Need help with a model 37 smith

[loadedp3at]

Could someone tell me how to determine turnabout of a 60's model Smith model 37 no dash airweight?  Someone said there were some made of magnesium instead of aluminum. Is this true?

[loadedp3at]

That was supposed to say value. I hate the autocorrect! Lol!

[Ronald_55]

First off condition is everything on older guns like this. Some pictures of it and any accessories or boxes would help to establish that somewhat. Also, what is the barrel length and is it blue or nickle?

As far as what they are made of, Origionally they had an alloy frame and cylinder. Around 1954, they changed to an alloy frame with a steel cylinder. So if you're is marked as a Model 37 and no one monkeyed with it, it shoukd have a steel cylinder. 

How have you established it to be a 60s model? The 37 no dash was made from 1957 to 1988 according to the Standard Catalog of S&W 2nd ed. The exact age will also affect worth. 

Edited March 4, 2020 by Ronald_55
monkeys!

[Grayfox54]

All Model 37s were aluminum alloy frames. S&W has never made any guns out of  magnesium. If, by some odd chance, it is one of the very early alloy cylinders, I strongly suggest you don't shoot it. They went to a steel cylinder for a reason.  however, that would add considerably to its value and collectability.

Value will depend on a lot of factors. Barrel length, round or square butt, finish, box and papers? of course condition is everything. Pictures would be most helpful. Best I can say is about $250-300 on the bottom to around $600 for a really nice one. 

Edited March 4, 2020 by Grayfox54

[DaveTN]

13 hours ago, loadedp3at said:

That was supposed to say value. I hate the autocorrect! Lol!

You can change it. Just click on EDIT at the bottom of your post, make the changes and click on SAVE.

[loadedp3at]

It is about 90% and does not have the original grips. The serial puts it late 60's. For some reason the pics make it look really blue but it is normal.

[Grayfox54]

Looks pretty good. The two inch round butt is probably the most popular configuration. While those grips aren't original, they are a very popular add on. No box, papers or tools? I'd guesstamate that one in the $400-450 range. Maybe $500 to the right buyer. 

[Ronald_55]

Looking in Gunbroker.com right now, a blued 37 with no box or origional grips is going more in the $300 to $350 range. You do see some higher than that, but they usually have boxes and at least the right era grips. You will often see classified ads posted for guns such as this at much higher prices, but you will notice they stay unsold. That is why it is good to look at sold items. 

[gregintenn]

I think Grayfox is pretty close on value.

My wife carries a similar revolver, but it is an older one with the flat cylinder latch. They are fine carry pieces.

[loadedp3at]

How much can you shoot these? Can they handle a lot of shooting?

[gregintenn]

13 hours ago, loadedp3at said:

How much can you shoot these? Can they handle a lot of shooting?

All you can afford to. I have heard it recommended to not shoot a steady diet of +p ammo in them.

[leroy]

What Mr Greg said... Leave the plus " P " for the steel framed guns.

leroy