S&W 37-2 Questions

[aHFo3]

My local gun store has a new S&W 37-2 with a bobbed hammer. It is the matte black finish and it doesn't have the internal lock. I didn't see it in the '08 or '09 catalog, and it wasn't on S&W's website. I was curious if anyone knows the story behind this little gem - overpriced gem...they wanted $529!

 

[aHFo3]

I just looked at gunbroker and saw a similar one... catalog number 149968.

Were they a dealer special or something?

 

[Landric]

I think there were several limited runs. I bought one 37-2 DAO in 2005 NIB for $325. Its my everyday BUG on and off-duty. Its marked .38 S&W Spl. on the right side of the barrel (no +P designation) and Smith & Wesson on the left side, has the laser etched "Airweight" and S&W logo on the right side of the gun (sideplate), the pre-magnum frame, and the serial number on the butt and above the 37-2 on the inside of the frame. It has the bobbed forged hammer w/ firing pin and the forged trigger, and of course, no internal lock. It has a matte black finish and a DAA serial number prefix.

I bought two more NIB in 2008 and paid about $475 for each of them (I suspect I overpaid a bit, but I love my 37-2 DAO above, and I wanted some spares before they completely disappear). They too have bobbed forged hammers with the firing pin mounted where it should be, forged triggers, pre-magnum frames, and no internal locks. However, the S&W logo is on the left side of the frame under the cylinder latch, and they are not marked "Airweight" on the ride side or anywhere else. They are marked .38 S&W Spl. +P on the left side of the barrel and Smith & Wesson on the right. The serial numbers are located in the same two places listed above (butt and above 37-2), but they are also laser etched on the left side of the frame under the cylinder. They both have the matte black finish and both have DAC serial number prefixes.

I am very happy with my 2005 version. The two 2008 versions seem to be of equal quality, fit and finish, etc. I haven't fired either of them though, so I can't comment there.

$529 is a little high, but given current no-lock prices, its not as high as it would have been in 2005.

 

[fastbolt]

I previously picked up a 37-2 similar to what Landric described picking up in '05.

When I called and spoke to some folks at the factory I was told this was from an overseas order which had been canceled.

When the 'new' 642-1's were being released I asked some folks back at the factory about it and was told that S&W had decided to clear out some large frame inventory stock of the pre-ILS J-frames by making a limited production run of 642-1's (using the earlier product code, too). Some 'new' 442-1's & 37-2's were also shortly released. This would explain the different serial numbering, as the 'old' parts inventory frames would now be numbered when used to produce new guns on the current production line.

I didn't pick up another 37-2, although I did pick up another 642-1 to complement the original 642-1 I've owned, used and carried for several years. It's my personal preference among the Airweight line.

I have been keeping my eye out in case they decide they have too many older pre-ILS 638 frames sitting in inventory somewhere, as I happen to like the Bodyguard frame and wouldn't mind having a pre-ILS Airweight Bodyguard.

 

[aHFo3]

Your 2008 purchase sounds like the one at my local gun store. I agree with the $529 being too high...looks like a great gun, though.

Thanks for the info.