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ntumbagahan: You sound just a bit unsure on the SN - the definitive SN on S&W revolvers will be found on the bottom of the grip frame. Assuming that 80277 is correct, then your .38 Chiefs Special Airweight (the full model name) dates from 1956 (1955 production ended at approx. SN 75000 and 1957 production started at 117770). In 1957, when S&W started numbering their revolver models, it became the Model 37. It has an alloy frame, which reduces the weight compared to the regular steel-frame .38 Chiefs Special (Model 36), hence the "Airweight" designation. Some early Airweights had alloy cylinders as well, and those are not safe to fire, but based on the SN provided yours is well beyond that period.
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