I like to practice with my carry gun (Airweight 638), usually twice a month. I shoot 100-150 rounds each session. I've noticed that the barrel is really hot after my first box. Should I be letting the gun cool off between boxes? Is the J-frame made to withstand this kind of shooting. Maybe I'm just being paranoid...
Airweight barrel, let it cool off while shooting?
- Thread starter MaxS
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05CarbonDRZ
Member
I always let my Guns cool off,I usually bring 3-4 Guns to the Range for this very reason.
Dandecoteau
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Yep your just paranoid. Remember every time you pull the trigger there is a fiery explosion going off in your hand. Explosions can get pretty warm.
Don't worry about it at all unless your really dumping rounds quick. It would be hard to do damage to a barrel like that since you have to let it cool off while you reload.
Do you really think S&W didn't take that into consideration when making such wonderful firearms?
Keep shooting just like you are. And don't worry about it.
Don't worry about it at all unless your really dumping rounds quick. It would be hard to do damage to a barrel like that since you have to let it cool off while you reload.
Do you really think S&W didn't take that into consideration when making such wonderful firearms?
Keep shooting just like you are. And don't worry about it.
6ForSure
Member
The first time I took my 642 to the range I fired 140 rounds through it almost back to back. The first 20 to check everything out and the last 120 not rapid fire but I didn't give it any time at all to cool down. It's perfect, I had no problems
Pisgah
Member
If the barrel's not so hot it is glowing and beginning to droop, you're good to go.
Funny - I remember being trained on a Ma Deuce (M2 .50 caliber happy gun!) and being taught to change the barrels wearing special gloves due to the heat. If the barrel showed little flecks it was way too hot. If the enemy was coming in droves shoot it until it melts! Ahhh.....Army training, always so entertaining!
I do have to ask, though -
The mantra with Airweight handguns is that they are shot a little and carried a lot. What do you gain from shooting an Airweight 150 times in one session? Presumably, 50 rounds, if you must shoot that many, will tell you where the gun shoots for you at close ranges and at distance and/or what adjustments you need to make to be accurate with it. After that, another 100 rounds teaches you nothing and beats up your nerves and tendons and is probably unhealthy generally for your shooting hand.
Call me crazy, but that's the view from my saddle on lightweight handguns, and I carry a couple of them every day, a 642 and a 638. I'm as proficient as I will ever be with those guns without pounding my hands to death. Not trying to be argumentative but those are not target guns made to play with incessantly. Maybe I'm crazy.....
I do have to ask, though -
The mantra with Airweight handguns is that they are shot a little and carried a lot. What do you gain from shooting an Airweight 150 times in one session? Presumably, 50 rounds, if you must shoot that many, will tell you where the gun shoots for you at close ranges and at distance and/or what adjustments you need to make to be accurate with it. After that, another 100 rounds teaches you nothing and beats up your nerves and tendons and is probably unhealthy generally for your shooting hand.
Call me crazy, but that's the view from my saddle on lightweight handguns, and I carry a couple of them every day, a 642 and a 638. I'm as proficient as I will ever be with those guns without pounding my hands to death. Not trying to be argumentative but those are not target guns made to play with incessantly. Maybe I'm crazy.....
6ForSure
Member
I agree with you 100% It does serve no purpose in hindsight. I did that only the first time I fired it. My hands were fine, but its just a waste of ammo. I rarely fire more than 25-30 rounds these days.
To each his own.... I enjoy the challenge of being as precise as possible with my carry gun. 100-150 rounds of .38spl is fun for me. I don't view it as 'pounding my hands to death'.
I just wanted to make sure the barrel could take it
I just wanted to make sure the barrel could take it
Your doctor will later!
MaxS, I enjoy the challenge of being precise also. I accept all shooting contests - if you can beat me at normal close quarters combat distance, between 3 to 7 yards, you're fabulous. I'll buy you dinner. Really, I will.
But we're not shooting at long distance, I consider that silly with an Airweight (yes, yes, I always do it but that's just for grins) and I'm done after a couple of dozen rounds. Maybe my hands are older than yours......I can take it; I just don't see the need.
I know the barrels can take it! But if you want to shoot a couple of hundred rounds let's bring out the L and N frames. Jus' sayin'.....
Waywatcher
Member
I slow down the shooting to the point where I can alway comfortably hold the gun--like a hot cup of coffee. 10-20 quick rounds, with speedloaders, are no problem, but a box as-fast-as-you-can could get real hot.
justintyme
Member
You need to take more guns to the range, and rotate thru them, its more fun and they wont get as hot. If you don't have more guns to take buy some!
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