Airweight Model 337

[JoeCWales]

I own an AirWeight Model 337 with lock. I love it and want to purchase another one.

I have been unable to find one for sale, either new or used! I do frequently come across the AirLite 337.

The photos are similar to mine, but the markings are very different.

Can anyone tell me what the differences are between the Airweight 337 and the AirLite 337?

Thanks in advance!

 

[JoeCWales]

I own an AirWeight Model 337 with lock. I love it and want to purchase another one.

I have been unable to find one for sale, either new or used! I do frequently come across the AirLite 337.

The photos are similar to mine, but the markings are very different.

Can anyone tell me what the differences are between the Airweight 337 and the AirLite 337?

Thanks in advance!

 

[DC7]

Welcome to the forum! The Model 337 is an aluminum/titanium AirLite Chiefs Special; there is no Airweight version with the same model number. There were two similarly-styled models in the Airweight line--the Model 37 (aluminum/steel, with blue or nickel finish) and the Model 637 (aluminum/stainless steel).

Hope that helps!

 

[s&wchad]

Welcome to the forum. Airweight is an older name (still used today) for aluminum frame revolvers like the Model 37. Some of the earliest guns had aluminum cylinders but that was stopped fairly fast. These guns have steel or stainless steel cylinders.

AirLight is a name S&W started using about 1997 and the guns usually have a titanium cylinder and an aluminum alloy frame (.22s are an exception). The lock was introduced in 2002 so your gun was made after that.

I've never heard of an Airweight 337, but there is an Airweight 637 that is similar to the 337. The 637 has an aluminum alloy frame, a stainless cylinder and barrel and weighs about 13-1/2 oz. The 337 (Airlite ) has a titanium cylinder, a 2 piece barrel with an aluminum shroud and weighs under 12 oz.

The Model will be stamped on the frame, only visible when the cylinder is open. Maybe double check it.

 

[JoeCWales]

Thank you both for the information. But I don't know too much more than I did before, except perhaps this model was uncommon?

I double checked the model information, it does say airweight 337, as opposed to airlite. Very interested in what you make of this. I posted here because I've been unable to find much reference to an airweight 337 anywhere online. I did find one article that mentioned an airweight 337, but only in passing.

I'm attempting to attach photos, hope this works. Thank you!

 

[robotoid]

You may have some kind of unique piece there, as indicated, the 337 was an AirLite, not an Airweight. Maybe the factory was using up some left over frames?? The cylinder there looks to be stainless, not titanium, which I thought was standard on the 337.

 

[s&wchad]

It's not a listed 337Ti (or PD) product code and there's no Spec Ord # (julian date). It's not a 337 AirLite because it doesn't have a titanium cylinder.

The feature code translates:
-5 shot
-single action/double action
-small compact frame size
-rubber grips
-two piece barrel
-fixed sight
-integral front sight?
-alloy frame
-stainless cylinder
-matte finish

The serial number dates to around 2004 and that's when the 337's were discontinued. It could be parts clean-up, special order or a replacement gun for someone who screwed up the titanium cylinder (or not)! Your gun is similar to a 637 except for the barrel construction. Cool!

 

[DC7]

No wonder you're having a hard time finding another one--according to the reference books that model shouldn't exist! Your gun has a combination of 337 and 637 features: the shrouded barrel of a 337; the cylinder of a 637; and a frame that could be from either one (although only a 637 would normally be marked "Airweight"). S&W never ceases to amaze me with their endless uncataloged variations.

I agree with S&WChad--your gun was probably built during some kind of parts cleanup. The factory doesn't let any usable part go to waste, so they periodically take leftover frames and parts from various models and build them into unusual configurations like yours.

I think it's safe to say that finding another will be nearly impossible. I have a similar special-run revolver, a Model 340Sc built on a scandium frame with no internal lock (which by itself is very rare), chambered in .38 Special only instead of the usual .357 Magnum. According to a factory letter, the 340 turned out to be one of just 45 guns built in that configuration. It might be worth lettering your gun also, to find out just how rare it really is.

 

[JoeCWales]

Thanks to each of you for all the great information! I know a lot more now about this little shooter than I did before. I didn't even know the <STRIKE>barrel</STRIKE> cylinder was stainless. The dealer told me it was Titanium, and having never seen Titanium, I didn't know the difference.

I purchased it new at a gun show from one of the volume dealers who hire teenagers to make sales, and take up both sides of an entire aisle and buzz around on Segways. I usually avoid those guys, but I fell in love with the little gun at first sight, so they were a necessary evil.

I'm definitely going to write to S&W to find out just what I have, thank you for the suggestion. But there are sure no complaints, whatever they cannibalized to put this gun together, it was a complete success.

With one shot, it cut a cottonmouth water moccasin in half, a few inches under water, at eight feet. Aggressively moving toward us rather than away, and we were in the water with him. It's reliable and more accurate than I dreamed a snub could be.

Btw, my hubby told me never to shoot at a snake in the water again. I would almost certainly risk losing my bragging rights. No doubt he's right.

I've been searching for a second one for my mother, since it has been the perfect "carry" gun for me. I guess I'll have to settle for the AirLite 637. I guess it is the closest relative?

I will post when I hear from S&W about this hybrid model.

One more question. Is this gun more valuable because of its' seeming non-existence or will that depend on what I hear from S&W? I ask because it sees some pretty rough holstered conditions, I'm active outdoors. It gets damp and sandy sometimes. Should I box it?

 

[s&wchad]

The cylinder looks factory bead blasted which S&W doesn't always do. I'd put it away for now and get a letter. You can decide what you want to do after you get the information. Normally, I would say that guns with the IL are not very collectable, but it could do well on an auction site like gunbroker. The gun seem like quite a contradiction! Cool!

 

[Dragracer Art]

Here's some pics of my 337, just for reference...

 

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by JoeCWales:
Thank you both for the information. But I don't know too much more than I did before, except perhaps this model was uncommon?

I double checked the model information, it does say airweight 337, as opposed to airlite. Very interested in what you make of this. I posted here because I've been unable to find much reference to an airweight 337 anywhere online. I did find one article that mentioned an airweight 337, but only in passing.

I'm attempting to attach photos, hope this works. Thank you!

This is one of those times that, without the photos, I would have assumed that I knew there was no such thing as what we are all seeing in the photos.

Anyone see those flying saucers and the little green men last night?