My dad wants a light-weight snubbie!

[firestar]

My dad is tired of his AMT Back in .45acp and he is in the market for a light-weight snub nose. He probably won't cross the street to spit on a Taurus so we better stick with S&W.

What are the best deals on used light-weight S&Ws? He doesn't want to spend more than $350 if possible but he needs it to be light as possible and have a shourded hammer but still be able to cock it for SA.

What are his options? What models are out there and what is the best deal on a S&W snubbie? He wants a Ultra light one (10-12ozs) but after carrying his 25oz AMT, I think he would be happy with anything under 16ozs.

 

[Min]

PM sent.

 

[WebHobbit]

My all steel .640 Centennial is around 21 oz. Why does he want/need SA in a pocket revolver? I've never got the point of the BodyGaurd series.

 

[denfoote]

How about a Ruger SP101.

In all practicality, for $350, he had better suck it up and think about that Brazillian Smith!!!

 

[MikeJ]

My favorite ligthweight revolver is the S&W 642 Centennial. You don't have the SA option, but for its purpose I don't see why you need it anyway. They weigh 15 oz. unloaded and IMHO are much more versatile than the titanium and scandium variants. If you search long enough you should be able to find a pristine used one in the $350-$375 range. After the AMT Backup .45 this should seem like a dream to shoot. Good luck in your search, Mike

 

[BigG]

I've never got the point of the BodyGaurd series.

Me, too, Somebody that agrees with me!

 

[valnar]

Sounds like he wants a 642 or 638. I don't think the ultralight Scandium's are worthwhile. If its too light, it won't absorb any recoil, even with lowly .38's.

Robert

 

[keithernTN]

I would second a recommendation for the 642. It does'nt have the shrouded hammer but for practice shooting you can "stage" the trigger for a similar SA feel, be careful "staging" the trigger though, you can't always stop it from going off before you want it to.

 

[ruger357]

I like the 637.

 

[ACP230]

KY Imports has police turn-in Smith M38s that are light. They have an alloy frame and a stainless cylinder and are priced at $229, I think.

These Smiths were issued to the Michigan State Police as backup guns. I have one and it is a lot lighter than my M649.

KY Imports advertises regularly in Shotgun News.

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All,

The Smith & Wesson model 37/637 is a very popular
choice among handguner's of all ages. Sometimes
deals can be struck that suit ones fancy? However,
I kind'a like the all stainless steel (19 oz), 2" barrel
model 60 - nothing! Introduced by S&W in
1965 as the very first all stainless steel handgun,
mine has served me well; with minimal maintenance.
Capeable of handling the +P ammo, this little gem
is the "crown jewel" of snub nose .38 caliber
defensive handgun's. Often times, one can be had
for a very reasonable price. Back in Oct. of 98, I
walked into my favorite gunshop and to my surprise
there lay one in LNIB condition; asking price was
$249.95. I immediately whipped out the cash so
fast that it made my dealers head spin!
It's a great snubbie, with a hammer.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[firestar]

This is going to used by him as a pocket gun 90% of the time so the shrouded/hammerless is probably pretty important. Also it HAS to be a light weight gun or it will sag in the pocket. It will also be used as a home defense gun at night. He may need to shoot an animal if it gets into his attic, he had to shoot a coon once with his AMT .45 and he missed because of the heavy DA trigger. He wants to be able to hit something with it so I suggested a snubbie because they tend to be more accurate than small autos. Also he like SS over blued.

I think I can convince him to get a hammerless snubbie if the 642 is that much better. I will show him how to stage the trigger so he can still get an accurate shot off.

So far, this is the list so far:
37/637
38/638
642
640

To sum up, what he wants in a snubbie is a light-weight (16oz or less), SS or some other corrosion resistant material, hammerless or shrouded hammer and it has to be less than $350 new or used.

I don't know much about S&W model numbers so just give me every S&W model that fits the above requirements and I will do a search on them. There has to be more than what was suggested! There are so many S&W snubbies.

 

[kalibear45]

S&W 640

 

[MikeJ]

Actually, there aren't that many S&W snubbies that meet your requirements. In fact the only ones that come close are the Airweights like the 642 and that would have to be used. Mike

 

[dhoomonyou]

637 $339

Where are you located?
I just placed an order with my dealer (FLA)
for a NIB S & W 637 $339.
I tried one at the range and loved it.

 

[denfoote]

Here, I found you one!!

SP-101 Stainless Steel, (New in Box) .357mag. $289.99

Why screw around with a used Smith, when you can have a new Ruger!!! :banghead:

http://kyimports.com/ruger.htm# Ruger

 

[MikeJ]

A dealer here locally has the S&W 637 for $339 also. He stated that S&W had an over run of them and had offered them to various dealers at big discounts. If you don't mind having a hammer it is the best deal around right now for a new airweight snubbie. Mike

 

[Pendragon]

I like my 638 except I am not experienced with snubbies and it bruised the inside of my thum pretty good.

Its light and I like the look although some hate the hump.

Its 15oz unloaded and rated for +p - I think the M38 is NOT but not certain.

Also - if you had to euthanize an animal, you will like the SA option.

 

[Greybeard]

The Smith Model 638 sounds like what may fit the desciption - except the price limitation. (Altho you might find a real bargain, I think a clean one may go for close to $500.)

638 reminds me of a pregnant tadpole. I've found S&W web site to be not real "user friendly". It helps to have model number. The 638 weighs only about 15 ounces and does facilitate single action. Gotta be careful tho about lint and such getting in hammer cavity.

(Hope Dad knows about CCI shot loads and eye protection for critters in attic. )

As I've commented many times before, the first thing some people may need to try on light j-frames is to dump the factory grip and get one that covers the backstrap. Somewhat more difficult to conceal, but goes a long way in taming the pain ...

 

[Poohgyrr]

Hmmm, I'm not good at this numbers (model numbers) game any more; 'cept for the models I really like ..

My first idea is for your Dad to shoot as many different models as he can. I think S&W sells a ton of J frames.

The Airweight J frame Smiths have done well for a lot of folks for a long time. The all steel J frame Smiths kick less and have done well for a longer time; the 640-1 Centennial is my personal favorite. The double action trigger is more managable than I thought it would be. This revolver makes me look like a better shot than I really am. The Bodyguards have also done well for a long time.

 

[firestar]

The 638 is the one! That fits what he wants perfectly. I just didn't know what to look for with all the different models and numbers. The 638 is just what the doctor ordered, now the hunt begins. Thanks guys.

 

[TRIDENT]

My vote: Model 642

 

[Stainz]

I had the same problem until a month or so back. I had bought an AMT DA Backup in .45 for pocket carry, my G21 with +2 adapters (15 rd) being just too big. I eventually bought a second identical AMT on closeout ($199 w 2 mags). Great deal - until you try to hit something with them. The G21, the most accurate .45 semi I ever shot, left eons ago. I became a revolver guy!

I shot the 637 a friend bought back in March ($339) with 125gr +p's - ouch! Cowboy loads (158 gr) were okay. I like larger, slower rounds. I had drooled over the new 696 and 296 S&W's in my dealers display for years, it seems. I decided that the long cancelled .44 Specials needed a home. I traded my AMT's and some cash. The sale price on the 296 was $369 - less than half it's original price. The dealer has since found another one - has it at $349 new!

The 296 is an Al alloy frame, Ti cylinder, fixed sights, and 2.5" SS barrel .44 S&W Special (200gr max & no lead) enclosed hammer (no SA) five shot. Loaded with 200gr GDJHP CCI Blazers, it tops in just over 21 oz. The original boot grips are too small for me - I replaced them with S&W $30 #21993 'Service' grips in Dymondwood, no grooves and thicker, they also look good. It is a natural one-hand grab revolver (needs a good IWB/OWB holster) with only an abrupt natured recoil - easily tamed/learned - good shooter. Check some of the distributers for old stock - CDNN still lists them ($389), too. Mine is for CC and bedside.

The 696 is a 3" SS (36 oz) five shooter in .44 S&W Special with no diet restrictions. I have fed mine a variey of .44 Russians and .44 Special homebrew ammo with no problems. My 629 Mountain Gun has found itself left at home lately... that 696 likes the range. Sadly, it evaporated quickly once cancelled last fall - no one seems to have one now. Good for bedside use, but too big & jagged for your pocket.

Stainz

 

[Johnny Guest]

There are a lot of really nice, lightweight, revolvers available nowadays.

Do him - - -and yourself - - - a favor. Take him to a gun show and have him handle as many of the different types as possible. Especially with used guns, you can usually get permission from the seller to try the piece in and out of the pocket

For MY personal choice, it is very hard to beat a plain ol' S&W model 37, the Airweight Chiefs Special, with the hammer spur removed. Reasons? Light weight, but not TOO light. Very compact. The bobbed hammer with the normal frame is not as apt to pick up pocket trash as the Bodyguard frame. With practice, it is still possible to utilize the single action option, especially if you have the top of the bobbed hammer either checked or grooved.

The M37 is too light for regular use of +P loads for practice, yes. It is also uncomfortable to shoot with heavy loads. That is not significant when push comes to shove, so I carry mine loaded with Rem 158 LSWCHP +P - - a very serious load, with an excellent track record on the street. This combo is about as near as possible to a five-shot derringer in a (semi) serious caliber. Other combos are good, too . . . .

Best,
Johnny

 

[Gordon]

Did you hear what the poster said about the M-38 Kentucky State police turn ins for $229 from lotsa dealers? These stainlesscylinder guns were rated for +p+ LEO ammo!:banghead: