Help Identifying S&W Snubby

[gunny3333]

I have been given what was identified as a "Model 37". The s/n is BPH5XXX. It seems to be a lightweight gun but does not have "Airweight" or "Lightweight" on it anywhere. The finish is blue, but not the shiny blue I see on most Model 37's advertised for sale.

I have attached some pictures.

Can anyone help me with what model this gun is and when it was made?

Thanks.

 

[Dismantler]

If you open the cylinder there will be a MOD # right under the crane/yoke, on the frame. Yours will probably say Mod 37. They are not marked as Airweights, but they are. I believe that they are actually a bit lighter than today's Airweights.

 

[gunny3333]

Thanks

Thanks, Dismantler. It is a Mod 37-2, whatever the 2 means. Any idea why it has a dull finish rather than the shiny finish I see on most advertised Model 37s?

 

[spwenger]

Two Question, Two Answers

1. Dull finish: Unlike the barrel, the crane and the cylinder, the frame of your revolver is made of an aluminum alloy, whose finish will not match the blued steel of the three former components. It's not clear from the photos if it's an older anodized finish or the later applied black finish.

2. The "Dash Number": S&W uses "dash numbers to indicate engineeering changes. In the case of the M-37, the "-2", which started in 1990, indicates a change from a 1/10" front sight to a 1/8" front sight. In 1992 a "flat matte blue finish" was introduced.

 

[gunny3333]

Thanks

Thanks, spwenger. That helps me a lot. I had earlier "help" in the s/n versus year of manufacture which advised me that it was a 1993 gun. The finish "looks" anodized to me, but . . . .