Thoughts on S&W Model 37

I've been carrying the model 37 for about 3 years as a back-up / pocket gun. I had difficulty with the stock grips as they were so small that I couldn't get my hands around them. The resulting accuracy was terrible. I have since installed the Hogue monogrip, which does fit my hand, and it is now a first class shooter. And the gun still fits in my pocket.
 
From a previous discussion - - -

I really like the S&W M37 Airweight Chiefs Special.

After a lot of research for a replacement for my PPK .380, bought new from a police supply house in Dallas. It was my "Always Gun" for many years, riding mostly in an ankle holster. Rebuilt twice for end shake--too much practice with +P level handloads. Still in at least weekly use as a backup gun. No adventures, no tales of derring-do. Never pointed it at anyone--But it was a big comfort a couple of times.

Best,
Johnny Guest
 
Good little carry piece. Light, not much bigger than most mouse guns, adequate caliber, manageable recoil w/Tyler T-grip. BUT, the noise on an indoor range is down right painful even with muffs and plugs and using Fed Nyclad std vel loads. Lord only knows what it would be like in a car or small room without ear protection using 158gr+P LSWCHP. I personally limit intended use to 5 rds COM at 15 feet and under. If I have any reason to even suspect I'll need to exceed those limits then it's more gun, rounds, and caliber. I live in a quiet suburb, work in a secure office building in the city. but use public transportation to commute and so carry my S&W 37 daily. I have no intention of being the kind of victim those people on that Long Island train were a few years back. Just my $.02.
SgtMaj13
Semper Fi
 
Good little gun. If it were me I would look for an older pin barrelled gun, but not a flat latch. If you are looking for newer production check out the 637, has a stainless steel cylinder and barrel. I would suggest having the hammer bobbed by someone who knows what they are doing. The Crimson Trace LaserGrips are a nice addition as well, but if they are too pricey I like the Eagle Secret Service grip.
 
Re: Stocks

I used factory stocks with Pachmayr grip adaptor for years and they were okay. Then someone showed me the Uncle Mike's version of the Speigle (sp?) Boot Grip. Very compact and makes the little gun much easier to handle. Reasonably priced, too.

Best,
Johnny Guest
 
I carried a nickel plated 37 with the Uncle Mike's boot grips for many years and think its a great gun. I "retired" it for a while when I got a KelTec P11 but I just couldn't develop the same level of confidence in the P11 although it never malfunctioned. So I put the KelTec away and brought out the 37 again. I've always used Federal 125 grain std. velocity Nyclads but since I only have one box left will probably switch to the personal defense load, don't like shooting +P's through it.
 
Mike J...

The wife and I both shot those non +P Nyclads. Now, I've ordered a box of non +P Silvertips (50 in a box) to try out. Much cheaper than the Federal "PD's". Just a thought. However, I am going to move up to RBCD's for carry. (They're non +P's too!) As a matter of fact, EVERYTHING I carry (but my P-32, FMJ's in that) is stoked with RBCD's. JeffOTMG is right about this one. Oh, and my S&W 331 Airlite Ti gets MagSafe's, only because Roscoe doesn't make RBCD's in .32 H&R magnum.:(

KR
 
Round Butt, or Square Butt S&W Model 37?

While the round butt S&W model 37 actually carry's better;
I have always been intriqued by the square butt model.
I have owned both at one time or the other; but I find
that the round butt model handles better with Hogue
"Bantam" grips installed. So much so, that I have them
installed on my vintage 1979-80 model 60 "Chief's Special".

I never had a problem with the factory walnut grips that
came as standard equipment on the old square butt model.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Bought my wife one before we were married--we just celebrated 25 years in July and we are still together, she, I, and the M37. I dehorned it early on which made it carry a lot better. I 'borrowed' it for a while and put too many Treasury Loads (Plus P Plus 110 gr.) which put it out of time and required a rebuild by S&W. Since then it only gets fired with std. velocity stuff, but has gone without a hitch. My wife shoots it pretty darned well.The gun been a solid performer and definitely earned its keep for a quarter century now. So I guess you could call that an endorsement!

I got a Model 442 some years back which I prefer by a slight margin; but the M37 is a real little gem. Not as sexy as the titanium & scandium stuff, but a lot cheaper and easier on the operator. Hard to go wrong.
 
My turn!

The M-37 with a three inch barrel is one of my CCW guns, and is the most accurate. Mr. Foote, you have superb tastes in you selections of .38s, identical to mine!
 
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