What is the best S&W Airweight?

[JayDubya]

Seven years ago, I bought a 637. If I had known then what I know now, I would have bought a 642 instead. I shot the 637 weekly for several years, almost always double action. The few times I shot it single action, I was unimpressed -- perhaps because I so seldom practice single action. My primary interest in any Airweight is HD/SD, so I practice with silhouette targets at 5-10 yards. My secondary interest is avoidance of pain and freshly minted (and then popped) blisters. My hand is 78 years old, and it does not like lots of rounds fired from Airweights.

If I need it, my 637 is there for me in its secret hiding place. It's just that a 642 would have been a neater solution.

Cordially, Jack

 

[docbooks]

332 -- CT Lazer grips, Magsafe ammo, weighs 12.4 oz with 6 rounds ready to rock and roll. I live in FL, and whether its 98 degrees out or 58, I never step out the door without it -- unbelievably light and concealable! Yeah, I know its no cannon, but I figure I can place a few good shots and cause a hell of a belly ache --- and, like I said I ALWAYS have it with me and live by rule #1 --- make sure you bring a gun to a gun fight

 

[docbooks]

That last sentence should include "fight" at the end

 

[OLDFED]

442...she's light, dark, has a great trigger and calls me "Honey". No lock, of course!

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

The Model 942 is my Favorite "Airweight"..
Being only "One" was ever made I had to mate a 940-1s cylinder to my 642-0 to create myself one..
Range report still due on the "942" It's currently a 38spl in my right front pocket as a 642..
Gary/Hk

 

[rangemeister]

442 pre lock for me!

 

[Mitch_D]

The Best Airweight...

642. No Lock.

 

[redstategunnut]

442-1

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

weight is paramount. So I pick my 337. Other than that, it would be a no lock 638 and I would swap out the cylinder with the one in my 337

 

[HeyJoe]

model 638, the best of both worlds and model 331 for light carry with 6 rounds.

 

[kwikrnu]

337ti airlite .38 special +p

 

[sonny]

442 for Airweight, or 640-1 if you want more power...and more weight. There have been times that I was "uncomfortable" because I couldn't feel the weight of my Airweight and preferred the greater weigth of the .357 stainless.

 

[bubbajoe45]

I have a 442, but have been thinking awfully hard about a 12-2. I think a 325 NG would qualify, but I don't have one . . . yet.

 

[maccpd]

Any of the Centennial type. The concealed hammer makes them perfect for concealed carry. I use a 442 as my back-up/off duty weapon

 

[dakers]

I like my 296, love the kick.

 

[indiandave]

I have a model 642-2 and a model12-2. They're both great guns.

 

[Jimmymac46]

It really depends if you like an exposed hammer or not. I like my 342 because it has the internal hammer, slips in the front pocket of my Levi's without effort, after a few steps I forget it is there, and it will go into action if necessary without effort...no safety required, reliable to the extreme, and confortable to carry. An exposed hammer model won't work as well for my requirements. JMHO.

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

That's my oppinion on the Centennials Too..
They don't snag on anything & almost disapear in your front pocket.. I had a 342Ti & while it was lighter I didn't enjoy shooting it as much as my 642, that couple of extra ounces realy helps in the recoil department..
The Airlites do carry a bit easier than the Airweights but not by much..
I have a great Kramer pocket holster but it weighs almost what the gun does & usualy use an Uncle Mikes IWB holster with the clip removed & it does what I need very well..
I don't think you can find a better concealed carry weapon than the Airweight/Airlite Centennials..
My 2 Cents Worth

 

[ect1222t]

My only Airweight is a 637-2. Yeah, it has the lock, but I don't use it. It's an upgrade from an old Charter Arms .38 Spl. (gasp). It rides in an old Bianchi 12 ankle holster. I like the 637 because of the exposed hammer. (Many moons ago I had a 2" blue .38 Special Colt Cobra, S.N.# B98062, but it was stolen 9/10/75 and has yet to be recovered.) So I'm different. Isn't that what this country is about? -Ed.
P.S.: Now will someone give me a 937?

 

[Stainz]

The absolute best Airweight is the 442/642. It's everything you need - and nothing you don't need - for a CCW. Of course, why would you want an Airweight if it wasn't intended as a CCW? It's often overlooked attribute is it's cost. As S&W's best selling revolver (642), you save a lot of money to apply towards something else that will be a far better plinker.

Stainz