637 Value and Review???

[Redcoat3340]

Just cruising 'round Armslist here in Seattle area and up pops a 637 (with lock) for $250.

Hmmmmm, says I, that seems like a low price.

I've got a 640 I carry and I don't really need another J frame...but it seems too good a deal.

What are these things going for these days? Reviews here looked okay. Don't know about condition...and won't until I see it, so there's always that.

Comments......

[Zipdog]

Seems like a really good price. They go for 350 to 400 used around here.

[kaaskop49]

"...but it seems too good a deal." My day is always partly cloudy and my glass is neither half-empty nor half-full, it's broken. Seems like there's a reason this seller is willing to let it go for a low-ish price. I would steer clear; perhaps some mods were done inside that didn't quite work out. There are plenty of new 637s crying out for a good home. Buyer beware. JMHO.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

[dubshooter]

Buy a new one from Grabagun for $345. Maybe the guy bought it, doesn’t know how to shoot a j frame, says he can’t hit the broad side of a barn, let me get a fancy tactical 9mm instead and is selling it for a fair, used price.

Or it’s broken.

If you can look at it, might be worth it. Or buy a new one and know the history. I don’t need another j frame either. But I’m always looking.

[Bill In Texas]

I will say I like my 637 alot. I bobbed the hammer spur for pocket carry and it became my back up gun. It's very accurate for me out to about 15 yards. Around the house it's pretty much always in my pocket. Bike rides I take it because it's lighter than the 640-1 that is my primary carry.

The price may be cheap because of the finish peeling also. Somebody may have used the wrong cleaner on the gun. Check it out and see. You may have a bargain!

[Rob D]

I picked up a 637 airweight today for $310 nib. Was just looking for any tips about it before going to the range tomorrow....

[Rob D]

I picked up a 637 airweight today for $311 nib, was just checking for any tips before I go to the range tomorrow....

[dr. K]

I’d agree with the “buyer beware” comments. I saw one for a similarly great price once on consignment in a local gun store not long ago. Looked pristine from the outside, but when I cocked the hammer, all the visible internals were covered in flaky orange rust. I pointed it out to the store clerk, said “no thanks,” and he pulled it from the case til the owner could have a look and decide what to do. I don’t know why some people are okay with selling their problems to someone else, but as I said, buyer beware.

[kaaskop49]

Originally Posted by dr. K

I’d agree with the “buyer beware” comments. I saw one for a similarly great price once on consignment in a local gun store not long ago. Looked pristine from the outside, but when I cocked the hammer, all the visible internals were covered in flaky orange rust. I pointed it out to the store clerk, said “no thanks,” and he pulled it from the case til the owner could have a look and decide what to do. I don’t know why some people are okay with selling their problems to someone else, but as I said, buyer beware.

Appreciate your 'like' above! Great story. "Flaky orange rust." That's a new one to me. I wonder if some newbies who buy 'stainless' guns feel they do not have to maintain them. I've always been a big fan of cleaning, just ask the officers I worked with who had me clean their service revolvers after qualification! Extra care on a carry piece is always warranted. Thanks again.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

[dr. K]

Yup, new to me too. This little j frame looked like it had spent some time in a creek without ever being dried out. I worry sometimes that gun care, a big part of respecting a firearm, is not being taught as well as it could be. Or at least not being practiced, as you pointed out.

[Bill In Texas]

Originally Posted by Rob D

I picked up a 637 airweight today for $310 nib. Was just looking for any tips about it before going to the range tomorrow....

Hi Rob,

Don't know what kind of tips you might be looking for, so I'll pass on somethings I've learned. Then trigger pull is going to be heavy. You probably already know that if you've dry fired the 637 at all, or it happens to be a Wyatt Deep Cover.

I found that putting some fingernail polish on the front sight helped me see it better. Color choice is individual preference. I also black out the rear deck to make the color pop a little more.

Make sure you check the cylinder release screw on a regular basis. It has a tendency to work loose.

Other than that, fire and repeat! Have fun at the range!