Air Weight Questions

[629shooter]

They don't seem that cheap around here. Pawn shops ask $499 and up for old guns with the finish worn off them. I'm still learning. I did find a new inbox 637 and 638 today for $399 each didn't think that sounded to bad.

For the money, the Airweights are really hard to beat.


If you want the lightest current production J frame with an "exposed" hammer take a look at a S&W 360PD. If you want a little better sight picture and, wouldn't mind gaining 1.9 oz. the M&P 360 is worth a look. They are Magnum revolvers but, you obviously don't have to shoot magnums. But, you would have the "option." But, the Scandium revolvers are at a higher price point.

 

[guskody]

i like the idea of having the lightest weight-yet comfortable to train with to become proficient with it-revolver for pocket carry possible.

But from a practical standpoint, i find myself carrying so much other **** in my pockets on an every day basis (i.e. loaded speed strip, phone, house keys, car keys, billfold, loose change, sometimes a pocket knife, etc...BTW all in different pockets than my single dedicated pocket for my pocket holstered J frame) that the few ounces of weight savings between my 342PD and 442 for everyday carry cannot be justified.

i find the 342PD pleasant enough to shoot to train with it regularly, using standard and +P ammo. i also like the red ramp insert on the FS.

but i prefer the cut for moon clips 442 pro for easier ejection of brass over any not cut for moon clips models, irregardless of weight.

if you like the idea of under 11 ounces and "just want one", i get that.

if you are a runner, and you want to carry the lightest weight revolver possible on your run, i get that.

if you carried it in one of the built in pocket holstered T shirts as a BUG, i get that.

if you are going to carry a NY re load and will carry two 342PD's (twice the weight savings) and not much other **** in your other pockets, i suppose i get that too.

but for me, it turns out i "just wanted one".

good luck with your decision.

 

[dr. K]

I've always thought the lighter-weight .357 J's were cool looking, and I like the idea of the sights on them... but when I really looked at what I needed and what I'd use, and tried out a bunch of options at a range that does rentals, I realized I'd probably never use much more than .38 spl +p in a small revolver like that. Bought a 442 and saved about 1/2 the dough I'd have spent on the lightweight .357s, used the rest on practice ammo, holsters, and grips to try out over the next year or so. I have a 640 for when I want .357, and its 27 oz. or so loaded is about as light as I'd go for a magnum.

 

[silverta16]

Picked up a new in the box Wyatt Deep Cover today, very pleased with it. Took my Taurus pictured above in and the dealer traded with $100 boot between them out the door. I thought that was more than fair and jumped on it. Very pleased with the action and the way the gun feels. Thanks all for your input and advice.

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Congrats on a great carry gun!

Several members on here have more than one, so it must be good...right.

 

[brokugin]

You say your 85CH 'shoots great' and you carry it in a holster that works well for you. So why change?

 

[silverta16]

This is essentially the same gun, same weight, just a smith. I'd owned the other gun for almost 10 years. I like these grips better also they are smaller and fit my hand better. Just time for something new. Holster works for this gun also.

 

[629shooter]

This is essentially the same gun, same weight, just a smith. I'd owned the other gun for almost 10 years. I like these grips better also they are smaller and fit my hand better. Just time for something new. Holster works for this gun also.

There is nothing wrong with upgrading.