Date of manufacture for Model 37 Airweight

[nechaev]

I recently purchased a Model 37 with a three inch barrel, serial number 502Jxx. Could anyone please advise me as to the year of manufacture? Thanks. The revolver came with large wooden grips that are recessed for speed loaders, but the HKS model 36 does not seem to clear it. The grips are Smith and Wesson, so I believe that they originally came with the revolver. Can anyone recommend a brand of grips (other than the skinny factory originals common on the model 36's) that might clear an HKS speed loader? Thank you in advance, and Merry Christmas.

 

[opaul]

1970/1971. If I'm reading my book right the J prefix became standard in 1973 prior to that; numbers preceded the letter J.

 

[hardcase60]

I'm no expert and from the photo's (for me) it is difficult to tell what those stocks really are, but I don't believe they are original to that gun.
Hopefully more knowledgeable forum members will provide further info.

hardcase60

 

[murphydog]

These are factory stocks, either the Target or "banana" style (can't see them completely in the photos). There are several different styles of rubber stocks that will not block speedloader use; the smaller Hogue type comes to mind.

 

[nechaev]

Thank you for the information.

Thank you for all of your help. I am sorry for the poor quality picture, but my digital camera is dead, and I had to use the computer camera. I thought it might be better than not posting any pictures at all. I will check out the Hogue grips, and I may also try Safariland Speed Loaders to see if they work with the current grips. I would like to keep wood grips on it if possible, but if I can't find any properly recessed, such is life. Please keep any information coming, as it is a great help and source of interest to me.

 

[hotrod150]

Per SCSW, the J prefix s/n's started in 1969. In 1971-72 the "floating j"with four or five numerals were used, and in 1982-83 the floating j with six numerals were used. So yours is 1971-72.

 

[wiffsmith]

new here but i have a model 37 airweight with the j695xx serial number wondering about how old this is, i bought it new but don't remember when.

 

[wetdog]

^^^^^^ Welcome, J695XX would be 1969-70.

 

[Kslush]

Smith model 37 serial number

^^^^^^ Welcome, J695XX would be 1969-70.

can someone tell me what year one would be if there is not a j in the serial number and first three digits are 325xxx

 

[wetdog]

^^^^^^^ Welcome to the Forum. Approx. date 1963.

 

[csmshort]

Just picked up a Model 37 with that floating J, SN 3Jxxxx. 1971-72?