S&W 637 Pro

[3030guy]

I have a 637 Pro with the PowerPort on hold at the local shop. I really like the feel of this gun and the sight picture. Before I seal the deal, just wondering what opinions you have of this gun. People seem to love or hate the PowerPort. In a real self defence situation I doubt I'd notice the additional noise, and expect it would turn a 38 special blast into something more like a 357. What do you think?

[Keith L]

You will need to be careful with the ammo you use.  Don't get +p.  Keep with one of the loads designed for personal protection like Hydro-Shocks.  They are lower flash and won't blind you if you have to shoot at night.  One of my handguns has a ported barrel and can make the second shot hard to aim if I have to hot a load.  The flash goes straight up and back.  YMMV.

[3030guy]

Well I picked up the 637 today, traded in an LCR to get it. I took it home, cleaned it off and of course had to shoot it. Not much of a range test, just loaded up a cylinder of 130 grain FMJ Federal American Eagle. Shooting at a cardboard box at about 10 yard. In short, it shot great! It was grouping a little high, but I was using a bead on target sight picture, a six o'clock hold would be right on I think.  The porting really helped minimize the muzzle jump, and I can't say I noticed any kind of flash (but it was daylight), and I didn't think it sounded any louder than a non-ported snubby. Of course I was wearing ear protection, but I still expected to notice some difference. It carries well, handles much better for me than the LCR, and seems to have accuracy potential. I think I found my new BFF!

[Mohawk]

Buffalo Bore makes good low flash loads for .38. They work too, look at my avatar....

[3030guy]

I'm going to have to shoot it in low light conditions to see how much of a flash it generates. I like to reload my rounds and planning to use TiteGroup for this gun. I believe it has a low flash and it's been very accurate in my guns.