What is the best S&W Airweight?

[VAdoublegunner]

I like my 637-2. I like having the exposed hammer for deliberate aimed fire. The little guns are capable of right decent accuracy with the proper load in the hands of a good shooter. That can come in handy in some situations. Otherwise, 'ol humpy' the 638 has some appeal.

 

[sonny]

You haven't been in any gunfights yet. So wear an Uncle Mike's shooting glove most of the time for practice, with a couple of cylinder-fulls also without the glove. Will save your hand.
I love my 442 and my 640-1, and am 71.
Sonny

 

[loutent]

I bought my first S&W revolver only 6 months ago, after thinking about it for quite a while. My brother had the 642 and even he suggested the 638 as a nice compromise - I have not been disappointed. Sits snugly in a Desantis Nemisis:

 

[BlackSky]

I would assume the clear winner if put to a vote would be a 442 closely followed by the 642.

However, my vote would go to neither of those.

The best S&W Airweight for me would be the 432PD for the following reasons.

1) Recoil of a .38 Special (forget +P) is too much for me in an Airweight J frame.

2) Recoil of the .32 H&R Magnum in an Airweight J frame is perfect for me.

3) J frame airweights in .38 and .357 get 5 rounds of ammunition. I get 6 rounds in my .32.

4) .32 H&R Magnum is no slouch what so ever. I'm fully confident carrying it for self defense. I have 85 grain Federal PD in mine at 1100fps/228ft.lbs. (compared to .38 Spec. +P 129 grain Federal HS at 950fps/258ft.lbs.)

5) It weighs a whopping 13.5oz with Crimson Trace laser grips. (Which mine has, the pic below is old...before I bought the CT's).

6) Without the hammer (431PD has exposed hammer, 432PD does not) it's ideal for snag free concealment.

 

[srgvaz]

642-2 is a good one.

 

[allglock]

37-2.................

 

[pjsjr]

Me to...37-2. I posted this picture sometime ago but will again. Preston

 

[Frizzman]

432

I find the 432 to be an excellent revolver. Six shots and easily controlled and not too nasty to shoot well. I like the cartridge. The biggest problem with it for now is finding any factory ammo. I guess I shouldn't mention my Colt Agent...

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

NO LOCK 442

 

[Sistema1927]

It is no surprise that the 442/642 is leading the pack. My pre-lock 642 has been flawless.

However, there is something in me that thinks that the "old-school" square butts like my 37 are the best, closely followed by the Model 12.

 

[GoHogs]

A pre-lock 642 gets my vote.

 

[WMK642]

Own both 642 and 686 4"(with locks). Lots of shots down range no problems with either. Love and respect them both.

 

[mjr]

Model 12. Much better action than the J-frames.

 

[bmcgilvray]

Any model with a single action capability. I have a Model 642 but don't much care for it, preferring to tote my Chief's Special when a J-Frame is called for.

mjr may be onto something with his claim for the Model 12.

 

[Leonard]

My old body guard

 

[Rangerpat]

Out on the street, the 340 PD for two-legged critters; 329 NG for four-legged critters out in the woods.

 

[g26s239]

Best is subjective, I only own a 642-2 Airweight but I like it a lot.

 

[cflier]

I go along with the one you have practiced with evey week for years, and that you have in your pocket when you need it. Personally I use a pre 42 that's light and handy.
cflier

 

[heeter3]

442 in a Don Hume pocket holster or Bianchi ankle holster been carrying one for 14 years.

 

[addicted]

the one in my hand.

i'm partial to the chief's special, also, no one specified best to pull out of a pocket snag free or best to shoot single action.