Am I Abusing My S&W?

D

dbuffington

New member
Hi Folks!

Recently, I bought a pretty little used Smith Model 37 "Chiefs Special", an alloy J-frame in 38 special.

Naturally, I took it out and shot it. Two weeks and maybe 200 rounds later, I still can't hit the broad side of a barn with it, but that's my fault. (I'm used to autos and red dots. This little thing is an entirely different experience.)

I told a friend all that shooting, and he was appalled. "That thing won't take that kind of abuse," he said. Now my friend is a bright guy with more than a bit of firearms experience, both as a shooter and as a one-time gun salesman.

Is he right?

Thanks!
Dave
 
Alloy gun?

Practice with wadcutters.

Regular pressure loads will eventually wear out the gun; the top-strap of the frame will stretch. However, I don't know of any actual 'round count' tests. It's probably not damaged yet.

Wadcutters are normally pretty low pressure rounds. So are most of the 'cowboy' loads being marketed, but with round nose ammo. If you load your own, load light bullets at starting velocities and you should be all right.

However; it is a mechanical device. Nothing lasts forever.
 
200 rnds? Most of my range sessions are at least 250-300rnds, and some of my IDPA shoots were over 500 rnds in a couple hours. Me and my shooting buddy's have no problem going through 1000 rnds in a session (2-3 shooters)
 
I have been to 3 day shoots that easily burned through 1500 rounds with 3 gun events. I tend to shoot 500 rounds or more when I have enough range time. When I participate in charity shoots, I burn as much ammunition as I can afford events to enroll in. I dare say though, you might perform better with a larger K frame snub. I believe the J frame size is your true error.
 
Your buddy is all wet. Your M37 will last for many THOUSANDS of rounds with standard pressure ammo, 10K isn't unrealistic at all and probably is on the low side before you need to worry about anything. The J-frames are among the most durable revolvers ever made, and the alloy J-frames don't give up much if any in durability with standard pressure ammo.

Keep shooting it, enjoy it, and learn to shoot it well.
 
200 rounds is nothing. I can't believe that even an alloy gun would take damage from 200 rounds. I've shot as much as 300 rounds of .45 acp in a day....and on most days I shoot I put at least 150 rounds downrange. If you use standard pressure loads (don't use too many +P in an alloy frame), I don't see why your revolver can't last 5,000 to 10,000 trouble-free rounds. Just IMO, YMMV
 
If the gun has a big "S&W" stamped on the side, I'm pretty damn sure it's built to last. And BUILT TO SHOOT.......an awful lot!!! :eek: :eek: :eek: :D
 
What exactly are you firing in it?

I've run probably 500 rounds of .38 +P through my 042 (Centennial Hammerless Lightweight) plus well over 1,000 rounds of standard pressure ammo.
 
> I dare say though, you might perform better with a larger K frame
> snub. I believe the J frame size is your true error.

Oh, you're absolutely right. But this was a fun gun purchase, not for competition. On the other hand, the dealer DID have a matching K frame "Combat Masterpiece" sitting right beside it :)
 
The J-frame can be just as accurate as a snub K-frame, and can be shot just as accurately. It just takes a little practice.
 
> What exactly are you firing in it?

I've tested six or seven different brands of .38 special, all regular pressure, no +P. The accuracy winners so far seems to be the Hornaday 125 gr and Federal wadcutters.
 
How many?

I have a 686 4" and a 617 4". In the K and L frame, is there any concern about wearing it out? I have heard that the K frame 357 were not happy with a full diet of 357, but that the L frame solves that. I shoot mostly 38 so far anyway, but if I wanted to do all 357 what is an estimated round count?

Also, I've heard that I will get tired of shooting the .22 revolver (never!) before it wears out...
 
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