Model 60 vs model 37 airweight

[nawilson]

If you're buying it to carry, then get the Model 60. The durability of the stainless steel construction makes up for a few extra ounces. Also, if you're buying it to carry versus collect, then all the extras in the Model 37 don't really matter. Good luck with your decision!

 

[jsmith357]

I have and used a 60 and a 637. I only have trouble shooting the 637 with the heaviest loads....BUT in a j frame I have come to shoot hotter 148gr WCs. With that I can shoot a lot of 637. If I could only get one - I would get the 637

 

[white cloud]

This is crazy. Life is very short. Get both. J Frames are like pump shotguns, great things to have around.

 

[mrrick]

I picked up a model 60 no dash today with N. B. P. D. C.-67 stamped on the back. serial # R136XXX. $400 out the door.

I'll start another post with pictures.

 

[kff41]

I agree with White Cloud life is short Get them both check them over first Try them both and then carry the one that you like the most and you shoot well {most important] Take the other one and put it away as prices seem to rise over time or use it for trade stock in the future Best Keith

 

[Twiki357]

I have a Pre M37 (1957), a M37 no dash (1977), a 37-2 (1997, and a 637-2 (2011). All are carry guns and shot regularly with standard loads and no cracked frames. Just an FYI. The $400 for the M37 with all the goodies sounds like a fair price. $500 for a no dash M60 sounds a little high to me.

 

[alwslate]

I have both, a 60-7 and a 37-2. Both have 1 7/8" barrels and on my
kitchen scale the 60 weighs 19 ozs and the 37 weighs 13 ozs, empty.
The 6 oz difference is quite noticeable on a belt holster and in a
pocket holster is more than just noticeable. I never carry the 60 in my
jeans pocket due to the weight but I forget the 37 is even there. For
$100 less I would grab the 37 before it gets away if you're looking for
a carry gun. I love my 60 and sometimes open carry it in a holster
when outdoors at my place but the 37 has become my constant
companion when out in public. Used 60s are a lot more common than
mint 37s and $500 sounds too high for the 60. You can always find a
60 later. As to shooting, the lightweights are for carrying a lot-
shooting a little in my opinion.

 

[stu1ritter]

I've carried a model 37 since I bought it new in 1978. Years ago I used to shoot it at least once a week to stay in form with it (usually after a bullseye match). Years ago I didn't mind shooting it with factory ammo. These days (age 72) I find it a wee bit of a handful in the recoil department. I also have a 3" 60-15 and have no trouble these days at factory level ammo. That small weight difference seems to matter if you want to shoot it very much. If sharp recoil doesn't bother you disregard the above.

 

[palmetto99]

I have carried a model 60 no dash for about eight years. I have never had a problem with the weight of a steel j-frame for pocket carry, IWB or OWB. My biggest issue has to do with grips. Larger grips help me with recoil, but make it hard to pocket carry. If you are collecting, go with the 37, if it is for a carry gun, model 60.

 

[Old cop]

Re: the frame crack thing I've owned my Model 38 (DOB 1962) since the early 70's and no frame problems. It gets a trip to the range fairly often, but only w/standard pressure loads. I run +P through it about 2 x a year.

 

[Brian41]

I carry a Model 37 every day all day in my pocket and it's like nothing there weight wise. I also have a 36 and 49 which I don't carry but have and the extra weight does sag your pocket some.
My 37-2 is DAO with no lock and was from a run a few years back supposedly made for export. Some may still be around so you might be able to find a newer gun if that matters at all to you.
No cracks on mine but shoot standard 38 and not too much of it either.

 

[RussellD]

I carry a lightweight and shoot steel frame guns at the range. Just purchased a an older Flat latch pre 37. I dont see it going in to the carry rotation.

 

[hotrod150]

This is crazy. Life is very short. Get both. J Frames are like pump shotguns, great things to have around.

I agree-- get them both. That's a great price on the model 37 & a reasonable price on the 60. I have four Chiefs-- two 36's, a pre-37, and a 60. I do most of my shooting with the heavier guns, but often carry the airweight-- since they are all set up the same (with 13# rebound springs, bobbed hammers, smooth triggers, and uncle mike boot grips) I feel that the practice translates to all of them.

 

[stu1ritter]

I agree-- get them both. That's a great price on the model 37 & a reasonable price on the 60. I have four Chiefs-- two 36's, a pre-37, and a 60. I do most of my shooting with the heavier guns, but often carry the airweight-- since they are all set up the same (with 13# rebound springs, bobbed hammers, smooth triggers, and uncle mike boot grips) I feel that the practice translates to all of them.

I agree also. I have half a dozen and always on the lookout for another interesting J.

 

[gm272gs]

Apples and Oranges.
The Model 60 is a great revolver. The model 37 and others like it, are sort of a dime a dozen. Okay, that is MY OPINION.

A 637 can be had for $200-$250, if you ask around. A lot of these get bought for a "purse gun" (by a husband, for his wife, without consulting her) because they are small and light. Many of them ride around in purses for a while, until the lady shoots it. They are a handful, even with light .38 SPL loads, and absolutely no fun to shoot (again in MY OPINION). Most people (whom I meet) can't wait to get rid of them, and are willing to take a loss. Results may vary, but you shouldn't compare a model 60 with a 37.

Get the model 60. You will never sell it.
Get the model 37 and you'll sell it in less than a year.

 

[shep854]

I have carried a model 60 no dash for about eight years. I have never had a problem with the weight of a steel j-frame for pocket carry, IWB or OWB. My biggest issue has to do with grips. Larger grips help me with recoil, but make it hard to pocket carry. If you are collecting, go with the 37, if it is for a carry gun, model 60.

I have found regular wood grips (I call them 'lemon peel' grips) with a grip adapter such as the Tyler T-Grip is very comfortable and firm in my average/large hands, yet gives up nothing for concealability. Check my profile pic.

 

[Roofuss]

Well, after reading all these posts, i still am on the fence .
A few years back, I bought a 3rd series Colt Cobra { early 1980's} for a pocket gun. After less than 100 rounds, I sold it, I liked the light weight for pocket carry, not the recoil. I am 3 weeks from retirement, and right now, can NOT afford to buy them both. Both guns have their pro's and con's, just gotta figure out which better suits my needs. Many thanks to all for your input !!

 

[kaaskop49]

This is crazy. Life is very short. Get both. J Frames are like pump shotguns, great things to have around.

I like this guy! Spoken like a true 'J-hound!' Js are the absolute last thing you sell if you're forced to sell.

I've found, however, that the 37 is a bear to shoot, even with standard pressure service ammo. True, I have nerve damage in the web of my hand, but it's still difficult to shoot.

TO ALL ABOVE POSTERS: This is a great thread. Some very savvy folks opining here! Some of you I already know. To the rest of you, nice to meet more fellow 'J-hounds'.

Kaaskop49
J-hound extraordinaire
____________________
Best $1.80 I ever spent!

 

[O2Guy]

Either J frame that you decide on will be a very nice pocket gun. You can't make a wrong decision on this one.

 

[murphydog]

Well, after reading all these posts, i still am on the fence .
A few years back, I bought a 3rd series Colt Cobra { early 1980's} for a pocket gun. After less than 100 rounds, I sold it, I liked the light weight for pocket carry, not the recoil. I am 3 weeks from retirement, and right now, can NOT afford to buy them both. Both guns have their pro's and con's, just gotta figure out which better suits my needs. Many thanks to all for your input !!

If you are going to buy one, and your recoil tolerance hasn't changed in the last few years, it sounds like you've answered your own question .