Help ...Need a little info ..Please..

rcisec

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Hi , I just joined S&W forum , and need a little info. Can anyone tell me what the difference between a model 36 and model 37 ,j frame is? The 37 is called the airweight, but weighs about the same as the 36. I am referring to the earlier models ... 1960's---1990's. Both are rated 38 spec. thanks.
 
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Welcome to the Forum. The steel model 36 is listed at 19 ounces, and the alloy 37 at 12.5 ounces, but other than the frame material and stampings they are very similar. They are noticeably different in weight if you have them to compare. Hope this is helpful.
 
Uh... yeah. I'm no expert, but even with the new math the difference between the 36 and the 37 is... umm... one.
 
I have both . . . and the aluminum framed (+ conventional steel cylinder and barrel) is noticeable . . . especially for someone who carried an M36 first in a pocket holster, followed by a Model 37.

Thus, the M37 is my "always" (always in my pocket gun) and the M36 is reserved more for belt holster use! IMHO, the Airweights are the best compromise of light weight yet enough weight to control the recoil well under stress.

And yes, mine are "vintage" ones. The M36 is a diamond + square latch from the '64 time frame and the M37 is from 1971.

As I type my M37 is in the pocket of the GYM SHORTS, with elastic band waist, that I'm wearing with a t-shirt. You couldn't get away with this with a M36!

M36 in a Mitch Rosen UPL left hand belt holster . . .
2454701MitchRosenholster.jpg


M37 Airweight . . .
2454596IMG1153pcropped10.004t.jpg
 
Thanks , I appreciate your input. So,for carry the 37, for practice the 36.
 
It's better to practice with what you carry, especially in this instance. The Model 37 can take some getting use to if you're not used to shooting the smaller framed guns.
 
Just weighed these ---

M36 no dash - 19.75 ounces

M37-2 - 13.6 ounces

When handling both, it seems there is a lot more difference in weight.:)
 
Love the look of the grips on the M37. Is that elk or sambar stag? Are they still available , that you know of? Truthfully , though I never tried the Tyler adapters. I just like the feel of the small grip on my M36. I even put the small grips on my 2 1/2 in. M19, although I did put combat grips(square butt adaptors) on a M60 w/ 3 inch bbl. What is the theory behind the Tyler adapter?
 
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