The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: fightingquaker13 on November 23, 2011, 12:26:36 PM

Title: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 and 637 question
Post by: fightingquaker13 on November 23, 2011, 12:26:36 PM
My local range is advertising these at $400. This seems awfully damned cheap for a Smith .38+P. Anybody know anything about them? Are they a lower quality series like the Sigmas, or is this a huge deal? Help me out here.
FQ13
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 question
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 23, 2011, 12:55:44 PM
About average price I'd say

http://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.htm?T=S%26W+442

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=S%26W+442&x=17&y=10
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 question
Post by: fightingquaker13 on November 23, 2011, 01:56:59 PM
I noticed that. They just updated their site and are now offering the 637s for even less, $375. I'm curious as to whether any one has shot/carried these. How big is it really? How does it handle etc.
FQ13
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 and 637 question
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 23, 2011, 02:25:20 PM
It's a J frame 38. the only catch is it has the lock.
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 and 637 question
Post by: Timothy on November 23, 2011, 02:39:11 PM
Smaller than yer Glick...

If I could find those for 375 bucks, I'd buy two or one each!
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 and 637 question
Post by: les snyder on November 23, 2011, 02:39:47 PM
I shoot autoloaders in competition and carry a G34 in my car bag, but over the years have had a couple of wheelguns , I sold my SW640 and SP101 and kept the SW442 as it makes a very light (carry it in a Fobus paddle) rig to slip on for an evening walk in cooler weather here in Fla...very contolable with 125grain Federal NyClads ...reloads on a Bianchi speed strip
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 and 637 question
Post by: Majer on November 23, 2011, 02:57:33 PM
I have a S&W 342 PD (same gun,but titanium) and I love it,I don't even realize I have it on at times,I carry a couple speed loaders and have a pair of cartridge pouches that I can snap onto my belt if I want to have a few extra cartridges. I can highly recommend the J-frame size Smiths
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 and 637 question
Post by: fightingquaker13 on November 23, 2011, 03:08:53 PM
Smaller than yer Glick...

If I could find those for 375 bucks, I'd buy two or one each!


You can get one (or more) from Buds for $361 if you don't mind stainless. Its a great price, but I'd rather buy local for a $40 difference. Anyway, this is the "made in USA" model.
FQ13
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 and 637 question
Post by: Timothy on November 23, 2011, 03:22:27 PM
You can get one (or more) from Buds for $361 if you don't mind stainless. Its a great price, but I'd rather buy local for a $40 difference. Anyway, this is the "made in USA" model.
FQ13

Back in Mass there J....can't buy anything that way.  Got to buy from an FFL here!
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 and 637 question
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 23, 2011, 05:02:31 PM
Back in Mass there J....can't buy anything that way.  Got to buy from an FFL here!

Tim, are you into the 'nog already ?

It was FQ that posted and he was talking about buying from the local range/gunstore.    ;D

You can get one (or more) from Buds for $361 if you don't mind stainless. Its a great price, but I'd rather buy local for a $40 difference. Anyway, this is the "made in USA" model.
FQ13


2 comments, first, all S&W pistols are made in the US, some of their shotguns come from Turkey, but none of the pistols.
2nd, you will actually pay less when you buy local since the shipping and FFL fee will eat up more than $40.
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 and 637 question
Post by: Timothy on November 23, 2011, 05:13:53 PM
Tim, are you into the 'nog already ?  Nope but I'm about to crack a Sam...

It was FQ that posted and he was talking about buying from the local range/gunstore.    ;D  DOH!  And, I know it was FQ but his name is John!

2 comments, first, all S&W pistols are made in the US, some of their shotguns come from Turkey, but none of the pistols.
2nd, you will actually pay less when you buy local since the shipping and FFL fee will eat up more than $40.

Actually, I can drive to S&W and buy anything I want (that's on the damn list) right from the gun shop there!   ;)
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 and 637 question
Post by: fightingquaker13 on November 23, 2011, 07:00:18 PM
Two points here. The airweight comes in two finishes. For whatever reason one has made in the USA etc stamped in bold, forward of the trigger guard, the other doesn't. I hadn't (still don't), any idea if this is just a stylistic difference or not.

Second, even though I WANT to buy local, I draw the line at about $50 difference factoring in the transfer fee. So say a $50 difference in dealer price once the dust has settled is my tipping point.

Third, HEY! >:(
FQ13
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 and 637 question
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 23, 2011, 08:26:45 PM
Oh man, you publicly outed him !
Shame !
Last name doesn't start with "C" does it ?  ;D

I know S&W also has a factory in Houlton Me., I'm not sure what they make there.
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 and 637 question
Post by: Timothy on November 23, 2011, 09:05:19 PM
Oh man, you publicly outed him !
Shame !
Last name doesn't start with "C" does it ?  ;D  No, it doesn't...

I don't know TOM, my name is TIM, do you think that FQ is pissed that his name is JOHN or that I've identified him as a human being with a given name?  I didn't give his last name or zip code did I?  That would be silly tombogan03884!

I think John is better than Mercutio!    ;D

Timothy Bevins, 01453 (at least for the moment!)

 ;D
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 and 637 question
Post by: fightingquaker13 on November 23, 2011, 09:21:10 PM
I don't know TOM, my name is TIM, do you think that FQ is pissed that his name is JOHN or that I've identified him as a human being with a given name?  I didn't give his last name or zip code did I?  That would be silly tombogan03884!

I think John is better than Mercutio!    ;D

Timothy Bevins, 01453 (at least for the moment!)

 ;D

Not really. But if if you had implied I lived in Massachusetts on the other hand.... ;)
FQ13 who directed my 'Hey" at Tom.

PS as for being called Mercutio? Well, he got what he deserved for leaving a perfectly good 1911 in the dirt. ;D ;D

Title: Re: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 and 637 question
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 23, 2011, 10:13:21 PM
That made no sense at all.   ???

This is the way to go out.

Title: Re: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 and 637 question
Post by: fightingquaker13 on November 23, 2011, 10:38:57 PM
That made no sense at all.   ???

This is the way to go out.



Its Shakespeare. When did any of it make sense? Besides, they were Italians. The only thing worse than bringing a knife to a gunfight is dropping your gun in the dirt and bringing a stick to a knife fight. ::) Sean Connery would just shake his head. I won't even think about what the Gunny would say. ;D
FQ13
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 and 637 question
Post by: LittleRed on November 26, 2011, 10:10:13 PM
I've got the 442 (no internal lock). I would recommend it over the 637 for concealed carry since the hammer is internal and there won't be any snagging on a draw—possibly from a pocket, which is where this gun shines. The 442 also lets you get a higher grip on the back strap, making it a bit more controllable.

They are more accurate than anyone can shoot them. I've shot a cloverleaf (sometimes I get lucky) at about 25', resting, and staging the trigger—not that comes close to how this would ever be employed.

It's got about a 10–12 lb. trigger which if you're not used to revolvers will be a bear for a while. If you get proficient with the trigger, it will most likely make you a better shooter with an auto.

+1 on the Nyclad comment. I'd rather have five accurate shots than the extra fire and recoil of the +P rounds. I would highly recommend getting your hands on one (rent or a bug a friend) and shoot it a bit.

If you've got big hands you might find the trigger reach a bit too short.

Title: Re: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 and 637 question
Post by: ellis4538 on November 27, 2011, 01:38:37 AM
FQ, I have a 642 pre lock non +P.  Going rate is about what your revised cost is.  LittleRed is a H..L of a shot cause I can't group worth S..T with mine although a buddy can!!!!!  I still carry it because I still feel confident I can make good quick hits at BBR.  I hope to sell mine and pick up a snubby with adjustable sights though.  Not the ideal situation but better than now just in case I need that longer range shot.  I usually carry in a belt slide...just too big/not heavy for pocket carry for me...YMMV.

FWIW


Richard

PS:  I also carry the Nyclad "Chief Special" because they were designed for the "CS"
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 and 637 question
Post by: LittleRed on November 27, 2011, 07:28:51 AM
Quote
LittleRed is a H..L of a shot cause I can't group worth S..T with mine although a buddy can!!!!!

Quote
(sometimes I get lucky)

I wouldn't put a dime on being able to do that again ;D
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 and 637 question
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 27, 2011, 10:34:13 AM
Ellis,
Try a laser, like CT, it eliminates the problems associated with short sight radius.
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 and 637 question
Post by: ellis4538 on November 27, 2011, 11:51:27 AM
tom, it's not the short sight radius it is that the sights don't work for my eyes.  I'm going to look at the adjustable sighted j frame real hard and then a laser.

Richard
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 and 637 question
Post by: bafsu92 on November 28, 2011, 07:12:47 PM
My local range is advertising these at $400. This seems awfully damned cheap for a Smith .38+P. Anybody know anything about them? Are they a lower quality series like the Sigmas, or is this a huge deal? Help me out here.
FQ13
I own a couple, my local shops regular price is $339 and they run them all the time for $309. They can be found all day long on gunbroker for under $350. Buds usually has them for $329.
Title: Re: Smith and Wesson Airweight 442 and 637 question
Post by: bafsu92 on November 28, 2011, 07:17:30 PM
tom, it's not the short sight radius it is that the sights don't work for my eyes.  I'm going to look at the adjustable sighted j frame real hard and then a laser.

Richard
Look at the XS front sight models. It's the best thing ever to happen to a J-Frame. I carry an Airlite .357 daily in my front pocket and have 3 J-Frames with the XS front sight.