Model 637 Help

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Whit

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When was the Model 637 first produced? A gentleman has one for sale but all I've seen is photos. It is a pinned barrel revolver with partial serial number J94Xxx.

I was under the impression the 637's came along much later than that serial number range. Now I'm confused. Anybody got the straight scoop on the 637?

Price on it is reasonable if it really is a 637. In the photos it appears the barrel and cylinder are a different shade from the frame.

Thanks in advance.
 
J94xxx would be 1969-70, when they first started the J serial numbers. The model 637 wasn't introduced until 1989, long past the J s/n's.
What color is the gun? The 637 is silver, but "in the photos it appears that the barrel and cylinder are a different shade from the frame" is a typical description of a blued airweight.
 
As usual, HotRod150 is right on the money. Don't know how badly you want this gun, but it seems as though the seller is not even sure what model he has. I would be reluctant to purchase a gun from photos in a situation such as this.

Seems like it is a Model 37. The aluminum frame would have a flat black finish that would not match the blued cylinder: close, but no cigar. I myself would prefer to inspect the gun in my hand before purchase; other posters have written that 37s can have frame issues. I'll leave the floor to them...
 
I've been able to determine that it is indeed a 37, not a 637. The finish issue is still a mystery. Definitely not blue but also not the bright nickel of Smiths in that era. Seller insists it's the original finish. However he is not the original owner. The frame appears to be a very flat, dull silver whirl the barrel and cylinder are slightly more shines looking but not a bright nickel. A mystery indeed.
 
attn Whit

Hey, buddy! I hate mysteries I can't solve. Even the present owner cannot solve the mystery. If the exterior of the 37 is a question mark, what about the insides? For my $, and I know it's not, I would pass and purchase a modern 637 instead if you're looking for a carry gun. I'm tripped out on used guns due to the amount of 'smithing I've had to pay for to put them right.
 
The amodized finish on S&W airweights is notorious for showing holster wear, sometimes right down to the shiney aluminum of the frame. The blued steel parts (barrel & cylinder) will also show wear but differently. IMHO a holster-worn but mechanically sound model 37 airweight Chief would be worth somewhere between $300 & 400. The more severe the wear, the lower the price.
Can you post the photo(s) of the gun here?
 
A model 37 is a beautiful sight to behold in it's NIB condition...but given father time and a lot of holster wear ....not so much...or at least it loses it's finish very quickly on the alloy parts.
Pics would help!
 
Unfortunately I don't have photos. The pictures I saw were on another site where the owner has it listed for sale. Don't know if it is right to copy his photos and post them on another site.
 
Whit, I'm back. Pig in a poke. Forget about it. Pick up a 637 in person from a retail store. You'll be happier, not have to worry about what a previous owner may have done to it, and can send it back to the factory for warranty work. Forget about it.
 
Don't give up on it yet. I prefer my old Chiefs to the modrn version- a 1970-ish airweight would be a find as far as I'm concerned. Then again, an online gun purchase can be a pig in a poke. But even a beater Chief has value. What's the price?
 
The asking price is $400. Owner was supposed to get back with me but he hasn't. Just about written off the deal.
 
Satin nickel

S&W made a 37 with a satin nickel finish that resembles a 637. You need both guns in hand to be able to tell the difference. However, the serial number would be an "ABCxxxx" number as they were manufactured from 1992-1996.
jcelect
 
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