Talk me out of buying a Smith 637

[M&PVolk]

The 637 is a very nice gun and delightfully suited to pocket carry. Having said that, it is also a little less "quality" finished than the stainless or scandium finished Smith revolvers. You will notice some minor quibbles, but certainly nothing that anyone but the biggest critic would take much issue with. The finish does wear and weather rather poorly, but Smith may refinish for you under warranty, not sure on that, but their CS is legendary.

IMO, if I had doubts about the 637, I would either move to the 360 .38+p only model or the M&P 360. Better fit and finish, lighter, and possibly the finest pocket carry guns ever made.

 

[Stainz]

A move to the 360PD or 340PD (No NG versions in the '09 catalog!) will go frm the 637's MSRP of $600 - to $1,122 - a rather large 'move'. The 442 has a finish similar to the black 340/360 PDs - and it's a black 642 - same $600.

Admittedly, some folks have worn spots on all of them - improper cleaning solvent, usually - but S&W will take care of you.

Stainz

 

[M&PVolk]

If you check that again, Stainz, I think you will find that S&W does indeed offer a scandium framed 360 in .38+p ONLY. This gun runs a very small price increase over the 637 and is finished nearly identical to the M&P 360.

The model 360 chambered in .38+p

 

[Stainz]

That non-catalog model 360, SKU 160360, is indeed .38 Special +P with a steel cylinder. One has to wonder why it - and the 360M&P - are rated at 13.3 oz, since the same size Al alloy 637 weighs in at 15.0 oz. The trace amounts of Sc in the Al alloy can't pare away that much weight. Then there is the price - the 360M&P is $948 - that's 58% more than 637 - but beats the Ti-cylindered 360PD's 87% higher cost. Of course, the 'Made for Bill Hicks' 360 doesn't have a suggested price - it's up to your retailer. If I wanted the hammer - and the black/blue finish - I think I'd go with the new-this-year catalog item 438, SKU #163438 & MSRP $600. Like it's brethren X38's, it has the shrouded hammer - SA is possible. It and the silver 638 top out at 15.1 oz.

Naw, I still like the 642/442.

Stainz

 

[M&PVolk]

Stainz, I wan't to say that I have seen that model 360 come in for about $50 to $75 more than a traditional 642/442...not bad for a scandium frame! If you search the forums here, I know there was a thread about one not too long ago. The poster was VERY pleased with it. IMHO, if you can get it for the small price increase I mentioned earlier, it may very well be the perfect .38 pocket gun.

I have shot and carried a 637 on several occasions but have only held the scandium M&P 360 and 360pd. I love the 637, but have to admit that the scandium frames are all slightly nicer guns. I also have a great desire to fire a .357 out of one, despite all the reports of pain in doing so and would love to have one for pocket carry. The price is the only thing keeping me away.

 

[Stainz]

I could understand that little difference, I suppose. I still like the enclosed hammer - a la my 642 & 296. I really cannot see the need for SA capability in a CCW. One aspect of the 340/360PDs I don't like, at least from my nearly seven years with that 296, is the Ti cylinder - too tempermental and too easily damaged. Having shot a friend's 360PD - actually some hot CorBon .357 Magnums - twice, for which there is no excuse - I don't ever want one! That ~11 oz is nothing to absorb recoil - and those dimunitive boot grips are 'nothing' to hold on to, either. Easily the most painful handgun experience I'd ever had - and I owned and shot a .454 Casull SRH for years. I've shot other 'kickers', but nothing else compared. As I said, I prefer DA shooting - the enclosed hammer is ideal - but not that 340/360 and hot Magnums.

I can present from my pocket quite rapidly and double tap the head/tripple tap the upper torso of a bg silhouette at 7-12 yd with both the 642 loaded with +P 158gr LHPSWCs and the 296 with 200gr Gold Dots in .44 Special. Both sport misery-inducing OEM boots. As I age, that 296's kick is starting to get tough on my carpal tunnel problems. That 340/360 with hot Magnums might cause me to be slow with follow-ups, knowing how 'bad' the bounce would be. The +P .38s are pretty potent - 'enough' for my safety.

Of course, choice makes everything nice. My 642 is my choice most days - the 296 rides when I hike/woods walk - or feel more 'threatened'. They make the exposed and shrouded hammer models for a reason - demand. YMMV.

Stainz

 

[NMGonzo]

heaver = better