looking for info on a model 37-3

dmastachief · #1 05-18-2017, 02:38 AM

i just bought a model 37-3 at a gun show but i cant find anything online about a 37-3 only the 37-2 and under any help is appreciated because i paid $345 tax and all and wanted to know if i got a decent deal

murphydog · #2 05-18-2017, 06:50 AM

Welcome! The standard printed reference refers to the model 37-3 starting production in 1997 and ending no later than 2007. It is listed as being +P rated and having the internal lock. No mention of production numbers but I have not seen many.

If it is in good condition and functions normally you got a good deal, especially if you really like it

. Hope this is helpful.

dmastachief · #3 05-18-2017, 01:13 PM

thank you very much that is helpful . i do have one other question its not stamped +p anywhere is it still ok to fire +p through it. and the condition is excellent looks like it was fired only a few times.

murphydog · #4 05-18-2017, 02:35 PM

If it has a J shaped frame ledge that keeps the cylinder from sliding backwards with the action open, it has the "J Magnum" frame rated for + P.

Kernel Crittenden · #5 05-18-2017, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murphydog

...The standard printed reference refers to the model 37-3 starting production in 1997 and ending no later than 2007. It is listed as being +P rated and having the internal lock.....

Wouldn't 1997 be a few years early for an ILS gun?

I started a thread last week asking if anyone had ever seen a M37-4. Or if such a thing was EVER made. No replies in the affirmative.

murphydog · #6 05-18-2017, 03:32 PM

Haven't ever seen one, but that is in the SCSW. Maybe the J Magnum frame went from 1997 to 2000, and the IL came after. Perhaps the OP or someone with a -3 would be kind enough to post a photo

.

Kframerbluvr · #7 07-28-2018, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murphydog

If it has a J shaped frame ledge that keeps the cylinder from sliding backwards with the action open, it has the "J Magnum" frame rated for + P.

I am purchasing one now at Green Top Sporing Goods in VA.
It does have the frame ledge but the barrel is not marked +P.
It is a no lock model and will cost me about $350 OTD.
It is in excellent condition. A couple of cylinders of +P carry ammo will not hurt it. I practice with 158 grain standard .38 loads.
Waiting on background check to clear.

murphydog · #8 07-28-2018, 10:01 AM

Hey, we've been waiting a year for those photos!

Kframerbluvr · #9 07-28-2018, 12:54 PM

I will take pics this PM.
Have not been able to post them on this forum from an IPhone.

Kframerbluvr · #10 07-28-2018, 10:44 PM

Finally somewhat figured out the pic part....will do better next time...This is my first “hammered” J frame with the spur intact.
Anybody have any idea how many of these were made and the DOM? Mine is CCU78XX.

nomad55 · #11 11-25-2021, 03:14 PM

Still trying to learn more about this little gun. You only see info about 37-2's online. This is one of 2 forums I've seen on the gun.

Trying to revitalize here, maybe we need a 37-3 owners forum to get some info.

I was deployed in the mid-2000s and bought this gun for my mom for home defense. It was stolen in a burglary in the early 2010s and then found in a pawn shop by the local PD in the late 2010s.

I was able to recover it as it was never registered as being used in a crime and it has some mystique around it being out in the world for a half-decade.

Glad to have it back and want to learn more about the year it was made, how many were made, etc. First 6 of SN are CCZ223

Semper Fi - thanks for any feedback.