S&W M-37

G

Grant D

New member
Went to the lgs on Fri. to see if they had a 12 ga.coach gun with outside hammers.I went to the end of the counter were they keep the shotguns and asked one of the guys if they had one.He said not at the moment but he'll let me know when they get one. I happened to look down as the used handguns are kept there also and saw something shining on the lower shelf,and there it was! Model 37 no dash nicklel plated snubbie.It went right into the OWB I was wearing. Snubbie number 6! lol Now I need to find some blued ones.
And the search go's on.
 

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Nice little pistol, although the Model 37 was never dash-numbered. I do notice that the barrel isn't pinned. Still, very nice little revolver.
 
OMG!

Is it too late to take it back???

Then, um maybe you could let us know the name and location of the shop, maybe a phone number?

If not, then...... can I have it? :p

:D

Very nice, congrats.
 
Nice little pistol, although the Model 37 was never dash-numbered. I do notice that the barrel isn't pinned. Still, very nice little revolver.
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What do you mean the 37 didn't have dashes? I have a 37-2 right in front of me.
 
Re: dash numbers...

...the Model 37 was never dash-numbered. I do notice that the barrel isn't pinned.
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I think I can explain the source of the confusion.

When S&W phased out the barrel pin c. 1981-82, revolvers that previously had barrel pins* got the next dash number except the "Chief's Special" M36 and M37. These continued to be produced in no-dash (standard barrel profile) and -1 (3" heavy barrel) form. Therefore, unlike almost all other S&W revolvers, you can't differentiate pinned and unpinned M36's and M37's by the dash number, or lack thereof.

S&W did, however, subsequently use higher dash numbers on both guns as other design changes were implemented.

*FOOTNOTE: The L frame was introduced in 1980 with an unpinned barrel from the start. There is no such thing as a pinned L frame, or a "P&R" L frame for that matter.
 
MonsterB said:
What do you mean the 37 didn't have dashes? I have a 37-2 right in front of me.
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carguychris said:
When S&W phased out the barrel pin c. 1981-82, revolvers that previously had barrel pins* got the next dash number except the "Chief's Special" M36 and M37. These continued to be produced in no-dash (standard barrel profile) and -1 (3" heavy barrel) form. Therefore, unlike almost all other S&W revolvers, you can't differentiate pinned and unpinned M36's and M37's by the dash number, or lack thereof.

S&W did, however, subsequently use higher dash numbers on both guns as other design changes were implemented.
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I stand corrected. I was relying on information from this site. I've used that same information in the past and it may be in error. However, I've been wrong before and it's not an uncommon trait of mine. I nod to those with more complete information and remain impressed with the accumulated knowledge from the Board.
 
the M37 I have is a dash 3 which is certified for +p .38spec ammo. You may want to check with S&W if yours can use +p.
 

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You may want to check with S&W if yours can use +p.
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FWIW S&W has issued several different and somewhat contradictory recommendations over the years regarding older J frames and .38Spl+P ammo. However, most contemporary experts seem to agree that you should not use +P in alloy-frame "Airweight" J frames made before the switchover to the longer "J Magnum" frame in 1996. There have been documented instances of older-production Airweight frames cracking or stretching after +P was used. :(

The "J Magnum" frames can be quickly identified by the integral LH-side cylinder-retention ridge shown in oldgranpa's picture. Older Smiths have a separate pressed-in button to retain the cylinder. +P rated Airweights should also have a barrel rollmark indicating ".38 S&W SPL +P".

Interestingly, IIRC about a year ago, someone on the forum posted a "What Is It?" question with pictures of a revolver marked "M30-1" inside the yoke cut like a 6-shot J frame .32 S&W Long Model 30, but the gun had a 5-shot .38Spl cylinder and a barrel with the two-line ".38 S&W SPL | AIRWEIGHT" rollmark like the one used on the Model 37! My theory was that an enterprising gunsmith had taken a barrel and cylinder from a M37/38/42 with a damaged frame and grafted them onto a good Model 30 frame. (The M30 used to have significantly less resale value than the .38Spl guns due to the perception that the .32 Long cartridge is underpowered.)
 
Thanks guys for all the info. on the revolver. I have five other snubb's that I can shoot +P'S in so that's not a problem. But what would y'all recomend for a good round to carry in this revolver for PD? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
Carried a 37 for years as my primary (only) duty revolver. When I retired, I gave it to my son. Stupid is, as stupid does. Wound up buying a 642 to replace it. Still trying my best to talk my son into swapping guns. He appears to be smarter than me. NO WAY.
Good luck with your treasure, you will never regret owning it.
 
Model 37 Airweight Ser. # 250Jxx

Just bought revolver from a pawn shop. Does anyone have any idea as to when it was made? It is black or blue with S&W rubber grips. It is some form of alloy. Very hard trigger pull. Anyone know if Wolfe springs will fit and if so which ones? Also, it has "airweight" on the barrell not just above the trigger as with some models.

New to this stie. Thanks for your help.
 
FWIW the most frequent cause for an abnormally stiff trigger on an old S&W is repeated use of a lubricant that dries up and leaves behind gummy varnish. The most frequent culprits are WD-40 and 3-in-One (the stuff in little rectangular bottles sold at hardware stores).

A thorough internal cleaning will usually fix the problem.
 
"FWIW the most frequent cause for an abnormally stiff trigger on an old S&W"

And here I thought it was the crummy springs they were producing during the Bangor Punta years.
 
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