Need some help picking a EDC revolver and caliber.

[smoore]

Get the 637-2 for sure. With a serial number like "CYA," how can you ~not~ get it?!

Lol.

And yes I did (under their encouragement) dry fire each one I held. I was under the impression that is not a good thing on revolvers. I am sure it won’t break it if done very minimally, and maybe I am wrong about it anyway. After all I am not a revolver guy, yet.
That is one thing that really stood out on that 15 Dan Wesson. The trigger was smooth as glass, yet so crisp you could feel every single click and notch. I can’t describe it very well, but it was the best trigger (in my opinion) I have felt in a revolver. Again not that I am an expert, but I did test it back to back with about 6 others right there, and by memory against any other I have shoot or dry fired. It was really something. And I can’t really stop thinking about it. It is pretty likely, unless I find out it is a horrible deal or something bad with that particular gun, that I will end up with it along with the 637.


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[Kadonny]

Well I didn’t mention the ones I looked at and didn’t like as much. Again today I looked at the 642 and 442. I still didn’t care much for them. They are ok just not the one for me, so please don’t take offense to that. I also looked at and lcr and a lcrx I liked the x better than the dao version, but not as much as others I looked at. I also for the first time held the 649? I think that is it. It was the small 38 with the shielded hammer that can still be shot single action. It was also ok and I looked at it a few times, but I liked the 637 better. I also looked and dismissed a 38 body guard. I liked it too, but still want a sa/da revolver. Out of the 8 or so 38’s I looked at today, I liked the 637 the best.
I also thought it was a good price. As far as the Dan Wesson revolvers, they are also in line with what I have been looking for from the start. They have the ability to be used with a longer barrel or the shorter 2.5” barrel like the one comes with already. Only issue is it is a little heavier and slightly larger then I was hoping for. Also the fact that I would either have to buy the short one and later buy a longer barrel, or buy the long one and either buy something like the 637, or find a short barrel means spending more money. I was not trying to be cheap, but if the combo of the model 14 and 637 would serve me better then either the 15, or 15/637 combo then I would do it. The $100 savings was just a bonus. I can change and use the money I put down to anything they have. I don’t have to decide right now. I did really like the trigger on the Dan Wesson though. And while I hadn’t considered one before I found myself saying wow I really like that. I did also like the 637. I have looked at a lot of guns I do feel like I am focused on what I want, as much as I can be without coming into this thread with one gun on my mind. I have read and reread every post here and looked into everything thing suggested so please don’t think I am not listening.


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I get it, I do. Look bottom line is you have to be happy with what you pick, and the more important thing is you have to be able to shoot what you pick well. We all know any S&W revolver will be reliable, it's what they do. My point was if you truly want a dedicated carry gun, a DAO concealed hammer is ideal. Will the 637 work? Absolutely, but just remember you have a hammer there and you have to train to make sure it won't snag.

It soundsl like you prefer a SA/DA which is fine, just remember in almost every defensive situation you'll never even think about using it SA, so practice, practice, practice with the DA. That's why I recommend DAO for carry, one action and one way to practice with it, that's all.

Good luck, that 637 will do you fine. The J frame airweights are all basically the same gun anyway.

 

[smoore]

I get it, I do. Look bottom line is you have to be happy with what you pick, and the more important thing is you have to be able to shoot what you pick well. We all know any S&W revolver will be reliable, it's what they do. My point was if you truly want a dedicated carry gun, a DAO concealed hammer is ideal. Will the 637 work? Absolutely, but just remember you have a hammer there and you have to train to make sure it won't snag.

It soundsl like you prefer a SA/DA which is fine, just remember in almost every defensive situation you'll never even think about using it SA, so practice, practice, practice with the DA. That's why I recommend DAO for carry, one action and one way to practice with it, that's all.

Good luck, that 637 will do you fine. The J frame airweights are all basically the same gun anyway.

I will definitely practice much more in DA than SA. And I know if I ever had to use it, I would be shooting in DA mode. Tons of Legal reasons why you would want to use DA in that situation, none of which would probably be going through your mind at the time. All of that aside for me the looks of the traditional hammer and the ability to use it in SA for fun, is enough to push me to that side. I am sure I could be happy with a DAO, but I am also sure every time I looked at it and shot it I would wish I had gotten a SA/DA version instead. I do listen though, which is why I have kept looking at different DAO revolvers even if I thought I didn't want one. I might find just the right one and change my mind. I thought it might be the M&P Bodyguard in the 38 special. I liked the looks pretty good online. and it was nice in the store, but side by side the 637 won out. Also that 638 with the shrouded hammer was nice and they had a used one for $40 or so more than the 637. again I just liked the 637 more and would have even if it was more expensive. Something I find kind of funny, is some of the guns I like better in stainless and some I like the black versions better, or would prefer it to be in the other finish. It seems to me I tend to like smaller revolvers in black better and larger in stainless. not always true, but looks like it is most of the time.

 

[Lu..]

As u said, you saw the 649 (SS 357 bodyguard), but you prefer the Airweight 637. All that matters is you are happy with what u get. The 637 is a fine revolver.

You can dry fire revolvers with snap caps. I think the new models with transfer bars are ok to dry fire without snap caps, but I’m not 100% sure. I know the issue was with the old models that had the firing pin on the hammer, but play it safe, just get the snap caps and you’ll smooth out the action with heavy dry firing.

Lastly, make sure you inspect the lockup and timing of that used wheelie before you fully purchase it.

 

[smoore]

As u said, you saw the 649 (SS 357 bodyguard), but you prefer the Airweight 637. All that matters is you are happy with what u get. The 637 is a fine revolver.

You can dry fire revolvers with snap caps. I think the new models with transfer bars are ok to dry fire without snap caps, but I’m not 100% sure. I know the issue was with the old models that had the firing pin on the hammer, but play it safe, just get the snap caps and you’ll smooth out the action with heavy dry firing.

Lastly, make sure you inspect the lockup and timing of that used wheelie before you fully purchase it.

Ok will do thanks. And sorry I am not sure now if it was the 649 or the 638. One is a 357, 649 I think and the other is the 38 special. I looked at one, probably the 38 special. I was getting the 2 confused since they look identical.


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[Lu..]

Ok will do thanks. And sorry I am not sure now if it was the 649 or the 638. One is a 357, 649 I think and the other is the 38 special. I looked at one, probably the 38 special. I was getting the 2 confused since they look identical.


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The 638 is the aluminum frame bodyguard that is rated for 38 +p. It has a flatter finish vs the 649 which is the heavier Stainless Steel frame bodyguard that can fire 357.

As you said, both the 638 & 649 look identical, but no matter as you prefer the 637.

Enjoy your new revolver, glad all of us were able to help.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

I think the 637 for $295 is a great deal and will be the easiest to carry.

PLUS it has the desirable CYA serial number.

 

[Kadonny]

Also that 638 with the shrouded hammer was nice and they had a used one for $40 or so more than the 637. again I just liked the 637 more and would have even if it was more expensive.

I love a good humpback too, I just never bought one. It's a great cross of a no snag hammer mixed with the versatility of a SA if need be.

 

[ABPOS]

If you find you don't like the hammer down the road, you can always have it bobbed.

To me this is a very desirable thing. Having a hammer bobbed or not bobbed to put your thumb on when holstering is an added safety bonus. I probably already said that. LOL. I'm excited for you.

As far as the Dan Wesson goes, I have no experience other than my Uncle has one and my Friend from church has one and they both like them. Otherwise I know nothing. I do believe them to be quality guns.

And I think they're still being made and owned by CZ.

 

[smoore]

Here are some pics of that Dan Wesson

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[ABPOS]

That is an interesting beast!

 

[smoore]

the current grip on it is very large. I found some smaller grips that will work better if using it as a carry gun

 

[The_Truth]

The price on that 637 seems sweet.

 

[smoore]

I ordered some 38 special snap caps today, and one of these for some at home trigger practice.

It slides into the barrel and is sound activated with the hammer strikes. It sends a small pulse to a target. I have the bullet style for my 9mm, but would have to buy 5 more for my revolver. At $50 or so each, I thought this was the better option.


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[ABPOS]

I was just talking with the guy from Church that has the Dan Wesson and he says they have gone up in price.... It dawned on me that there may be some value in that Dan Wesson... I don't really know though. Plus, it might very well be a good shooter. It looks kind of cool. Definitely different. It's just not something you see every day.

It looks like they're still making them. CZ owns Dan Wesson now though.

Dan Wesson 715 Revolver - Dan Wesson

 

[smoore]

I was just talking with the guy from Church that has the Dan Wesson and he says they have gone up in price.... It dawned on me that there may be some value in that Dan Wesson... I don't really know though. Plus, it might very well be a good shooter. It looks kind of cool. Definitely different. It's just not something you see every day.

It looks like they're still making them. CZ owns Dan Wesson now though.

Dan Wesson 715 Revolver - Dan Wesson

Thanks. I have been doing a ton of research on them. I also can’t find any nearly as cheap as this one. The finish on it looks almost brand new. The owner of the says it is his gun, and he is only selling because he has way to many and it just sits there and doesn’t get shot. I think he bought it from gun broker years ago. Not sure how long he has had it though.


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[stonebuster]

Your LGS has some very tempting guns and pricing compared to the gold coast here in Northeast. Looks like you're close to a decision. In the end I think you're going to own several revolvers for different purposes like a lot of us. Enjoy!

 

[smoore]

Your LGS has some very tempting guns and pricing compared to the gold coast here in Northeast. Looks like you're close to a decision. In the end I think you're going to own several revolvers for different purposes like a lot of us. Enjoy!

Thanks. Yes right now I am planning on buying 2. I liked the 637 quite a lot but that Dan Wesson is something different, at least to me. I keep thinking if I was only buying one which would it be. I can’t say. I think the Dan is not going to help me carry daily, and I will carry the 637. So that makes the 637 more suitable to what I needed. But I like the Dan better. We will see if this holds true once I shoot both. I am tempted to go get the 637 tomorrow. I only have $100 or so left. I would have to check to see exactly. Idk I might get it tomorrow, the wait is killing me.

Another note. I tried my gun belt for a day. It is a really nice firm leather belt that holds the gun nicely. Unfortunately for me my belt I was using, that elastic one worked better. My problem, while I need to loose some weight, I have no hips and a flat back side. A normal belt even as tight as I can pull it, doesn’t hold my gun and pants up. I do have 2 fixes for this.

1st is I am buying that 637
2nd I bought some suspenders that hook to your belt and they hold the weight and keep the pants from falling down.


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[ABPOS]

I wonder how much the wesson weighs with the 2.5" barrel. But an airweight is obviously super easy to carry.

 

[diyj98]

Those old Dan Wesson seemed to be hit and miss as far as quality. The 637 would be my pick of the ones you're looking at.