I am considering buying a .357mag. back up to my auto pistol, and was thinking about the Smith and Wesson J frame featherweights. I have no experience with them, so does anyone have any advice?

The lighter weights with full bore .357 rounds are a little spunky IMO. I have never owned a featherweight but didnt much like shooting the full rounds out of my model 66 either

How do, ARshooter. NonConformist is right about the nasty recoil with full-house loads. Most folks I know have stepped down to either the Hydra-Shok reduced recoil 357 loads or P 38 Specials for carrying in those feathery little puppies. Either choice is sound, and you'll probably want to do 90% of your practicing with standard 38s. Those guns shoot loose pretty quickly if they're fed a steady diet of hot ammo, but you'll want to shoot enough of your chosen carry load to know what the point of impact versus point of aim is, as well as to ascertain that it isn't keyholing or acting "funny".

I currently own the S&W 642 J-light frame and I love this revolver. This pistol is used for concealment when I am on my motorcycle and when I am out on the town with the family. When you need a lightweight carry revolver, you can't go wrong with the Smith & Wesson's Small Frame Air weight Series. They are the original aluminum, small frame revolvers chambered in .38 S&W Special P.

Just something to think about also, They are available in three distinct hammer styles – the "Chiefs Special" with exposed hammer, the "Centennial" frame with fully enclosed hammer and the "Bodyguard" frame (.38 S&W Special P only). This also plays a factor in how well you will like the pistol.

My wife has an airweight in fully enclosed hammer, bodygaurd style. GREAT gun. I would recomend this for any body.

I do agree that is makes your hand sore shooting it. But a little of practice often and it is no big deal.