Finally Pulled The Trigger on My First Real Wheel Gun

[rwb1500]

No, I didn't shoot a revolver for the first time, I bought a nice revolver for the first time. I've had a crappy little single action .22 revolver, but never a serious tool. I've been hunting for a long time and today the girlfriend surprised me with a trip to Cabela's and and an S&W 637. It was used but in very, very good shape. Locked up tight as could be, and the cylinder barrel gap looked good. It was cheap too. Grabbed a DeSantis Nemesis while I was there and 100 rounds of FMJ and 40 rounds of Winchester PDX1 130 grain +P. Wouldn't have been my first choice in defense ammo but the pickings were slim.

I went immediately to the range once we returned home and shot almost all of the ammo. I dig the little gun. Recoil is manageable, but I can definitely see why an airweight snubbie is not necessarily a great gun for the new shooter. I didn't shoot at any further than 10 yards, mostly because the range was crowded. At 10 yards though the gun performed admirably when I did my part. I was able to keep 85-90% of my rounds on a 5 inch target shooting DA. Single action is just fun. I only shot a few rounds single action, but I enjoyed it. My plan is using it for a defensive pistol so I will concentrate on DA almost solely.

I'm very, very happy with it. I had my heart set on a 642 but this came along and the price was right and the girlfriend was into it so it came home with us.

[WWGunslinger]

I got a slightly older, used S&W Model 36 (snub nose .38) recently and I was surprised at how well it handles recoil also. Because the grip is a bit small for my hand, I can't shoot comfortably for a long time, but if it had a grip that my whole hand would fit, I could shoot it all day.

[rwb1500]

I got a slightly older, used S&W Model 36 (snub nose .38) recently and I was surprised at how well it handles recoil also. Because the grip is a bit small for my hand, I can't shoot comfortably for a long time, but if it had a grip that my whole hand would fit, I could shoot it all day.

I hear ya, The supplied grip works ok for me, but it really shines in keeping the overall size of the gun down. That's why i like it. It's certainly not a target pistol. If it was a range gun I might look into something different, but for what it is I like the grips for the time being.

[WWGunslinger]

I hear ya, The supplied grip works ok for me, but it really shines in keeping the overall size of the gun down. That's why i like it. It's certainly not a target pistol. If it was a range gun I might look into something different, but for what it is I like the grips for the time being.

Exactly. I bought it for concealed carry since it was small.

[redeye202]

If you change the grips to 3 finger you will have greater accuracy,i did that on my chiefs special and am very happy with the result.

[tommy610]

... today the girlfriend surprised me with a trip to Cabela's and and an S&W 637.

Wow. Keep-her.

[Steve_NEPhila]

That indeed is a real wheel gun, and a real Man's gun. Congrats on the Smith and Wesson real gun.

If that hammer spur bothers you or snags on clothing a decent gunsmith (or even a mediocre to adequate one) could cut the spur off for less then 50 bucks. Then it will be damn near the same a a 642, well close enough anyway.

When I carry my 642 I also put two 8 shot speed strips in my back strong side pocket, which gives me three cylinders worth of reloads and one spare round. (hopefully enough ammo for me to escape intact if I ever need to)

When it comes to speedloaders, I really dig the safariland push button type. I have both the hks and Safariland type and they are close in price. Try them out to see which you like. Here is the safariland type:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=127569

Congrats, now get some lead fouling in that bore...

[rwb1500]

That indeed is a real wheel gun, and a real Man's gun. Congrats on the Smith and Wesson real gun.

If that hammer spur bothers you or snags on clothing a decent gunsmith (or even a mediocre to adequate one) could cut the spur off for less then 50 bucks. Then it will be damn near the same a a 642, well close enough anyway.

When I carry my 642 I also put two 8 shot speed strips in my back strong side pocket, which gives me three cylinders worth of reloads and one spare round. (hopefully enough ammo for me to escape intact if I ever need to)

When it comes to speedloaders, I really dig the safariland push button type. I have both the hks and Safariland type and they are close in price. Try them out to see which you like. Here is the safariland type:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=127569

Congrats, now get some lead fouling in that bore...

I have already considered getting the hammer cut down, but it doesn't seem to be bothering me at the moment, so we'll see what the future brings.

Speed loaders/strips are the only thing I didn't grab while I was at Cabela's. Just slipped my mind. I need to pick some up.

Steve, what is the name of that holster company you're always reccomending? Slipped my mind.

[Steve_NEPhila]

Simply Rugged.
www.simplyrugged.com

I think the model they have for the J frame is the silver dollar. I highly recommend their products, especially for wheel gunners. They run about 45 usd base, and can be had with inside out straps to make it IWB.

[Adam-12]

Congrats! I love my (hammerless) Airweight like a daughter. Recoil is pretty noticeable with +P ammo, but my affection for it grows and grows anyway.