Model 37 S&W

[ARTiger]

Folks I have an opportinity to buy a nearly mint condition, mid-70's M 37 Airweight S&W for about $350. It's blued and has the original checkered wooden grips.

Just what's the difference in hammered versions of the airweight S&W of that vintage? (this one has the "airweight" marked on the barrel rather than frame).
Was the Mod 36 available then and what's the distinction between the two?

Has a tight lockup and a very faint drag mark on the cylinder.

 

[rcmodel]

A 36 is all steel and a 37 is an aluminum frame with a steel cylinder.

Other then that, same gun.

The 36 Chief's Special was introduced in 1950.
The 37 Chief's Special Air-Weight in 1951.
The model 60 Chief's Special in stainless steel was introduced in 1965.

They were in continous production at the same time.

The other J-frame .38 Spl. air-weight with a hammer was the model 38 Bodyguard, which has a semi-shrouded hammer.

rcmodel

 

[Sistema1927]

I have a 1980 vintage S&W 37 with a square butt. It is a very nice little weapon, but appears to be a bit more "delicate" than my recent vintage 642 with the "J-magnum" frame.

 

[nj.piney]

that was a realy good deal pricewise
they are reliable and conceal easily

 

[Oro]

Your questions are answered above, I will just add that I sincerely hope you "take" that opportunity. Or let one of us do it! Nice gun, nice deal.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Folks I have an opportinity to buy a nearly mint condition, mid-70's M 37 Airweight S&W for about $350. It's blued and has the original checkered wooden grips.

I would jump on that right now. If you don't want it please PM me and tell me where it is, I'll buy it!!

 

[velocette]

M-37, a really nice revolver. Use it with standard .38 spl loads & enjoy. Avoid +p ammo as it may shoot loose quickly.

Roger

 

[Nathanael_Greene]

I picked up this little Model 37 a while ago. $265 out the door, as I recall.



It's become my go-to concealed-carry weapon. I'm going to replace the grips with some original wood ones, though, just to improve the looks and reduce the profile a bit.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Nathanael_Greene,
If you are looking for an old revolver look you might consider the newly re-released S&W J frame Diamond Classic Grip. At $64.14 they are no more expensive than anything else that's out there. I really like the old Diamond grips with the S&W Medallion. Add a set of Tyler T Grips and you're all set!

 

[Nathanael_Greene]

Thanks for the tip, but I just found a used pair for $20. Looks (and conceals) much better now.

 

[hhb]

Make sure the frame isn't cracked on the bottom where the barrel screws into the frame.