S&W Airweight 637; Do's and Don'ts

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

Freak event of nature. Saw this today and it followed me home.

Summer carry candidate. What are the limitations for range time on these litlle dudes?

Specifications
SKU: 163050
Caliber: .38 S&W Special +P
Capacity: 5 Rounds
Barrel Length: 1-7/8"
Front Sight: Serrated Ramp
Rear Sight: Fixed Notch
Firing System: N/A
Grip: Uncle Mike's Boot
Trigger: .312" Smooth Target
Hammer: .240" Semi-Target
External Safety: N/A
Frame: Small
Finish: Glassbead
Overall length: 6-5/16"
Material: Aluminum Alloy / Stainless Steel
Weight Empty: 15 ounces

 

[Josey]

Based on experience, DO get rid of it and DON'T buy another one.

 

[Old Fuff]

1. Fill the cylinder with snap-caps and dry fire it a zillion times.

2. Decide on how you are going to pack it. In hot weather a side-pocket holster has some advantages. If you do go to pocket carry change the grips from rubber to wood. The gun will be less likely to print. Also it's a good idea to use a rig that covers the hammer spur.

3. If you are determined to shoot +P ammunition in it pick bullet weights at or below 135 grains. Less likely to have a bullet pull it's crimp and tie up the gun. Easier on the shooter too.

You are either going to like it a lot or hate it the same way. Only time will tell.

 

[enfield]

It's a fine pistol. For me, it gets painful to shoot (trigger finger hitting the guard) somewhere between 15 and 30 rounds. Keep it forever and give it to your son.

 

[bubbygator]

Don't shoot +P in it. If you find it hurts with regular .38, get rid of it cause it won't get any better.

 

[Dienekes]

My wife's M37 is now about 28 years old. Exact # of rounds unknown but after "too many" +P+ treasury loads and a factory rebuild it is still doing duty for her.

Carry load is +P 158 gr SWCHP. Practice loads are W/C level. About 20 rds at a session is enough to maintain some proficiency and not too rough on her hand.

My version is a 442. Same basic rules apply. I expect it to outlast me.

Only J frames I have seen fail were blown up (not by me).

 

[Hemicuda]

I carry one daily... (it's next to the keyboard as I type)

it eats a steady diet of Federal Hydra-shok +p's in the 129 GR. variety, and I expect to be shooting this one for a good long time yet!

 

[SnWnMe]

Do: Practice, practice, practice.
Do: Dry fire it any chance you get. Just click away.
Do: Shoot +P in it. You'll give up before the gun does, like, within 50 rounds

Don't: Underestimate what it can do accuracy wise.
Don't: Replace any springs.
Don't: Control the urge to get more J frames

 

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

What is all this talk of dry firing? Break in?




Pardon my ignorance. This is my first wittle wun

 

[SnWnMe]

Most folks experience a big improvement in the trigger pull. J frames come with heavy pulls out of the factory.

 

[Old Fuff]

Dry firing = poor (but smart) man's trigger smoothing job. Where parts rub together under spring pressure they burnish.

 

[ruger357]

Nice choice. Have had mine for almost a year with no problems at all. Also very accurate. Dry firing did smooth it out .

 

[sturmruger]

I got that exact gun from CDNN. I have always carried a medium frame auto, now that I sometimes carry the J frame it is amazing what a difference having a smaller gun makes. I love it so much I have thought about purchasing a second one to keep in my other car. The recoild is somethign you just have to get used to. When I shoot it I will often times where gloves.

 

[tbeb]

For a pocket holster, I use a Mika (Robert Mika is a retired policeman and he knows what works). It's $16 and covers the hammer spur. I had a model 37 that had an empty weight of 12 1/2 ounces. I practiced with a 158 gr. lead semi-wadcutter that did 700 fps from it's 2" barrel, which is a little faster than standard pressure factory 158 grainers. Some of my friends are seasoned shooters and they didn't care for the recoil. For self defense I'd load it with a +P 125 gr. JHP like the Speer Gold Dot, or the non+P Hornady 125 gr. JHP or Federal Nyclad (if you can find them) 125 gr. lead hollowpoint. I think the latter would be the best choice. My snubby sports small, smooth wood grips.

 

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

Just broke it in. 50 rounds of .38 spl 132 gr fodder, 25 rounds .38 spl 158 gr fodder, 25 rounds of .38 +p 158 gr, 25 rounds of .38+P gold dots 125 gr. Would of shot more put had to pick up the kid at school.

The gold dots are the carry load. This gun likes the 125 gr Speer gold dot +P. The 158 gr Lawman +p were hitting high.

10 feet, 7 yds and 15 yds. Minute of shoot-n-see. Tight in close, spreading further out, but still on the 5x8 shoot-n-see. I am surprised at the accuracy of this snubbie. Actually hit a soda can at distance pretty easily.

No soreness here. But, then again I am built well

Anyway, its a keeper. Kinda small in my meathooks but not bad.