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S&W Model 37

helimanheliman Member Posts: 597 ✭✭✭✭
edited October 2007 in Ask the Experts
Saw a model 37 airweight at the show today. Nickel is complete, but dull in places. Seller is asking $329. I have seen them on GB auctions for more money but not as good of condition. I'm tempted, but need advice on value. I would have to pay a 7.9% on top of purchase price. I thought about $300 + tax. Opinions?[?][?]

Comments

  • helimanheliman Member Posts: 597 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Went gun show this weekend and a cute little Smith & Wesson Model 37 round butt .38 Chiefs Special Airweight came home with me. It looks to have had very little use and has all paperwork with box and cleaning kit. Could some one check the manufacture date for me?
    Serial # J887XX.
    Thanks.

    dcj10
  • dcs shootersdcs shooters Member Posts: 10,870 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'd offer $275+ tax and see what the counter offer is.
  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Check it out real good, prior to purchase. I recently had problems with a early 60's vintage blued M 37 airweight, that I purchased. Although it was in excellent condition when I bought it. After less then 400 rounds of standard velocity ammo, the timing became so bad that pieces of the copper jacket of the bullet were being scraped off the rear face of the barrel.

    Because of this, my take on the alloy frame 37's are that, they are meant to be carried alot, and fired infrequently.
  • helimanheliman Member Posts: 597 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The only thing that bothered me a little is that there was a small amount of cylinder end play. Can the dullness of the nickel be polished out a little, like with chrome polish or best to leave it alone? After handling it, I wonder why I traded away my model 12.
  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by heliman
    The only thing that bothered me a little is that there was a small amount of cylinder end play. Can the dullness of the nickel be polished out a little, like with chrome polish or best to leave it alone? After handling it, I wonder why I traded away my model 12.


    There is as far as i know (2) kinds of nickel plating. 1, Electroless that has a matt finish 2, High Polish nickel that S & W used on their revolvers. You have to be real careful with #2. You don't want it to flake off, or the revolver will look like hell.
  • helimanheliman Member Posts: 597 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    This appears to be high gloss with just some dullness on the cylinder and other "use" areas. Flaking would bother me because it is nickled aluminum on the frame, right? It's not an old 37, but does have the pinned barrel, not recessed cylinder.
  • dcs shootersdcs shooters Member Posts: 10,870 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The nickle will flake from just shooting the gun. I've seen it many times. I have a first gen. Colt Cobra that the nickle is flaked on the end of the barrel and one spot on the cylinder.
  • dfletcherdfletcher Member Posts: 8,173 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by heliman
    Saw a model 37 airweight at the show today. Nickel is complete, but dull in places. Seller is asking $329. I have seen them on GB auctions for more money but not as good of condition. I'm tempted, but need advice on value. I would have to pay a 7.9% on top of purchase price. I thought about $300 + tax. Opinions?[?][?]


    I just picked up a NIB 1970s Model 37, nickel & 3" bbl. I'm in CA and paid $300.00 where older Smiths are tougher to find due to our foolish laws. I think I got a very good deal in CA, a good deal anywhere else. If yours is in lesser condition I'd ask for $275.00 & hope for $300.00. But $329.00 doesn't sound too bad.
  • helimanheliman Member Posts: 597 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks for the info. I am going back to the show tomorrow and horse trade with the guy. We'll see what happens. Again, thanks![^]
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