just purchased my first handgun today...

N

Nagano21

New member
Just picked up my first one today. I got a S&W Model 637 38 Sp. Paid around $280 for it. Very nice condition, with the Factory box. I ended up buying an inside the pants holster for it, fits pretty nice I may add. I also just got a box of regular old target rounds by Federal. Anyway, just seeing what you all think about the buy. I think after som reasearch, that it was a nice buy.

Any of you who own this gun or a similar one chime in, How do you all prefer to carry yours? I almost went for the ankle holster but liked the inside the pants a little more.

Let me know
 
Sounds like you got a decent deal if the gun is in about 95% or better condition. Your gun is an Airweight "Chief's Special" .38 utilizing an aluminum alloy frame with a steel barrel and cylinder.

For shooting at the range, use standard pressure loads. You should limit how many rounds of +P ammo you fire in this gun since the extra power in these rounds can, over time, accellerate the wear on your gun and stretch the frame. And with a used gun, you don't know how many have already been fired.

As a carry gun, they're fine guns - light weight (14-15oz) and easy to carry. Even with the milder shooting "standard" loads these guns are pretty effective at close range (10 yards or less). Sights are probably regulated to a 158gr RNL standard pressure load at 25 yards.
 
Congrats o the new gun!! Sounds like you got a very good price.

I have the 637's conceled hammer brother, the 642.

642_2r.jpg


No holster. I just toss it in a pocket.

Good Luck...

Joe
 
Now you need a full sized revolver. Say perhaps a 4" 686 or maybe the 519 or 520. It's just starting partner. Ruger also makes a very good 357 revolver for less money. The GP100 is a solid handgun.
 
Thanks for te info. The guy at the shop said that it could shoot any type of 38 just fine, but I know what you mean with the wear over time. This gun is def in 95% or better cond. It is mint. Any of u guys recommend what to clean it with. It is stainless steel nose and cyl. with the rest alum. alloy. So i dont know if they hey special needs?

Let me know.

Thanks
 
I own a 637,nice little gun,It has a nice carry weight of 14 ounces.I agree if you do shoot at the range the standard fmj rounds would be best.My defensive load is the winchester sxt 38.+p.I carry outside the waist in bianchi minimalist holster,fits like a glove.I carry it inside the pants in a cheap uncle mikes holster,but it does serve it's purpose.
 
Nagano21 said:
Just picked up my first one today. I got a S&W Model 637 38 Sp. Paid around $280 for it.
Click to expand...

An excellent choice, Nagano, and not a bad price either! I love that little 637. In fact, it is the weapon I most often carry.
 
Brain Fart alert!

My apologies to Nagano21,

I had been discussing the Model 38 with another user and sustained a "brain fart" in thinking your gun was a Model 37. I'd looked up the valuation on a Model 37, not the newer Model 637.

If your gun is in "minty" condition, you managed a very good deal. A 98% gun would probably still be worth around $300, so I think you did very well.

Unlike the Model 37, your 637 is rated for +P ammo and should be able to handle it. Using standard pressure loads for practice will be much more pleasant, save your budget and help minimize the wear & tear.
 
Depending on which M637 (vintage) you have it may or may not be +P rated. The first M637 (the no dash models) were built on the J-frame and not +P rated. The newer M637-1 is built on the slightly larger J-Magnum frame and it is +P rated. Swing open the cylinder and see exactly which model you have to determine is it's +P rated or not.
Beware some M637s have suffered the same fate as some of the M642s where the clearcoat peels off. This has been caused by wear and certain cleaning solvents. While it don't affect any function it is a cosmetic issue for some folks. It is covered under the warranty.
 
JoeH. thats a very nice lookin gun you got there, and after hearing the feedback, I am glad I made the purchase that I did. I am just a lil confused when u guys talk about the P+ stuff, I know it has to do with the rounds, but I am just not that familiar with its system, any clarification would be appreciated.
As for the clear coat, I did read about that before, I am gonna have to look closer to see if I can see what you guys are talkin about, just cuz I did not notice it before.
 
Don't have any J-frame Smiths, but they are fine firearms. Congratulations on your purchase, and welcome!

+P refers to ammunition that has been loaded to slightly higher chamber pressure than standard loads of the same-caliber ammunition. In some cases, SAAMI has established exact figures (IIRC, the .38 Special +P is one of those cases); in others, no exact figure has been generally accepted and manufacturers simply use the label to note a higher-than-normal pressure rating (I think this is the case with 9mm Parabellum).

Good luck, and good shooting! :)

P.S. The higher-pressure loads will be somewhat more powerful than the standard-pressure loads.
 
Ankle holsters are pretty specialized pieces of equipment. Many use them if they carry a back-up gun, but not many carry their primary piece with them. That said, if an ankle holster meets your needs, then that is just fine!
 
Ya thats how they are always depicted when you see people use them... as a back up. They just seem comfortable. My in the pants one I think is pretty nice, just minor discomfort when sitting. Any good like waist band type? or even the shoulder ones that hang by the ribs?
 
IWB with a revolver can take some getting used to, but one eventually does get accustomed to it. In the meantime, if you are looking for something in a belt holster, virtually everyone will make something for your Smith. I use Bianchi products a lot simply because that was what my local store was carrying when I purchased, but many others are available. Many use Galco products, Michaels of Oregon, etc. One whose products I haven't used, but they really look good on the internet, is Bulman leather. Check them out. If you Google "holsters," you'll have what the military called a "target-rich environment" to explore.

Enjoy! ;)

P.S. I am very satisfied with the Bianchi products I use, BTW. I didn't mean to imply otherwise above.
 
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Thanx for the advice... any of u out there use that shoulder kinda under cover cop type of hoster? if so how they workin out for ya?
 
Buy quality leather

even if you have to wait. I carry a smith mdl 36 in a iwb milt sparks; I am sure that in 5 yrs, you will have a drawer full of holsters.
 
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