I'm picking up a model 637 next week, and it is my first revolver that I'll ever have owned. Is there anything special about revolvers that I should be aware of? Or are they pretty much like autos in terms of maintenance? What's a good defensive load for it? Being an air weight, I'm sure recoil will be fairly harsh with the hotter ammo. Any and all advice is more than welcome!
New to Revolvers
- Thread starter lpsharp88
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Keep it clean, especially under the ejector star. If you can find some cowboy loads they would be great for the range. I carry a 125gr Plus P round for self defense but sure wouldn't want to shoot a ton of them in one day. I went through 50 in one session with my 638 and my hand was pretty beat up. I reload so I generally run a powder puff load through mine when I shoot it a lot. Don't sell the gun short. Everyone says they are belly guns, but you'll find with practice you can reach out and touch someone at a pretty fair distance. I shoot mine everywhere from 10 feet out to about 75 feet each time I bring it out. I can and do hit a 10" X 12" steel plate 9 out of 10 shots on a regular basis at 75 feet.
Tallball
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They are different to clean. The less annoying part is that you don't have to field strip them. The more annoying part is that there are five or six (or more) chambers to clean instead of just one.
If it is a regular double-action revolver with a hammer that you can cock, that gives you different options than a semiautomatic pistol has.
In general, they seem intuitive and easy to use for most people. Making it go bang is easy. Being a good shot with a small revolver with fixed sights (I don't know all of the model numbers and am assuming) takes time and practice.
If it is a regular double-action revolver with a hammer that you can cock, that gives you different options than a semiautomatic pistol has.
In general, they seem intuitive and easy to use for most people. Making it go bang is easy. Being a good shot with a small revolver with fixed sights (I don't know all of the model numbers and am assuming) takes time and practice.
CZ9shooter
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What do you plan on using this little revolver for?
I carry a 637 daily. On my hip. I have no interest in pocket carrying like a lot of guys do with J frames so I don't mind the hammer. In fact, I like it. I don't have to use it, but I still have the option to take more precise shot if the need ever arises.
Most of my practice is with this gun is of the point and shoot type though. It points very well for me. I can routinely put most shots near the center of a man sized target at 5 yards without the sights.
For carry I load it with 158 grain Buffalo Bore LSWCHP in standard pressure. It is similar to most +P "FBI loads" from other ammo manufacturers. I tried the +P version from Buffalo Bore too, but it is pretty stout. I decided not to beat up my gun, and myself, with it. The velocity of their standard stuff is good enough in my book.
Cleaning is no big deal really. You'll get used to it quick. Don't worry too much about the cylinder face. Scrubbing it clean after every outing will become a chore. Most of the time no disassembly is required when cleaning, just open the crane and begin. Should you ever decide to take the side plate off though, be gentle. It aint rocket science, but you may want to study up on it. YouTube can offer some guidance.
I carry a 637 daily. On my hip. I have no interest in pocket carrying like a lot of guys do with J frames so I don't mind the hammer. In fact, I like it. I don't have to use it, but I still have the option to take more precise shot if the need ever arises.
Most of my practice is with this gun is of the point and shoot type though. It points very well for me. I can routinely put most shots near the center of a man sized target at 5 yards without the sights.
For carry I load it with 158 grain Buffalo Bore LSWCHP in standard pressure. It is similar to most +P "FBI loads" from other ammo manufacturers. I tried the +P version from Buffalo Bore too, but it is pretty stout. I decided not to beat up my gun, and myself, with it. The velocity of their standard stuff is good enough in my book.
Cleaning is no big deal really. You'll get used to it quick. Don't worry too much about the cylinder face. Scrubbing it clean after every outing will become a chore. Most of the time no disassembly is required when cleaning, just open the crane and begin. Should you ever decide to take the side plate off though, be gentle. It aint rocket science, but you may want to study up on it. YouTube can offer some guidance.
Zaydok Allen
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Just that they incorporate a nontraditional construction material in their manufacturing process. That material is happiness.
Have fun man. Clean it as frequently as you would any hand gun and you should be fine. It's an addictive and compelling firearm class to venture into.
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ArchAngelCD
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The M637 is an Airweight revolver and weighs only 15oz. Some shooters feel the recoil us stout from such a light revolver. If you are recoil sensitive you might want to shoot it first before you buy, especially with ammo used for SD.
I like the S&W Airweight revolvers and carry a M442 daily. I don't leave home without a revolver in my pocket!
I like the S&W Airweight revolvers and carry a M442 daily. I don't leave home without a revolver in my pocket!
I don't have a 637, mostly because I don't like hammer spurs on small revolvers, but I carried a 642 for years.
I've carried a lot of different rounds in it over the years, I found the best combination of effectiveness and controlability was with the Speer 135gr +P Gold Dot as it was designed specifically for the short J-frame barrel
I've carried a lot of different rounds in it over the years, I found the best combination of effectiveness and controlability was with the Speer 135gr +P Gold Dot as it was designed specifically for the short J-frame barrel
Zaydok Allen
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"I've carried a lot of different rounds in it over the years, I found the best combination of effectiveness and controlability was with the Speer 135gr +P Gold Dot as it was designedspecifically for the short J-frame barrel"
That's what I've carried also. Very controllable and accurate loading in my former 642 and in my SP101.
Unfortunately I don't yet own a chronograph so I have no relevant velocity data to share.
That's what I've carried also. Very controllable and accurate loading in my former 642 and in my SP101.
Unfortunately I don't yet own a chronograph so I have no relevant velocity data to share.
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