Can someone advise as to whether a Mod. 37 Airweight is designed handle +P ammunition? S/N BRC 76XX Product Code 101602. Appreciate the help.
-
Forum Update: We've upgraded the software to improve security, performance, and the overall experience.
👉 Read why we made the change | Support the Forum
Model 37 Airweight
- Thread starter smitholdtimer
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2010
- Messages
- 4
- Reaction score
- 0
No it's not, don't do it.
OP
fredude522
Thank you sir, I will not shoot the +P ammo in this weapon!
Thank you sir, I will not shoot the +P ammo in this weapon!
photoman
Member
Ooops! I shot tons of +P in mine and it was just fine.
OP
Photoman44
I'm glad you did not damage your M-37 but now I am confused as to what this alloy frame revolver is designed to shoot. Will stand by for more opinions(Facts Please) and thanks for the replies.
I'm glad you did not damage your M-37 but now I am confused as to what this alloy frame revolver is designed to shoot. Will stand by for more opinions(Facts Please) and thanks for the replies.
remat457
Member
The last batch of 37-2's a few years ago had some stamped +P and those that were not. They were all standard J-frame (not J-magnum). Don't know what the difference was (if any) other than they supposedly were made from "left over" parts. Mine is not stamped +P but it also shoots +P just fine.
Although not specifically endorsed (at least on the ones not stamped +P) if you read the modern revolver manual, it is not prohibited either. For thoroughness (and the fact I happen to have it) here is the spec sheet for that run:
http://firearms.fortreg.com/?p=619
Although not specifically endorsed (at least on the ones not stamped +P) if you read the modern revolver manual, it is not prohibited either. For thoroughness (and the fact I happen to have it) here is the spec sheet for that run:
http://firearms.fortreg.com/?p=619
Last edited:
First, please let me direct you to an extremely well written article by Forum member SaxonPig:
Shooting with Hobie
Now, there are usually three camps in this debate of using +P ammo in stand J-frame revolvers. They are as follows:
1) No problem
2) No way
3) Why bother
While SaxonPig's article is very well thought out and based on years of actual shooting experience (as opposed to just wishful thinking), I personally find myself in the third category mentioned above. There are several standard pressure .38spl self-defense loads available that have been proven to be effective. Federal's Nyclad is one of these. I just don't see the reason to put +P ammo through a J-frame revolver that isn't built on a J-magnum frame.
However, if you are one of those people who just has to carry a certain +P load in their standard J-frame, I recommend acquiring a another J-frame just for practice.
There are still plenty of "cosmetically challenged" Model 36's and 37's available for very reasonable prices when compared to the price of .38spl +P ammo. You can acquire one of these and perform your own +P torture test while you practice.
The 100 or so +P rounds a year you fire through your Model 37 shouldn't hurt it. And it they did, you probably wouldn't want to be using that gun to protect your life.
The other option is to just get one of the current Model 442's without the lock that is currently available. These are built on the new J-magnum frames and are rated for +P use.
Shooting with Hobie
Now, there are usually three camps in this debate of using +P ammo in stand J-frame revolvers. They are as follows:
1) No problem
2) No way
3) Why bother
While SaxonPig's article is very well thought out and based on years of actual shooting experience (as opposed to just wishful thinking), I personally find myself in the third category mentioned above. There are several standard pressure .38spl self-defense loads available that have been proven to be effective. Federal's Nyclad is one of these. I just don't see the reason to put +P ammo through a J-frame revolver that isn't built on a J-magnum frame.
However, if you are one of those people who just has to carry a certain +P load in their standard J-frame, I recommend acquiring a another J-frame just for practice.
There are still plenty of "cosmetically challenged" Model 36's and 37's available for very reasonable prices when compared to the price of .38spl +P ammo. You can acquire one of these and perform your own +P torture test while you practice.
The 100 or so +P rounds a year you fire through your Model 37 shouldn't hurt it. And it they did, you probably wouldn't want to be using that gun to protect your life.
The other option is to just get one of the current Model 442's without the lock that is currently available. These are built on the new J-magnum frames and are rated for +P use.
OP
remat457 & Broadside
And others who have replied to my question, I do appreciate your taking the time to respond and the knowledge you shared. You have convinced me that standard .38 Special ammunition is better suited to this revolver and I'll not expose it to any abuse by shooting +P Ammo through it. I appears as though it has not been fired other than the test from the factory and it doesn't need to be abused. Thanks to all.
And others who have replied to my question, I do appreciate your taking the time to respond and the knowledge you shared. You have convinced me that standard .38 Special ammunition is better suited to this revolver and I'll not expose it to any abuse by shooting +P Ammo through it. I appears as though it has not been fired other than the test from the factory and it doesn't need to be abused. Thanks to all.
Centurian77
Member
I had a 37-3 without the lock and it was marked +P
photoman
Member
Because CorBon stopped making standard pressure DPX. A few +P rounds a year is not going to hurt a thing and the Barnes bullet (DPX) is lightyears better than anything else out there (the Gold Dot bullet is close).
dewey
Member
If you H A V E to shoot +Ps, I
wouldn't use anything above a 125 grn for sure. I've shot some guns loose and felt pretty stupid afterwards...!
wouldn't use anything above a 125 grn for sure. I've shot some guns loose and felt pretty stupid afterwards...!
remat457
Member
Agree with the sentiment, the DPX are a little rich for my blood but the GD 135gr +P are my favorite.
Triggernosis
Member
I shot some of the Speer Gold Dot non-+P in my 37 and it was a damned handful with them - I can't imagine shooting +P in one.
I didn't realize Speed made Gold Dot or Lawman .38spl in a non +P load. I've never seen it advertized and have never seen it on their Web site.
I thought they only offered Blazer in non +P .38spl load.
I am pretty sure that the 37-3 is built on the J-magnum frame instead of the standard J-frame. I pretty sure they had the frame mounted firing pin and MIM hammer.
I saw one on auction last week. I don't think they made too many of them.
Triggernosis
Member
Thank you, Triggernosis.
I've never looked on Speer's law enforcement Web page. Maybe that's why I've never seen it.
Is that only available to law enforcement?
Triggernosis
Member
Anyone can purchase it. Though, I had an extremely tough time finding it....none of my local shops, including several that cater specifically to L.E., had it. Ended up ordering it from this guy:Speer Gold Dot 38 Special 125 gr JHP ammo (50 rds)
diamonback68
US Veteran
I just picked up a NIB never fired 37-1 today for the princely sum of $300. Don't think I'll subject it to +P though. It's too nice to take a chance if I don't have to.
Triggernosis
Member
Where in the world did you find one for that price!? I just sold mine (no-dash), used, for $350 + shipping.I just picked up a NIB never fired 37-1 today for the princely sum of $300. Don't think I'll subject it to +P though. It's too nice to take a chance if I don't have to.
