S&W Model 37

[Nomad]

Can anyone tell me what a S&W Model 37 no dash, pinned barrel in LN without box should go for? It doesn’t have original grips but has no holster wear (none) cylinder gap is .004, no end shake, timing is perfect, crown is perfect and the cylinder swings open tight like it is new. It comes with good leather and Pachmayr Grippers.

I'm assuming this could be shot on occasion with +P ammo.

I know the Mod 36 well but not too familiar with the 37. Any thoughts good or bad?

 

[Sniper X]

Here's what I have heard and read. First let me say I see prices of 37s like new depending on box and papers go fro up to about 600 range and as low as 400 like new no box or papers. I hear they are OK for +p to an extent. Since they are a lightweight revolver, I suggest no prolonged +p for sure and probably only using it in CCW because I have heard the 37 is a tad prone to breakage when shot all the time with +p. I have heard and read all steel S&W .38s are fine for shooting +p all the time, like my Model 10-8 but I would hesitate to shoot it all the time with anything but 158gr non +p ammo personally.

 

[Nomad]

Sniperx sorry my fingers got ahead of my brain. It has no box or papers just LN so I edited my OP. I also added it is a no dash. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[Sniper X]

I think my pricing is about right for a LNIB no box no papers since the high side for one LNIB I have seen is in the 600 range...how much have you been offered one for?

 

[Jon Coppenbarger]

just purchased one a few weeks ago. it was from the late 1970's new in the box and I paid $425 for it. now I thought that was a very good deal so I bought it. I usually see a very nice used one from the mid $400 to low $500 range.

 

[Nomad]

They're saying in the $300 range. The biggest concern I have is strength. I would only use +P in it to test for point of impact and then all practice would be with standard pressure handloads. I would however, like to carry +P.

 

[OldCavSoldier]

I purchased an LNIB factory nickel plated M37 no dash 33 years ago. For several years it was my in-mufti concealed carry piece. Shot a bunch of standard velocity 158 grain LRNs out of it at the range for practice and carried 158gr JHPs when in Indian country. Still own it today and carry it occasionally. I have never fired any +P rounds out of it. With the airweight frame, I just never wanted to endure the recoil or risk loosening things up that should not be loosened. Just me. Others will have different things to say about the M37.

 

[Jon Coppenbarger]

not sure about the +P ammunition in it but I think at $300 you would have a great pistol at a very good price.

 

[Nomad]

Thanks. I'm thinking so too. I found out based on the serial # it was made in the early 70s so I am really pleased it is in such great condition. Someone must have had it hidden away in their sock drawer for all these years. I think it is about to get used. Maybe on a daily basis!

 

[GRIZ22]

I'm assuming this could be shot on occasion with +P ammo.

I would not use +P in it at all, only standard pressure loads.

 

[Nomad]

I'm going to error on the side of caution and not shoot +P in it. I have several carry guns including a current Mod 60 chambered for 357 so there is no real need to push this little beauty. It would be nice to have carried +P as I'm not 100% confident in standard pressure to stop a BG. On the other hand I'm old school and some of the newer bullet designs are probably better. I see the current trend toward all the 380 Autos and it makes me shutter. Okay, okay I'm bracing for the onslaught of flaming! Just my opinion but most of the time I carry a 45 ACP and occasionly carry a 40 S&W these days.

 

[Jon Coppenbarger]

I also have a model 60 in 357 with the crimson trace grips but I have been carrying a old colt detective and really like it.

The pistol you sound like you are going to purchase is what I call a deal that comes around less and less these days.

 

[Husker_Fan]

The rule of thumb I have heard is that +P is fine in any model marked S&W. Heat treating of cylinders actually started much earlier than that. I believe this goes for J-frames too, but if you call S&W, they'll let you know.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about limited use of +P in an all steel gun of that vintage. Also, IIRC, the current SAAMI standard for +P if very close to the old standard pressure standard. When +P came out, it was slightly higher than the old standard pressure, and the standard pressure was lowered.

 

[Nomad]

Husker Fan - You brought up a good point. Why not go to the source and ask S&W. I did so and the gentleman I spoke to said, "I would not shoot any +P in a 37 of that age." To verify, I said, "Not even to test and then to carry?" His reply, "I wouldn't." Now he is likely being cautious but that solves it for me. No need to beat up a vintage firearm when I have other options. Thanks.

 

[Diamondback]

not sure about the +P ammunition in it but I think at $300 you would have a great pistol at a very good price.

....ocassional use of +p should be fine; and I agree, for $300 I'd grab it in a heartbeat if everything checks out. I've got a M37-2 with a factory bobbed hammer that is my EDC, and I think very highly of it.

- regards

 

[Nomad]

Yep and this one followed me home. The older Smiths...well there is just something about them.

 

[jhvaughan2]

I put my 37 in my pocket everyday. I got rid of my model 36 because it did nothing that my 37 would not do, just weighed more. I never thought either was that much "fun" to shoot more than necessary to be proficient.
If I want to shoot boxes of higher-powered .38s I use another revolver.

 

[Seamore2001]

I bought one about a year ago that was from the late 50s/very early 60s in VG shape w/ almost no bluing loss, for $425. I ended up trading it for a nice Swedish double-barrel 12g a few months later. A handy little gun, but I ended up finding an old Cobra I liked better and I wanted the shotgun more than the 37.

I agree w/ jhvaughan2 that it wasn't much fun to shoot - the grips were too small. The larger stocks on the old-style Colt are more comfortable.