Model 37 help

[NGIB]

I have a chance to pick up a clean model 37 airweight from my local store. It's a former LEO gun and it's clean and has tight lockup. The hammer was bobbed by the department armorer and it certainly carried more than shot. Doesn't have original stocks as it wearing Pachmayr boot grips. The serial # is 835XX.

I want this as a shooter, not a collector, and so I have a few questions.

About when was this one built? Is $250 to $275 a reasonable price? Would I be better off with a newer 442 or 642? Can I shoot +P sparingly?

Thanks for any help folks...

 

[bamabiker]

I'm not a 37 expert but there is a nice one at a local shop with the box and they want $499 for it. Did you get that serial number off the butt? Is there a letter in front of the number?

 

[Vulcan Bob]

The price is right, although some may not like the bobbed hammer, these guns are to be fired DA so thats not a big deal with a shootist. A few plus p's would not hurt but if it was mine I would stick with standard pressure ammo. The new no lock version of the 442 and the 642 are fine revolvers and are rated for plus P's.

 

[NGIB]

I'm not a 37 expert but there is a nice one at a local shop with the box and they want $499 for it. Did you get that serial number off the butt? Is there a letter in front of the number?

There may be a letter in front, I know it has the "Mod-37" stamped on the yoke.

(asked about this one and the gunstore clerk gave info over the phone)

 

[NGIB]

Found better info when I dropped by the store and checked it out. Very clean and it'll make a nice BUG. I felt comfortable giving $250 for it and I'm happy. The serial # (took off the grips) is: ADB14XX, still would like a DOB if anyone can help...

 

[Sonny Crocket]

I'm at work and don't have my Smith Bible with me, but just guessin' I'd say mid '80s sometime.

 

[Engine49guy]

Its not pinned so later than 1982, I believe ADB prefix is 1983.

 

[Sonny Crocket]

Got home, checking the SCSW 3rd. ed. and ADB should be mid/late '83. ABL4000 is Jan.'83 and ADE6700 is Oct.'83, so you fall in that era.

 

[NGIB]

Thanks folks. Got it home and cleaned it up and it's a really well maintained little gun. The shop owner offered me a new Ruger LCR for just $100 more but I really liked the little Airweight...

 

[Lee Jones]

Great Buy

You made a buy there, the Pachmayrs are a premium grip and the gun itself I would expect to pay $100 more for. SWSC calls out VG at $300 and I find that a little low. I would stay away from +P, plenty of ammo out there for snubs without high pressure. Federal, Double-tap come to mind.
Have a 37, new, unturned in the box complete with a shopping list stapled to factory paperwork. 60s era, great finish. Great carry, BUG. I carry a 36 nickle. The J-frames are classic and are a collecting field in themselves.

Si vis pacem, para bellum If you wish for peace, prepare for war.