Model 37 Airweight and +P loads

[sr sawyer]

Bought a Model 37 Airweight in .38 Special recently.  Serial number and 37 no dash indicate the Mfg. date to be between 1981 and 1986.  This model has a steel cylinder and barrel.
 
In my search I have found a lot of mixed info on whether this revolver is able to handle +P ammo.  Would appreciate the input of my fellow GBO members.
 
Thanks, Ken 

[Graybeard]

S&W's answer would be no. Back when I had an old 37 like yours I used some pretty hot loads in it and never noticed a problem. Those were hand loads and not OTC +P which has a pressure rating only barely higher than standard loads. I don't recall the exact numbers rat off the top of my head but I think they are around 18,000 and 21,000 psi or cup depending on who's data.

I'm not telling ya it's OK just passing on what I did when I had one. I believe the newer ones but not sure the start date on it are all +P rated.

[Ranger99]

me, i'd just use standard or lower velocity
ammo for day-to-day shooting and practice.
i'd figure what kind of +p you wanted to
use for s.d. carry ( if that's what you had
in mind) and shoot just enough to see
where they print.
that's pretty much what i do with all mine
+p rated or not.

[sr sawyer]

Was planning on using them for carry loads only.  These light weight guns are no fun to shoot with heavy loads anyway.  Thanks for the input.
 
Ken