info please...HELP!

[jaypug]

Hi All,
As a new member to this blog, I'm not sure if I'm posting in the correct way, but I do have some questions.
I have owned 37-1 Airweight for about 15 years and never fired!
I know, I know, I meant to, but somehow life gets in the way.
Now I do want to start carrying this piece in an ankle holster and my search for one is the reason for this message.
What is the difference between a model 36 and 37?
Is there a place to get detailed info on these pieces, like year of manufacture and the differences between the many J offerings? will this matter for the holster purchase?

Also, if anyone has suggestions on an ankle rig, please give me your thoughts.
I'm leaning toward a Bianchi: 4750 Ranger Triad Ankle Holster, or the Fobus Holsters J357A Ankle Holster, J Series 357 Magnum but am concerned about comfort, ability to stay in place, security, cleaning, print...are these even correct for my piece?
Thanks in advance for your assistance.

 

[s&wchad]

Welcome to the forum.

The 37-1 was produced in the late 1980's.

The Model 36 variations (Chiefs Special) are all steel, while the Model 37's (Chiefs Special Airweight) have an aluminum alloy frame to reduce weight.

I can't help you with those particular ankle holsters.

 

[jaypug]

Hi S&WCHAD,
Thanks for the info,
This tells me the 37 should probably be ok in a holster for a 36.
The s/n may be BU9xxx, or BBU9xxx, or 3BU9xxx.
The first digit is very light and partially missing.
Is there a way to tell what could be correct?
Was this a popular piece? (It seems everyone wants a compact auto now, but I'm not convinced).

 

[s&wchad]

The first three characters of the serial number will be letters, so BBU9XXX is probably correct. The serial # is generally on the butt, but it may also be on the frame in the yoke cut. Swing the cylinder open and look on the left side of the gun below the barrel and see if it's there.

A holster for a Model 36 should fit fine. S&W did make the J frame size slightly larger around 1997 (called the J mag frame) and a holster for one of those may be a bit loose.

It's best to try the gun in the holster before buying. If you're ordering a holster, specify that yours is an older non-J mag frame.

 

[Rivers2k]

It's best to try the gun in the holster before buying. If you're ordering a holster, specify that yours is an older non-J mag frame.

I couldnt agree more. Ankle holsters seem like a good idea but they are a pain in the butt. That was the first think I bought for my 442 I wore it once and never again. Makes you walk funny, they are uncomfortable and you have to be careful your pant leg doesn't get hung up on the handle and everyone sees what you got.

Try a pock holster or IWB (in the waste band) holster.