Posted: 11/6/2005 12:20:06 PM EDT
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Anyone own one of these? I'm looking into getting one as my nightstand gun. Also, I don't see any +p ratings on this gun, I figure it is the same aluminum that is used on the other ones with +p ratings on it, would it be wise to just forget about +p all together with that gun? Pros and cons are greatly appreciated! |
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Depends on the vintage. Some of the newer ones might be rated for +P, but if its an older 37 I'd tread lightly. The occassional use +P shouldn't cause a problem out most .38 special rated guns made after the mid 50's, but I always get nervous when putting a heavy diet of +P's through any older J frame. Also, just a thought, but if you're looking for a night stand gun why not look for a used K frame magnum. It will handle .38+P's with no problems, you get one more round and it takes less practice to shoot well... |
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I'm looking at getting a brand new one from S&W. My current nightstander is a 629. My choice for the 37 is because I'll be going away on business for a few weeks in the not to distant future, my fiance is terrified of the 44 magnum, so I'd rather leave her armed with something that won't scare her and keep her from using or practicing with it. |
I just bought a 37 yesterday, says +P right on the barrel. Another note; people say to just target shoot with reguler .38 Special, then load up +P for carry, but I must remind you that it is very important to at least check how the +P load you will carry affects your point of impact, it might make the weapon shoot higher than your target load. I'd say every time you go to the range you should blast the 5 rounds in the chamber you've been lugging around, then use your target ammo. |
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All the new guns are +P rated. The light guns are not really a treat to shoot with hot ammo, and do require some dedication to shoot them well. Your fiance may be better off with a 3" or 4" Model 10. They are a lot easier to shoot well and you get an extra round. |
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I have a 37 that I use as a secondary CCW. It is one of the older models that has the fireing pin floated on the hammer. I feed is a meager diet of +P's specificly PMC Ultramag 55gr otherwise known as Cookie Cutters because the round is copper jacketed cylinder. If you shoot one of these into a phonebook you end up with hundreds of little paper dots. I've fired roughly 10rnds of it through the 37 and it hasn't blown up yet... If want is a nightstand gun I agree with some of the other suggestions. You don't really need a lightweight gun for the nightstand so why pay extra for the aluminum frame. S&W, Ruger and Taurus make a variety of 3 & 4" steel frame guns that are less expensive and much better suited for this purpose. My personal pic from those offerings would be a S&W Model 60 3" .357mag and for the wife I keep it loaded with .38's. My second choice would be the Ruger SP101 3" .357mag loaded with the .38's as well. The factory triggers aren't as nice but you can run over one those with a truck and it'll still work. It's a little heavier to so it won't recoil as much. The old model 10's are decent to and you can get used ones for less than $200 if you aren't to picky about how they look. Just my .02 |
Really, does  = a very reliable 38 Special revolver that was used by Law Enforment and Civilians for many many years?Last time I checked .38 Specials don't need a bull barrel. |
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Any airweight is meant to be a carry gun. Why not go for a model 60 for a nightstand gun? The added weight will make it more pleasant for your wife to shoot. I wouldn't want to try to teach a new shooter with a sharp recoiling airweight and possibly get some bad habits started early. The advice to pick up a good used K frame is solid advice too. |