Model 37 Airweight Question

boardwinejt · Sep 16, 2015

Hello all;
My name is Todd and I've been a S&W fan for over 10 years.
I picked up a Model 37 in very good shape, but I have concerns about bullet expansion in a 1 7/8 barrel. Two screws, only one serial number (read the rules)

I'm trying to find out the best load for my handgun that would not hurt it. Aluminum frame, steel cylinder and barrel. Serial number 78J314. I currently carry 158 XTP Hornady Customs. Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all for reading.

ISCS Yoda · Sep 16, 2015

Well, I am not sure what you mean by bullet expansion in a short barrel but, regardless, I don't think you can hurt your gun by firing any "normal" brand of .38 Special ammunition. The Hornady ammunition you say you are using probably rests in at least one, if not two, of my Airweight J-frames as I type this. If not today, then at other times. I use less expensive FMJ ammunition at the range, except for a few of the "good ones" to ensure that they go where I want them to go - but generally they're all 158 grain .38 Special rounds. That's what the guns are designed to shoot.

boardwinejt · Sep 16, 2015

Yes sir. I understand. I've had a concealed carry permit for years now, and the Model 37 fits well in my pocket as a back-up firearm. I'm referring to bullet expansion for self defense while I carry it. I'm trying to figure out what could work best/well for a revolver of my type.

ISCS Yoda · Sep 16, 2015

You mean expansion in your intended target, a no account perpetrator and malefactor intent on doing you harm?

Use your 158 grain hollow points. They're fine for that job.

gmborkovic · Sep 16, 2015

You are not shooting moving targets at 50 yards. Its a close order gun. I carry std . loads. I carry one with 125gr. loads. No +Ps, please. Shoot your gun at night one time, with no lights. The flames are impressive.

boardwinejt · Sep 16, 2015

That's good to know. I've been told that standard rounds aren't nearly good enough as a +P load. I personally think it doesn't make a massive difference.

Cal44 · Sep 16, 2015

Probably best to stay away from +P's -- at least that is what I do.

I have nearly the same gun from almost the same date of manufacture.

I put the ammo question to the Defensive Carry forum, and a retired NYPD officer was very helpful with several private messages to me.

He suggested Federal 38 Special 110 grain Hydra-Shok JHP, low recoil.

I googled gel tests for this round and found at least some expansion when shot from 2" J frames.

That's probably as good as anything.

Expansion is somewhat iffy no matter what you use. If it doesn't expand it works like a flat nose bullet.

I also use Buffalo Bore standard pressure hollow point 38 special semi wad cutters. But in some posted gel tests these don't always expand out of short barrel guns either.

GerSan69 · Sep 16, 2015

There are as many opinions as there are bullet types. If the 37 is your backup, I'd just pick something you're comfortable with and don't worry too much about it. IMH but professional opinion, a good hollow point in one of the heavier weights, standard velocity or +P, is plenty in a small revolver. Another choice is the ammo made for short barrels. Keep it simple, you'll be happier.

boardwinejt · Sep 16, 2015

Good to know guys. I was looking into HydraShok where I carry that in my Colt 1911 Series 80. Most ammo for short barrels seems to be +P. Except for those 110 grain Hydras. With the Colt having broken mag springs, the Model 37 is my primary carry piece until further notice. All about shot placement, really.

S42N8 · Sep 16, 2015

I'd recommend the Speer Gold Dot short barrel. However, most any modern defensive ammo will work as well as others, particularly from a snubbie. The real question is which is most accurate? Most carry guns are a series of compromises: weight and size generally dictate small calibers; small calibers incur less margin of error. Accuracy becomes of greater importance...and ammo is a principal variable. FWIW.

boardwinejt · Sep 16, 2015

I agree with your statement. A powerful bullet means nothing if you can't even hit the broad side of a barn with it. I found short barrel load by Speer Gold Dot, but all of it is +P. Which raised my concern with owning an aluminum framed revolver. Maybe I should just see what round I'm more accurate with.

Old cop · Sep 16, 2015

I carry the 158 grain FBI +P load in both my 442 and Model 38 b/c I know from experience it works on the street.

4011 · Sep 16, 2015

My 37 has 158 + P full jacket hollow points. I've shot it with these and they are strong. But you can hit your target.

boardwinejt · Sep 16, 2015

My 37 with its age won't be harmed or warped by 158 +P?

Cal44 · Sep 16, 2015

boardwinejt said:
My 37 with its age won't be harmed or warped by 158 +P?

Some of these Aluminum airweights develop cracks on the crane or under the barrel where it screws into the frame.

I chose not to put the extra strain of +P ammo on a gun that is prone to cracks.

But many people do use +P without problems.

And some guns crack with standard pressure ammo.

Best check your gun to see if it's already cracked.

One school of thought is practice with std pressure and carry +P. If it breaks, then find another.

murphydog · Sep 16, 2015

Practice mostly with standard pressure rounds, and fire a few +Ps regularly to verify function and zero. Fairly unlikely to cause damage to your gun.

.455_Hunter · Sep 16, 2015

In my early 70's Mod 37, the 158 gr loads shoot very high. I usually carry it loaded with either the Winchested 110 gr Silvertip JHP or the Remington 110 gr JHP, both Non+P rated.

alwslate · Sep 17, 2015

I carry my 37 with my own standard pressure handload with cast
148 gr wadcutters. Hotter than factory target loads and the flat point
bullet is effective without expansion.

pigbike · Sep 17, 2015

I just recently had a 37 crack the frame under the barrel using Standard 158 ammo. I would not use any +P if I was you. This was a early 80's model in very good condition, not some old beat up gun.

chief38 · Sep 17, 2015

Practice with standard velocity 158 grain SWC or RNL and use Speer Short Barrel 135 grain +P Gold Dots as a carry load. The GD's are an excellent defense load and reliably expand. Probably the best SD load for your Airweight M37. Just shoot them sparingly from the Airweight and you should be fine.

Model 37 Airweight Question

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