The Smith & Wesson Airweight Model 37

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

With the advent of the complete line of S&W Airweights and /or
Scandium frame weapons; I was wondering just how many here
still carry the S&W model 37, 37-1, or 37-2? I know that most folks
here are going to chime in and say NO; since the introduction of the
442-637-638-642 or the 340PD of fine weaponary. I'm in the same
boat with most here, as I own a matte finished S&W model 37-2;
but I opt to carry the 442/642. I can remember a time when the
original model 37 was a highly sought after firearm; and I was
just wondering if it has indeed lost some of its luster~?

 

[Old Dog]

The 37 losing its luster? Never.

I've got a minty 37 no-dash (1979 production) that is light-years better than the silly 637s with the lock and that crappy peeling clear-coat. No MIM, firing pin on the hammer, perfect bluing and classic stocks. Makes the new Airweights look like toys.

 

[Johnny Guest]

Yes, sir - -

I carry an older Model 37 no dash in a De Santis Nemesis pocket holster almost every day.

The other days, it's a Colt Agent (same general type) or a .45.

I like me some o' them lil' aluminimumm resolvers.

Johnny

 

[nj.piney]

1 carry a 37 always,the hammer gives you the single action option for accuracy.

 

[sm]

Yeah Dawgie! I like 'em!

Gimmee the old stuff!
Old Dog and
Mr. Guest summed it up.

Gee, one I use is set up just like the Mr. Guest Pictured.
I use old style ctgs - 158 grainers as the gun put 'em where I aim it.

Keep telling folks I wuz raised right! *snort*

gall-durned whippersnappers, with all this new and fangled... not sure whut to do wit 'em...*wink*

 

[BigG]

I think most of the hammer type j frames have lost their luster in my eyes since I realized they could be dispensed with and a centennial used in its place.

 

[ravencon]

A M37 with a bobbed hammer is the gun I pocket carry the most.

It is has lots of surface wear and is pretty ugly. I own a M340Sc and a M36. I carry those on occasion. But, for a day to day pocket gun I like the M37.

 

[St.Pete7]

The Smith & Wesson Model 37 Airweight

This is my first day as a member of THR, but I have viewed a number of posts is the past and I'm very impressed with the knowledge that various memebers possess.
Now, getting back to the Model 37, I carry it in my vest pocket every day and have been for years. I've tried a number of newer models, but they just don't seem to have the same "feel" to them compared to my little 37 Airweight.
I'd like to know someone's opinion on the most comfortable maker of IPH so I can keep it concealed when it too darn hot out to wear a vest.
Thanks, St. Pete7

 

[Gary A]

As Ravencon said,

A M37 with a bobbed hammer

is just the ticket and my personal choice and favorite.

 

[Landric]

This 37-2 DAO is my constant companion. Its generally a BUG, not a primary, but I don't leave the house without it. I think its just as good as a Centennial or Bodyguard, and much nicer than the current production versions of either.

The finish is well worn from constant carry, but it always does its job. It actually looks better in the pic than it does in real life. Interesting.




Here it is with one of my usual off-duty primaries:

 

[1KPerDay]

I'd like to know someone's opinion on the most comfortable maker of IPH so I can keep it concealed when it too darn hot out to wear a vest.

Have you tried a pocket holster? Mine works wonderfully in that regard.

 

[panther22]

Local shop just traded for a 37, no dash. It looks like new, no drag line, clean as a whistle. Asking $375 for it. Now you guys got me all worked up!

 

[saltydog452]

Mr. Guest does have a way with words...I'm still grinning and have a giggle in my belly.

Johnny, I likes them 'resolvers' also.

salty

 

[XavierBreath]

I'm considering acquiring a three inch Model 37 at this time...... fairly clean, a bit of muzzle wear.... $425 asking price. I might go $350.

 

[Dienekes]

Gave my wife a M37 over 30 years ago, dehorned it along the way and put on a set of Spegel boot grips. It has a LOT of finish wear on it but she still shoots it very well. Light enough and also enough recoil to where anything lighter just doesn't make a lot of sense--particularly for the price differential.

I like my 442 a little better but otherwise the same thinking applies to it.

A 3" M37 would be a winner.

 

[skoro]

I have a 1959 Model 37-no dash that's in really fine shape. A real good shooter and a fun plinker, too. I haven't used it for carry because I'd like to keep the finish nice. I've offered it to my GF to keep in the console of her car, but she's "afraid" of it, even though she's fired it on more than a couple of occasions anddone well with it.

Women...

 

[owlhoot]

Lost their luster, indeed. Nay, they have incresed in luster. Who would want a new one if he could have an old one. Granted, I don't practice with +P, but I carry it with +p. And it can do anything the newer guns can do, only more gracefully and handsomely.

 

[2nd 41]

I carried a 37 for 25 years in my place of business. Closed the business in 2005...gave it (legally transfered) to a friend. Not sorry I did ...but I'm looking to buy a 642 soon. The old story....should have kept it.

 

[S&Wfan]

Lost their luster? Hardly! The M37 is a fine a weapon today as it ever was.

An M37 is the weapon of choice for BOTH my wife and myself.

Her's is a 3" square butt from 1971 . . . and you should see how well she shoots it?

Mine is a snubbie version, also made in '71 and it is my "always" on me gun, carried in an Uncle Mike's #3 pocket holster. Mine shoots extremely well too!

Lots of handguns have been "invented" since this classic hit the streets decades ago, but none do the full CCW role as well as those lightweight . . . err . . . "Airweight" aluminum-framed J-frames. I like the hammerless Centennial types, AND the humpback "Bodyguards too . . . but the M37 is our favorite type.

T.

PS: For waist holster carry, the steel-framed M36 is also a fantastic weapon! I legally carried it last Friday night to dinner in a downtown restaurant . . . over my very reliable Kimber Ultra CDP .45.

Oh yeah . . . and this sweet little nickle-plated tackdriver, was made around 1962-64. Great guns NEVER, ever go out of style! The wonderful Mitch Rosen holster also makes this a favorite carry piece, due to how wonderful it fits and carries the gun.

 

[kendradad]

Have an old Model 37 square butt made in 1982. Still looks brand new, carry almost every day. I have pretty big hands (can easily palm a basket ball), recently put a pair of Pachmayer (sp?), presentation grips on this little jewel, shoots like a dream.

You're welcome to your new stuff, I prefer the old reliable given a choice.

 

[Bentonville]

Last Fall I purchased a newly manufactured, no-lock +P rated Model 37 Airweight with bobbed hammer and I really love it for pocket carry. Check out this thread on Smith-Wesson forum. http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/530103904/m/1041066313?r=2631071613#2631071613

 

[ironvic]

Funny I should find this thread today. Just came across a Model 37 at the local gun counter. The little revolver has holster wear, I'd say about 90% finish, pretty tight and slick as snot, and its been shot a lot. It has nice diamond grips original to the gun and a brass Tyler T-Grip. I do have a new Model 642, but I found a problem when I cleaned it prior to using it, the cylinder holes lock up about 1/32" to the left of the forcing cone on all five. So now it's going back to S&W for repair right off the bat.

To me, the 642 is a tool, , don't love it or hate it is just what it is, but that 37 and my "new/old" Model 60 no dash are sweet little honey cakes. BTW, I paid way too much for the Model 60 at 345 bucks because I found on cleaning the internals that the cylinder lock spring is sprung. That'll be my S&W "learning to gunsmith gun." Around here old Smith snubbies are pretty rare, so at least I have it. If the 37 is still there tomorrow, I'll buy it. At $270, how can I pass it up?

 

[OldCavSoldier]

I have a nickle plated S&W M37 no dash that I purchased "gently used" in the late 1970s. It is one of my favorite J-frame snubbies. Action "smoother than the skin on Martha's butt." Shoots exactly where I want it to...every time!!!

 

[jad0110]

I'm not a huge J Frame fan. I have a 642 that serves it's purpose quite well as a dedicated pocket carry gun. And I do like it quite a bit. But my big hands prefer K Frames and larger guns for belt carry.

However, I still may pick up a Model 37 one day, if the price is right. Might be a great gun to pass on to my boy one day.

 

[aHFo3]

I would love to find a steel or aluminum J frame with a real blued finish. I have a 442 and a 360 that are great guns, but I prefer the blued guns.

BTW

"smoother than the skin on Martha's butt."

Who is Martha?