S&W 637 Airweight 5-Rd Revolver .38 Special w/ Lasergrip

The Smith & Wesson Model 637 Airweight is a compact J-frame revolver built for discreet carry and dependable operation. Chambered in .38 Special with a five-shot cylinder, it pairs a lightweight aluminum alloy frame with stainless steel cylinder and barrel. The model ships with a Crimson Trace wraparound Lasergrip for rapid sighting in low-light conditions. Fixed rear and integral front sights support straightforward pointing for close-range defensive use or backup carry.

Manufacturer	Smith & Wesson
Model	637 Airweight
Material	Aluminum alloy frame, stainless steel cylinder & barrel (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.38 Special ammunition only
Finish	Satin stainless (barrel/cylinder) with matte alloy frame
Weight	Approx. 15 oz (unloaded, per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Lightweight Airweight Frame — The aluminum alloy frame cuts weight to just 15 oz, making this revolver vanish in a pocket holster or ankle rig without dragging your belt down.
• Crimson Trace Lasergrip — Factory-installed wraparound laser grip gives you an instant aiming point in low light or under stress — no need to align sights when seconds count.
• Five-Round .38 Special Cylinder — Proven J-frame capacity for reliable defensive loads, with a smooth trigger pull that stacks predictably for follow-up shots.
• Fixed Sights — Snag-free integral front and fixed rear sights keep the profile ultra-slick for draw and reholster, while still offering a usable reference for aimed fire.
• Stainless Steel Barrel & Cylinder — Resists corrosion from sweat and carry wear, so this revolver stays looking sharp even after years in a pocket.

Who It’s For

This is the revolver for the collector who wants a true classic with modern tech — the Airweight has been a staple at gun shows for decades, and adding the Lasergrip makes it a conversation piece. It’s also ideal for the shooter who demands a lightweight backup that prints as a five-shot snubby should: minimal, reliable, and ready.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: At 15 oz, it’s one of the lightest .38 Special revolvers you can buy, perfect for all-day carry.
• Pro: The Crimson Trace Lasergrip is a $200+ upgrade included at no extra cost — you’re getting a factory-installed aiming aid that would cost you a bundle aftermarket.
• Con: The aluminum frame can feel snappy with +P loads — stick to standard-pressure .38 Special for comfortable range practice, and save the hot stuff for carry.

Comparison

Feature	S&W 637 Airweight w/ Lasergrip	Ruger LCR .38 Special	Taurus 856 .38 Special
Weight	15 oz	13.5 oz	22 oz
Capacity	5 rounds	5 rounds	6 rounds
Frame Material	Aluminum alloy	Polymer	Steel
Laser Grip	Included (Crimson Trace)	Optional	Not included
Trigger	Traditional J-frame DA/SA	DAO with tuned trigger	DA/SA with transfer bar
Price	$795.03	~$600	~$400

FAQ

What type of ammunition can I use in the S&W 637 Airweight?

This revolver is chambered for .38 Special. You can safely shoot standard-pressure .38 Special loads. For +P ammunition, Smith & Wesson recommends limited use — the Airweight frame can handle it, but it will accelerate wear and increase felt recoil. Stick to standard loads for practice and carry +P only if needed for defense.

Does the Lasergrip require batteries, and how do I change them?

Yes, the Crimson Trace Lasergrip uses a single 1/3N lithium battery (or two 357 silver oxide batteries). To change it, loosen the grip screw on the bottom, slide the grip off, and you’ll see the battery compartment inside the right panel. A fresh battery lasts about 4 hours of continuous use, and the laser has an auto-shutoff after 5 minutes to save power.

Is this revolver suitable for concealed carry?

Absolutely — the 637 Airweight is designed for discreet carry. At 15 oz and with a 1.875-inch barrel, it fits in pocket holsters, ankle rigs, or IWB holsters. The snag-free fixed sights and rounded butt make it easy to draw without catching on clothing. Many collectors carry this as a backup or primary deep-concealment gun.

How does the trigger pull compare to other J-frame revolvers?

The 637 has Smith & Wesson’s standard J-frame trigger: a double-action pull of about 12-14 lbs with a smooth, stacking stroke, and a single-action pull of around 3-4 lbs. It’s typical for the platform — not as refined as a tuned Performance Center gun, but reliable and predictable. The Lasergrip helps you stay on target during the heavy DA pull.

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Looking for more carry revolvers? Check out our Smith & Wesson Revolvers or browse Concealed Carry Revolvers. For laser grips and upgrades, see Crimson Trace Accessories.

Last updated: April 2026