Range report: S&W 37 airweight
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I always see the 37s as a stubnose but I have a model 37 airweight with a 3 inch barrel. It is from 1976 with square butt and gloss finish. Is this a less common gun and if so worth more money? I was given the gun from a family member and have always wondered its value. It is in 85% to 90% condition.
Hammerdown
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S&W Model 37 Chiefs special
Hello Sneaks
The actual correct name for the model 37, is Chiefs Air-Weight. It originally came in a 1-7/8" barrel, as some call it a 2" barrel and has been called a SNUB revolver or Snubby due to the shorter barrel. The 3" is a tad longer but still considered a Snub Model as well. The average for on in Nice shape is around the 395.00 mark. The square butt revolver's in the past were over shadowed by the round butt's but the past few years we have seen much more interest in the square butt models due to their lower production. I would NOT take $400.00 for mine which is a square butt as well, and enjoy the square butt, as it gives more grip to hang onto when firing it, compared to a round butt model. Hammerdown
Hello Sneaks
The actual correct name for the model 37, is Chiefs Air-Weight. It originally came in a 1-7/8" barrel, as some call it a 2" barrel and has been called a SNUB revolver or Snubby due to the shorter barrel. The 3" is a tad longer but still considered a Snub Model as well. The average for on in Nice shape is around the 395.00 mark. The square butt revolver's in the past were over shadowed by the round butt's but the past few years we have seen much more interest in the square butt models due to their lower production. I would NOT take $400.00 for mine which is a square butt as well, and enjoy the square butt, as it gives more grip to hang onto when firing it, compared to a round butt model. Hammerdown
JERRY
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- 3,835
jdl357,
that sure is a nice looking gun you have shown there. what is RSR?
i particularly like those grips. the gun looks like it hasnt been fired, judging by the pic.
is it one of those late run "old school" guns with no lock and a factory bobbed hammer?
that sure is a nice looking gun you have shown there. what is RSR?
i particularly like those grips. the gun looks like it hasnt been fired, judging by the pic.
is it one of those late run "old school" guns with no lock and a factory bobbed hammer?
BluesBear
member
POPPYCOCK!
The amount of misinformation in this thread is staggering.
No matter what the vintage, any factory produced .38 Special +P ammo, produced within SAAMI specifications, will most certainly NOT blow up a steel cylindered S&W revolver.
SAAMI maximum specification for .38 +P ammo isn't all that much above standard loadings and it's well below proof pressures.
Anything that will blow up a Model 37 will also blow up a Model 36 since they both use the exact same cylinder.
Extensive use of +P ammo in the older J-frame guns CAN possibly result in frame stretching and the resulting end-shake. But it will NOT magically transform your Model 37 from a hand gun into a hand grenade.
:banghead:
Now if you happen to have one of the ultra rare US Military "Aircrewman" revolvers with an aluminium cylinder then even midrange wadcutter ammunition might blow up your gun. They are not safe to fire with any ammunition.
Which is why the government ordered all of them destroyed.
And IF you happen to have one of the ultra rare US Military "Aircrewman" revolvers with an aluminium cylinder, there will be S&W collectors lining up to give you enough money for it to buy just about one of every J-frame S&W currently makes.
The amount of misinformation in this thread is staggering.
No matter what the vintage, any factory produced .38 Special +P ammo, produced within SAAMI specifications, will most certainly NOT blow up a steel cylindered S&W revolver.
SAAMI maximum specification for .38 +P ammo isn't all that much above standard loadings and it's well below proof pressures.
Anything that will blow up a Model 37 will also blow up a Model 36 since they both use the exact same cylinder.
Extensive use of +P ammo in the older J-frame guns CAN possibly result in frame stretching and the resulting end-shake. But it will NOT magically transform your Model 37 from a hand gun into a hand grenade.
:banghead:
Now if you happen to have one of the ultra rare US Military "Aircrewman" revolvers with an aluminium cylinder then even midrange wadcutter ammunition might blow up your gun. They are not safe to fire with any ammunition.
Which is why the government ordered all of them destroyed.
And IF you happen to have one of the ultra rare US Military "Aircrewman" revolvers with an aluminium cylinder, there will be S&W collectors lining up to give you enough money for it to buy just about one of every J-frame S&W currently makes.
Hammerdown
member
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2004
- Messages
- 213
Stagering Misinformation......
POPPYCOCK!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BluesBear The amount of misinformation in this thread is staggering.
No matter what the vintage, any factory produced .38 Special +P ammo, produced within SAAMI specifications, will most certainly NOT blow up a steel cylindered S&W revolver.
SAAMI maximum specification for .38 +P ammo isn't all that much above standard loadings and it's well below proof pressures.
Anything that will blow up a Model 37 will also blow up a Model 36 since they both use the exact same cylinder.
Extensive use of +P ammo in the older J-frame guns CAN possibly result in frame stretching and the resulting end-shake. But it will NOT magically transform your Model 37 from a hand gun into a hand grenade.
Now if you happen to have one of the ultra rare US Military "Aircrewman" revolvers with an aluminium cylinder then even midrange wadcutter ammunition might blow up your gun. They are not safe to fire with any ammunition.
Which is why the government ordered all of them destroyed.
And IF you happen to have one of the ultra rare US Military "Aircrewman" revolvers with an aluminium cylinder, there will be S&W collectors lining up to give you enough money for it to buy just about one of every J-frame S&W currently makes.
________________
Hello
In response to the Stated "Stagering Misinformation" above,
Let's see what the Professionals say about all This /QUOTED/ Popycock..
All Below Information is Printed in Mr. Roy Jinks Book Entitled, The History Of
Smith & Wessson, Revised Tenth Anniversary Edition, and Quoted to Educate.
Mr. Jinks is the Smith & Wesson Factory Historian, Who I have learned Much
And Base most of my information from. He is my direct source, and Knows
More than any person I have met, on any Smith & Wesson Subject. Here is
What he said, and Wrote about the Model 37 Air-Weight revolver in his Book.
The Model 37 Air-Weight was Released in the fall of 1952, as an ALL aluminum
Revolver, only leaving the Yoke, Barrel & Lock work Steel, Leaving the total weight
at 10-3/4 Ounces. This revolver was NEVER designed for the Military, it was
Targeted toward Plain clothes Detectives. A Grand total of "4" Sample Model
37 Airweight's were Sent to The United Sates Air-Force for their Evaluation.
In their Final evaluation of this model 37 Air-Weight -J-frame, The United
States Air Force, "CHOSE" the Larger frame S&W "K" Frame Revolver Known
As The Military & Police Model "12". They Picked this Completely DIFFERENT
And THIS revolver was called The Air-Weight Crewman.
To shoot with it's Larger frame size. All "4" Of the sample model 37 -J- Frame
Revolver's were sent back to S&W and "NONE" of the Model 37's were "EVER"
Destroyed, the Factory STILL has an open service policy to REPLACE any
Model 37 Air-Weight-J-Frame revolver cylinder, with a carbon steel one to
This Day. The Original Chief's Special Air-Weight was designed to Fire "ONLY"
The .38 Special Standard Velocity cartridge. The USE of High pressure Ammo
Was NOT recommended, Since handgun Damage Could Occur. The Factory
Also Found that even with Standard Ammo was so Violent, That on occasion
It would UNSEAT the Bullets from Unfired Ammo, and Jam The cylinder,
Preventing it from Cycling. To reduce this, The Charge Holes were reduced
As well. It was a Full two Year's AFTER The introduction of the model 37
That S&W Decided to Cease using the All Aluminum Cylinder in this Revolver.
From January 13, 1954 Forward, ALL Model 37's released would NOW have
The Carbon steel cylinder installed, Bringing The Grand total of ALL Model
37's released by S&W to 3,777 Units. Current auction prices reflect a sharp
Increase to collector demand for this number of 3777 revolver's that were
NEVER destroyed, but HARDLY sharp enough to Cover the cost off all made
Today. It should also be noted if one has a model 37 all aluminum cylinder
revolver, That S&W recommends they be sent back for the New Steel cylinder
Improvement, by calling them and this will be done Free of Charge. The Model
"12" M&P Aircrewman as it is called, is NOT a -J-frame but a "K" frame and
This was the Revolver that the Government ordered Destroyed. Not The Model
37 Airweight THEY ARE Totally "DIFFERENT" Revolver's
Regards
Hammerdown.
POPPYCOCK!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BluesBear The amount of misinformation in this thread is staggering.
No matter what the vintage, any factory produced .38 Special +P ammo, produced within SAAMI specifications, will most certainly NOT blow up a steel cylindered S&W revolver.
SAAMI maximum specification for .38 +P ammo isn't all that much above standard loadings and it's well below proof pressures.
Anything that will blow up a Model 37 will also blow up a Model 36 since they both use the exact same cylinder.
Extensive use of +P ammo in the older J-frame guns CAN possibly result in frame stretching and the resulting end-shake. But it will NOT magically transform your Model 37 from a hand gun into a hand grenade.
Now if you happen to have one of the ultra rare US Military "Aircrewman" revolvers with an aluminium cylinder then even midrange wadcutter ammunition might blow up your gun. They are not safe to fire with any ammunition.
Which is why the government ordered all of them destroyed.
And IF you happen to have one of the ultra rare US Military "Aircrewman" revolvers with an aluminium cylinder, there will be S&W collectors lining up to give you enough money for it to buy just about one of every J-frame S&W currently makes.
________________
Hello
In response to the Stated "Stagering Misinformation" above,
Let's see what the Professionals say about all This /QUOTED/ Popycock..
All Below Information is Printed in Mr. Roy Jinks Book Entitled, The History Of
Smith & Wessson, Revised Tenth Anniversary Edition, and Quoted to Educate.
Mr. Jinks is the Smith & Wesson Factory Historian, Who I have learned Much
And Base most of my information from. He is my direct source, and Knows
More than any person I have met, on any Smith & Wesson Subject. Here is
What he said, and Wrote about the Model 37 Air-Weight revolver in his Book.
The Model 37 Air-Weight was Released in the fall of 1952, as an ALL aluminum
Revolver, only leaving the Yoke, Barrel & Lock work Steel, Leaving the total weight
at 10-3/4 Ounces. This revolver was NEVER designed for the Military, it was
Targeted toward Plain clothes Detectives. A Grand total of "4" Sample Model
37 Airweight's were Sent to The United Sates Air-Force for their Evaluation.
In their Final evaluation of this model 37 Air-Weight -J-frame, The United
States Air Force, "CHOSE" the Larger frame S&W "K" Frame Revolver Known
As The Military & Police Model "12". They Picked this Completely DIFFERENT
And THIS revolver was called The Air-Weight Crewman.
To shoot with it's Larger frame size. All "4" Of the sample model 37 -J- Frame
Revolver's were sent back to S&W and "NONE" of the Model 37's were "EVER"
Destroyed, the Factory STILL has an open service policy to REPLACE any
Model 37 Air-Weight-J-Frame revolver cylinder, with a carbon steel one to
This Day. The Original Chief's Special Air-Weight was designed to Fire "ONLY"
The .38 Special Standard Velocity cartridge. The USE of High pressure Ammo
Was NOT recommended, Since handgun Damage Could Occur. The Factory
Also Found that even with Standard Ammo was so Violent, That on occasion
It would UNSEAT the Bullets from Unfired Ammo, and Jam The cylinder,
Preventing it from Cycling. To reduce this, The Charge Holes were reduced
As well. It was a Full two Year's AFTER The introduction of the model 37
That S&W Decided to Cease using the All Aluminum Cylinder in this Revolver.
From January 13, 1954 Forward, ALL Model 37's released would NOW have
The Carbon steel cylinder installed, Bringing The Grand total of ALL Model
37's released by S&W to 3,777 Units. Current auction prices reflect a sharp
Increase to collector demand for this number of 3777 revolver's that were
NEVER destroyed, but HARDLY sharp enough to Cover the cost off all made
Today. It should also be noted if one has a model 37 all aluminum cylinder
revolver, That S&W recommends they be sent back for the New Steel cylinder
Improvement, by calling them and this will be done Free of Charge. The Model
"12" M&P Aircrewman as it is called, is NOT a -J-frame but a "K" frame and
This was the Revolver that the Government ordered Destroyed. Not The Model
37 Airweight THEY ARE Totally "DIFFERENT" Revolver's
RegardsHammerdown.
BluesBear
member
The Model "12" M&P Aircrewman as it is called, is NOT a -J-frame but a "K" frame and This was the Revolver that the Government ordered Destroyed. Not The Model 37 Airweight THEY ARE Totally "DIFFERENT" Revolver's
Once again YOU are the confused one.
(I sense a pattern here.)
And your quoted section has nothing to do with my previous statments.
And it's proper to use quotation marks (or at least some way) to differentiate the direct quotes from your own opinions.
However it is nice to see that you have managed to find the <Enter> key.
Kindly show me where I intimated that the Model 37 and the Aircrewman were the same gun?Oh that's right you can't because I didn't say it.
And please show me where I EVER stated that any alloy framed S&W revolver was "designed for the military".Oh that's right you can't because I didn't say that either.
However there were 605* J-alloy-framed revolvers (serial numbers A.F.NO. 1795 through A.F.NO. 2399) sold to the USAF. The right side of the barrel was stamped "AIRCREWMAN" with ".38 SPECIAL CTG" stamped underneath.
They also had "PROPERTY OF U.S.AIR FORCE" on the backstrap.
All of them were produced prior to the S&W model numbering system.
As were the Military & Police Airweight revolvers purchased bythe USAF and designated as the M-13. (Not to be confused with the later Model 13 .357 magnum revolver produced by S&W).
So no matter where you place the quotation marks there is no such thing as a Model 12 Aircrewman.
Perhaps I should have said, "Now if you happen to have one of the ultra rare US Military "Aircrewman" revolvers (or ANY S&W revolver) with an aluminium cylinder then even midrange wadcutter ammunition might blow up your gun."
*That's six hundred five revolvers not four.
It seems that Once again your Personal animosity against me For Events that
transpired on Another forum has caused you to Dispute something I've said
without Fully Comprehending my words Or properly researching your Facts.
Perhaps someone Should have told you That You should Look Before you leap.
And As much as I enjoy the Photos of your Well manicured Lawn I feel
compelled To Once again Place you On my ignore List.
with no regards
BluesBear
P95Carry
Moderator Emeritus
Due to some assorted input this thread has ceased to be adequately civil.
Enough.
Enough.
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