Model 37 Inquiry

[foxymike]

Folks,

Last Friday I finally got my wife, who is not all that hot to trot on this gun business, out to the range where our Rotary club was having a social "gun safety class" and "paper killing" exercise.

She declared that if she was going to shoot, she might as well try something that would fit into the defensive/carry category, so we rented a Model 60 snubby. She actually enjoyed shooting the 148 gr 2.7 gr Bullseye wadcutters I made and even got a couple of rounds dead-center into the target, which isn't bad for a first-time shooter.

Her thoughts were, gun-wise, "well the M-60 is a nice gun, but I might like something lighter, blued, with the nice wooden handles," or something to that effect (she didn't like that shiny silvery stuff with the black rubber grips).

That got me to thinking about a Model 37 for her, which has that nice, classic Model 36 look but weighs substantially less. (Mind you, she hasn't tried to shoot an airweight gun; this is just a philosophical inquiry at this point!)

I don't see a lot of discussion about Model 37s hereabouts. There don't seem to be a lot of them on Gunbroker, but there is one currently for sale that seems reasonably priced.

What's the consensus on a Model 37 as a purse/carry gun? I realize there might be "lint & general crud" issues with a standard hammer, but I'd make sure it got cleaned regularly. Are they sturdy? Reliable? Or should one be wary?

Thanks in advance.

Mike
17th Combat Aviation Group
Nha Trang, Vietnam
1969-1970

 

[HAWKEYE10]

I AM LIKE YOU I DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT THE 37.
ONE THING I WOULD DO IS LET HER PICK OUT A PURSE
THAT IS DESIGNED TO CARRY A GUN.CARRIED IN A REGULAR PURSE THE GUN WOULD BE BURIED,YOU WOULD NEVER SEE IT AGAIN.

DON

 

[Texas Star]

WELL, I THINK SHE WOULD ENJOY CARRYING THE M-37, BUT NOT ENJOY SHOOTING IT.

And that's all I have to shout//say about it.

Seriously, it'll kick a bit, especially with Plus P loads. I've read that Federal will again make some Nyclad ammo. I hope that includes their Chief's Special load. That would be ideal for an Airweight snub.

Good luck on getting her the right choice.

 

[pred]

Any Varient of the model 37 will serve her well,
ANY AIRWEIGHT J frame will be about the same weight, BUT keep in mind, That after she shoots the Airweight she may want the steel framed gun back.
I would recommend WadCutter ammo in the airweight when she shoots it!
I carry an old model 37 daily, And shoot 5 rounds when I go to the range and reload,\
They are not plinkers, They will last nearly forever with occasional use!
Peter

 

[Clemmons]

My wife has one that was given to her. Neither of us has ever carried it, but think it would make a good carry gun due to its light weight and small size. It will fit right in your front pocket and won't bother you being there.

It's not really a range gun, but accurate at the short distances normally associated with defensive shooting. I didn't find the recoil to be bad at all with standard loads.

That being said, my wife has decided on something else so I've listed it in the classifieds. It's a nice 37 if that's what you decide on.

 

[Pisgah]

I have one of the spurless-hammer, no-lock, DA only 37-2s from a few years back. It is my #1 pocket gun, and a fine one. I find it very easy to handled even with +P loads -- but I am old, grizzled, and pounded about numb from 50 years of shooting all sorts of stuff.

But, I think it may be a good gun for her. Target-level wadcutter or SWC loads will be manageable for her to train with, and not really all that shabby for carry ammo. As she gets to be as crusty as me, she'll be able to step up. Of course, if she gets as crusty as me you may not want to be around her, but that's another problem!

 

[foxymike]

Thanks, folks, for all your interesting and informative (and humorous!) comments.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get the worthy spouse out to the range again to shoot an airweight, so I'm no farther along than I was earlier.

Also, thanks, Clemmons, for bringing to my attention the 37 you have in the classifieds. It's definitely a beautiful gun, but, unfortunately (er..., ah...., um.....) it's a little out of my price range. (I would have liked to snag that one that just sold on GB for about 350 skins, but I wasn't about to bid on it without permission!

You may know how that kinda stuff works.)

Again, Thanks!!

Mike

 

[mkk41]

The Mod.37 is a fine revolver for the fairer sex. Many years ago , I bought a NIB Mod.37 from a co-worker for $100! I fired a few rounds , cleaned it and into the safe it went. My then , now ex GF , a nurse , never even considered carrying a firearm. Her family hunted , but didn't shoot handguns. I tried to take her shooting a few times but she always refused. She didn't harp or preach , and she didn't mind my collecting and shooting. Then , a co-worker and friend of hers got attacked leaving the hospital , in the parking lot. The 70+yr old 'security guard' was no help or deterrant. So she decided to finally try it my way. Even though hospital policy forbade employees carrying ANY weapons. I tried her on various .380s , but she didn't like the recoil. So I dug out the Mod.37 , put on a set of Pachmayr Compacs and to the range we went. I actually started her out with my Mod.63 , and after she got competant , switched to the .38. Well , she got her license to carry , and still carries that 37 , loaded with Glaser Safety Slugs.

 

[kennyb]

my son just purchased a new 637 a few days ago..will be at the range tomorrow....will give a range report then!

 

[kennyb]

as expected...it shot great...he is very pleased!