What is the best S&W Airweight?

[Engine49guy]

My favorite "Airweight" is the shrouded hammer nickel model 38 (Right) , Shown next to a Stainless 649 (left)

My second favorite is this classic 3" pencil barrel square butt Model 37.

Third is this slightly large Square butt K frame "Airweight" Model 12-3 with pinned barrel.

 

[RLS1851]

642

I think the best is the one I have, 624. I like the fact that it does not have a hammer to get snagged in my pocket. I normally use the Uncle Mike's pocket holster.

 

[josp]

My Airlight

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

337ti airlite .38 special +p

Ditto. BTW did yours come with that hammer or did you swap it out???

 

[Iggy]

I kinda like the Model 12.

 

[Rodrockinoff]

Sure like my Airweight model 37 (no dash) in (gleaming) nickel with a 2" barrel. I gotta' have that hammer (exposed)... yes, I AM "old-school." The Pachmayr Gripper grips ease the kick a bit and improve double-action accuracy. Love being able to shoot single AND double action. That feature makes it a good gun for the range AND self-defense carry. Have a Nemesis for the front pocket and a nice Tagua leather slide for the belt.

 

[Nimble Jack B.]

I can't believe there's 5 pages and not one 340PD.

Here's my 340PD with the Green Hi-Viz front sight:

 

[Black_Sheep]

M12 or 642, I don't feel under-gunned with either...

 

[cowboy117]

I carry a 37-2 in a Simply Rugged Silver Dollar Pancake.

 

[BubbaBlades]

I agree with everyone that mentioned a 642/442. I carry both models depending on my preference for the long (442) or short (642) Crimson Trace grip. I use to carry a M38 for the single action option, however, with practice I am now able to keep most of my 642/442 shots in the silhouette center of mass.
Mark

 

[ab4ka]

I like the Bodyguard configuration. Gives the benefits of the concealed hammer with still having the ability to manually cock it.

 

[Don K.]

The best for me is a 329. As much as I love my steel 44's, I have to almost force myself to carry them. Not that the steel guns are all that difficult for me to carry, but that 329 seems to just float on my side.
As great as all of the smaller frame guns are, I can't get comfortable with them. They are just too small. It's like trying to use a cup from a childs tea set for me-it just don't feel right unless it's an N-frame.

 

[Cristiano]

Model 12 with a four-inch barrel. Used it in the USAF back when they used the .38. Much more easily handled (especially with Pachmayr "Gripper" stocks) than the Model 15 they used.

Depends on what reason you need a lightweight. Most are voting the 642 and like guns.

Just MHO
ric

 

[jframe]

I guess that I like the Bodyguards, since I just bought one at lunchtime.

 

[IvanW]

Another vote for the Bodyguard. Add the CT 405 laser grip for a perfect combo!

 

[bmcgilvray]

I have a Model 642 but believe that I like the notion of the Bodyguard best of all. I like single action capabilities.

Even the now long discontinued Model 12 has merit, especially in 2-inch guise. Smith & Wesson goodness and six-shot capacity.

 

[exfebee]

For a J-Frame, i carry a Bodyguard 649-3 with Federal Hydra Shoc 129 grain JHP, normally in a OWB Galco holster. Nice carry at 22 ounces, but 5 pieces of lead pumps of the weight slightly. Wife has the 638-6 loaded with 110 grain JHP. Not just for 2 legged critters only, but we have Fox, a Fla Panther, Bobcats, coyotes, & Rattle snakes around here. Use the CCI Snake Shot on those critters - only if they are under 4 feet long, and the 357 Silvertip if they are longer than 8 feet.. Also carry a couple HKS Speed loaders as well.
Carl

 

[fatbob]

Mine is a 442 no-lock with CT grips. Goes with me everyday.

 

[tom turner]

I would like to hear what forum members think
is the best S&W Airweight and why? If you like
post some pictures. Thanks Don

The best Airweight?

Hmmm . . . my little 5' 0" wife thinks it is her 3" Model 37 Airweight from 1971 . . . the year she graduated from high school that I found for her a year or so ago.

With the 3" barrel, she found a revolver she could shoot really well . . . just like she found in my 3" barreled Model 65. At a class taught by our local sheriff's department, she shot it so well that the firearms instructor told her she shot better than most cops!

That's confidence!

MY FAVORITE AIRWEIGHT?

My 1971 Model 37 snubbie. Why the exposed hammer version vs. the shrouded hammer and "Centennial" Airweights? EASY . . . for that's what I found when looking for a pristine pinned barrel Airweight! I'd have been just as happy with the other two versions.

THE BEST AIRWEIGHT? . . . ONE THAT'S PAID FOR . . . AND IN YOUR POCKET SHOULD TROUBLE EVER COME KNOCKING!

You can't beat a good Airweight for a CCW weapon!

T.

Photos? Oh yeah! I've found the best grip for me is a normal S&W wooden stock WITH a Tyler T-grip, or a nice Elk Stag grip in the same grip shape with a Tyler.

Here's my M37 as I first got her . . . then the same M37 today with its wood stocks "retired" to my safe for preservation . . . and those stocks replaced with a set of Patrick Grashorn's beautiful stags!

Tom

PS: My wife also prefers her 3" barrel M37 with the Tyler and the original wood grips. We both like the classic Tyler set up . . . even over Hogue and Uncle Mikes "rubbers."

 

[SaberOne]

I have a few although I'm partial to the versatility of the 438. Granted, its a 15.1 ounce unit so that may not qualify as an 'Air Weight' by definition, but its close enough. Likewise, the sperm whale hump (shrouded hammer) provides a bit more stability for fit-up and draw from a pocket holster.

Now if I could find an older all carbon steel version, I'd be happier.