Cracked Frame on Model 37

Too · #1 05-30-2010, 10:06 PM

Last night, while cleaning my little Model 37 Air Weight Nickel, I found the frame cracked under the barrel. This gun has less than 500 rounds through it total and never used + P.

My question is, do you think S & W will replace the frame under warranty? Is is under warranty? I will call them on Tue. I'm afraid they will say it cracked from + P's usage. This gun has not had a single plus p in it.

Has anyone ever heard of this happening?

Your thoughts appreciated

murphydog · #2 05-30-2010, 10:57 PM

Hi, and welcome. Sorry your first post has to be about a problem. I'd call the factory as you planned and see what they say. I know that guns made after a certain year have a lifetime warranty, but I don't know what year that policy started:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...4_757812_image

Your gun was made on the 287th day of 1991 (the Special Order code).

Aluminum cylinders as on the earliest Airweights were known to crack, and I'm sure someone on the Forum has or has seen a gun with damage like yours. I would wonder if this might have been caused by overtightening the barrel?

Good luck with the factory, and let us know what happens.

JOliver · #3 05-31-2010, 12:54 AM

posted many times on this...I personally found a few of my airweights with the same crack...did all mine a few years ago and they didn't have non lock frames so they couldn't swap it BUT they let me get a new 637.
"our theory" is that they stress when they install the barrel and over time the crack becomes noticeable...due to shooting or time.I had 2 NIB 37s with the crack and they had never been fired.
Smith and Wesson took WONDERFUL care of me and I was able to get everyone of mine replaced but I noticed on the forum that some weren't so lucky..I'm sure they got tired of sending free guns out..so to speak.

Give them a call and talk to them,they'll send you a fedex pick up ticket for it...but don't send it unless you are SURE you don't want it anymore..they won't send it back as its "unsafe".
If you don't get the results while talking with them ,call back at a later date and talk with someone else...you get a different answer with S&W everytime.
Good luck with it ...if it were me I'd take the grips off ...few extra bucks
Jason

Too · #4 05-31-2010, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOliver

Give them a call and talk to them,they'll send you a fedex pick up ticket for it...but don't send it unless you are SURE you don't want it anymore..they won't send it back as its "unsafe".
Jason

Thank you very much for this excellent information. Hopefully this mean that if they accept it by mailer, I can assume they will replace it with a new one?

Too · #5 06-01-2010, 11:24 PM

I called S & W today and sure enough, it's under warranty. They told me to expect a mailer to send the gun to them and they will take it from there. I'm encouraged!

649 Bodyguard · #6 06-01-2010, 11:57 PM

Sounds like you got some good news today. I`m happy for you.

chief38 · #7 06-02-2010, 12:22 AM

I own a M 37 blued version, and although it has no crack at all after a few hundred rounds, I almost never shoot it. My daily carry gun is usually a model 60 (stainless version) and that is the one I usually practice with as well. On the rare occasion I do carry my M 37, I load it with Buffalo Bore standard velocity 158 gr. bullets.

I am not a big fan of airweights, and can not even give you a good reason as to why I bought the one I have, but it is what it is. If this is your carry gun, and you are going to replace it, I would strongly recommend getting a stainless version. The Model 60 can be stoked with any +P ammo, and I have never seen or heard of one ever cracking under normal use.

The airweight weighs in at 15 ounces and the M 60 version (older version with Magna grip stocks) wieghs in at 19 ounces. For the difference of 4 ounces I would get use to the slightly heavier gun which will soon be unnoticeable with a proper holster. The M 60 is also a hell of a lot more pleasant to shoot with stiff loads, and is a lot more controllable. AND...........you will never have to worry about a cracked frame again!

chief38

srgvaz · #8 06-02-2010, 04:51 AM

I'm sure you can keep the original box and grips as a keepsake . Did you ASK if you can get a no lock gun?

Too · #9 06-02-2010, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chief38

I own a M 37 blued version, and although it has no crack at all after a few hundred rounds, I almost never shoot it. My daily carry gun is usually a model 60 (stainless version) and that is the one I usually practice with as well. On the rare occasion I do carry my M 37, I load it with Buffalo Bore standard velocity 158 gr. bullets.

I am not a big fan of airweights, and can not even give you a good reason as to why I bought the one I have, but it is what it is. If this is your carry gun, and you are going to replace it, I would strongly recommend getting a stainless version. The Model 60 can be stoked with any +P ammo, and I have never seen or heard of one ever cracking under normal use.

The airweight weighs in at 15 ounces and the M 60 version (older version with Magna grip stocks) wieghs in at 19 ounces. For the difference of 4 ounces I would get use to the slightly heavier gun which will soon be unnoticeable with a proper holster. The M 60 is also a hell of a lot more pleasant to shoot with stiff loads, and is a lot more controllable. AND...........you will never have to worry about a cracked frame again!

chief38

Agree total. I have the Model 60 also and that is by far my favorite carry gun. And like you, I don't know what I ever bought the airweight.

If you want to test your airweight, fire about 15 rounds as fast as you can load and shoot. If the heat doesn't expand the barrel and crack the frame at the threaded point, it's a keeper. That's how I cracked mine.

Too · #10 06-02-2010, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srgvaz

I'm sure you can keep the original box and grips as a keepsake . Did you ASK if you can get a no lock gun?

I will ask about the lock gun when they get back to me. All they told me yesterday was, send it to us and we'll take it from there. Almost those exact words, so, I'm assuming they'll give me the opportunity to talk to them since the Model 37 is no longer made.