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S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


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  #1  
Old 10-31-2010, 07:12 PM
Colter Colter is offline
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Default (Pre) Model 37 Serial Number

I'm looking to buy a pre M37 with a serial number C350XXX. The Standard Catalog says J frame serial numbers either had no prefix or a "J" prefix. The K frames were the ones with the "C" prefix.

So, why does this J have a C?

ML
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Old 10-31-2010, 07:34 PM
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KEN L KEN L is offline
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The question may be better answered if you can provide pics of what you're talking about. A clear closeup of the serial number, which is on the bottom of the grip frame, and the rest of the gun for that matter, would be most helpful in answering your question.
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Old 11-01-2010, 12:56 AM
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ML
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Old 11-01-2010, 09:36 AM
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Originally Posted by Colter View Post




ML
ML, the revolver in your pictures shows a pre Mod 12 K frame Airweight, not a pre Mod 37 J frame Airweight. The K frame is much larger than the J frame. However, it is true that pre Mod 36 and Mod 37s do not have a C prefix serial number and that pre Mod K frames did.
I think these pictures are from a current Gunbroker auction in which the seller either mis-typed the data or just doesn't know the difference. I noticed this ad on Gunbroker a few weeks ago when I did a search using the word Airweight.
Another big clue is that the pictured gun has a 6 shot cylinder which denotes a K frame and a J frame has a 5 shot cylinder. There are other differences including the shape of the hammer, and that K frames used a leaf spring and J frames use a coiled spring. The spring I am referring to is contained in the grip frame so it's not visible in the pictures.

HTH

Last edited by Malysh; 11-01-2010 at 09:39 AM.
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Old 11-01-2010, 10:50 AM
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Great answer, and I agree with it. I can't get over how far this forum has evolved over the years.
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Old 11-01-2010, 11:40 AM
Colter Colter is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Malysh View Post
ML, the revolver in your pictures shows a pre Mod 12 K frame Airweight, not a pre Mod 37 J frame Airweight. The K frame is much larger than the J frame. However, it is true that pre Mod 36 and Mod 37s do not have a C prefix serial number and that pre Mod K frames did.
I think these pictures are from a current Gunbroker auction in which the seller either mis-typed the data or just doesn't know the difference. I noticed this ad on Gunbroker a few weeks ago when I did a search using the word Airweight.
Another big clue is that the pictured gun has a 6 shot cylinder which denotes a K frame and a J frame has a 5 shot cylinder. There are other differences including the shape of the hammer, and that K frames used a leaf spring and J frames use a coiled spring. The spring I am referring to is contained in the grip frame so it's not visible in the pictures.

HTH
Thanks, you just saved me from buying a K thinking it was a J. I really couldn't tell from the pictures if it was a 5 or 6 shot cylinder.
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Old 11-01-2010, 11:50 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Colter View Post
Thanks, you just saved me from buying a K thinking it was a J. I really couldn't tell from the pictures if it was a 5 or 6 shot cylinder.
The frame and especially the trigger guard is heavier and has a different shape for a K frame than a J frame. The only exception is very early pre Mod 36 trigger guards, which have the same profile as the K frames, just not as thick. It's moot, however, because they didn't make the Airweight J frames early enough to still have the rounded early pre J frame trigger guard on them.
The shape of the horn at the top of the grips is also different for K and J frame grips.

You are welcome! I am happy if I could help you out.
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Old 11-03-2010, 01:13 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Malysh View Post
ML, the revolver in your pictures shows a pre Mod 12 K frame Airweight, not a pre Mod 37 J frame Airweight. The K frame is much larger than the J frame. However, it is true that pre Mod 36 and Mod 37s do not have a C prefix serial number and that pre Mod K frames did.
I think these pictures are from a current Gunbroker auction in which the seller either mis-typed the data or just doesn't know the difference. I noticed this ad on Gunbroker a few weeks ago when I did a search using the word Airweight.
Another big clue is that the pictured gun has a 6 shot cylinder which denotes a K frame and a J frame has a 5 shot cylinder. There are other differences including the shape of the hammer, and that K frames used a leaf spring and J frames use a coiled spring. The spring I am referring to is contained in the grip frame so it's not visible in the pictures.

HTH
I contacted the seller on GB and he corrected the description.

ML
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  #9  
Old 01-29-2011, 01:06 PM
dark star dark star is offline
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Default DOB on M37

can any one give me an est. date of birth on an m37
SN 601xxx?
thanks for any help?
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Old 01-29-2011, 01:13 PM
Big Lou Big Lou is offline
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1967, 68....
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  #11  
Old 01-29-2011, 01:34 PM
dark star dark star is offline
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thanks lou
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Old 01-30-2011, 04:42 PM
creekrat55 creekrat55 is offline
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Talking m37

Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Lou View Post
1967, 68....
Big Lou that was quick mine has number j781405 and has a 3inch barrel, thanks Bob
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airweight, j frame, k frame, model 37

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