s&w model 37 vs. 442?

[Ridgeway]

Just brought my first revolver home this evening.

I had intended on purchasing a 442, but came home with a 37.
I really shouldn't change on a whim (no 442s were in stock, only 642s, & the 37 seemed virtually identical)...

but are there any significant differences?

My 37 has a bobbed hammer as opposed to a shrouded but that isn't a big deal to me.

So did I make a mistake?

 

[Gary A]

It appears you may have picked up one of the 37-2s that were around for a while. They are new production revolvers built "old-style" on the slightly smaller "pre-magnum" frame with no lock, bobbed hammers, and hammer-mounted firing pin. If so, consider yourself lucky, IMO. I have a couple. Workmanship on mine is terrific and the triggers are sweet. Many people, including me, do not consider them really plus P material and better served with use of standard pressure loads, at least for practice if not for carry. To me, that is of small consequence. I do like the 442s. Don't like the lock. Love my little 37-2.

 

[Dienekes]

Not really. With the dehorning job on the M37 the only thing the 442 will do that it might not is fire inside a pocket. As a matter of fact, I gave my wife a M37 in 1976 and dehorned it soon afterwards, and used it myself off and on for a while. I eventually got myself a 442 and have had it for ten years plus now. Both have been excellent little guns and either will serve you well.

 

[Ridgeway]

It appears you may have picked up one of the 37-2s that were around for a while. They are new production revolvers built "old-style" on the slightly smaller "pre-magnum" frame with no lock, bobbed hammers, and hammer-mounted firing pin. If so, consider yourself lucky, IMO. I have a couple. Workmanship on mine is terrific and the triggers are sweet. Many people, including me, do not consider them really plus P material and better served with use of standard pressure loads, at least for practice if not for carry. To me, that is of small consequence. I do like the 442s. Don't like the lock. Love my little 37-2.

yup that is what I bought
thx for details, good to know on the +P
I noted that it doesn't indicate +p on the barrel, oh well
I tried some 110 gr. 'reduced recoil' hydrashoks in it tonight that were quite soft shooting (& hence I'm assuming not +p)...hopefully they will get the job done well enough as it seems difficult to find many non +p self def. ammo choices

the only thing the 442 will do that it might not is fire inside a pocket.

I'm using it for ankle carry so not a problem

 

[Gary A]

Ridgeway,

I should clarify my +P remarks. Many people also say they will handle plus P at least in limited amounts so I am not the last word. Some people from Smith and Wesson have said they are OK for plus P and others have said not for a steady diet. They are, indeed, the old frame so use your best judgement. Many practice with standard pressure and carry plus P. Others just go with standard pressure. There are suitable loads out there. Some that come to mind right off are the Federals you tried, Winchester 110 grain Silvertips, Federal non plus P 125 Nyclads (if you can find some, they are out of production), Hornady 125 HPs, Magtech 158 SJHP (38E), perhaps others, and certainly good old 158 grain Semi-wadcutters. Personally, I figure few .38 loads expand from the short barrel anyway, and I like the little gun too well to "abuse" it so I have avoided plus P. Others differ. There are threads on this over at the Smith and Wesson forum in the section on S&W revolvers from 1945 to present. www.smith-wessonforum.com. Do a search for "37-2" or "RSR". Enjoy your 37.