Is this one yours, slick6?
You don't specifically say. If so, congratulations. If not, I'd suggest you make it yours, given the opportunity and a decent price.
You state it it 1957 production. Am I correct in assuming you have consulted a copy of Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson? If not, a couple of points of interest - -
The S/N range for '57 was 117770 -- 125000
This was the first year that the model number was stamped on the J frames (and, I believe, on any S&Ws.)
All had the flat latch - - three different versions were used - - up til '66.
Diamond insert stocks were installed until 1968.
The 37-1 was introduced in 1988.
1983
S&W Model 37(No dash #)in "Mint" new, condition(Perfect!)and looks to be unfired(Zero cylinder ring!)with "Round butt", and diamond grips! Questions are as follows:
1)Did the model 37, only come with a "Round butt" or, was this more of a limited production model?
Both round and square butt configurations were standard. In my observation, the RB is far more numerous, and is by far more practical for concealed carry. The SB was offered for those who felt it was easier to shoot well.
3)Would an M37 like this one(In "Mint" condition!)be mostly for CCW usage or, would it be more highly regarded as a "Collectible" revolver?
4)Would this M37(No dash #)have just a normal(Non-collectible)gun value(Or, would it have a fairly high, collectible gun value?
I, personally, feel that any S&W revolver, pushing a half-century in age, in excellent-to-fine, factory original configuration, has some significant collectors' value. The stocks and flat latch certainly comport with the stated 1957 date.
It is certainly a primo concealed carry piece - - light, compact, fairly powerful. Myownself, I'd preserve this one in such pristine condition, and acquire a somewhat later one, perhaps with some surface wear, for daily carry.
5)Were these M37's fairly reliable(And, long lasting?)if only standard .38 Special was used(No +P's!)?
Not only fairly reliable, sir. I'd say extremely reliable. There is some question as to how well the alloy pieces hold up to extensive shooting, and with what kind of ammo, but any S&W of that era is considered dead solid, trust your life to it, utterly, reliable.
6)If there is anything that is interesting(Or, unusual?)about these M37's-please report it here?
All you describe indicates this particular item is "correct" and very nice. I don't note any rare characteristics in your description. At that age, and if unfired, I'd say it is worth around $100 more than one made, say, in the mid-1980s. The no cylinder drag mark COULD indicate very careful handling. Perhaps a more reliable indicator of unfired condition would be a close examination of the standing breech. Alloy frames, partcularly, show early evidence of cartridge head abrasion of the finish, when the piece has been fired. The loaded cartridges, tending to remain at rest, "back up" onto the breech when the light weight pistol is fired, and leave marks. I have this after firing as little as ten rounds in a new revolver.
On a personal note - - I bought my first Airweight Chief's brand new in about 1976. I carried it almost daily as an on duty backup and frequent off duty main battery for over 20 years. The majority of this carry was in an ankle holster, and I shot it a LOT with +P level handloads. After two rebuilds to remove cylinder play, I quit shooting anything above factory 158 RN or equivalent handloads. I still carried R-P 158 LSWCHP+P ammo for defense, though.
A few years back, I picked up an excellent 1983 production M37 in a local pawn shop - - I believed it to be unfired. It appeared, though, that someone had replaced the wooden stocks with aftermarkets, and promptly dropped it in such a way that about half the hammer spur broke away. I put it up with a view to obtaining a new hammer and proper stocks. When I researched the age, though, I decided I wouldn't realize enough profit at sale to make this worthwhile. Besides, Elder Son, a street cop, had taken a liking to my old, doggy looking, M37. I gave it to him, and put the '83 edition in service.
Late Edit - - I disassembled it first, and ground off the remnants of the hammer spur. It has never failed to pop any primer, factory or handload. I fired it with the +Ps to check point of impact but practice with lighter loads. Since I retired recently, I probably pack it three days a week, alternating it with a Colt Agent and a .45.
Best,
Johnny
