Model 37
- Thread starter Rye Miles
- Start date
two-bit cowboy
US Veteran
Welcome aboard from Wyoming.
Your 37 has what's known as a floating "J" serial number. The serial number range started sometime in 1970 at 1J1 and ran through the mid-'70s up to 999J99. The serial number series starting with J100000 started in '73 so the two series ran concurrently for a period.
Based on the ones in the database I have I'd say the factory likely shipped yours in fall-winter of 1971.
S&W didn't track manufacturing dates, only the date it shipped guns.
Hope this helps.
Your 37 has what's known as a floating "J" serial number. The serial number range started sometime in 1970 at 1J1 and ran through the mid-'70s up to 999J99. The serial number series starting with J100000 started in '73 so the two series ran concurrently for a period.
Based on the ones in the database I have I'd say the factory likely shipped yours in fall-winter of 1971.
S&W didn't track manufacturing dates, only the date it shipped guns.
Hope this helps.
Cal44
Member
Around 1971
two-bit cowboy's time frame is correct. The floating J numbers were mostly issued in 1971-72. A few appeared at the end of 1970 and a very few shipped beyond 1972 (but were probably assembled in 1972).
Those who have tracked these numbers have indicated that the vast majority shipped in '71-'72, and the numbers as low as 20Jxxx were from 1971.
I have not personally tracked these, but my experience would bear out what others have reported, as reflected in the previous paragraph.
Also, do not confuse the floating J numbers with the serial numbers used in 1982-83. Those always have six numeric digits along with the J, while the floating J numbers have five or fewer digits.
Those who have tracked these numbers have indicated that the vast majority shipped in '71-'72, and the numbers as low as 20Jxxx were from 1971.
I have not personally tracked these, but my experience would bear out what others have reported, as reflected in the previous paragraph.
Also, do not confuse the floating J numbers with the serial numbers used in 1982-83. Those always have six numeric digits along with the J, while the floating J numbers have five or fewer digits.
two-bit cowboy
US Veteran
Howdy Jack,
I'm not disputing your or "Those who have tracked these" findings that the "majority" shipped in '71-'72 (I won't sign up to the "vast majority").
My data reflects the following approximate numbers:
Beginning about June '70 and through December '70: about 70,000 shipped (highest known on my list were in the 8Jxxx range).
1971: about 70,000 shipped
1972: about 110,000 shipped
1973 and beyond: about 27,500 shipped.
These numbers do not add up to the total number of potential guns made during the run, but they're not far off.
A relative new guy's fresh look at the data I have on hand.
Cheers,
Bob
