1937 Contract .45 acp

[SIAD MP]

Picked up one several years ago when they flooded back into the states. It was rough on the outside with a million scratches and very little finish if any. It had one redeaming value, it shot very well and had a silk smooth DA for a big N frame. Well sold it to my brother in law for next to nothing. He hated the guns finish and had a very good Gunsmith refnish it. Deep luster blue with case hardened trigger and hammer. Short original grips did not do it justice. He returned it to me refinished for the same price. I love the guy. Put on faux ivory and replaced the lanyard loop. Reblue may have diminished but the gun draws oohs and aahs whenever it gets drawn. I have shot it in a few IDPA matches for the fun of it and I love the gun. See for yourself.

 

[WHO CARES]

Nice - I like big Smiths.

 

[gordonrick]

Nicely done! Most of the old Brazilians are so beat up, "collector value" is not a real concern. I personally prefer the smooth walnut stocks I have on my ugly duckling Brazilian, but that's just me. Enjoy!

 

[Jack Flash]

The faux ivory doesn't look half bad.

Personally, I think the refinish increased its value.

 

[JSR III]

That is a very sweet looking wheel gun.

 

[Old Corp]

Yep - the finish on my ol' M1937 Brazilian was a very rough parkerized that I cleaned up pretty good, and then baked in the oven with a pretty heavy coat of synthetic lube.
Yes, it's a sort of strange flat black now, but she shoots great.

 

[Green Frog]

Keeping an ex-military arm with small amounts of finish "original" is vastly overrated. What your brother had done with (for) that old warrior was both appropriate and helpful. With proper care, that 45 will still be looking good in 2037 and beyond. Well done!

Froggie

 

[SIAD MP]

Thanks Gentlemen, I enjoy the pics of other 37's and nice grips. This big Smith is one of my favorites and has spent many years as my nightstand gun with back up moons. An old retired pastor friend of mine was cleaning out some of his old gun stuff and found a large box of older (but still good) ammo. He gave me 7 boxes of Remington .45 Auto Rim and 8 boxes of Rem and Winchester 150's and 170's 30-30 for my old 94. He also sold me several of the Old Mint Smiths I will be posting in the future.