SMITH & WESSON MODEL 637-2 AIRWEIGHT
Posted Jun 15, 2023
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The Smith & Wesson Model 637-2 Airweight is an iconic and popular handgun used by many. It is a timeless classic made from an aerospace-grade aluminum alloy frame and a stainless steel barrel and cylinder that are well-known for their superior durability. The Model 637-2 is the second generation of the original Model 637 which was released in the 1970s. While the original model was only available in .38 Special, the Model 637-2 is available in .38 Special +P, providing a more powerful round for the same size package. The 637-2 is a double-action, five-shot revolver with a 1.87-inch barrel and an overall length of 6.3 inches. It has an exposed hammer which allows for single-action shooting.
The Airweight has become a favorite for concealed carry. It is easy to conceal in a pocket or purse and the lightweight aluminum alloy frame makes it easy to carry. It has a snub-nose profile which makes it great for close-quarters self-defense situations. It is also a great gun to have in the house for home defense. The 5-round capacity is enough to provide enough shots to ward off an attacker and the .38 Special +P can pack a punch even at close range.
The Smith & Wesson Model 637-2 Airweight is a reliable and accurate revolver. It has excellent build quality and a smooth trigger pull. The shooter can easily control shot placement at distances of up to 25 yards and provides acceptable accuracy at much further distances. There is no doubt that the 637-2 is an excellent gun for self-defense.
The pistol itself is relatively unadorned, with only the Smith & Wesson logo and the caliber designation stamped into the Left Hand side of the frame. The rest of the frame has a non-slip texture that is great for gripping even when your hands are wet. The gun also has an internal hammer block safety that prevents the gun from firing unless the trigger is pulled. This is an important safety feature that should be highly valued in any firearm.
The Smith & Wesson Model 637-2 Airweight has been on the market for over 40 years and continues to be a popular choice for self-defense. It offers an excellent combination of portability, concealability, power, and accuracy that is hard to beat. It is well-made and reliable, and despite its age, it is still very capable of defending oneself in a time of need. If you are looking for a reliable self-defense handgun, the 637-2 is a great choice.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to conceal
- Comes with a seven-round capacity
- Accurate and suitable for close quarters
- Can use .38 Special rounds as well as .38 S&W Short rounds
- Reliable and easy to maintain
Cons
- Smaller grip can be uncomfortable for some shooters
- High bore axis could lead to snappy recoil
- No external safety
- Fixed sights make it difficult to adjust for different distances
- shorter barrel makes it difficult to use for target shooting
Who Should Buy
The Smith & Wesson Model 637-2 Airweight is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a reliable, lightweight revolver for personal protection or home defense. It is accurate, easy to maintain, and designed to be carried unobtrusively. However, it is not recommended for inexperienced shooters due to its snappy recoil and small size, which may make handling and accuracy more difficult for those just starting out. Furthermore, if a large-caliber handgun for hunting or target shooting is desired, then this revolver may not offer the appropriate power or precision.
Comparisons
| SMITH & WESSON MODEL 637-2 AIRWEIGHT | SMITH & WESSON 686-4 | SMITH & WESSON MODEL 57 | SMITH & WESSON 360PD AIRLITE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frame Size | J-Frame | L-Frame | N-Frame | J-Frame |
| Caliber | .38 Special +P | .357 Mag. / .38 Spl. | .41 Mag. | .357 Mag. |
| Capacity | 5 Rounds | 6 Rounds | 6 Rounds | 5 Rounds |
| Overall Length | 6.31 in. | 7.50 in. | 10.25 in. | 6.50 in. |
| Barrel Length | 1.875 in. | 4.00 in. | 6.00 in. | 1.87 in. |
| Weight | 15 oz. | 33.2 oz. | 45 oz. | 12.7 oz. |
Features / Specs
- Caliber: .38 S&W Special +P
- Barrel Length: 1.875”
- Capacity: 5 rounds
- Front Sight: Red Ramp
- Frame: Aluminum Alloy
- Finish: Matte Silver
- Action: Double Action DA/SA
- Trigger: Standard
- Grip: Uncle Mike’s Boot
- Size: Small
- Weight: 15 ounces
Popular Accessories
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- Hogue S&W J Frame Round Butt Rubber Monogrip
- TALON Grips for Smith & Wesson 637
- LaserLyte Laser Sight for Smith & Wesson J-Frame Round Butt
- Desantis Model 044 The Nemesis Holster
- Pearce Grips Extension for Smith & Wesson J-Frame Round Butt
- TruGlo Night Sight for Smith & Wesson J-Frame Round Butt
- Crimson Trace Smith & Wesson 637 Laser Grips
- CTK Precision Smith & Wesson 637/642/642LS Paddle Holster
- CTK Precision Smith & Wesson 637/642/642LS Magazine Extension
- Speed Loader for Smith & Wesson 637-2 Airweight Revolvers
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson Model 637-2 Airweight is a highly reliable handgun known for its accuracy. Due to its light weight and compact size, it is easy to handle and control. Furthermore, its frame is made out of steel for increased durability and improved accuracy. Internally, the accuracy is enhanced with a crisp single-action/double-action trigger pull for improved accuracy. Additionally, the target sights and PVD coated crown barrel provide a clear sight picture and accuracy. This combination of design features allows for accuracy within 20 yards for small game hunting or home defense.
