Smith And Wesson Forums banner

Looking for Info on my Model 37 Airweight

9.5K views 11 replies 5 participants last post by  edrn203  
#1 ·
I'm new to the site and hoping that with all of the expertise here, I can get some of my questions answered. I've been interested in firearms for a while, but only started to pursue my hobby about two years ago. My collection is growing quickly, with two Smith and Wessons in the inventory. I recently inherited an older model Smith & Wesson from a dear friend. He was quite the enthusiast, but unfortunately I have no history on this gun. I have had the gun to the gunsmith to ensure that it is in good working order and safe to fire. Here is what I know; It is a S&W Model 37, stamped on the barrel is "Airweight 38 SPL. CTG.", the serial number stamped on the base of the grip is "1J28##", and there is a series of numbers on the barrel swing arm. The barrel is stamped with the letter "N", which I am assuming means "Nickel". So, what I would like to establish is the approximate year of production, if there was a particular audience that used this firearm (i.e., law enforcement, military), the rarity of the gun, and an approximate value. I appreciate any information that you can provide, this gun is very near and dear to me and is now a family piece that will be treasured and handed down to future generations.
 
#2 · (Edited)
I'm new to the site and hoping that with all of the expertise here, I can get some of my questions answered. I've been interested in firearms for a while, but only started to pursue my hobby about two years ago. My collection is growing quickly, with two Smith and Wessons in the inventory. I recently inherited an older model Smith & Wesson from a dear friend. He was quite the enthusiast, but unfortunately I have no history on this gun. I have had the gun to the gunsmith to ensure that it is in good working order and safe to fire. Here is what I know; It is a S&W Model 37, stamped on the barrel is "Airweight 38 SPL. CTG.", the serial number stamped on the base of the grip is "1J28##", and there is a series of numbers on the barrel swing arm. The barrel is stamped with the letter "N", which I am assuming means "Nickel". So, what I would like to establish is the approximate year of production, if there was a particular audience that used this firearm (i.e., law enforcement, military), the rarity of the gun, and an approximate value. I appreciate any information that you can provide, this gun is very near and dear to me and is now a family piece that will be treasured and handed down to future generations.
View attachment 40531 View attachment 40532 View attachment 40533 View attachment 40534
Welcome to the forum! From Ohio, or as we say this week,.....Buckeye Country!
Very nice little gun. The Model 37 is the airweight version of a Model 36 (both called a Chief Special). A Model 36 is much more popular, but of course a 37 is easier to carry, and it's not a rare gun. Don't expect not to feel recoil when you shoot it.

According to the S&W Catalog, that Model 37 was shipped in 1982.
It shoots the popular .38 special, I would not shoot Plus P ammo from it.

The police would not carry that because it is too light to do much shooting with. The audience for that gun, is more of a personal protection piece person.

The cylinder swing arm, is called the "yoke". The numbers in there are just production numbers for the guys at the factory to use during assembly to keep pieces together.

Value? Without the original box? 400-500 dollars.
600 after I polished it!
 
#5 ·
Thank you so much for that information. I've had it to the range once and love the way it shoots. Mine is not quite in as good shape as yours and I don't have the box, but the sentimental value is priceless to me. I believe that Ralph probably used this as one of his carry guns. I also inherited a Beretta 950BS .25 cal, which is fun little gun to shoot. That will be my granddaughters first gun.
 
#8 ·
I also inherited a Beretta 950BS .25 cal, which is fun little gun to shoot. That will be my granddaughters first gun.
After some time in here, you may want to get your granddaughter a revolver,...a Smith & Wesson revolver.
 
#11 ·
Don't ever try to clean that using any Windex, or ammonia stuff.
The nickel won't be damaged and Smith & Wesson doesn't use a copper base under the nickel to worry about. That said, leaving a solvent with ammonia on the nickel over an extended period of time may cause it to oxidize and get "cloudy". If you're going to use an abrasive polish on the nickel such as Flitz or Mother's, be very careful lest you "polish" right thru the soft nickel.

Bruce