Thoughts on a S&W 637

H

HuntingLikeABadHabit

New member
I am in the market for a new CC weapon for my wife and have found a S&W 637 for about $340 out the door. She is comfortable with a revolver, likes the size and likes the fact that it has an exposed hammer.
What I am not so sure about is the recoil in that air weight frame. I just traded off a compact .40 because she didn't like the snappiness of it so I am wary of buying something else that she may not shoot.
My only other concern is how that aluminum frame holds up to a lifetime of use. If anyone has a thousand or so rounds through one I would love to hear opinions.
Thanks in advance!
 
The J frames are one of my favorites but a gun for the recoil sensitive it is not. It does let you know when you pull the trigger, not painful by any means but there is a bit of snap. Maybe she could try one first?
 
I have a Titanium framed 38spl J frame. Its a heavy recoiling gun. Not at all for the recoil sensitive.

Its an ok back up gun for last ditch kinda stuff, but it sure doesnt get practiced with very much. Just not pleasant to shoot at all
 
good price on a great weapon. my wife carries a 637, she is really not a "gun" person like some of us, but she will NOT part with her 637. she cabbaged on to it several years ago from me. it became HERS when I brought it home from the gun store, I remember her saying "what are you going to do with that one?" Your wife would probably like a 637. Excellent weapon to carry alot and shoot little.


just had to add this to the post-----In the ten or twelve years that my wife has owned hers---the alum/alloy frame has held up fine. the "clearcoat" finish has worn off. if you could stand shooting 1000 rounds of plus p though it it --it would be fine ---I have to ask--who in their right mind would want to shoot 1000 rounds though an Airweight??? Why??? I mean put a box or two thru it to find out how to shoot it and then carry that thing. It is not a target gun or a plinker to play with.
 
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She ain't gonna like the recoil from the Airweight, find her a steel J frame and it won't be a problem. .38 in an Airweight will be as bad or worse than some .40 cal autos.
 
I have one!

Here ya go, its a kicker for sure, but accurate and easy to carry. I have CT laser grips. This is a couple years old carried most days.


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At that price, I'd go for it. I have a 438 (humpback). Recoil is pretty stout. My wife doesn't have an issue with the recoil and she shoots it very well. 50 rounds is plenty before the hand goes numb.
 
I really appreciate all of the info.
I think I will end up grabbing one and worst comes to worst I end up with another carry piece. Have plenty of other plinking guns for just target shooting so she will only likely be putting 5 to 10 rounds through it at a time.
Thanks again
 
They're hard to come by these days, but a box of target wadcutters is what got my wife to enjoy her j frame. Light cowboy loads will work too. I load her 38 with 135g gold dots for carrying, but the wadcutters are far more effective than harsh language.
I too brought home a 637, installed the trigger kit, and lost it to matrimonial harmony.
 
I tried to like the Airweights for well over a decade, and they just didn't work for me. They carry nice, that's about it.

If you (might want to leave that up to her) decide to go that route, I would highly recommend a set of Uncle Mike's 3 finger grips. They cover the backstrap, and are *much* easier to control that the boot grips. I have found a couple sets on ebay.

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I'll just add that I'm not recoil shy, but my answer to the J Frame question was a 640 no-dash, *and* a set of Uncle Mike's 3-finger grips. I actually enjoy practicing with it. It's a bit heavy for pocket carry, but I manage.
 
My answer was a weaker cartridge. 7 rounds of .22 Magnum, carries great at 12-oz fully loaded and recoil is mild even with the most minimal grips. Plus, I can practice with my carry ammo.
 
Thoughts on a S&W 637

better grips, steel/not alloy frame, cowboy (or wadcutter but hard to find) loads: all good moves but if someone recoil-shy really wants an effective lightweight alloy snubbie, get the 8 round ruger lcr 22lr. easy/fun to practice equals better accuracy. i would rather hit my target with a few 22lr yellow jackets (shreds a 3" phone book at 3 yards with 3" groups) than miss with a 38.
 
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