But then again, there are other guns which may have their own uses, so I'm always open to trying something new. I'm not an expert on either firearms or this particular piece, but I wanted to share the days photos of a beautiful little well maintained firearm (exact age unknown, it's not old but it's not brand new) that was fun to get to experience (with a box of .38 special .+P loads).
This 637 belongs to a friend from International Sneaky Service who shared a couple of his favorites one day, including this Airweight double action revolver. Compared to the steel frame stub nosed firearms I've handled, the weight difference of the steel and aluminum framed 637 was noticeable. Another difference? The barrel. I've owned a snubby or two but this snubby made those other barrels look like runway models. They say that there is a gun for every purpose and a purpose for every gun. Well this one's purpose is clear, it's concealed carry.
One person at the range said they thought the 637's were bulky compared to other J Frames. I do believe they're all the same size and I didn't find it bulky for a snubby at all.
Like the Single Action Army Colt or the the M1911A1, it just has some mystique to it.
The newer 637's have an internal lock. I didn't mess with it, so no news on how it works. The newer ones do have the flatnose hammer though.
This firearm was purchased used. With a very long, heavy trigger pull, I doubt it's had a trigger job. Now granted, S & W's trigger weight is said to be set high to ensure successful ignition of any round put in the chamber, and it's been argued that reducing the weight TOO much could impact that reliability
.For me anyway, the trigger job is more about smoothness, than weight A smooth action certainly helps me stay on target.
DIY gunsmiths (usually more successful then DIY Surgeons or DIY tattoo artists) have purchased spring kits to do their own trigger jobs and there's lots of info on the web on such things for those of you so inclined.
Trigger - Fortunately I'm not one of those women who have ever come home, looked at my partner and said "Babe, do you think I need a trigger job?" But I have had a trigger/action job on guns I've carried concealed, and aware there are pros and cons to it, especially as it relates to making the trigger too light. Don't forget - hair triggers are a jury's best friend. I like the fact that the trigger pull is a bit heavy; it doesn't make for pinpoint accuracy, but it does provide for an extra safety margin for a gun that may be carried outside of a conventional holster.
Grips - Grips aren't just feel and looks, but can impact concealibility and even recoil to some degree. I'm not familiar with other types for this particular S&W, but I'm sure readers may have some suggestions. This one had Crimson Trace laser grips and all I can say is SHINY! You may not use them at normal range distances, but when you're morning breath close (retention firing practice) they are great for maximizing accuracy. In retention shooting, this is key. Not only for the possibility of the bad guy going for your gun, but being prepared and trained to shoot in close quarters when the threat is right on top of you.
Laser grips WILL give you a an advantage when defending yourself from a non traditional firing position and have the everyday advantage of consistent and accurate output (think confidence and accuracy) That being said, I use iron sites, not putting my life on the line for anything battery powered because I've not practiced my basic skill sets. Plus, in my opinion, they also make it pretty clear where you are and which one of the possibly multiple bad guys you're aiming at. Employ the switch accordingly, taking into account your own skill level, training and background. Also take into account auditory and sensory exclusion that occurs in high stress situations, where you may not be even able to remember if you have a front sight.
But still, I'm thinking LG-405 crimson trace grips that have the "recoil-absorbing" cushion on the grip help with the recoil without adding any width to the firearm. If I were to buy one for myself, I'd definately consider one of their products.
Out at the Range -
The first word out of your mouth after you pull the trigger will NOT be "Uff Da!" It will be a bit more "salty". Like ghost peppers, this is not for a beginner, especially a first time shooter. Bleeding is possible. Recoil is somewhere between "dental drill unpleasant" and "Democratic Filibuster with chainsaws". This is a piece that must be gripped properly and once gripped you have to pay attention to your grip. You know, those outdoor shows where the host is holding shut a pair of crocodile jaws and you think "boy I hope he doesn't loosen his grip". Yes, that kind of paying attention to your grip.
If you give the 637 to someone a little new or shy to firearms to shoot the first time, they're not likely to shoot anything else ever.again. Let them get a front site shaped gouge in their forehead, and you will not only have killed any future desire to explore wingshooting, you'll likely not regain their trust for a long time (and sleeping on the couch might be in your future, depending on the situation).
Add a short barrel with short sight radius to the 637's lighter weight and powerful ammo and the result is a weapon that is difficult to shoot well for many people, least of all, a beginner. Painfully difficult. Even with experience, this is not a firearm that makes me sit and think "Gee! I can't wait to get to the range and put 100 rounds through this!" I'd just as soon munch on a bunch of ghost peppers while getting a Brazilian Bikini Wax than do 50 rounds or more at one time.
Whatever you chose, practice. Shooting a few rounds through it regularly will keep you proficient for when you might have to use it, for an up close situation that needs your immediate attention.
Accuracy - at distance, shot placement is good if being attacked by a large dirigible, not so good otherwise. With practice you should be able to shoot a "not great" but "decent" group, at a distance of 20 feet or less. For this firearm, with the very long and heavy pull, a trigger job may help with the accuracy in DA, but in Single Action it was decent enough close in to get the point across. I also noticed that, like most snubby's I've owned or tried, I am probably going to have to aim just a tiny bit low to get the shot placement where I want.
Cleaning - A basic leaning is pretty easy, start with the Hoppes #9 and a little bronze brush to scrub in and around those hard to get places like the breech face and around the forcing cone. On the cylinder face some folks will soak a piece of the finest scotchbrite they can find and gently scrub it followed by a little more Breakfree CLP. Then just wipe down the outside of the revolver with a soft clean cloth and a bit more CLP.
If you DO find one, either old or new, carry a speedloader and practice with it. If you are going to be reloading under any kind of stress, be it bad guy or weekend match with your partner watching you, you must practice with it. You are not looking for lightning speed, but practical, quick, measured movement that is accurate and instinctive.
Practice with it, maintain it well. Squeeze some tennis balls to strength your hand and learn to curse in a variety of languages. But in return you will get a quite "easy to pick up and conceal" piece that if loaded and well maintained, WILL go bang every time you pull the trigger. Properly equipped, with one of those new .38 defensive loads meant to make the most of a snub barrel, mixed into enough practice sessions so you know how it feels and where it hits, it would be hard to beat for a up close and personal self defense piece.
Some shooters will remove the cylinder for a good clean after putting a lot of rounds through it though but IO have no experience or advice on that.
If I were to pick one up for myself, It would be an older one. It's just my opinion but I like the older S&W's over the newer ones. The older ones I've been privileged to get to try, were steady, reliable, guns I wished I'd owned. Getting one can be a good investment of your dollars and a good investment in self defense. But such choices are very personal, and what I would like., someone else may not.
If you DO find one, either old or new, carry a speedloader and practice with it. If you are going to be reloading under any kind of stress, be it bad guy or weekend match with your partner watching you, you must practice with it. You are not looking for lightning speed, but practical, quick, measured movement that is accurate and instinctive.
Practice with it, maintain it well. Squeeze some tennis balls to strength your hand and learn to curse in a variety of languages. But in return you will get a quite "easy to pick up and conceal" piece that if loaded and well maintained, WILL go bang every time you pull the trigger. Properly equipped, with one of those new .38 defensive loads meant to make the most of a snub barrel, mixed into enough practice sessions so you know how it feels and where it hits, it would be hard to beat for a up close and personal self defense piece.
