The ultimate backpack gun? 337 Airlite 3 inch

SVT28 · #1 10-19-2017, 02:45 PM

Well, unlike a few members here that have been pleased with their Kimber K6S, I didn't like mine. The fit, finish, trigger and sights were all really nice but I hated the grips and aesthetics. The grips for some reason are not very well rounded on the backstrap, which with 38+p or 357 mag rounds, shooting is painful. I don't have a problem with j frames with stout loads but for some reason that revolver just beat me up.

I traded it locally to someone who had a few Smiths he was willing to part with. In return, I got $180 cash and this LNIB 337-3 airlite. I had never seen one of these in person before and even though it has a lock, I knew I had to have it. Original Presicions lock plug in titanium finish went in without issue in about 30 min, and I added an extra set of magnas I had in the grip bin. I need to order a Tyler T but recoil isn't that bad even though this gun is light as a feather. Fits in my 3 inch sticky holster no problem and its a pleasure to carry OWB too. I think I found the perfect carry/back packing gun!

SVT28

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oneounceload · #2 10-19-2017, 03:17 PM

The barrel says "+P Jacketed" - are you not supposed to shoot lead in this gun? Never saw that before on a barrel

SVT28 · #3 10-19-2017, 03:45 PM

I was wondering the same thing... are wadcutters/LFN/LRN not ok in these?

Bill In Texas · #4 10-19-2017, 04:29 PM

Congratulations on the new 337!

ImprovedModel56Fan · #5 10-19-2017, 04:39 PM

Not sure what they meant - possibly the instructions might provide a clue - but it seems to me that if one fired +P in this little gem,
it would be better that it be jacketed. Lead +P might be a prime candidate for bullets backing out of the cases after three or four
rounds fired.

It is possible that using a Tyler will cause your middle finger to get rapped - this happens to me with my 642, but not with my 37.
Obviously the exact weight and moment arms (is that right?) are critical, as is, obviously, hand size.

Good luck!

Fishinfool · #6 10-19-2017, 04:52 PM

Lead bullets backing out under recoil would be my guess as well, though I doubt it would be a problem with fully seated waddcutters and a roll crimp, or mild loadings with other lead bullets.

Looks like a great pick for ease of carry with the added bonus of adjustable sights.

Nowadays, I "stroll" in the woods, but back when I seriously back packed, I carried a Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 spl. I liked the .44 as last ditch medicine against bears and moose, as most of my hiking was in Maine.

That 337 would make an excellent small game gun loaded with waddcutters.

Larry

eb07 · #7 10-19-2017, 04:53 PM

I too use the charter bulldog.

Wish s&w would make a lightweight 44 sp. even ruger is putting 44sp out.

rburg · #8 10-19-2017, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eb07

I too use the charter bulldog.

Wish s&w would make a lightweight 44 sp. even ruger is putting 44sp out.

Have you been living under a rock for the last 20 years?

Ever heard of the 396?

And the guesses were right on the bullet pull. Being a near idiot, I had to try with my 337. I bought the aluminum case 158 grain +P. Yes they pull. If you don't believe me, get yourself a set of calipers and go shooting. They seem to pull easily with the aluminum case. While none tied my gun up, I stopped trying when it got close.

ImDrRichard · #9 10-19-2017, 06:39 PM

The use of jacketed bullets 'only' in certain guns has been around for awhile.

eb07 · #10 10-19-2017, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rburg

Have you been living under a rock for the last 20 years?

Ever heard of the 396?

And the guesses were right on the bullet pull. Being a near idiot, I had to try with my 337. I bought the aluminum case 158 grain +P. Yes they pull. If you don't believe me, get yourself a set of calipers and go shooting. They seem to pull easily with the aluminum case. While none tied my gun up, I stopped trying when it got close.

I must be because last I checked it wasn't in production.

justintyme · #11 10-19-2017, 11:10 PM

That 337 is very cool. I just picked up my version of a great camping S&W too, not a 396, but a 296 Ti airweight. Ridiculously light!! Also has some bullet restrictions stamped on the Barrel, although supposedly later on they dropped this

ScandiaTitan · #12 10-20-2017, 04:39 PM

On the titanium cylinder guns, if I shoot high velocity rounds i usually have to poke the casings out with a wood dowel

SVT28 · #13 10-31-2017, 02:25 PM

Well, the magnas were not cutting it. Even though recoil was manageable, I wasn't feeling confident with the way the 337 felt in my somewhat largeish hands. So I wanted to try something new. I've never used "Banana" grips before but decided to take the plunge and added a pair to the Airlite. I bought these for a smoking price and I think the grain and color was exactly what the doctor ordered. The grips are also more proportional now with the 3 inch barrel, which is aesthetically pleasing.

More importantly, the revolver feels good in the mitts now, and the recoil is much more tame.

Fashion Show Alert!

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BAM-BAM · #14 10-31-2017, 02:59 PM

My little 337PD is a joy ...... to carry.

rburg nailed the issue with jacketed vs. lead bullets.

Lobster Picnic · #15 11-01-2017, 06:44 PM

Looks great with the new banana grips.

S&WsRsweet · #16 11-02-2017, 06:11 AM

I had to like the pics of that gun especially with the banana grips it is truly a good looking gun .You may be correct it just might be the perfect backpack / hiking/ camping gun .

Sixgun100 · #17 11-02-2017, 09:16 AM

That is one sweet revolver. Think it will be perfect for your intended purpose. Enjoy!!