1969 blued model 37 value

[stonebuster]

I'm going to look at a blued 1969 model 37 2" barrel 38spl that from the one picture I've seen looks to be excellent condition as the buyer states perfect condition. He wants $475 for the gun. No box, no history about the gun and he hasn't fired it and doesn't seem to know much about that model. He said he bought a "lot" of guns and it was included. The price seems a little high to me but if the condition is indeed perfect it might be worth it. I know it's not +P rated but I've got a liking for old revolvers. Should I scratch my itch for my first snubbie or look for a cheaper one?

 

[Whiterook808]

I have one of these. They are really light weight. I changed the grips to neoprene boot grips because it is really painful to fire with the standard service grips.

 

[bannockburn]

stonebuster

Just keep in mind that the frame of the Model 37, as Whiterook808 pointed out, is made from a lightweight aluminum alloy so felt recoil may be issue when you shoot it. Other than that I would say for a perfect condition vintage S&W revolver the price would be okay to me. Is it a round butt or square butt version? Aftermarket grips (like Pachmayr), for a square butt might be harder to find. Let us know if you decide to get it or not.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Does anyone know if the 37 frames are subject to cracking like the later Airweights? Ive seen waaaaay too many pics of those cracked under the barrel to ever buy another.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Does anyone know if the 37 frames are subject to cracking like the later Airweights? Ive seen waaaaay too many pics of those cracked under the barrel to ever buy another.

Not sure about the older models but the cracks were caused by improperly installed barrels. The ones from 1969 are no-dash guns and most probably have pinned barrels but I can't swear to that. The model is old and before 1957 was called the Chief's Special Airweight.

As for recoil being "brutal", really? If course a light gun will generate more felt recoil but it's a .38 Special for goodness sakes. I carried a M36 for years them a M642 until the M442 was released. I wouldn't want to fire 150 rounds at once but a full box of 50 works for me.

 

[Whiterook808]

As for recoil being "brutal", really?

Yes, really. I have a four inch M29 and it is more pleasant to shoot with full-house magnums than the M37 with even wadcutters. That little gun with the stock grips can rotate in your hand and cause discomfort. It's not too bad with boot grips, though. Then again, I am a wimp, everyone knows that.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Yes, really. I have a four inch M29 and it is more pleasant to shoot with full-house magnums than the M37 with even wadcutters. That little gun with the stock grips can rotate in your hand and cause discomfort. It's not too bad with boot grips, though. Then again, I am a wimp, everyone knows that.

Hey, I certainly didn't call you a wimp and it's rare I hear anyone complain about an Airweight .38, I usually hear about the Airlite .357 that's all.

 

[WestKentucky]

If the grips are matched to the gun I would pull them off and put on a set of altamont or even jaruwan.p ebay grips. Buy grips in a oversized pattern and felt recoil will drop as it is spread over more surface of the hand. I refuse to own a gun I won’t shoot a lot, and a lightweight snub in anything more than 32 long is getting there.

 

[stonebuster]

stonebuster

Just keep in mind that the frame of the Model 37, as Whiterook808 pointed out, is made from a lightweight aluminum alloy so felt recoil may be issue when you shoot it. Other than that I would say for a perfect condition vintage S&W revolver the price would be okay to me. Is it a round butt or square butt version? Aftermarket grips (like Pachmayr), for a square butt might be harder to find. Let us know if you decide to get it or not.

It's the round butt frame. As nice as it looks, I decided against buying it and wait until I can find a more durable heavier framed snub I can fire +P without the fear of cracking the frame. Having severe arthritis in my hands a heavier vintage snub plus P capable would make my range trips more enjoyable too. I think that model 37 would be good for a collector. Thanks all for the advice.

 

[bannockburn]

NIGHTLORD40K

Does anyone know if the 37 frames are subject to cracking like the later Airweights? Ive seen waaaaay too many pics of those cracked under the barrel to ever buy another.

Never heard anything about cracked frames in Airweights. Had a Model 38 for a number of years and never had a problem though I didn't run any +P through it. Sure loved it for it's lightweight and for it's shrouded hammer for pocket carry. Nowadays I have a Model 649 when it gets colder out and a Model 638 for the warmer weather.

 

[Whiterook808]

Hey, I certainly didn't call you a wimp and it's rare I hear anyone complain about an Airweight .38, I usually hear about the Airlite .357 that's all.

No offense taken, and none intended to you. Have a great weekend!

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

NIGHTLORD40K



Never heard anything about cracked frames in Airweights. Had a Model 38 for a number of years and never had a problem though I didn't run any +P through it. Sure loved it for it's lightweight and for it's shrouded hammer for pocket carry. Nowadays I have a Model 649 when it gets colder out and a Model 638 for the warmer weather.

....ya, its a thing.

 

[bannockburn]

NIGHTLORD40K

WOW, that's some scary looking stuff there! Thanks for the photos!