Smith 37 or 637?

[orionengnr]

I am a long-time semi auto guy and a kinda-new-to-revolvers guy. Bought my first (in 20 years anyway), a Smith 66, in December (actually my GF bought it for me for Christmas). Now I'm looking at the Scandium 357 mini's for CCW, but at $600, I'm still evaluating (spell that waffling). Probably would not carry it with 357's, so...

Now I see that the 637 (38 +p) is only about 2 oz heavier and about 1/2 price. Good interim step, I'm thinking...

Then I see an early 90's 37-2 for the same price ($300). Same weight, same external dimensions, but blue (sure is purty...).

So, is it old and blue, or new and silver?

FWIW, the 66 is my only stainless pistol, and while I don't hate it, I'm not a stainless convert (yet). I am open to discussion and appreciate the low-maintenance aspects of the SS weapon.

Smith guys, tell me what you think of the 37 and the 637, please?

 

[tbeb]

I'd go with "old and blue". I like the older guns better. I had a model 37. I don't have it anymore, but it would be my daily carry if I did. I remember my practice load was a 158 gr. LSWC that did 700 fps from the 2" barrel. For me it was controllable in the 12 1/2 ounce revolver. Can't remember what load I used for self defense. Today I would probably use Remington Golden Saber 125 gr. JHP's.

 

[dawei]

Smith 37 or 637

I've carried a Mdl 37 for the last 5 years & am very pleased. It's my backup when on duty; and, my off duty gun. I stoke mine with a horded supply of Federal Premium® 125gr Nyclad® Hollow Points (#P38M). They are no longer made. :banghead:

The 637 has problems that the clear coat finish starts to peel after only a box of shells or two. (Go to smith-wessonforum.com/ & read about this problem).

I've put 5000+ rounds through mine with nary a hiccup; almost half of those being +P's. I did install a set of Wolff Springs; the trigger pull is super light. IT'S MY ALWAYS GUN!

 

[jdl357]

My 37 is from 1993. It's nickel. Not +p rated. Easy to carry, hurts a little to shoot. Nice smooth trigger.

I practice with a stainless model 60

 

[Karate]

I have a new Model 37-2...it is black came with no lock and has a hammer mounted firing pin and is +p rated...not bad for a gun made in 2004

 

[model 649]

Definitely "old and blue". If for no other reason but the extra weight of the stainless gun. I have found that, for me , the weight is more a problem than the size. I have always loved my humpback gun but it does weigh alot for a five-shot. OTOH, it does shoot very comfortably with the extra heft and the monogrip. I carry it in either a Null SMZ, an Uncle Mike's IWB, or a Fobus ankle-bucket.
$.02
Josh

 

[orionengnr]

Thank you for the replies

Now, a follow-on or two...
One, the S&W website claims 15 oz for both models. Correct?

Two, the one I am looking at (long-distance) is an "early 90's 37-2". Is it rated for +p?

 

[pokynojoe]

I have a S&W model 37-2. Manufacture date on the box is 5/13/94. It is not rated for +p.

Take care
Joe