snub nose 38 for cc ?

R

rebs

New member
I am looking for a new CC gun. I found a used in excellent condition S&W model 37 38 spec.
What are your thoughts on this as compared to a compact auto ?
 
I have both sub compact autos and stub nose revolvers. I tend to carry the revolvers more. I like the fact of no external safeties, lines break up better in front pocket and can be fired from the pocket if needed.

I have a few but my most carried are the 638 and recently the Ruger LCR.
 
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It is hard to say no to a snub-nosed .38. I love my J-Frames and carry them often. They are reliable and very easy to conceal and they are not affected by lint as much as my pocket autos. Plus, there is a lot of leather on the market for J-Frames.

If you do select to carry a snub-nosed .38 for CCW, be sure to practice as often as you can with it. Little .38's can be hard to shoot because of the small sights- so practice, practice, practice and learn the Applegate method re point shooting.
 
My wife and I both have M37s. Light and great for carry with standard loads like the Fed Nyclad. The old M38 with shrouded hammer I feel is a bit better for pocket carry but you can't go wrong with a 37 in a good pocket holster.
 
I use both Glock 26 and J .38.

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Sometimes in hot Texas weather the J .38 is the ONLY real option.

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My first CCW gun was a snub nose Airweight. Great gun and a great gun to carry. In my opinion, a snub is one of the best carry guns out there. They are plenty accurate, reliable and the .38 will get the job done.

Small autos also make very good carry guns and I have a Ruger LCP and a Walther PPS. Both are reliable and easy to carry as well.

It really comes down to what you are comfortable with. I grew up with revolvers and eventually started getting into autos and now carry an auto most often.

If a snub is calling to you and you are comfortable with it, by all means give it a go.
 
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Most of us choose a compact revolver for pocket carry.

For me, a pocket carry gun needs to be about 15 ounces, so it doesn't weigh down jeans or slacks, has to be reliable, and needs to have a heavy trigger pull (at least 8 lbs) no safety. Safeties could get bumped off in a pocket and the confined area and soft holsters means a higher likelihood of accidentally slipping your finger on the trigger when drawn.

The current crop of micro 9mm's has me tempted and most meet my criteria, but generally I'm only going from 7 to 5 rounds, which hasn't convinced me to give up the easy adminstrative handling, safety, reliablity and simple operation of my revolver.

When it comes to a pistol concealed on the belt, then I'm more inclined to go with a compact auto.
 
A 37 is an early-gen aluminum-frame snub and...honestly, they hadn't yet worked out quite how to make those last. I wouldn't go there, myself. I'd rather get an aluminum-frame Ruger LCR38 with a ton of technical improvements since the 37 yet still not pay S&W's recent prices...
 
Thank you for the replies. I presently carry a model 19 4" 357 and want something smaller. I think the model 37 will fill the bill after reading your replies. I thought about a 2" model 19 but its still a K frame.
 
The 37 is a beautiful example of S &W quality. Unfortunately I couldn't shoot more than a few standard 38 loads out of it without feeling like my hand was hit with a baseball bat.

The LCR that replaced my M37 is ugly as can be, but it is much easier to shoot IMO.
 
I love my 37

I have a 1968 model 37 that shoots great. I only shoot standard pressure loads, LRN 158 grain, and I shoot a lot of them. If you keep it clean and don't shoot hot loads in them, I think they last just fine. Mine has made it 44 years and is still tight and dependable. I like the light weight and the feel of the original magna RB grips. I wouldn't trade it for a brand new one. I got it for $200 and a Raven .25.:eek:
 
The 2 model 37's I looked at were not aluminum, one was blued steel and the other was slightly heavier stainless steel, I believe.
Could I be wrong ?
 
I have half a dozen S&W snubbies,and my nickel plated Model 37 gets carryed more than all the others combined.
And of course I always have my LCP in my back pocket for back up.
 
My 35 y.o. Daughter absolutely LOVES the Model 37 Airweight I bought for her, back when she first moved out on her own.

She practices weekly (she carries gunclub membership), and carries it loaded with Glaser Safety Slugs, since any shooting she'll be doing will be up-close & personal, and pass-throughs are a no-no (kids, neighbors, etc).


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Here's my self-bobbed 637-2 (.38 special) showing what I did to minimize the hammer yet still permit SA use at the range. Great little revolver.

637hammerafter.jpg
 
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