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J-frame 637 vs 60?

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os2firefox

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At the LGS the other day, I handled a model 637, and wow, it just disappears in my pocket. On the other hand, my XDs prints through the pocket with clear lines along the slide and grip, so I usually carry it IWB.

I have been thinking about getting a J-frame, but can't decide between:
PC Model 637 170349: PERFORMANCE CENTER(R) Model 637 Enhanced Action | Smith & Wesson
Pro Model 60 178013: Performance Center(R) Pro Series(R) Model 60 | Smith & Wesson

I would really like to have a 3" barrel and to send it in for a melonite (SBN) treatment (can't on an aluminum frame), but will an inch more make it that much more difficult to pocket carry? I don't think the added weight will matter as the XDs is the same 23oz... What do you think?
 
the 3" makes a big difference in ballistics and ability to shoot decent ammo.
May want to research the ballistics on those snubbies. They lose ALOT. Although the recoil and muzzle blast is still there. Personally If I didnt have at least a 3 inch magnum, Id prefer a single stack 9mm. More rounds, less recoil same or better balistics.
However,, a steel 3" Jframe would be alot for a pocket and you'd need an IWB hoster. Although I also think 23 oz is too much for pocket carry.
 
An inch is worth 50fps, give or take. More importantly that inch is going keep the gun from fitting well in some pockets. If you want a pocket snubby you might want to look at the 442, it's DAO with an enclosed hammer and it's black. Plus it only weighs 15oz making it more comfortable for pocket carry than the heavier M60.
 
Yeah, I agree - if going to iwb I'll stick to the xds. Really looking for a j frame for the times when I have to pocket carry and the xds prints too much.

Didn't have an issue with the hammer on the 637 in my pocket when I handled it, so not looking for a shrouded/enclosed hammer.

Wish they had the 3" model 60, so I could see how it fit... What about the model 60 2.125" snub?
 
I've become very versed on pocket carry after the (too) many abdominal surgical procedures over the past 3 years. Verdict: the 2" bbl .38 or .357 (in my case) lightweight snub is the one on my person and in my pocket. As to the 2.125" Model 60, I have that one also. IMO, it's a holster gun, either IWB or OWB, pure and simple.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
 
I used to have a 3" model 60. It wasn't practical for pocket carry and the extra barrel length and exposed hammer compromised the advantages of the snub revolver. Plus single action just isn't useful or needed for self-defense.

An enclosed hammer(or at the very least a shrouded one)makes much more sense for pocket carry IMO. I had a 640, but I found the weight less than ideal in the pocket and switched to a 642. I find the 2" barrel to be the most efficient. In a jacket pocket, I can get a firing grip on the gun and rotate it while still inside. The combination of short barrel and enclosed hammer makes the gun quick into action, is a snag free design, keeps the internals clean and offers numerous benefits in a contact distance defense scenario. The enclosed hammer allows it to be fired from inside a pocket, purse, bag or if entangled in clothing. In a close-quarter grappling situation, the hammer can not be obstructed during a disarm attempt or just by inadvertent contact. You also more grip options and can take a higher grasp on the backstrap. The double-action trigger is also better on the enclosed hammer models.
 
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Hi os2firefox!

I have both a 637 and a 60-15 Pro Series. The 60 that I have is long for pocket carry IMO. Great in a holster though.

The 637 will disappear and you won't even know it's there. If you get it, a word of caution, either practice covering the hammer spur with your thumb while drawing, or buy another hammer from Midway and get it bobbed, or do it yourself.
 
No the 60 is a bit too big.
I used to carry an xd45 iwb but figured an officer 1911 worked better
 
If ya plan on carrying it a lot and shooting it a lot, get the M60

If ya plan on carrying it a lot and shooting it a little, get the M637.

The difference in weight is tremendous, the difference in durability is also tremendous!

Ya gotta compromise in your mind which is more important!
 
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Hammers snagging on clothing, etc. sounds like something that happens frequently, at least according to Internet forums.

Carry a J-frame revolver (or any frame revolver) with an exposed hammer for many years daily in a concealed manner and see how many times you have a problem with snagging when pulling the gun. There are always exceptions, but I think the large majority of those who have carried these guns for long hours on a regular basis will not recall such a perceived problem. They may not have even thought about it.

And a suspect disabling an exposed hammer revolver in the midst of a struggle? Anything's possible, I suppose, and the world may end tomorrow, too. There is a difference between being reasonably prepared and obsessing over "what ifs".

Concealed carry is a good thing but it's brought about a lot of ideas that are conjectural at best and hardly worth thinking about.
 
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