Mod # 37

[HCD]

As I continue to go thru the safe and get out more guns to clean and put in order I came across a mod 37 (no dash), so I thought I would look here and see what other folks say about this piece. To my surprise I don't find much info even when doing a search. So that has me curious is there something wrong with this mod.? Certainly they are not rare. Maybe I thought I was in the wrong forum but no that's not it. Can anybody point me to the place where I can read information/discussions about my old 37? Thanks guys.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

There is nothing particularly odd about a 37. Great gun - I have two. I am fortunate to have the square-butt version, which is much more comfortable to shoot and ordinarily just as concealable. I use Magnas and a Tyler. Some folks perhaps prefer the round-butt version. They are also occasionally seen with a 3" barrel, which probably takes it out of the pocket-gun category, but make it just about the lightest gun you'll ever see carried on a belt. In my experience, they can be quite accurate, very easily staying in the 9-ring at 25yd, and usually the ten-ring if you are in practice. I now believe that 148-grain or 158-grain loads are best, which are usually what the gun will shoot best with.

 

[Memphis]

Not sure where to point you for info but I just bought one myself. I wasn't looking for it but my co worker offered it and it was soooo nice I had to have it. Mine is basically NIB. Pre Bangor Punta box. The gun has numbered diamond grips (square butt) and honestly I can't find any evidence it was ever fired. Inside the box top it has written 4 initials, west memphis ar, may 1967. It has a regular latch (not flat latch). The end label on the box has correct number for this particular gun.
It looks like a very enjoyable gun and I'm sure you will like yours. It is extremly light.

Roger

 

[frankw]

I bought one new way back when and carried it for 20 years with a Barami HipGrip. I enjoyed walking in the woods with it and shooting pine cones off the ground with my handloaded 158 SWCers.
It was a great little gun and I wish I still had it.

 

[HCD]

Yes they are lite little guns, the wife and I both carry 637's now, and have for about the last 5 years. I don't even remember when I got this one guess I could look it up but not important. Just wondering about the popularity and prices and of course collectability when I started my search. But with the lack of discussion on the 37 guess it is not the most popular dog on the block. Thanks folks for the input and postings.
HCD

 

[murphydog]

They are nice guns. For the best information about the model 37 and all things S & W, here is the book:

Amazon.com: Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson) (9780896892934): Jim Supica, Richard Nahas: Books

It's five years old but the most complete, if not 100% up to date on everything. Perhaps your thread will start a full discussion. Enjoy!

 

[lanceman193]

+1 for murphydogs reccommendation of the Standard Catalog 3rd Edition.

Lance

 

[Barn Boy]

Air Weights

Shhh. Don't tell everybody.

I picked up a 37 no dash, square butt from Gun Broker a couple of months back. I couldn't believe the difference in feel between a 36 and a 37. Plus it is a very good shooter to the point of aim with 158 grain hollow points.

I liked it so much that I got a model 12-2. square butt to replace a model 10 that I keep as a truck gun. Like the model 37 the model 12 feels much lighter and more manageable than the steel frame that it replaced.

I did not notice that the recoil was that much worse in the lighter frame guns. Neither gun is difficult to shoot accurately and they are much lighter for carry than a 36 or a 10. The 37 feels about like a wallet in the back pocket of my Levis.

And as an added bonus, the air weights don't seem to cost as much as their steel cousins.

 

[VIM]

I too have a model 37 that I bought for my wife awhile back, it is a great shooter and she loves it. I think one reason it does not show up more on here more is because it is just a good honest working gun that a lot of people have and carry but rarely shoot. Once you start shooting it you again remember just how accurate they truly are.

 

[bennettfam]

Bought a 642-1 for backpacking and never regretted it, but then acquired a 37 no-dash square butt from family. If I had it sooner I never would have bought the 642. The 37 would do the job just fine, and the square butt and exposed hammer make for a more comfortable and versatile revolver. Only negative is that it is not +P rated like the newer gun.

 

[HCD]

Well I just made another post with pics. And sence I asked about this gun it seems like I have seen more talk about them and the mod.s 38 and 39 maybe we just needed to start talking about the lite weights to get folks to come out and admit they actualy own one. Of course they are not as impressive as the 19's, 66's and the like but at least i can go to the farm store without having to pull my pants up every 20 seconds. "Little smiley thingy."