S&W Model 37... Suitable for my C-Carry needs?

[St.Pete7]

I recently moved from my waterfront home on Tampa Bay into a smaller house in a lower-middle income neighborhood. Before the moved my family, I checked the crime statistics and ran a search on registered sex offenders with my wife so I wouldn't put them at unnecessary risk. People in the neighborhood described the area as "safe"; which seemed consistent with my own research.
About five months later, my perception of the safety was shattered after a man fired seven large-caliber rounds at house on the end of my block. The man was standing in front of my house while apparently shooting towards a "drug-house" that I was not previously aware of. GOOD NEIGHBORHOOD?
Anyway, as months went by, there seemed to be an influx of drug-related crime and it made me wonder if my daily CC Model 37 was a suitable choice for the potential dangers that I could encounter. I own a number of firearms ranging from .45 cal autos to various carbines, but my 37's low weight and reliability has made it the only pistol I wear on a daily basis.
I use Federal’s (110gr.) 38 Special “Hydra-Shok” JHP in my 2” J-framed Chief Special Airweight and I wanted some advice regarding its capabilities. Federal’s website lists the velocity of this round at 980 FPS (at muzzle) with 235 ft/pounds of energy. With the Model 37’s 2” barrel and inability to handle +P ammo: I am wondering if the round would have enough velocity to punch through a car door in a terrible situation? Any ideas will be greatly appreciated...

 

[Guillermo]

I carry the exact same load in my Detective Special. While I doubt that it will punch through a car door, I shoot it very well.

Of course I would rather have my XD45 on my hip, or my python but concealment is an issue.

My reasoning is that the lower weight bullet should achieve higher velocities in a short barrel and thus more likely expand.

Being able to hit your target is paramount so if you can shoot it well, carry it.

Of course there are going to be people that say that they can hide an eight inch barrel S&W model 29 while wearing a sequined Richard Simmons speedo and doing jazzercise.


I wish you luck.

 

[BamaHoosier]

Back in the 70's,we had LEOs that carried .357Mags as service weapons,and their loads DID penetrate car doors,as evidenced at a training session that one of my older sister's LEO friend took me to.I would think today's loads could still do that.

 

[TT]

Easiest way to upgrade is to get a second Airweight and carry that too. As for the Federal 110 and cars, I don’t know, but I don’t really see the value in vehicle penetration anyway.

 

[St.Pete7]

Vehicle Penetration

Good question. The "drug-related" activity and crimes are typically committed by folks who don't live in my neighborhood; thus riding up here in a car (or bicycle).
On numerous occasions, while out walking my dog, I have been approached by black men that drive right up to the sidewalk to solicit their drugs. The corner store, which I frequent by foot, also has dealers congregating at various times of the day. Also, my wife was followed home by some man in a car while simply walking back from a neighbor's house.
The fact that most if not all of the times that I am wary for my families safety is when we are out in the open and the dealers or gang-bangers are inside their cars. Apologies for not clarifying that earlier.

 

[CSA 357]

The fact that you ask this should tell you the answer, im thinking i would start packing my 1911, csa

 

[St.Pete7]

I'll admit, I've been thinking alot about "CSA 357"'s advice.

 

[Chester32141]

I think you'll find that +P use in your Mod 37 is fine for defense ... I have the same gun and use a standard load for target practice and carry +Ps in it for defense ... any way you look at it you should not be shooting people while they are in their cars ... 5 rounds is a little light but remember it is for defensive use only ...

Chester

 

[Ala Dan]

Switch your carry load to Hornady's new Critical Defense 110 grain bullet,
in your S&W model 37. Its advertised velocity is a bit over 1200 fps; and
designed too shoot thru heavy winter clothing before expanding~!

 

[owlhoot]

MOVE!

 

[C-grunt]

If you're worried about penetration, why not carry a 158 grn SWC. Good penetration and a solid outer lip to cut instead of move aside tissue.

 

[johnnylaw53]

If you think you may have to shoot at cars the snub is not your best choice. I don't quite feel that a real concern. when I'm off I carry a 642 and feel it will do for what I need. The Beretta 92 is the HD which I would grab if I need to check something out in the yard as I had to do a few weeks ago when some punks was breaking into the neiobor enclosed trailer where he keeps his law working equipment (his 2nd job he a fire fighter) the guys went to jail the snub would of been fine then but when you know you going into a bad situration you would take something bigger if you have it.

be safe

 

[steveracer]

Long arms are for shooting cars. Hanguns are for defense. Your J-frame is a fantastic revolver for CCW. Carry the heaviest load you can shoot well. If you really need to be shooting at cars, you are now in WAY over your head with a J-frame (or any other handgun, for that matter) buy a $200 Mossberg shotgun and keep it handy in your home. That should do nicely on cars.

 

[GRIZ22]

If you really feel you need to punch through car doors reliably I'd suggest you get a 4" 357. I would abstain from using +Ps in the Model 37. Yes it would handle them for awhile but as S&W says not to I don't see why you would want to abuse the revolver. You do not get a lot going to +P in a 2" revolver. Any 110 gr bullet is not going to give a lot of penetration.

A Airweight with standard pressure ammo makes a good carry gun as is.

 

[S&Wfan]

Hi,

A Model 37, backed with a speedloader, should do you just fine.

You can load 158 grain LSWHP (Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point) +p for self defense in a Model 37 in good shape . . . just don't wear the gun out quickly by shooting a bunch in practice all the time. The 158gn. LSWCHP is THE classic snubbie load and S&W regulates their snubbie sights to shoot P.O.A. with 158 grain ammo. Lighter weight bullets will shoot lower.

BGs ain't gonna want to stick around if shots are fired, they'll want to be gone PRONTO. Your M37 is light enough and SO concealable that you'll find yourself always carrying it . . . that THIS is the reason to get a carry gun in the first piace . . . to ALWAYS have it handy!

I carry one all the time where ever I can carry concealed legally.

 

[St.Pete7]

S&W Mod.37 defensive round-(158gr. LSWHP +P)

I appreciate all of your replies: it's great to be able to have my questions answered by informed people and not just some kid at the Gun Store trying to up-sell me on something else... Can't beat how comfortable the 37 is to carry.
"S&W Fan", Wow! That's a nice 37! Also, thanks for the info on the use of 158gr. LSWHP +P rounds for my CC Mod. 37 in place of the usual 110 gr. JHPs that I'm familiar with.
My Model 37 was in really good shape when I bought it and I do my best to keep it in pristine condition, therefore, the +P ammo that "S&W Fan" recommended should be fine when used sparingly.
I'm accustomed to the lighter 110gr rounds and have never fired anything heavier than the 124gr. reloads that they sell at the pistol club. I didn't know that S&W regulated their snubbie's sights to fire 158gr. rounds to P.O.A. Now I have a real reason to head to the range the next time my sister-in-law drops by... Thanks!

-St.Pete7

 

[doc540]

Whatever you do just carry something that you are comfortable practicing with a lot.

+P ammo in an Airweight didn't work for me, but you might be able to practice with it.

When you have to use it to defend your life, you better be confident and competent with it, and that means lots of practice with the round you're gonna carry.

Someone gave me that advice long ago, and I'm just passing it on.

 

[S&Wfan]

Hi again,

Not only do 158 grain bullets generally shoot P.O.A. on the Smith snubbies, but the mild 148 grain target wadcutters do too! Typically the lighter bullets accelerate through the barrel faster on a firearm, and thus hit a tad lower on the target due to less muzzle flip.

However, the slower velocity of the wadcutter load, and the bullet weight being almost the same balances out generally pretty darn well.

So . . . your gentle (to you and the gun), super-accurate and fun-to-shoot 148 gn. target load will also shoot to about the same spot as the 158 stuff! Save the 158 gn. +P for self defense only and have fun with wadcutters and non +P stuff in practice.

They don't call 'em a target load fer nuthin' either! Here's a tiny, 1 " black square target, shot at ten yards with my Model 36 snubbie. It was shot standing and unsupported and, at ten yards (perfect for a self defense gun) the sights were dead on!

HERE'S THE SAME TARGET, WITH THE SNUBBIE FOR PERSPECTIVE:

Part of the fun in "learning" about your firearm is careful shooting of your new gun with different bullets (makes, weights and shapes). Every specimen has certain loads it likes and hates. Finding the right load for each specimen is fun . . . and it inspires confidence.


_____
Here's another load from that same snubbie, the well-regarded Hornady 140 gn. XTP hollowpoint self defense cartridge. At the same ten yards, it shot lower and the group opened up more. It is a great load, but didn't work out as well as others, for this particular gun. In YOUR gun . . . it might be best. Ya never know!!!

Hope this helped!


PS: Sorry I don't have any targets from the M37 to "put up." I just never scanned 'em. BTW, I've found that the traditional wood S&W stocks, and the Elk stags of the same shape, are wonderfully comfortable . . . after you add a Tyler T-grip. HIGHLY recommended! I actually like them better than a set of Uncle Mike's rubbers!!!

 

[Guillermo]

The sights were dead on...so was the shooter.

Very nice job

 

[St.Pete7]

Mod. 37 replacement grips & 148gr WCs for practice

Thanks for the follow-up "S&W Fan", I was wonder what kind of wadcutter to practice with that isn't (+P) that I can use for routine practice...

Since you brought-up grips for the J-Framed Mod. 36 & Mod. 37, I was wondering if that might be one of the reasons that you can shoot those incredibly tight groups? I have small hands for a larger man and I have grown quite accustom to the stock wood grips that came with the gun when I purchased it. I was looking into buying an "Uncle Mike's" J-Frame rubber grip, but I thought that might mess-up the decent grouping that I can obtain with the stock grip.
If anyone has ideas for replacement grips instead of the stock wooden grips currently on my Model 37 snubbie, I would appreciate the input. Will it help my accuracy in follow-up shots and will it still be "snag-free" when I need to pull it from my vest pocket? Any ideas would be appreciated...
-St.Pete7

 

[St.Pete7]

"S&W Fan" I wish that I could achieve those awsome 10yrd goups. I shoot the sameway, standing-up, and using one hand only to fire. Your inspiring me to get down to the range allot more often. Thanks for the pics.
-St.Pete7

 

[David E]

Were those groups fired single or double action ?

To the OP, a 5-shot snubby is the gun for the optimist and/or if everything goes right.

If size and weight are that critical to you, consider a Kahr P-9. You get more shots with more power.

.

 

[St.Pete7]

I probably sound close-minded, but I wouldn't ever trust my life with any auto, period...
"David E" does make a good claim regarding the Kahr P-9: "You get more shots with more power". The Kahr P-9 does provide a couple more rounds in a small/light package, but for daily CC, there's no-way an auto could give me the same sense of reliability that I feel carrying my S&W Model 37.