Hi,
Maybe a better question would be why S&W charges $200 more than their normally priced current J frames . . . just to get the quality of finish that used to be standard. And going beyond the now premium cost of the finish, the two guns are not similar at all . . . in the tradition of the real classic.
Hmm . . . let's see . . . a new 637 at about $550 retail brings the street price of a new, standard J frame into the high $400 range . . .
And . . . the upper $700 list price of a nickle-plated M36 "classic" (their term, not mine), gives one a gun with the little butt-hole just above the cylinder latch . . . and a wrong type cylinder latch at that for a diamond-stocked true classic M36 . . . and MIM parts.
Also, the frame is not the same, nor is the barrel pinned, NOR will it hold its value like a 1950'-mid 1960's Model 36.
I looked at 'em when they hit my local gun pusher's store and was quite disappointed in the look, and the stocks. IMHO, they shouldn't call 'em classics if they aren't going to be faithful to the original design and quality. So, I won't be gettin' any.
Then again . . . I've got the real thing to compare it with. Frankly, I wouldn't trade my 1964 M36 for a new "classic" any day.
Here's the real thing . . . totally different breed of cat . . . and (thankfully) still affordable used! I paid $350 last year for this nice "shooter" . . .
Shoots good too . . . (standing/unsupported @ 10 yards at a 1" black square target. Hmmmm . . . a keeper!
And now I'm saving those original, serial numbered to the gun stocks . . . and she's lookin' good in Grashorn Elk Stags with a couple of other good ol' pinned barrel Smiths:
In conclusion, why spend so much money to get a new gun, made the new way with a damned lock on it . . . when some really nice original "shooters" are easy to find?
T.
PS: The blued Model 37 on the bottom was made in 1971. A little widow lady said it was her 2nd husband's nightstand gun. Virtually like new, but shot a little bit. She ended up outliving THREE husbands. Lots of guns turn up for sale this way.
