I'm sorry I looked at the photo of that M637 (
Smith and Wesson Revolvers. Find Smith and Wesson Dealers. ). I fell in love with it immediately not only because it was beautiful and made my 2x4 look like a termite infested piece of old outhouse, but I realized that If I had that .38 last year when that guy waved his pistol at me, he would have lost more than a finger. I realize there's no perfect gun, but that snubbie looks mean enough to be my cup of tea.
Please forgive me for sounding like I know what I'm talking about, but I think the M638 "humpback" is ugly as sin, I love the lines with the hammer, but I guess the hammer could snag. At the web site cited above, there are photos and specs of all S&W hand guns and all seem to be distinguished by specific attributes, there's a hand gun for every need. I noticed there's an M37 that is identical to the M637 except for the carbon steel barrel. Here in Florida, I'd opt for the stainless version unless the carbon barrel were significantly cheaper. At 14.5 ounces, I'm sure I can lift it, but I'd have to fire it to see if the recoil would dislocate my shoulder (I'm not a big guy). I think the M637 will help me defend my home, and is small and light enough for mobile duty.
In any event, I was so juiced up, I immediately starting checking prices. I was staggered when I saw numbers like $447 to $630 — what kind of lunacy is that? Would someone really spend $630 for a pistol? Numbers like that make my 2x4 look like the world's greatest bargain. Would a gun show be my best bet to meet up with a private seller? — I'd be saving all kinds of fees, mailing costs, and taxes. I talked to a local police officer who stated there are no laws against private sales in FL so what I have in mind is perfectly legal. After a minute or two of conversation, the officer tactfully suggested that I'd be out of my league dickering with savvy gun guys. He said a friend familiar with firearms could help me avoid serious mistakes.
Well, there you are — I need a gun nut to go with me to a gun show, but I don't know anyone who knows up from down about guns. Maybe in the end my best bet will be to pay a cabinet maker $25 to make a custom grip on one end of my 2x4, and paint it a nice shade of lavender for me.