Smith & Wesson Airweight .38 Special

The Smith & Wesson 637 Airweight is a classic snub-nose revolver that blends modern materials with timeless design. Built on an aluminum alloy frame with a stainless steel barrel liner and five-shot cylinder, this double-action revolver delivers lightweight concealability without sacrificing durability. Chambered in .38 Special, it’s rated for +P ammunition, giving shooters extra punch in a compact package.

Unlike its hammerless cousin (the 642), the 637 features an exposed hammer. This allows for both double-action and single-action firing, giving the shooter more versatility depending on the situation. The single-action option provides a lighter, crisper trigger pull that can enhance accuracy for well-aimed shots, while the double-action pull is ideal for rapid, defensive shooting.

Weighing in at just under a pound with a 1.875" barrel, the 637 is easy to carry all day and quick to draw when needed. Its compact size, snag-free profile, and slip-resistant rubber grips make it comfortable to conceal yet controllable under recoil.

The purpose of this revolver is straightforward—it was designed to be a lifesaving tool in an emergency. The 637 has proven itself as a reliable concealed-carry companion for decades. Revolvers like this one don’t suffer from stoppages, stovepipes, or feeding issues that can plague semi-automatics. There are no magazines to drop, no slides to jam, and no worries about limp-wristing. Loading and unloading is as simple as flipping open the cylinder and letting gravity do the work.

When faced with a misfire, the fix is instant: just pull the trigger again. A revolver’s simplicity under stress is one of its greatest advantages. It’s also capable of firing from concealment—something semi-autos struggle with if the slide is obstructed by clothing or objects.

Overall, the Smith & Wesson 637 Airweight stands out as an outstanding choice for those who want a lightweight, reliable, and easily concealable revolver. With the option for single-action precision or double-action speed, it balances versatility with practicality, making it one of the best self-defense handguns in its class.