[craig_o]

anyone buy one of the new "classic 36" wheelies from S&W yet? I'd be tempted to snatch one up over a 638 if I was in the market (which I just might be)...

[pete f]

Have you looked at the ones from Horten's?

real honest to goodness blued steel with a 3 inch barrel. perfection that guy from Austria missed by a mile.

[Ala Dan]

The "new model 36" from S&W is kind'a pricey; but its cool with its case
hardened frame~! But, I will just be content with the S&W (and Colt) .38
Specials that I have~! ;) :D

[XavierBreath]

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=67329&stc=1&d=1195192164

Purty gun. It's nice to see S&W producing classic style blued revolvers (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=11101&categoryId=48302&top=Y), zit lock or not. The lock isn't going away, so if you want a truely new revolver of this type, here's your monkey.

For $735 though, you should be able to find a true classic Model 36 NIB, delivered to your FFL and still have money left over for a cheeseburger and fries. I suspect in a year or two, these "Classics" will be showing up CDNN (http://www.cdnninvestments.com/index.html) on close-out like the Heritage Models did.........Shame that is.........

[Stainz]

Yeah, shame... shame I didn't buy more of those Heritage revolvers from those Waco whacko's back then! Such a deal!

Stainz

[Old Fuff]

X-Breath (:D) has a good point. The original one is the true classic, and obtainable for a lot less money then the MSRP on these new guns. On the other hand the new ones are rated for Plus-P ammunition, where the old ones weren't. This is of no importance to the Old Fuff, but it seems to be a critical issue with others.

To each his own I suppose. :scrutiny:

[jfh]

I've developed a j-frame addiction this year, and found a good dealer (GunStop in Minnetonka / Glen Lake, MN).

So, after buying a used 442 last week, I went back yesterday and picked up a 90+% 36, apparently from the late sixties. It's been shot, but probably was someone's bedside gun in a drawer--no carry marks, etc., etc. Price, $379.00; I don't recall if it was on consignment or a trade-in. I decided not to haggle.

Two weeks ago I looked at the "Classics" 40--no zit safety on that one. Price in blue, $580.00. It's a Good Looking Gun--but not built to the same quality standards the used 36 I bought. I resisted, but the dealer has me figured out as A Real Live One.

In the big picture / long run, I think, the S&W collector mania will make these new "classics" less desirable than the originals, and they will have only a blip on the charts for value. In the near run, as the mania gears up even more, I suspect S&W will sell a lot of them to the noveau riche gunnies. I expect used gun prices will be up 20% in ten months--e.g., as the Election nears.

Jim H.

[ravencon]

I agree with Old Fuff. I love other people's obsession with maximum power as it means that classic .38s are a real bargain.

I recently acquired a Colt Official Police and a S&W M&P 1905-4, 5" bbl. quite reasonably. Vintage .357 magnums go for much higher prices.

[Cougfan2]

Lately I've been Jones'n for either a classic M36 3" or a M10 4" HB. Going to the gun show in Portland this weekend, but don't expect to find any "deals" there.

[MEH]

Two weeks ago I looked at the "Classics" 40--no zit safety on that one. Price in blue, $580.00. It's a Good Looking Gun--but not built to the same quality standards the 36 I bought. I resisted, but the dealer has me figured out as A Real Live One.

I was looking at those yesterday... It's very tempting!

http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/images/firearms/SW150223_large.jpg

[Old Dog]

I just saw one of these critters in a local gunshop a couple days ago ... thought it was a used revolver, and noted the $500 price tag seemed way high ... then I noticed The Lock.

I can live without +P capability, and I'm sure not gonna buy a fake "classic" Mod 36 when I can still pick up a nice real classic 36 for less money with no lock.

[craig_o]

as for the price tag, it's scarcely any worse than a 340 or 360. I like the look of course, I like the +p, but most of all I like the weight/size/caliber combo. It seems like the perfect weight for a super carriable .38 that would be pleasant to shoot.

[jfh]

IOW, these 'Classics' with the locks will appeal to the "whoever" buyer that likes retro, and who doesn't think twice about the S&W lock / no lock issues dominant among (S&W) geeks right now.

However, the 40 is a different animal no "S&W lock"--just the grip safety. That makes it an appealing carry gun for those who like the retro package--i.e., an everyday gun, and +P is Not An Issue.

What's the reliability track record on these, Old Fuff?

Jim H.

[Cosmoline]

On the other hand the new ones are rated for Plus-P ammunition, where the old ones weren't.

The old ones weren't rated for it because it didn't exist. Standard .38 special ran to higher pressures than it does now. The all-steel 36 has no problem with +p. It will wear out faster on a steady diet of it, but that's true of any handgun.

[texas bulldog]

and the +P debate officially begins...

[Old Fuff]

What's the reliability track record on these, Old Fuff?

If not abused they are as reliable as any S&W revolver, past or present. However some owners in the past complained about their hand getting pounded by the grip safety. That safety originated in 1887 on the .38 Safety Hammerless top-break, but it was chambered in .38 S&W (black powder yet) and the recoil was far different then that of a 158-grain .38 Special. It is noteable that when S&W reintroduced the 40/42 revolvers the grip safety was gone.

The negative effect of the grip safety on one's hand during recoil can be reduced by careful choice of ammunition, but it's a factor to consider.

Other then that they are fine... ;)

[sm]

No, no, no, no...

I am recommending everyone buy these new Model 36s with the SpiffySpot capable of using +P ammunition.

I mean come on, get with the program people! It is almost 2008 and what better way to help the economy with last quarter sales for the Firearm Industry than to buy a new gun with new ammunition.

Just leave your old 36 with me, especially the 3" ones...

It is for the Economy!

XB, Old Fuff...work with me here...

[Old Fuff]

On second thought..... :uhoh:

SM is right. Everyone else should buy the new guns...

So long as the lock is "on" you can't wear them out... :rolleyes: :evil:

[craig_o]

HA! Nice try, guys.

If I was in the market myself right now I'd definitely be looking for a very lightly used M36 snub if possible, but who knows what Santa might bring... I have to admit a preference for "new" guns when it comes to CCW (my Yugo AK has some used parts and it only adds to the charm, so there you go). Something new to ponder in traffic I suppose :D

The S&W lock isn't something I cheer about, but I'm not concerned either. I visit THR and GT multiple times daily and have spent lots of time on the S&W forum investigating K-frames, and I have yet to hear of any substantiated S&W lock failure. Could it break, sure, but I could spontaneously combust too.

Not that I'm knocking the no-lock-for-me crowd. To each his own.

[Brian Williams]

I am personally into the old model 36s, I just won this one on Auction arms.

http://pictures.auctionarms.com/3910142628/db8087d561e88c1c9899aff418d1a861.jpg?aa=20071116123154

[XavierBreath]

I turned down a Smith & Wesson Model 40 flatlatch a few years back. Guy wanted me to trade him a Mossberg 500 for it. I still kick myself.

[sm]

Brian,
Congrats!

XB,
Yeah, 20/20 hindsight is so clear...and self kicking gets old fast!

Old Fuff,
Buddy of mine made a smart remark about how nice it was not having to Police Brass off the ground with his 3" Model 36...
Promptly dropped his coffee can of brass.

We just stood there, cracking up, looking at .38spl brass on the ground...
"Well, at least Maxwell House does not kick them out all over the darn range..." he said.

*grin*

[Old Fuff]

You got this brass thing all wrong. Long, long ago (did I remember to say "long?") I switched to the latest in cool tactical...:

Cap & Ball revolvers...... :what:

First of all, no stupid lock - or positive hammer block either... :eek:

Second, no brass to pick up... The very thought drives the microstamping advocates up the wall. Open carry is a cinch. Anyone who sees the gun thinks you're a movie ot TV actor...

Come with me to yesteryear.... :evil: :D

[sm]

Actually...

Blackpowder is something I have not spent a lot of time with I am embarrassed to say.
Furthermore, BP shotguns are what I have the most trigger time with in regard to BP. I have felled quail, doves, ducks, squirrels and rabbits and some pest control duty.

I can see BP handguns and long guns in my future though...yes indeed!

Running joke is, the more things get tack-tickle, the more I run to yesteryear.
I was always gifted with a homemade sling shot, let them try micro stamping rocks!

[Stainz]

Hmmmmm, how do you know if you shot a bird with a bp shotgun? It would seem that by the time the smoke cleared, the flock would be in an adjacent county, wouldn't it? The stench might keep other critters away... it does clear the adjacent lanes at the range when I present my my ROA c&b... far better than my homemade chilli!

Stainz...er, Stainks?

[jfh]

That does it. Who will convert a 36 to cap and ball?

Jim H.

[craig_o]

so hey... who carries a model 36?

[Brian Williams]

I will be post shipping, it might replace my 13, 65 and maybe my 642 with the right IWB.

[Old Dog]

Craig_o asked:so hey... who carries a model 36?I've been known to, (old school, manufactured mid-'70s ); also have a real pretty made-in-1978 Model 37 that gets some packin' time ... I just like my snubbies to have a hammer (and no lock, traded off the 642 and 637).

[XavierBreath]

so hey... who carries a model 36?How about a Model 38? I carry one daily, at least when it isn't a 1911 occasion.

[craig_o]

I'm pro-hammer. nothing wrong with you "other" people, I just like the look and feel better.

With the right kind of draw, I gather the hang-up issue isn't an issue.

[Diamondback]

so hey... who carries a model 36?.......I carry a M36-2 with a bobbed hammer and occasionally a square butt, nickel 36 from 1972.

- regards

[mquaack]

A friend of mine has a old model 36 that has the flat latch. I was thinking for christmas getting it reconditioned inside and out. Can anyone comment on if it can be re-blued and inside of the revolver check and replaced the worn out parts? It is still a nice gun just used "well"

[19-3Ben]

mquaack, I would send it to Ford's guns if you really want to have it done right.
Either that or Doug Turnbull restorations.

[S&Wfan]

The new nickle-plated Model 36 is real purdy . . . though I'm gonna stick with my original one without the new gun lock(up) feature!

Mine is a square latch '64 era model . . . shoots like new and shoots like this:

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/363/363373/folders/277718/2248828Firsttarget.jpg

It is a real "keeper" . . . and right now, I'm "keeping" it in my pocket (in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster.

[Oohrah]

I carry a 36 with a set of Mustange grips. It sports a 3" HB and is
a late 60s like new condition. Believe I paid $78 for it, and $95 for
a Model 28 4" also like new. Those were police prices. Also added
on were target grips on the Model 28.:)