I obtained one today while at a LGS to pick up a 2" 15-4 that I had on hold.

This old WWII vet was in the store attempting to sell this little revolver to the owner. I overheard the owner say to him "$100". Then the owner, knowing I am a S&W revolver fan, turns to me to ask if I was interested. I said possibly, then looked at the gun -- in about 94% condition; stocks a little scuffed and some bluing missing from the muzzel, but locks up tight and mechanically very sound. I gave him $200 outside the shop. Got a box of old ammo with it plus the original sales slip from its original owner; a deceased friend of his. A dentist in NYC paid $93.76 in 1972.

We talked some and I find out this old guy was a Navy Pilot shot down in the Pacific near Tinian July 1945 - 14 months after I came into this world. He was rescued at sea by the USS Buchanan (DD-???). We're planning on having a beer real soon. I like talking to these old vets. The guy who lives across the street flew ME109s during the war. He has some interesting stories.

Was $200 a fair deal or is all the beer on me? What ammo restrictions apply to this little lightweight? I imagine just plain old .38 - no plus stuff.

If you are happy with the deal, it is a fair deal.

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Bud

I think you owe him beer for a while. Model 37's are nice little J frames. Definitely my favorite out of them all. And I agree, if you both are content with the deal, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.

I would flip him another $50, or if he refused tell him you will donate it to the NRA in his name. Win, win.

Buy that vet a hamburger to go w/that beer and watch him glow.

I would at least split a nice bottle of rum with him. I would have paid another hundred and still thought I had a deal.

That's a very nice deal.

Would like to see some pics as there's one locally and he's asking 400.00

We were both happy with the deal. The LGS owner was going to give him $100, but really didn't want this little old revolver in his "tactical" shop. Outside, the old gent asked me "don't you think its worth more than $100 - maybe $150?" When I told him I thought $200 was fair he was elated. We both were pleased and exchanged contact info. I'll take him out for lunch and beers; should be fun - one old vet swaping sea stories with an even older vet.

I went to that store to pick up a Model 15-4 two incher that I had on hold for the princely sum of $265, and came home with two little snubs for under $500. The 15-4 barely looks handled and the 37 shows just holster wear from being stowed that way. I hope to take them to the range this week.

Zeller, I'd like to post up pictures. I've made that leap in technology a resolution for 2012. But it is a straight 37, blued with square butt and the original magnas. It was shipped in 1971.

I think it was a very fair deal for both of you. May I ask when you were a squid and what you served on?

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Dennis
He's got a gun!

You scored big time...

That gun here would out there for 425-450 all day long.

Buy him dinner and you still got away cheap.

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Take your time..quickly.

Let's see $200. for the 37, meeting and talking with the old vet, getting more of the story over a beer...... PRICELESS!

Seriously a good deal... I paid about $125. for mine new in 75
still have it and will never part with it, my first true love!

I recommend picking up the beer tab because $200 is a very good deal for a 37 as nice as you described. They are neat little guns...

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"Shall not be infringed"

This is my first post on any forum so please excuse me if I am in the wrong thread or not using the proper protocol.

My father passed on father's day this year and I starting carrying his M37. Although I only started carrying after Dad passing, I am now a daily carrier after an incident while traveling for work in NJ. I have become a devotee of M&Ps and now own a 9, 40, 45, & a 22. However, I carry my father's M37 on my ankle as a backup daily. It probably makes me feel like pop is still with me. The chamber has recently started failing to advance after firing the 4th round. I've tried different ammo. My gunsmith can't find the problem. Has anyone here had this problem?

BTW where should I actually post my inquiry on this forum?

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MightyMag

You did ok--willing buyer, willing seller, good time had by all. The M37 here has been doing EDC for my wife since 1976. I ran a few too many 110 gr +P+ loads through it in the mid 80s and it went out of time. A trip to the factory fixed it, but now It gets shot with standard velocity loads, and stoke it with +P LSWCHPs for carry. It has about 1000 rounds through it and about 300,000 miles.

Mightymag, see the above comment. Send it in to the factory. J frames are best tended to there.

Glad to know the rest of you would have made the deal. I'll get together with him this week.

Bat, appreciate your insight on the loads for the 37; just about what I was thinking.

Pokey, I served from '68 to '94; seven shipboard tours, mostly guided missile Destroyers and Frigates and two amphious ships, plus some shore staff tours. There seems to be quite a few "squids" among the S&W forum members.

Thank you both for your service. You made out like a bandit! You got a screaming deal on a great revolver and a new friend who just might be one very interesting Gentleman. If you want to sell this M-37 for $250 let me know.... I think you might ask him to bring some of his service buddies next time out as you may just find several friends and a bunch of guns begging to come out of the sock drawer.. Yes, I do think you might buy him a few steaks and brews! Kyle