SMITH & WESSON .38 CHIEFS SPECIAL AIRWEIGHT "PRE-MODEL 37"
Posted May 19, 2023
As a proud member of the Smith & Wesson family of handguns, the .38 Chiefs Special Airweight “Pre-Model 37” was one of the most popular and reliable handguns on the market during the 1970s. This particular model was designed to deliver superior accuracy, a lightweight frame, and impressive reliability. Throughout the past fifty years, this model has maintained its coveted place in the hearts of gun enthusiasts due to its impressive features and reliable performance.
The .38 Chiefs Special Airweight “Pre-Model 37” is a 5-shot double-action revolver perfect for concealed carry. This handgun first gained recognition in the mid 1960s as a successor to the company’s Model 36, and featured several improvements over its predecessor. Specifically, this model was designed to bridge the gap between the larger frame size of the Model 36 and the smaller frame size of the iconic Model 40. This model allowed for a larger capacity than the Model 40 in a more compact frame, making it an ideal choice for concealed carry and home defense.
In terms of construction, the .38 Chiefs Special Airweight “Pre-Model 37” is incredibly lightweight, weighing in at just 14-ounces when unloaded. The frame is made from aluminum alloy, which also helps keep the weight down while still providing an incredibly durable construction that is more than capable of withstanding the rigors of daily use without issue. The cylinder is constructed from stainless steel, while the barrel and internals are constructed from carbon steel, both of which are also incredibly durable.
In addition to its lightweight and durable construction, the .38 Chiefs Special Airweight “Pre-Model 37” also features Smith & Wesson’s patented MIM (Metal Injection Molded) Revolver System. This system allows for a remarkably precise manufacturing process without sacrificing strength and accuracy. The MIM Revolver System also improves the longevity of the handgun, as it reduces the amount of wear and tear on the internals by locking them into place.
The .38 Chiefs Special Airweight “Pre-Model 37” also features a smooth DA/SA (double-action/single-action) trigger pull which helps ensure accuracy with each successive shot. The DA/SA action also provides a slight safety measure; specifically, the double-action pull requires more force and effort, which can help to prevent an unintentional discharge. Additionally, the SA pull gives the shooter the option of a lighter, more precise trigger pull for those situations where maximum accuracy is needed.
One of the most impressive aspects of the .38 Chiefs Special Airweight “Pre-Model 37” is its incredible accuracy. This gun features Smith & Wesson’s renowned target-style sights that allow for superior target acquisition and accuracy in both close quarters and long-distance shooting scenarios. The sights also feature a ribbed pattern that helps reduce glare and make it easier to keep the sights on target.
The last notable feature of the .38 Chiefs Special Airweight “Pre-Model 37” is its impressive reliability. This handgun has functioned without issue for decades and continues to be one of the most dependable handguns on the market. The combination of its lightweight construction, precise manufacturing process, and reliable internals all contribute to its impressive reliability. Additionally, the .38 Chiefs Special Airweight “Pre-Model 37” is also incredibly easy to maintain, making it an ideal choice for both novice shooters and seasoned veterans alike.
Overall, the .38 Chiefs Special Airweight “Pre-Model 37” is an exceptional handgun that offers reliable performance, superior accuracy, and a lightweight frame. Its unique blend of features make it an ideal choice for both concealed carry users and home defense shooters who are looking for a reliable firearm. The .38 Chiefs Special Airweight “Pre-Model 37” is a dependable firearm that has stood the test of time and remains an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a dependable firearm.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Lightweight frame and small size make it easy to carry and conceal.
-A reliable and accurate revolver that is well-known for its dependability.
-Durable build quality ensures that it will take years of use without failure.
-A great gun for self-defense and for target shooting.
Cons:
-It can be prone to jams and misfires if not properly maintained and cleaned.
-Its light frame can make it harder to shoot accurately.
-It does not have the same stopping power as larger caliber handguns.
-It can be more expensive to purchase than many other revolver models.
Who Should Buy
Anyone looking for a well-made and reliable revolver should consider buying the Smith & Wesson .38 Chiefs Special Airweight "Pre-Model 37". It is an excellent choice for those who are interested in the classic look and feel of a revolver from the 1950s and who are looking for an excellent concealed carry revolver.
Therefore, those who are interested in self-defense, competitive shooting, or just collecting historical firearms should buy the Smith & Wesson .38 Chiefs Special Airweight "Pre-Model 37".
However, anyone looking to buy a weapon for hunting should not consider buying this revolver. It is not powerful enough to take down large game and would not be suitable for hunting applications. Additionally, anyone looking for a lightweight gun for carry purposes should consider buying a newer model since the Pre-Model 37 is heavier than many other firearms.
Comparisons
| Product | Caliber | Capacity | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smith & Wesson .38 Chiefs Special Airweight "Pre-Model 37" | .38 Special | 5 Rounds | 13.5oz | $500+ |
| Taurus 85VTA Protector .38 revolver | .38 Special | 5 Rounds | 17.2oz | $360 |
| Chiappa Firearms 1873-22 .22LR Revolver | .22LR | 8 Rounds | 39.7oz | $550 |
| Cobra Enterprises CA-380 Revolver | .380 ACP | 6 Rounds | 13.2oz | $220 |
| Rossi R35202 Revolver | .357 Magnum | 6 Rounds | 33.6oz | $400 |
Features / Specs
•Chambered in .38 S&W Special
•Barrel length: 2 inch
•Overall length: 6.75 inches
•Weight: 15 ounces
•Double-action only
•Black finished aluminum frame
•Stainless steel cylinder and barrel
•Fixed sights
Popular Accessories
revolvers?
The most popular accessories for Smith & Wesson .38 Chiefs Special Airweight Pre-Model 37 revolvers include holsters, speed-loaders, grips, cleaning kits, trigger lock systems, replacement barrels, and upgrade sights.
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson .38 Chiefs Special Airweight Pre-Model 37 is a five-shot .38 caliber revolver that was originally designed for police use. It has a two-inch barrel, which makes it a popular choice for concealed carry. The revolver is made out of a lightweight alloy material, which makes it easy to carry but also more susceptible to wear and tear. When it comes to accuracy, the .38 Chiefs Special Airweight Pre-Model 37 is a well-crafted and reliable revolver. The Smith & Wesson factory tests the gun for accuracy, and the revolver typically has a 1.5-inch grouping circle at 25 yards with most ammunition. It also has an adjustable rear sight which allows users to fine-tune the accuracy. Additionally, the cylinder chambers are well-machined and the trigger mechanism is smooth with no creep, so the shooter is able to get a consistent and repeatable pull for pinpoint accuracy.
