Why'd I get a Smith 37?

M

MonsterB

New member
So a couple weeks ago I picked up a lightly used Smith and Wesson 37-2.
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Intended use was as a carry gun, bug, etc, and an alternate to my Glock23, which by the way I am highly impressed with, and had been my carry gun. A Glock 26 had carry duty before that. Both amazing guns, but I wanted something smaller and lighter to carry in a coat pocket or during the summer. Since I started shooting, I have loved my Glocks and have had great experience with them, but I also have me a Smith 686 that I have kept mostly in the safe. Reason for that is it is my favorite overall gun, at least that I own, because its IMO its absolutely the best looking gun I have ever seen, shoots like a dream, so well made, ergonomics are perfect, its just awesome, and I would hate to have to lose it to the po po if I had to use it. I have shot my best with the 686, and this target is an example of that..
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Thats at 10 yards, double action, just shooting at a decent pace. 6 rounds through about the same hole, and one round (the perfect one) in the middle.
Now since getting my 37 I have pulled the 686 ut of the safe, and unfortunately now will not live unless I get another one, and a 44 mag Smith and Wesson to go with it. My Glocks, which I carried for almost 2 years straight, are now sitting in the safe and the Smith's are getting all the love. whats wrong with me???? THE 37 replaced a Ruger LCp and I am so much happier with it, its having an effect on what I am carrying. Theres pro's and cons to each, but I figured I would ask if anyone else gets into these kinds of delima's.
 
whats wrong with me????
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As we get older we get wiser, perhaps? :D

Mastering the little snub nose wheelguns is a delightful task to undertake. I have yet to accomplish that but can tear up the paper near the center of target at 5 - 15 yds with my little 442.

Was that target from your 686 using magnum loads or .38s? Because that too makes a bit of difference in fast shooting (not that you said you shot it fast or slow or anything)
 
That was 357 mag. Im no sharpshooter or whatever, but that is pretty much my best target that I can remember. That day my trigger pull was pretty consistent. Im pretty sure I couldnt shoot that same target today, I havent shot the gun much in the past 6 months, but it shows whats possible from a regular shooter with just practice. Im sure there are guys who could put every round through the same hole in the dead middle of the target, but for me, Im pretty happy with that. I pretty much owe my shooting technique to Hickok45, hes the only instructor I've ever had. :D
 
I thought this was going to be a whole other conversation. I was about to chime in and say I had a S&W 36 in 3" and hated it's guts. Could not wait to sell it. Too small and too uncomfortable to hold. I am however, very fond of both my 6" 686 and my 4" 681.
 
Swamp, lol thats funny. but I hear what your saying. The 37 is a pocket gun for me, or an alternative to the horrid LCP. Its no fine shooter, but its a well made, concealable Smith revolver. I guess my point was getting it has made me appreciate the 686 more, and how much I really like a good revolver for what it is. Guns in general are cool but a 686 is firearm bliss. At least to me:cool:
 
I feel the same way. I just bought a 36 and am already planning another wheel gun of some sort. I never cared for them very much before, but the more I mess with this little 36 the more I love it. I put some grips on it that really make it a lot better and now I can't stop messing with it. Now I need something with a 3 or 4" barrel.
 
I want to purchase something similar but most of my friends are trying to talk me out of getting a revolver because of the low capacity. I guess its what you do with those six huh lol
 
Boondock, Don't let them talk you out of it. I've never had a FTF or FTE with a revolver. Never had a double feed jam either. Before I get flamed here I will admit I carry semi autos occasionally but I feel much more comfortable with a revolver for CCW.
 
You may already know this but just in case...don't shoot +P ammo in your Mod 37.
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Nomadicone, I hear what you're saying from a fun factor POV but... really? No +P in your little, newer (post '57) snubbies? The +Ps of today are basically just as hot as the older .38s once SAMMI watered down the specs IIRC.

I shoot them in my 442 with no ill effects to the weapon to date. Good grips takes out any hand sting. As always YMMV
 
Nomadicone, I hear what you're saying from a fun factor POV but... really? No +P in your little, newer (post '57) snubbies? The +Ps of today are basically just as hot as the older .38s once SAMMI watered down the specs IIRC.

I shoot them in my 442 with no ill effects to the weapon to date. Good grips takes out any hand sting. As always YMMV
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Airweight snubbies aren't rated for +P unless they are built on the slightly larger J Magnum frame. The gun pictured is not, though all current production J frames are.
 
I've got a mod 37 that I bought in 2003. Wondering if it is considered +p worthy? I remember the SW website listed it as such but I can't find it on thier site anymore.

Anyhow I love the gun. I can't stand the hamerless and shrouded j frames. I understand the reasoning for them for pockets but I hate them. taking away single action capability and making them ugly as sin...I'd rather just carry it IWB.
 
I've got a mod 37 that I bought in 2003. Wondering if it is considered +p worthy? I remember the SW website listed it as such but I can't find it on thier site anymore.
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If it says 37-3 then it's rated for +P. Other giveaways will be a firing pin in the frame instead of on the hammer, a different contour to the rear of the frame, and a long protrusion on the left side of the frame that extends from the bottom of the recoil shield to below the frame window instead of a stud. The change over from 37-2 to 37-3 occurred in ~1997.
 
S&W J frames are great CCW weapons, many a bad guy has met his maker because of good people carrying these little gems.

I carry my 638 quite often these days, with a speed strip, or a speed loader in my pocket, and I do not feel under gunned.
 
Thanks ATW. Mine is the 37-2, firing pin on the hammer. I fired some +p through it a while back.:rolleyes:

Guess I need to find a non-+p load for it? I have a box and a half of the FBI load. Have always practiced with standard pressure though. Thanks again. I've wanted to clear that up for good for a while now but everyone I've asked was unsure.
 
I know +p isnt reccomended for the 37 I have, not a big deal. I have heard alot of peeps say they shoot some now and then and its fine. I dont really plan to shoot this thing a ton, I have plenty of other guns for that, its just something small enough for pocket carry and summer time in shorts and on the bike, etc. For such a small, light gun, it fits amazing and has a great trigger, so Im alot more confident with it that say my LCP to get the job done. 99 times out of 100 I have a glock 23 or 26 on me, so this is going to be for those other times, and not for target shooting. Basically a carry alot, shoot a little gun.
 
Didn't an off-duty NYPD officer get a one-shot kill on an assailant recently with his J-Frame and Speer GDHP Short Barrel?

The .38 Special sub remains fully relevant today. It's an effective, reliable self defense tool when practiced with.
 
10-4 on that monsterB. I actually like shooting mine often as long as the ranges are short. I've always heard that Federal makes a load called the nyclad that works great at standard pressure. Heard that it was discontinued but being brought back now. Going to look into it I guess although, being loaded with +p would be the last of my worries if I had to use it.. so I don't know.

My sweet little 37

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