Newbie here just a few questions

[HDfltri06]

Hello everybody, newbie to S&W's from Ohio. Just purchesed a mod 37 from apox 1963 was told it is called a flat latch. Anyway question #1 is it safe to concel carry with all 5 chambered?

question 2 I know this gun is not rated for +p but would you carry like say Golden Sabers in it JUST for personal defense, just a coupe at the range to see how it handles them, and in no way a constance diet of them.

question 3 where can I find a pic of an orig. 37 of that era, mine has rubber grips on it, would like to get an orig. set

Thank you all for your time, I really like this pistol.

 

[29aholic]

welcome to the forum

The flat latch was discontinued in ~1966. Smith has always said that all model marked guns are safe with +P ammo. I have always advised that there is no reason to feed a steady diet of +P ammo through these guns as they are uncomfortable and expensive. Shoot normal target loads through for practice and run a few +P's through it to see how they feel and see where they shoot.

 

[murphydog]

Hello everybody, newbie to S&W's from Ohio. Just purchased a mod 37 from approx 1963 was told it is called a flat latch. Anyway question #1 is it safe to conceal carry with all 5 chambered?

question 2 I know this gun is not rated for +p but would you carry like say Golden Sabers in it JUST for personal defense, just a coupe at the range to see how it handles them, and in no way a constant diet of them.

question 3 where can I find a pic of an orig. 37 of that era, mine has rubber grips on it, would like to get an orig. set

Thank you all for your time, I really like this pistol.

Hi, and welcome! You will find much to absorb and maybe a new addiction here

Yes, your 1963 model 37 can be safely carried with all 5 rounds. During WW II the factory came up with a hammer block that prevented the revolver from firing when dropped, which is the same design your gun has.

Officially your gun is not rated for +P ammo, but using will not blow it up, they will just wear it out faster. Use it sparingly and you should have no problem.

The original stocks on your gun are the service style; walnut, small, and following the contour of the grip frame. They should have a small uncheckered diamond surrounding the grip screw. Here is a link to an online auction (not mine, just the first one I found):

Smith & Wesson Mdl 37 Flat Latch Pre-1968 NICE! : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

This gun has a square butt, which flares out at its bottom. Your gun may have a round butt, which tapers in - if so, the stocks will appear similar except for the lower section. Hope this is helpful.

 

[fyimo]

Congratulations on the gun purchase.

 

[Sebring Pop]

Yes it is safe to carry 5 rounds chambered, I do it all the time.
I called Smith and Wesson and was told Yes you could shoot +P threw you gun but they suggest not a steady diet. I did carry them at one time but found the recoil to be a bit much so I switch to 38 special. I use +P in my Model 60 with no problem because the extra weight makes all the difference.

Thanks Pop

 

[JSR III]

I have never understood the desire to shoot +P in a small J frame revolver. It kicks like a mule and the noise is extreme. If you are looking for self defense, then I think that you are better with a JHP rather than a +P. Standard velocity is easier to recover from between shots and unless you are hoping that the noise will scare the intruder away, I would stay away from +P.

Please note that this is my personal opinion and in no way is this comment meant to infringe upon the companies that produce +P. My lawyer has reviewed my comments and has assured me that they fall well within my First Ammendment rights.

 

[Art Doc]

+P is loaded well below maximum allowable chamber pressure. No ammo maker would dare sell ammo that is unsafe in a quality made gun like a S&W. Shoot as much +P as you like. It it is not a powerful load and will have virtually zero effect on your gun.

 

[Viss]

Sir, here is a pic. The grips on this 37 are original.

 

[lanearl]

get yourself a thin holster and carry in your front pocket, thats the easiest way. good luck

 

[HAWKEYE10]

Here is a picture of a 37-0 blued. Don

 

[HDfltri06]

Thank You all


Thank you all for your replies. It is refreashing to see people will to step up and answer with their honesty and quick replies. I have been in other forums where I asked a question and maybe got two replies. Oh and to the gentelman that called me Sir. Well my father was sir I am just another guy doing the best I can to protect and serve his family. This 37 will be in the hands of my wife and I pray she never has to use it. But if she must, may it take out what ever the proublem will be, and bring her home safe.

So the S&W adds to the collections
2- 12 ga. 1- .22 and my pet a Glock #29 10mm