Opinions wanted on S&W Model 337PD AirLite?

A

Ala Dan

Member in memoriam
Please, no flames!!! :) Would like to know what anyone who has experience with this
weapon (S&W Model 337PD "AirLite") has to
say about it; beit good or bad? How does
the 10.7 ounce frame stand up to continous
use? And in looking under Guns America;
why so damn expensive? All replies are
certainly welcome.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
I have the 342 silver version with the enclosed hammer. It is im my pocket right now. It is a pistol that you can have with you almost all the time, that it a good quality in itself. Can't tell you about continuous use since I have put about 50 rounds through mine and that wasn't much fun so I don't anticipate its life being a problem. Yes, I am a recoil weenie. It is expensive because it is new on the market and it is the black version. It is called market demand. Limited supply in the more desirable 'tactical' black color equal you want it bad enough it is going to cost you. David Avery adverstises them at $489 while the silver is $40 less. I would guess that Bachman has them for less than that since their airweights are cheaper than Dr. Avery.
 
Ala Dan--
Can't speak to the model 337, but I bought a model 37 Chief Airweight new in 1976 and have shot it a LOT. Really, too much, with +P loads--It has been to the shop to have end shake removed twice now. A few warm loads are okay--The little gun won't blow up on you, but there's no sense shooting it loose.

I strongly suggest you stick with standard velocity loads for practice. Really, I have a lot of fun wih mine using light wadcutter loads. You can learn your up-close shooting skills just as well wth light loads, and keep your revolver nice. Of course, there's nothing to keep you from loading up some light charges with LRN or SWC bullets. I think the last I loaded was 3.0 gr. Unique with 148 LWC. I'm not at home to check my notes, but I guarantee that is not a hot load. 2.7 gr of Bullseye is good, too.

I like to put my light loads under WC bullets, so I can tell difference at a glance.

WC= light target loads
LRN= "standard" velocity loads
SWC= Warmer loads, for steel frame arms.

I don't load jacketed for .38 Spl, but that's just me.

Hope you enjoy your new belly gun.

------------------
---The Second Amendment ensures the rest of the Bill of Rights---
 
I have the 342PD, the Centennial version of the 337PD. To me, it's such an impressive revolver that I'd seriously like to get the 337PD as a companion to it. Recoil is fairly controllable, even with +Ps. I think this is because of the Hogue Bantam grip rather than the revolver itself. But the bottom line is that AirLite Ti plus Bantam equals an effective combination.

But, yes, both the 342PD and the 337PD are pricey, even when bought second-hand. When I first saw the price tag, I thought, no way for a J-frame! However, after shooting mine, I almost forgot how much it cost. ;)
 
Thanks guy's for the info. I was just researching information, in case I
just decide to purchase one? I didn't
realize that the "Tactical" black was
more expensive; I've been on a new job
that doesn't allow me much time here on
TFL!!! :(

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Dan, Do you plan on shooting the next round with it ;) Just an FYI ... I've got the 342 on lay-away. Regards, FUD.
 
FUD, I don't think so; mainly due to the fact
that I haven't made up my mind to purchase
one just yet. But, on the other hand I do
own a S&W Model 60 .38 Special that I might
enter into the event.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Can't comment on the 337 Airlite as I have never owned or fired one.

I can offer an opinion on the model 342 pd. Own one in black, fitted with Trijicon nightsights and had an action job done. I would suggest you rent or borrow one if possible before purchasing it. Recoil can be an issue. A gun of such low weight, coupled with a short barrel, definitely "kicks" when fired. I find the recoil acceptable/tolerable, but know others who can't stand it. It isn't the most pleasant gun to shoot in the recoil department. Played around with different grips -- Pachmayr and Hogue, and finally decided to reinstall the standard Uncle Mike grips the gun came with. Overall, since low weight and wheelgun reliability were my most important considerations before buying this gun, I have been happy with it.

If weight isn't a highly significant issue, you might consider a model 640. I have one with a front night sight and installed a Hogue grip. Bought it used, as it was an unsold model that had been used a few times at the firing range my local dealer has. In comparison with the model 342, it is definitely a pleasure to shoot. However, it weighs around 25 ounces, versus the 11 ounce weight of the model 342 pd. Also, it has the ability to handle 357 magnum cartridges, a plus IMO, even though they are mini flame throwers in such a short barrelled revolver.

Try to shoot whatever you wind up buying before purchase. There's often a big difference between how a gun feels when held unloaded in the showroom and how they feel when being shot.

Good luck on your search.
 
I have the 337 in silver. If you can afford it get it!!!!!!

While recoil is not tame, it's not as big of a deal as some say. But it's a low round defence gun and not a high round target gun

The guns merits are it's light weight. I carry it quite often and love it. I sold my Glock 27 for it and 8 months later have no regrets. I have shot the taurus Ti and this is so much lighter.

I highly recomend it, despite who makes it!

Chris
 
Thanks again for all replies. I would love
to own one; but I can't see selling my Glock
27 to finance the project. I will just think
about it for awhile; and as selfdefense4me
stated, try to rent, lease, or borrow one
for trial. I don't really have a problem
with who makes it; as S&W has always made
the finest revolver's that money can buy.
Just my opinion folk's, and I have owned
some of all makes and models.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Dan said: "How does the 10.7 ounce frame stand up to continous use?"

I don't think that's the right question to ask. I think the right question is how will your hand stand up to using that gun on a continuous basis? I have a S&W model 642, which weighs 15 ounces. 15 rounds of .38 +P and I'm done. I can do a little better with my weak 148gr reloads. But it's still not any fun. At the rate I shoot it, my 642 will easily outlive me. YMMV.

M1911
 
I have one. The first time I tried it with std.pressure nyclads 125gr. GOD, I thought I had blown my hand off. Played around with other loads. The 110 grain Federal PD is comfortable, as is the 148gr.wadcutter. I enjoy the J frames for the ability to accessorize and holster availability. There are now scandium J frames which can take .357 mag. That would be painful,as I can't see even touching off a +P .38 now. Best of luck.
 
I have read (Mas Ayoob) that the Titanium revolvers suffer from "bullet creep" which means the bullet is pulled from the casing while in the cylinder because of the force of +P loads when fired.
Mike
 
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