller grip panels was very interesting.
My how the year has flown by! I’m a sophomore in college now! My new friends from my first semester now are either my best friends or never spoke to me after we no longer had classes together lol. Thankfully more in the first camp. Awesome video, so cool that you got a .32 and ejector I frame. Still waiting on the 9x18mm makarov video comrade :)
I believe you would find the book "American Gunfight" by Stephen Hunter and co-author Bainbridge very interesting. It chronicles the attempted assassination of President Truman at Blair House in 1950. The authors profile the LE officers on duty, their training and weapons issued. The encounter is itself is broken down , as is the history of the two gunmen and their weapons.
I've been following and enjoying this series. One of the issues it seemes with 380 pistols is problems with malfunctions. I'd like you to check out the Taurus spectrum. All the reviews I have seen said they will not malfunction the matter what type of ammo you put through it. Also the gun seems different enough from other to similar pistols that it might be worth looking at.
Forgot to mention the original Chief's Special, the "Baby Chief" built on a stretched "i" frame to accomodate the .38 Special cartridge. It has the smaller grip and rounded trigger guard profile of the original "i" framed .32 and .38 Smith and Wesson (.38 short").
Early this year I picked up a really nice stainless Model 36 for $350 plus I traded in 2 youth .22 rifles. Its one of my favorite guns and is one of my two EDC carry guns, the other being a Sig p365.
My grandfather daily carried an 2" I frame .32 S&W Long (very much like the one in this video) but it had a smooth trigger and a "Tyler T Grip" adapter to make it more suited for double action shooting, Oh and he "bobbed" the hammer.
I appreciate this channel. Of the gun channels I've found, yours is the most comprehensive and intuitive. As a new gun owner who loves revolvers, I learned a lot from this. Been considering getting a snub nose, your break down of the different types of frames and grips was really informative.
When I was a police officer in the mid-1980's, a Smith and Wesson Model 38 Airweight Bodyguard with nickel finish rode in my ankle holster or coat pocket (in winter) as my secondary gun. It felt good to know it was "on-duty" with me.
I began a career in law enforcement in 1973. The S&W Model 40 Centennial was my first CC/off duty revolver. Later I added a S&W M19 with 2.5" barrel. I still have that beautiful revolver but it is a bit too heavy and big to conceal under light clothes, so it no longer gets carried very much. When the Model 640 in stainless came out, I bought one and retired my Model 40. Now I am retired and still carry everyday and my current "most days carry" gun is a Model 642. I always liked the concealed hammer design and now prefer the light weight 642. I have many other CC handguns, autoloaders and revolvers, from .32 ACP to .45 ACP and everything in between, but the S&W J frame .38 snubbie has been my "go to" carry gun for more than 45 years. I still have all three, but the 642 is my everyday "using gun" now. I carry it in a DeSantis OWB leather holster, under an un-tucked shirt. It is outfitted with small Rosewood checkered grips and a black aluminum Tyler "T-Grip" grip adapter, something I have not been without since the 1970s.
For decades the J frame 5 shot DA revolver was S&W's top seller by far. 💲📈🗂...
I’ve carried/shot all my J frames set up the same way since 1968 when I began my career (retired 30 years later) and see no reason to change anything today.
What's a Tyler T grip
@@craigfinley2507 The greatest invention ever! Far better than lasers, red dots and weapons lights for self defense handguns.
UA-cam doesn't allow me to add links, so just put it in an eBay or Amazon search.
Get some soon. Thank me later.
MY GOD!! WERE WAS THIS GUY? How after being studying guns for 3 years, I just bump on this guy now? This channel is a gem!
I only found him because another gun site mentioned that he did such a great video on a topic he said just go watch his video. I have nothing to add to what he said.
I appreciate the style of your presentation-- simple, direct and to the point without extra words.
I have a 38 special j frame from 1960 and a colt police positive 38 special from 1912 love them both
Eu tenho um 38 especial,mod 80 Taurus 2"6 tiros,,,,espelhado no Colt detetive,,,,🇧🇷👍
I have a .32 cal colt police positive. And when he was talking about finger location, I thought about my hair line fx on my trigger finger.
I own several J frames and my favorite carry J frame is the model 638 bodyguard. The shrouded hammer allow shooting from a pocket, yet the gun retains the signal action capability.
Man, are you a refreshing NKD (non knuckle-dragger). When my ex-wife and I were dividing up our late dads' firearms (yeah, I know), I acquired an S&W Model 10 with a 2-in. barrel, which sparked my interesrt in smaller revolvers. Your channel's a great resource. Thank you!
I always feel smarter after watching Lucky Gunner.
I love the feel of the trigger on a double action Smith & Wesson
I think the K/L/N frame trigger design is superior to the J frame trigger, but do agree with you and think both are very nice triggers. However, have you ever played with an old Colt DA revolver? As much as I love my S&W M69, I handled a Python and the the Double Action pull was just a delight. I always thought it was just myth about how the Colt triggers were perfect, but man, I will tell you the DA Colt pull is miles above S&W. The Python was around 5lbs DA and there was zero stacking. SA i would say I like my M69 better, but it's not stock. And it's possible the Python I saw had some work done. Issue is that I'm not willing to pay $3000 for a revolver.
The new J frames suck in d/a mode. S & W has always made a fine s/a trigger, but who would use that in a d/a gun?
If we’re talking J-frame here, I find the Ruger LCR noticeably better. (And, yes, I own both....)
I tried Colt revolver once I wasn't happy, colt's cylinder have you to pull back while S&W has a push button.
Also S&W seems to have a friendly smoother trigger.
The new taurus revolvers have better triggers in single and double action IMO.
Always love the Lucky Gunner videos.
Glad pocket pistol series isn't done yet.
I have a .32 Colt Police Positive that I absolutely adore, so I'll be keeping my eye out for an older I-Frame like yours.
I just wanna say thank you guys for running such a professional channel and website. I will never again by ammo from anywhere else. Keep up the goodwork!!!
Another great video! I saw my dad get shot in the shoulder with a S&W .32 long many years ago. He survived but it was close. Anyone that thinks these guns are no good just don't know. Many thousands have met their ends from being on the wrong end of a .32.
Pablo Enrique you bet, its bullet placement. Where I live I feel very protected with my Walther PPK/S
You got that right Pablo. For up close social work, not one thing wrong with 32acp ball ammo. You need to have a fine filter with things spoken about here in the cyber world, then always use two filters
Pablo Enrique Glad to hear dads ok
Some years ago when I worked for FN we had an retired SGM who studied firearms fatalities. One night he asked the group "what caliber has killed more men than any other?" Lots of reasonable guesses, but none correct. The answer was .32!
I never ever felt undergund while carrying a .32 anything’ whether it was a 1903 colt pocket model or a Smith and Wesson .32 hand ejector’ anyone who says it’s not effective I dare them to stand in front of it’ Stopping power is a myth’ I’ve seen 250lbs of raging angry drugged up creeps dropped by a lowly .22 short to 110lbs of raging animal angry men take 7 shots from a .45 and walk into a hospital E.R.’ That myth is shattered’ the only differences in any of those cases was bullet placement’ I’d take a guy who knows his way around a .32 ppk or similar auto or same caliber revolver any day of the week and twice on Sunday over a guy with a 16 inch naval gun who couldn’t hit the earth if he was standing on it, all comes down too shot placement’ any caliber fired with accuracy into the central pumpkin’ will drop em’ all day long,
I'm a big fan of the S&W revolvers. I have a small collection of models 10, 15 and other models. Thanks for the presentation.
I love revolvers and especially J frames. Carry one daily.
With one bullet in your pocket? 😆
Like the profile picture 😎👍
@Nick That’s a nice set up and enough to get home alive.
@Nick I like your set up. The AR is a great setup but by no means is it the end all be all. I have a Henry lever chambered in 357 as my home defense rife. I feel very good about that accompanied by my SW model 66.
@Nick love them or hate them the Glock is a great handgun. I settled on a G30 years ago. That’s my so called SHTF piece.
@Nick yeah I just shot it better than the others. I do like the 45acp
Lucky Gunner is the most under rated UA-camr out there
After Paul Harrell
Zero clickbait. Bucketfuls of information, awesome host and a great topic! Guns! :p
This dude Does Not even come close to Mr. Harrell and never will.
To be fair, Mr harrel isn’t human 😂
To be "fair", what is He?
Really appreciate your overall series on the many varieties of smaller handguns. Thank You!
I absolutely agree with the kudos given to Lucky Gunner. I watch a lot of LG videos twice because there is so much good info.
THANK YOU LG FOR NOT WASTING OUR TIME WITH A LONG INTRO!!!!
I carry a Smith and Wesson 340 everyday and all day. I've got both the M&P and the PD versions. If I'm carrying just one it is usually the M&P. My primary goes in a horse hide and Kydex AIWB hybrid that I made for it. The secondary goes on my ankle or in a pocket. My main reason for going with the 340s over the 642 is the ability to add an XS Big Dot sight to them.
Totally agree, I hate sitting through big, dramatic, movie-like intros on YT. Mostly made to stroke the egos of their creators but lost on me.
Being a person with a love of revolvers during the cooler seasons, I sure learned a lot. Thank you for the history lesson. And yes, the smooth triggers are indeed a blessing as I seldom shoot SA. Be well and safe
Solid and informative, as always! Thx and keep it up!
You are simply outstanding. I can’t wait to watch the rest of the series!
Love my passed down .38 J frame. Fits perfect in the small of the back for a backup firearm.
Hey Bill
Model 36 king of Kings imo
LOVE this revolver series. Keep up the great work here, this channel ROCKS!!
Love these history episodes. Well done.
My great aunt carried a .32 revolver in her purse for most of her adult life. She was forced to use it once, and while it was not fatal, the perp ended up going to the hospital and was arrested there, this was back in the 1950s. It sure made him and his buddy leave her alone!
The J Frame snub has stood the test of time because it is the most instinctively easy to use in a panic situation by a newbie or expert can be shot from a pocket or even pressed against an attacker and can be counted on to fire.While I still like my autos I still won't sell my snubs anytime soon.
For a gun that I intend to slip into a pocket, the J-frame is the king. 5 shots of .38 special in a super reliable platform beats out a 9mm that doesn't like to run in the same size.
@@RaderizDorrety lcp max has been extremely reliable with 12x 9mm rds.
The only firearm I ever returned was a Taurus .38 revolver that jammed randomly 🤷♂️
I do trust the SW bodyguard .38 I replaced the Taurus with my life though, but rather carry 12 rds on a slimmer more pocket friendly pistol package.
An excellent video. I really appreciate all the research you do for these videos. And I like those old advertisements.
That 32 S&W would be awesome to own. What a piece of history right there. Bought a used 442 rcently..looking for a nice used Chief Special for my father. Hes always wanted one . love this whole series, i keep watching them over lol
Great review and history of the J frame. I love my 642 Airweight. It has been one of my all time favorite off duty carry guns, and has also served me as a BUG while on duty.
Nice bit of history there and congrats on snagging an I-frame. You really don't see those around in used gun counters often.
My first S&W was a model 638-2 (pre-lock). The bodyguard. I actually dig the form factor because sometimes you want that single action shot. Later on, I was made aware of the model 649 in .357 Magnum. It's a solid chunk of steel and a good 7oz heavier than the 638. It's in the same form factor except it has a bull barrel on it that is a ¼" longer, so it doesn't fit my Kramer pocket holster for the 638. Another feature it has is a pinned front sight. I replaced the front ramp sight with an XS big dot tritium sight. It is quicker to pick up, but it is also less precise. The extra mass of the revolver makes shooting hot +P ammo more comfortable. I've shot 180gr Remington .357 Magnum HTP through it. I don't recommend doing a lot of that. In spite of the extra weight over the 638, the 649 is my pocket revolver of choice.
As I'm sure you've discovered by now (I don't know if you did a video on it), retrieving a J-Frame revolver from a pocket is *much* easier and faster than any semi-auto because you have that large grip to grab onto. Obviously five rounds is a limitation many people can't live with, but if you need more than three 38s, you can have two 357s in there. I've heard them referred to as aces in that context. Great video.
PS: Running Fiocchi 142gr 357 Magnum FMJ ammo is a great way to attract attention at an indoor range. You can feel it in your chest. And, after 100 rounds, you get to show your torn blood blister on the web of your hand to people. Yeah, I'm not doing that again. But I proved to myself I could shoot both right and left handed and center punch the target at 7 yards with magnums in a J-Frame.
@Keanu It really is.
Absolutely LOVE this pocket pistol series!
There is a lot of good gun content on UA-cam. Lucky Gunner is the best of the best.
As a UK viewer I'm always amazed at the complex issues and details connected with firearm design and function. A very informative video. :-)
You should try moving to the US
@@mikewade386 If I was younger (I'm71) I'd be over there. Good Luck and God Bless 2024
@@RonaldArthurDewhirst you should still try to move here you may not have very many years left you should make the most of them
@@mikewade386 Arizona looks OK, lots of good places. :-) But I have auto immune encephalitis - lots of medication, several seizures and intensive care hospitalizations on the NHS (would be $200,000 in US). Health insurance would be pretty pricey I guess. My lovely wife have a great family here, pro DJT. Mine still think Biden won (orange man bad!) - crazy. Mind you Greece is introducing 100 euros a month fine for the unvaxxed elderly - may be coming to the UK one day. Dark days all over. From dark comes light. God Bless.
@@RonaldArthurDewhirst God bless Ronald.
I have a mint 1957 Model 36. I do carry it occasionally, but usually carry my 1973 Model 60. Great Video!
"The cops call a .32 a woman's gun because it's easy to handle, don't do the damage a .38 does. But ya know it does enough. "
Love the irishman movie
Yes it was, but there very accurate ~ I would love one
Plus, it may not kill you immediately, but it will leave you paralyzed and broke 😂
The woman you mean?
32 Caliber is the Best Caliber
I own a S&W model 37 and 638. Both are great revolvers! Thanks for the content!!
One of the best channels on UA-cam. 👍
I really enjoy the production and professionalism of your videos.
Prob been my fav series y'all have done yet, thanks guys 👍. Lotta great info.
excellent video as always. Interesting and informative. Thank you and keep up the great work.
Pretty straightforward practical handgun education ..and history should be included. Well done . Thanks
Great video, thank you for covering pocket revolvers.
This is a really nice pistol, I kept one in pocket for years, I was doing security at a club and it’s really nice 👍🏽 👍🏽💯
Harrison Ford carry’s a hand ejector 2 in raiders of the lost ark. Just a little fun fact
Sorry I did not come across Lucky Gunner sooner. I can actually understand every word and my interest did not fade.
Oh I know it’s old folk to you but anything that is new about the pistols we have. I love watching the info about different pistols most I have and teaches me how to field strip. That’s the best thing. Way to go god bless America.
Hey, these 32's are a hoot to shoot. I had several at one time. Single, flip out, or top break. Great little self defense pistol.
I just acquired a Mod-32 and this was very informative video. Thanks
Another great video. Love the history of these old guns.
About 5 years ago I shifted from my M&P Shield 9 mm to a 442 J Frame, and haven't looked back. It was supposed to be for summertime carry only, and then shift back to the Shield in the Autumn. However, I didn't specify Autumn of which year. Nothing wrong with the Shield. But the J Frame is just magical. The only thing I disagree with you on in this excellent video is the grips. I swapped out the original synthetic grips for the old classic checkered wood, and couldn't be happier.
To each his own Matthew. I personally would not trade the stock grips (butt or combat) on the Smith J's for any I've seen. The ultimate for comfort, durability, and low maintenance for me.
@@andyostertag We are in absolute agreement. I find the old classic wood stocks more comfortable, but the real reason I switched is I like how they look. It's all personal preference. 😀
@@andyostertag I have a 442 as well and just can't hit " the broad side of a barn" with it. Practice will hopefully make perfect.
@@BELCAN57 practice will teach you that the 1-7/8" barrel will be as accurate as you are. Please view the video from Silverado Shooting Academy on "Mastering the Handgun". Practice, then watch it again, and then practice some more. Wonderful insight on taming the reactive response within
Personally love that black version better
Outstanding video - a lot of great information!
Love my 637-2 Airweight S&W snubbie. Thanks for doing a J frame highlight. Great video and awesome channel.
Great info thanks for sharing! I enjoy a few old revolvers in my collection but the model 60, still my favorite. Great stuff here!!👍🏼
I Frame 32 sounds like a great carry revolver. 32 is too often under rated. Thank you.
Got my first centerfire revolver in 2010. A S&W model 36 with pinned barrel, firing pin in hammer, case hardened trigger and hammer, hand checkered walnut squared grips and the most beautiful blue finish. It is deep mirror like bluing. I can see my reflection in the finish. My gun left the factory in 1966, according to a S&W rep and has the (then new) contoured cylinder release. More than just a gun, this model 36 is a work of art and a piece of history. They don't make'm like this anymore. Fuhgeddaboudit!
Kimber k6 / IRA 31.0 / 9.0 are the best I have handled. With Charter next then Tarus Rossi. SnW don’t seem to be interested in concealed revolver carriers. Fit n finish just ain’t there
@@johnwayne7476, I have little snubbie experience except for my model 36 and a Ruger SP-101 so I must defer to you for hands on knowledge. My Smith from the 1960's has excellent fit and finish for a 50+ year old handgun. If they have come down in quality it's a freakin' shame. Thanks for the input.
Marty Jewell ya they are just dependent upon the name the older handguns built . I’m sure they will say they can’t afford to build them that way now . It’s a lie. They are just greedy and don’t care. I was at a gun store a while ago and handled a S W a Colt a kimber and some tarsus . The barrel gap from the cylinder to the forcing cone was not worth the price they want for a brand new unfired side Arm with Tarrus and Charter being slightly better fit . The Kimber is exceptional for a gun made in the USA and although I’ve not handled one yet RIA is bring in some hand fitted revolver from somewhere in Europe I believe it’s probably close to the old west Germany level of quality, I have watched early reviews and the samples sent to the reviewers are top knock with Recessed cylinder and hand polishing to boot. It really sad concerning the state of American made classical firearms in my opinion. Like the old saying “ They just don’t make them like they used to “ you can apply that to the firearms for sure and possibly to the craftsman as well I suppose. Hold on to that snobby she is a sweetheart and should serve you well. I carry a 850 Polly 38 special 😏 it will bounce a soda can out to 50 yards all day long with 158 grain soft lead rounds . It’s every bit as accurate as almost any of them lighter and cheap . Like 200 out the door cheap. If I had a chance at one like yours and could afford it I would definitely pick one up.
In 2018, I inherited my Mom's S&W CS Model 36 .38 Snub-nose Revolver, which was manufactured in 1973, and she bought it in 1977 - '78 (or so). To my surprise, although I never saw her ever shoot it, apparently wherever, or "whomever" she bought it from, had never fired it either.
As I was buying a S&W Model 29-1 .44 Magnum at the gun store that is around the corner from my home about a month ago, I happened to mention my Mom's Model 36, and they said they'd LOVE to see it. Nearly every employee behind the counter just went nuts over this little .38 when I brought it in to show them ... "especially" when THEY determined that it more than likely had never been fired before.
So now, I have this beautiful little S&W .38, that is now 47 years old, but has never been fired ... and I can't seem to bring myself to fire it either. -- BTW, it fits perfectly in my pocket, lol.
Great channel; informative, concise, enjoyable, professional. Best gun channel on UA-cam. I like the series aspect, what's next? The evolution of popular calibers and their roles in transforming firearms as we know them now would be on my watch list.
As always awesome job and very informative keep up the great work
Awesome video! Love the J, what a fantastic dad gun.
Dad gun?
My dad bought one of these in 1969, passed it on to me in 1985, still have it, and still in mint condition....very good quality, fires well, reliable. Very nice little gun. Packs a wollop as well....
Love this channel and the videos!
I love these videos. Great work as usual!!!
I love 32, I was hoping with the advent of 327 fed mag that the market would have introduced more than it did, specifically a good modern target revolver but alas it was focused on CC, 32 seems to be very accurate and a great small game cartridge
I love the S&W .32 revolvers. The one like yours became the 30-1 (there was a 31-1 which has a square butt and is the only time S&W ever used a model number to show something as minor as a grip profile change).
Several years back, while still and active LEO, I developed some rather severe osteo arthritis (Oddly, I'm 10 years older now but overall much better ... which speaks volumes for the demand of the job). Anyway, Shooting (something I practiced a LOT) was frankly too painful for a while. I was always enamored with the .32 S&W Long (and .32 acp) and my department had a .32 Long S&W 31-1 in inventory which I got issued as a BUG/OD piece. Meanwhile, I kept seeing these S&W 30-1 J-frame snubs and badly wanted one as I much prefer the round butt grip (square butt may be better for shooting ... maybe ... but the roundbutt carries better). Only whoever had them was VERY proud of them and I saw ridiculous prices. Well, in my time of need (very tender hands and all) I found a VG condition S&W 30-1 and got it for $200 out the door. Obviously it takes any S&W J-frame grips so I upgraded from the skinny wooden stocks and off I went. I shot everything from RNL to full wadcutters (which oddly tend to be the hottest load depending on manufacturer) and some 115 gr hard cast LSWC loads. I even found some .32 ACPs that would headspace well enough to be reliable. My old agency kept some boxes of high quality .32 acp for some of the backup guns others used and they (Gold Dots) worked 100% and were even accurate and did not stick in the chambers. But that depends heavily on brand and I didn't want to trust the variance from one lot to the next for my safety using a round for which the gun wasn't really chambered.
Anyway, I wound up choosing the 115 gr HCLFP rounds (Hard Cast Lead Flat Point) loaded by a now defunct manufacturer (but now Buffalo Bore makes what appears to be the same load) as my carry ammo. Deep penetration and in every medium I tested they yawed and even tumbled all the way through which produced a bigger profile than a hollow point would ... not that a JHP will expand at typical .32 S&W Long velocities anyway). Even those "heavy" loads were very mild (so mild my ex-wife, with her forearm held together with a plate and screws could shoot it). I've shot a lot of J-frames and carried various ones, and I know they can be surprisingly accurate but between the .32's accuracy and the very light recoil, I could shoot this tiny revolver not only accurately, but FAST and accurately. I'm a big believer, having seen what happens when bullets hit bodies, that insofar as handguns its 99% "Where" you hit them rather than "with what." Today I still tote that little J-frame sometimes and it remains my front room "go to" handgun in it's discreet case for in case trouble comes a-knocking.
If anyone decides to carry one (oh, and I also have a S&W Hand Ejector .32 I-frame with a 4" barrel ... I really like the I-frames), be aware not all ammo is created equal! I was once qualifying with mine and chose to use some inexpensive lead round nose ammo I'd found (I want to say Fiocchi, but it might have been S&B or another import). While doing course-required "draw and fire five shots as fast as possible" (course based on a 5-shot .38), my earplugs fell out and I (foolishly) continued the string of fire anyway. My ears did not ring. Now, I'm sure damage was done (they ring ALL the time now), and admittedly this was outside, but if those rounds were mild enough to not make my ears ring I can't help but think they would not have been the best for self-defense.
Good stuff, Keep it coming. Thank you.
Those model 30 hand ejectors are works of art.
Thank you for another superb video. Your channel is consistently awesome. Keep up the great work brother.
Great video. I have alotta love for the old J Frames
Great summary of the Smith and Wesson snub nose guns.
This was an incredible history lesson. Much enjoyed
Awesome episode !!!! Also thanks for the knowledge about S&W revolvers.
It’s always great to see some vintage wheel gun love.
Very informative easy to listen to. Thanks keep up the good work.
Snubby in the streets.
Studly on the sheets.
#SnubLife. ;)
What the heck is this a dick joke?
@@ranchurdhimster4955 he's talking about his piece. His tool during hard times.
Don't be ashamed, seek professional help for this confusion.
except snubby in the sheets too
Theses comments would make a great episode of It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia.
I read a shooting book from the 20s, the author accused smith and wesson of stealing the grips off of old coffee pots
Wow, what an excellent review / history lesson. Thanks.
Purchased my stainless Chief in 1983, when I joined the metro PD. Carried it every day as a backup for 30 years. Still one of my most beautiful guns I own.
Yep. I love mine too!
What an interesting video!!! 😎 Keep up the brilliant work with the smoking content guys 👌🏾
I have a no dash 36, I love that little gun. Mine is stamped on the grip frame Mass State Police.
One of my first pistols was a Mod 36 I bought in 69 or 70 but sold it soon afterwards, bought a another 36 called The Classic Model 36 last year, only the Cylinder Release Button was different but all else the same, nice wheel gun for carry or bedside. I feel safer with a Revolver down my pants than a semi-auto that's for sure.
Rich E Rich I have one too,It's marked Wayne County "666"
I don't know if this is still the case, but it used to be common to refer to serrated triggers as 'target' triggers, and smooth triggers as 'combat' triggers.
This makes a lot of sense when you think of single-action precision shooting vs double-action combat shooting.
How true, but I'd like to find out if any actual tests were ever made to determine if the serrated triggers made single action shooting that much more accurate. My older Ruger Security-Sixes had serrated triggers, but I was happy to see the old triggers go and could never see any difference in my own limited shooting as far as accuracy between single-action and double accuracy. (It was was the modern replacement springs that made the difference!)
@@johnroberts6695 Well, I guess accuracy is up to the shooter and their technique. I do think that serrated triggers give more tactile feedback, and in that sense, they are easier to develop good technique with. They also stop your finger sliding laterally in the trigger, and that is also going to help with consistency and therfore accuracy.
It could well be the opposite - a serrated trigger would be uncomfortable as hell if you were shooting a high volume of ammo in double-action mode ("combat" shooting). Maybe the serrated trigger is the standard, and the smooth combat trigger is actually the "enhanced" version.
Great video! Loved this information. Thank you.
you can't beat a revolver for carry- they always go boom, and if there's a misfire, just pull the trigger again.
Just pull the trigger again? What about a hangfire?
"Click" "Boom" "Boom" Threat neutralized.
Ten seconds later... Powder ignites on the seemingly dud round indexed with the frame...
"KaBoom!" goes the gun...
@@FinalLugiaGuardian yeah, that happens a lot. dont be stupid
Until a small spring fails and the gun locks up, or there’s a high primer, or a bullet backs out, or a multitude of other things happen. I love revolvers and even carry them often, but they can jam just like any other gun.
If it’s not aligned, it’ll go bang in your hand
Laughs in G17 with 20k rounds worth of professional training to go with it. I'm kidding, I love revolvers and do consider them worthy of carry.
Very informative video. I have a older blued Bodyguard and the details about the trigger grooves and the reasons for the smaller grip panels was very interesting.
Another great video I learn more from your videos than any other 👍
My how the year has flown by! I’m a sophomore in college now! My new friends from my first semester now are either my best friends or never spoke to me after we no longer had classes together lol. Thankfully more in the first camp. Awesome video, so cool that you got a .32 and ejector I frame. Still waiting on the 9x18mm makarov video comrade :)
I have the S&W .38 Snub Police Special. Put Pacmayre grips on it to fill that open space you talked about and increased my control and accuracy.
I believe you would find the book "American Gunfight" by Stephen Hunter and co-author Bainbridge very interesting. It chronicles the attempted assassination of President Truman at Blair House in 1950. The authors profile the LE officers on duty, their training and weapons issued. The encounter is itself is broken down , as is the history of the two gunmen and their weapons.
This has been a great series.
Keep up the good work. You put out great material.
I've been following and enjoying this series. One of the issues it seemes with 380 pistols is problems with malfunctions. I'd like you to check out the Taurus spectrum. All the reviews I have seen said they will not malfunction the matter what type of ammo you put through it. Also the gun seems different enough from other to similar pistols that it might be worth looking at.
Thank you Sir. Informative and very helpful like everything on this channel.
Love revolver and pocket reviews
Forgot to mention the original Chief's Special, the "Baby Chief" built on a stretched "i" frame to accomodate the .38 Special cartridge. It has the smaller grip and rounded trigger guard profile of the original "i" framed .32 and .38 Smith and Wesson (.38 short").
Great video and information about 38 special. Thanks
You consistently put out some of the best videos on UA-cam. Thanks for being here. 5 stars.
Early this year I picked up a really nice stainless Model 36 for $350 plus I traded in 2 youth .22 rifles. Its one of my favorite guns and is one of my two EDC carry guns, the other being a Sig p365.
liking the new ending. great content as always