I apologize first off for being a n00b and start off by asking for information. I'm a shooter but am primarily a Springfield XD shooter these days. I'm a total greenhorn when it comes to S&W and have nothing to offer back to the forum.

That said, I've been given a model 37, new in the box. It's been in the back of my good friends safe for 30 years. It's marked model 37 airweight. It has never been fired and comes with "paperwork". He doesn't remember what the paperwork is and says it has the original cleaning kit that came with the pistol and has some handwriting on the box. I'm a little premature as it just went to the Las Vegas FFL to be shipped to my FFL in Minnesnowta.

As described without pinning down the exact year, how much does the box, and kit give it towards any significant increase in value? I was going to use it for my concealed carry class. Perhaps I'm better off selling it as a collectable and buying a new 642, than using this pistol?

Thoughts?

I'll have more info and pictures by the weekend. I just got really excited when the fellow who's handling the transfer gave me some sketchy details on just what was being shipped and gifted to me.

Thrilled in MN.

Welcome to the forum. What a terrific gift from a friend. Some of us start to salivate when we see a "New In Box" 30-year old S&W. If it were me, and I could afford it, I'd keep the gun in its current condition, and buy another carry piece. In the absence of keeping it, I would sell it since some collector would appreciate it more than my pocket would. It's hard to say how much the box, papers, and tools add, although $100 is probably not unreasonable. Total package (depending upon what part of this great country you are in) would most likely be in the $450 to $525 range.

Welcome to the Forum!
Since it was a gift from a good friend, shoot it and enjoy it.
There is NOT "significant increase" for the accessories and a 30 year old NIB model 37 isn't rare anyways.
If I were given a gift, I wouldn't worry about value or trading it (but that is me).
Post some pictures after you receive it and give us a Range report

Shoot it or if you must keep it like new. I would not sell it if it was a gift from someone. But that's just me. Look forward to the pictures.

Keep it, shoot it and enjoy it. Model 37 (30 years old) would top a new model 642 IMHO.

I have a newer 642 and an older 1960 model 36 (steel), and enjoy shooting the 36 much more.

__________________
2B1ASK1

I mentioned selling because I had read some were sold for significant dollars. I wanted to confirm. It was a gift, but the owner had no ties to the gun. He wanted me to have a piece I'd enjoy. I thought that if it were a waste to turn it into a carry piece and had significant value to a collector I'd sell it and he'd have a few bucks and I'd just buy a modern J frame. I'd really rather just enjoy this gun as it is. If it's the approximate value of a current model then I'll just enjoy it. From what I have learned it's a nice J frame and a decent build.

I've eyed a few options for the grip, as I hated the J frame standard grips when I last fired a 642. BUT I don't want to end up with grips bigger than the pistol. I'm thinking the Tyler add on over Hogue or Pachmayr. Next the holster. I use kydex with my XD models. I always liked the leather Safari Land I used with my SS .308. What is preferred to protect the old finish?

Suggested target and PD rounds for this pistol?

BTW the person who gifted the pistol was Pearl Baileys drummer at The Flamingo when Bugsy Segal still operated the showroom. Lot's of great stories from a great older friend.

I got a grip adapter for my 1982 Model 37 (NOT NIB) from BK Grips. The owner/manufacturer is a forum denizen who filled a need when Tyler T-Grip was having production/shipping issues. It is a plastic product improved version of the Tyler T-Grip with no issues of having to deal with printing out an order form and mailing a check or money order (unless you just want to).

I recommend BK Grips.

__________________
CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

That's a great handgun, have one just like it!
Carry it and shoot it,you won't regret it, it is a great carry piece.
Mine was my first carry piece

Perfect! Thanks! Ordered.

Preferred carry rounds? Revolvers haven't been in my collection for 30 years. I've a lot to learn. Given the response here I've been missing something. Great forum. Just what I needed, another place to blow a few hours reading...

Sorry, searched and found lots of threads...duh!

And it's shipped. here are the photos from the shipper.

J586679

1976-1977?

Any thing peculiar to the model I should know? I'm trying to read up and understand what the barrel change was in 1975. "heavy barrel standard".

Attached Images

	sw.jpg (43.2 KB, 174 views)
	sw2.jpg (57.7 KB, 259 views)

Target wadcutters for practice and Speer Gold Dot hollow points for carry are what I use. There's a lot of very good SD bullets available and choices are great. Just remember not to shoot too many hot +P rounds out of this revolver as too many hot rounds could stress the aluminum frame.

BK grip adaptors or Tylor T grip adaptors are the best choice I've found to get a good grip and yet keep a small profile. Lobo offset IWB clip holster or a Bianchi 13157 55L leather holster are good choices. I believe leather will be less damaging to the blueing than Kydex. There are 100's of leather holster for 2" J frames so take some time to shop for one or two.

__________________
2B1ASK1

J586679 shipped in 1977. I have J389205 which shipped in 1976, that I bought new and I shoot it all the time and it still looks near new. At least I think it does. There is at least a couple of thousand rounds through. The missing finish on the trigger was my very first attempt at tuning a J. I don't do that anymore.

My vote is keep, shoot & carry. They don't make 'em like that anymore and the little you'd get from a sale won't buy you a better piece. As to self defense ammunition, any of the current crop of non +P hollow points should do the trick. Buffalo Bore makes a standard pressure hollow point that should work for this gun.

__________________
Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

I would leave the little M37 NIB and either put it away or sell it.
S&Ws in this condition are getting rare and some of us still like to collect them this way.

I too have a M37 with box.

__________________
Memory of Randy Freas-Rimfired

There isn't enough interest in a new in the box piece to demand a price worthy of putting it away or selling it. I had read it was selling for as much as $1000 some places but found that's just not so. A decent modern new replacement is about the same price as anyone is willing to pay for this model 37 in it's current condition. Everyone wants to find a piece in this condition, but no one finds it worthy of paying a collectable price. It's hard to become a guardian of the brand and protect a really nice piece without any impetus. I had hoped it would end up put away, and it still could. I don't need to put this 37 into use. I'm much happier with my XD's. But having seen and fired it's cousisn from the same decade it almost a shame this little beauty isn't in the light duty service it would see with me. We'll see...

Thanks for the opinions. I'm listening and continuing to think it out.

One option is to list it on GB with a sizable reserve and if no one takes it, keep it and shoot it. Keeping a NIB gun is a gamble. 30 years ago no one would have suggested hoarding NIB Pythons, and 16 years ago no one would have suggested hoarding NIB S&Ws (just before the lock was introduced). Who knows what we'll all long for in another 5-20 years. Me, I'm a shooter, I say add the grip adapter and enjoy.

I too like the standard pressure GDHP and I like the Hornady XTP. That old 37 makes a great deep cover back-up or primary CCW, especially in hot weather garb. Just my opinion here.

This is my 1982 nickel-plated Model 37. I didn't get a box or paperwork with mine. You can see the BK Grip adapter and factory grips I had to buy.

__________________
CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

Collectors with a focus on guns formally owned by "Pearl Bailey's drummer at The Flamingo" is gotta be a tiny segment of the population.....

__________________
~ S&W aficionado in training ~

Now THAT I like! Reminds me of 40 years ago when I had a fascination with all things Python and stainless. To depressing given where the market went to dwell. I sold the last shiny bit a couple of years back, when I parted with my early model PPK/S .380. The more I read the more interested I get in keeping and shooting this wheel gun. I've found a nice bunch of threads and it may well become front and center of my CCW. I had to stop in a local shop to handle one. Damn small and light that's for sure. Reading what some of the available carry rounds are capable of makes it an impressive little gift. Given all the heart behind the gift it's 90% certain to be the new pocket piece. Nice find for a forum too!

Very cool old cat... This hangs with my treasures.

Attached Images

image.jpg (128.0 KB, 111 views)

Thanks, ordered and on the way. Found several Tyler grips on eBay but they seem to be selling used for a higher price than BK.

I scouted around for several days considering a myriad of grips. Regardless of price I think the best look is the OEM grip and BK add on in black. Everything else just seemed to "pretty up" an already handsome piece. The black BK photos seemed to make the add on look like it belonged.

Range time will tell, but the FFL in Las Vegas had to be reminded to ship. It should have been here today, now not until Saturday.
Was cutters and shooter are ready. It will remain in my shooting and using collection. Mind made up.

A fine tribute to a good friend. Enjoy a great little carry gun.

And again, welcome to the forum. Far from having nothing to give back, you've already made a contribution.

This is a fascinating (and often funny) place to hang out and learn.

__________________
Oh well, what the hell.

It's been great fun. Now the holster. Thinking it'll be a pocket model. I'm a bigger buy and my deep pockets will cover it well. The choices are overwhelming. Any ideas on best cordura nylon style with best fit? The models made for multiple models of pistols seem a bit sloppy. Leather in the humid summer doesn't move me. I like my kydex IWB but unsure of kydex for a pocket. Crown makes some nice holsters at competitive prices. I have several for IWB.

Permit expired...4 more days...
But the BK grip extension is in. Nicely made piece of kit! Thanks for the tip!

You're welcome!

__________________
CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

Absolutely I would keep, carry, and enjoy that nice Model 37. It's classy as hell, and just as capable as a modern J-frame. It's actually a bit smaller than current J-frames because S&W went to the larger J-Magnum frames in 1996.

Find the right grips, a good carry ammo like the 135-gr. Speer Gold Dots, and then practice with 148-gr wadcutters.

Yes it is a keeper. Now to find a good pocket carry and IWB case.
Never having had a aluminum frame I'm wondering if kydex is hard on the finish. I prefer a good snug fit over a case designed for multiple models. Since this frame is a bit smaller than current J frames, or so I've read here, should I look for someone fitting to a model of this vintage. I will make this my often carried but would like to keep it as nearly like current condition as possible. Only had time for a couple of rounds but was quite happy. Fired with and with the BK kit and again I owe thanks for getting that fine piece of kit.

Attached Images

	IMG_0005.jpg (82.6 KB, 54 views)
	IMG_0002_2.jpg (84.3 KB, 56 views)
	IMG_0004_2.jpg (81.4 KB, 60 views)
	IMG_0006_2.jpg (73.2 KB, 57 views)

For pocket holsters, it's hard to beat Mike Meredith at Pocket Concealment Systems. My j frame pocket holster is below. It's flat on the other side and doesn't print or yell 'gun' at all. Great little 37, enjoy.

We had a "range day" on Saturday, 03/28/2015, in preparation for our semi-annual qualifications, and my Model 37 was the only thing that hurt my hand with standard pressure 158 Grain LSWC reloads. The other guns I fired were my issue 4 inch Model 686 with duty Federal 158 grain HydraShok .357 Magnum loads and my off duty 3 inch Model 13 with Speer 135 grain Short Barrel .357 Magnum loads.

I love to carry my Model 37. Shooting it with anything other than standard pressure light bullet loads is not fun.

__________________
CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

Very nice, sadly "10 to 12 week delivery schedule." maybe Uncle Mikes and a wait. I sure wish they made ordering a bit easier. I went with the BK kit over another option for the same reason. Having to print out and mail an order. But impressive leather work!Learned this lesson today but still happy

I know very little about the M37, but want to welcome you to the forum, and mention that I too am in SE MN!
Maybe I'll see you at Ahlman's someday.

__________________
-Kris

That's a beautiful acquisition!

Originally, this "Chiefs Special" family of revolvers came with a 1 7/8" tapered and more slender barrel. The 3" barrel in the same slender style, was an option from the Dec, 1950. Then a thicker 3" or "heavy barrel was offered to add weight out front and reduce recoil 1967. Lastly in 1975 the slender barrels were deleted and the 'heavy barrel's replaced the slender as the standard barrel. 3" differences shown below, 2" is pretty much the same:

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Hopefully necro posting doesn't frustrate members! I just needed to say thanks! I love this little fella. So much I have a couple more S&W purchases I want to make. My neighbor kinda freaked when he realized the lefty next door was really a secret conservative, and well armed. HAHAHA Guess what? conservative Dems and progressive Republicans are patriots too!

I kept it and have really enjoyed. Sadly the recommended holster for pocket carry is a LONG wait. I've tried a few others but they print. How anyone can still sell a pocket CCW holster that prints and survive in the market amazes me.

BTW, I've been quiet but find this my favored forum. Well moderated and with swell fellas!

THANKS all.... now which 9mm and 5.56. I'm convinced the M&P AR15 is next, and I'll retire my uber cheap version. Now which 9mm. I secretly like the Glock better, but there's something t be said for brand loyalty and 100% USA made.

See you around!

LQ

I like the DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster, and have used one for several years, though my pocket J-fame is stainless. Robert Mika makes a splendid pocket holster, and is a great guy to work with. A retired LEO who makes them to order. Either will be easy on the finish of your 37.

I carry the standard pressure Buffalo Bore version of the old FBI load, 158 grain LSWCHP; but it's ballistically equal to the older Remington +P rendition and recoils accordingly. I've also carried Remington Golden Saber 125 grain +P, but I prefer a heavier bullet.

Full disclosure: My carry J-frame is all steel, and handles recoil much more comfortably than an Airweight. It wears Pachmayr Compac grips, which are bulkier than magnas and a grip adapter but aren't hard to conceal in any of my pockets. They give a higher hold, absorb recoil, and give purchase for the little finger of my medium-large hand. They cover the backstrap.

__________________
Oh well, what the hell.

Yup, the 37 bites. But it was a great gift from a great fella. I have Critical Defense lords for CCW, but they are no fun to shoot. At first I thought of backing off, but learned to control the round. I just pop a couple off after a few dozen light loads for practice. Just keeping the memory fresh. Old fella with the plague by Arthur Itis.

I’ll be sure to check your advise out!

Keep it. I love my 48 year old Model 12.

Attached Images

Model 12-2 Desktop (6) (Large).jpg (120.6 KB, 20 views)

__________________
Mike
S&WCA #3065

Thanks, that decision has long been made. IMO a little .38 spec. Wheel gun is one of the holy trinity.

Yep, I agree. Shooting my Model 37 Flatlatch with 158 grn and factory diamond stocks turns it into the “.500 magnum of the J frame family”!

Well life changes and it’s a shame but I just am not thrilled about this little wheel gun. So off it goes. I’m inexperienced with selling guns privately but took quite a beating at the local GS when I slimmed the herd. Being increasingly more disabled I just struggle with shooting this fella. It’s a neat little pistol, but (I can hear the critical comments already) I did a lot better with my .380 Walther. Better yet with my Shield 2.0. It bugs me keeping a pistol I’ll just let sit in a drawer. There, I’ve almost convinced myself. What is a fair price? All original 1973 box and contents. Just a couple of 5 round sessions. OK got my armor on...

Well, we are all temporary caretakers of guns...any children or grandchildren interested in your model 37?

I would guess it is worth $500-550 to the right buyer. As you painfully recall, a dealer might offer you $200-250. Listing it here in the Wanted to Sell/Trade section would probably find you a willing new caretaker.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

In 2015, I responded to your original post and suggested that "New In Box" with all papers and tools from the 1970's might make it a $450-525 gun. It sounds like it is now "close to new in box" according to your post. Since prices seem to have softened slightly since 2015, $400-450 is probably a reasonable range, but others will most likely be along with additional suggestions.

I have a model 37 square butt model. It is a great carry piece; not much fun on the range though. I like and highly recommend the Desantis ankle holster in leather. The loaded 37 is so light you forget it is even on! Mine is a 1969 model in pretty nice condition and I gave $425.00 out the door from a friend.

Yup. I know a guy who bought a very high condition, blued Model 37 about 4 months ago and paid $450 OTD at a gun show in FL. No box or papers but a very nice gun with diamond stocks that had shipped in 1968. I thought that was a very good deal for the buyer.

One negative about the M37 (and M12) is that the anodized finish is not very durable. Staring at it for more than 60 seconds can leave detectable deficits in the finish....OK, I am exaggerating to make the point, but not much. Thus, M37s in high condition are scarce as they tended to get carried and the finish degraded much faster than a blued finish, in my experience.

I would think that a NIB M37 from the early '70s ought to be a $500-550 gun.

__________________
Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215

That is one sweet little 37, nothing quite like a J Frame for me, own several, they all fit my hand like a custom made glove.

Take especially good care of her, a gift like that from a friend is so much more special than anything you will ever purchase IMHO. Years from now he will likely be a memory, but you will always have a very special keepsake remember him by, DO NOT sell that gun!

Perhaps a fine bottle of Scotch to say thanks.

__________________
Danny
SWCA #3370 - SWHF #672

I bought one about 5 yrs. ago unfired, box papers and everything for $550. I didn't know where to get another pistol like that but I knew where to get another $550. The seller and I are both happy. Larry