Opinions on a S&W 637

[88 Cutlass]

Hey guys I'm thinking about purchasing some type of snub nose revolver for carrying after santa brings me some christmas money. I've always been a fan of S&W revolvers. My grandfather got me started when he gave me a 1982 Model 19-6. I've been doing some research and been hearing mixed feelings about newer S&W quality. I really like the 637 because of the da/sa ability and I don't think a revolver looks right without a hammer. Right now I carry either a Glock 26 or an LCP. I'm assuming the 637 would fall right inbetween those on ease to carry. How do most people carry snub nose revolvers? Any insite would be great or if you have any other recommendations as well.

Thanks Tim

 

[gtmtnbiker98]

The 637 is an awesome J-frame. I own both the 637 and 642 and carry them in a Nemesis pocket holster. They disappear. Without hesitation, buy with confidence!

 

[chrome_austex]

its suprising how well a 637 (I've got a 638) conceals in a pocket. The gun is only like 1/2 inch thick except for the cylinder and grips, both of which are not very boxy and so don't print much through loose or thick clothing.

I carry either in an inside coat pocket, or in front pants pocket with a pocket holster. The pocket holster (Basically just a leather sleeve helps the gun not print even with tight fitting pants.

The 638 I feel has the best of both worlds (well shrouded hammer, which is still usable), even if its a bit of an ugly duckling.

Although they kick like a mule, I'm very accurate with mine, esp after installing some slightly lighter springs.

 

[88 Cutlass]

Thanks for the replys guy. The 638 is on my list to consider I just can't get over not having a hammer to pull yet. I use a desantis pocket holster now for my LCP and like it. I just went over to the gun shop on lunch and tried the 637 in my front pocket and it didn't seem to bad.

chrome, I'm unaware of the springs your talking about. I've never really had a revolver apart. Is it something as simple as changing a recoil spring on a semi-auto?

 

[jon86]

I used to have a 637, now I have a 638. Both are great guns. I like pocket carrying mine, that is the only reason I got the 638. You can't go wrong with either.

 

[Gary A]

I don't have a 637 but have a couple of examples of the 37-2 and absolutely would not be without one. Mine are bobbed hammer versions but I would like them equally if they had spur hammers.

 

[sigbear]

Why Not LCR?

I had a 637 years ago and it was a good gun, however, I now have a LCR and like it much better because of the smoother trigger, trigger guard and is a better shooter (IMO).

The 637 is a much better looking gun though. LCR is fugly

Sigbear

 

[Ala Dan]

I would rather have an older, Smith model 37; but there is nothing wrong
with a S&W 637, as they seem to have "the orange peeling issues*" all
straightened out.

*FootNote: found on early production 637's~!~

 

[gbball98]

I have a 637, they are great little guns and work great with a pocket holster.

 

[jon86]

Wow gbball98, those grips look fantastic!

 

[gbball98]

Thanks jon86, those are Jay Scott's I bought off ebay.

 

[chrome_austex]

Re: springs... checkout Wolff springs www.gunsprings.com. I had a tough time doing a spring job myself, but I *love* the results. The internals are pretty compact and delicate, but its doable. We're talking about the hammer spring (aka mainspring) and the rebound spring (returns the trigger after the pull), I believe both are compressed when you pull the trigger.

Obviously, you want to be careful what you choose for a defensive carry gun, since the factory springs are stiff for a reason. I was going for something light enough that I could pull it relatively smoothly, but nothing like you'd find on a competition gun.

 

[btg3]

I've bought a couple of 642's from shooters who said they didn't like them. I think they're great and shooting with +p ammo is not uncomfortable. You may want to consider trying one (range rental?) before committing to a purchase.

 

[ulflyer]

Chrome: what LB hammer spring did you use? According to Wolff, the standard is 18 and he offers all weights down to 11lb.