Some further personal thoughts since the 37-2's were mentioned ...
Notice the product code technical specifications lists the caliber as .38 S&W Special ...
not .38 +P, as S&W does for the model 637 -
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...ted=tech&isFirearm=Y&parent_category_rn=15704
I bought one of the earlier production run 37-2's made with the older frames that were mentioned.
The barrel on mine was
not marked with the +P language, but was marked .38 S&W Spl.
Having read the earlier debate among the various internet firearms forums about whether those 37's in that limited run were rated for +P use, I called S&W and asked someone in Customer Service.
Their initial answer was that they were rated for +P.
I asked for some further clarification, such as what exactly made them able to withstand the increased pressure of +P ammunition. The improved metallurgy and design changes incorporated into the newer Airweight models (identified with the integral cylinder stop versus the older installed machined stud) was explained.
But my 37-2 was the older frame, though, I pointed out. I asked if that older frame had been modified in any way to incorporate the 'improvements' mentioned, making it somehow stronger and suitable for +P usage.
The fact that some of the limited run of special production 37-2's had been assembled with +P marked barrels, and some with barrels marked just .38 S&W Spl., was discussed. I wondered if that was simply because some 442-1 barrels had been used for the overseas order, where presumably it wouldn't matter since +P ammunition apparently wasn't anticipated being used by the oringinal intended customer, anyway, so maybe for convenience some 442-1 +P marked barrels had been used along with the regular 37 barrels. The rep didn't know.
The CS rep finally hesitated. I was asked if I would be willing to wait while Production was consulted to answer my question. No problem.
A little while later the rep came back on the line and said that the head of Production had stated that the 37-2's were not considered rated for +P ammunition. I was further told that no standard model 37's had ever been produced on the stronger improved frame yet ... and only the model 637's were presently rated for +P ammunition ... and that the model 37 was tentatively slated for upgrading, like the 637 had received, at some point in the future. (Note that it's not listed in the current catalog at this time.)
What's it mean? Dunno ... aside from that there was apparently some confusion and potential communication issues occurring regarding the limited run of 37-2's that were diverted to the commercial market back then.
Now, when I called and asked about the supposed 4,000-odd limited run of non-ILS 642's being discussed on the internet, I was told that they were just the result of some cleaning out of a lot of parts & components in the factory's parts inventory stock. I wasn't told anything about some canceled special order. Maybe what I was told was correct ... Dunno. It's probably not fair to expect that everyone who answers a phone has
all the information about
everything involved with their company. Any company. Not the first time I've had to wait while someone in customer service for different firearms companies had to put me on hold and consult with someone else, or transfer me to someone more knowledgeable regarding a specific subject.
If I didn't already own a 642-1 produced on the improved frame and marked as rated for +P ... and the ones being assembled and shipped are 642-1's rated for +P ammunition ... I'd pick one up.
I'm thinking my next J-frame will be one of the steel model 40's, though. No ILS and I'd like another steel J-frame. I already have 3 Airweights.
A
second 642-1 rated for +P would be tempting, though.
BTW, I do like the 37-2 I picked up. Nice action. Accurate. I only use standard pressure ammunition, though.
Just my thoughts.