advice on purchase.....

[SSN Vet]

I have a friend who is going to sell his S&W 36 (blue w/ origonal skinny wood grip). The gun is in very good shape and I'm sure he'll let me test fire it the next time we go to the range.

He's selling it as a package with an ankle holster, a OWB belt holster, and a shoulder carry holdter (interesting spring loaded retention rig).

I think he'll let it go to me for $400.

Questions....

Does this sound like a decent deal? (I know that the holsters alone cost $50+ each).

Can +P loads be fired from these older revolvers?

Is there any kind of low profile or bobbed hammer I can have installed on this revolver to make it more suitable for snag free pocket carry?

Are there laser grips available for this older style revolver?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[gandog56]

Looks like Crimson Trace makes laser grips that will fit a 36. It is a model LG-105.

 

[Ala Dan]

S&W model 36

$400 package deal - a $50 holster leaves a balance of $350 for the model 36,
right~? Sounds quite a bit high too me, unless the weapon is UNFIRED and its
complete with box, docs, and tools; or a very early "flat latch model" in good
condition, then I might consider it. Often times, a regular blued S&W model 36
can be found in 98% of better condition for $250. I would try to haggle your
friend down, and maybe reach a happy median of 'bout $275.

The S&W model 36 being an all steel firearm should handle +P ammo without
any problem; but I would not feed it a steady diet of the "HOT STUFF". Here
is my theory, practice with a light too mild target load; and carry the +P stuff
only for defense. Of course you would need to shoot enough +P's to get the
actual feel of the firearm. YES, Crimson Trace does make laser grips to fit the
model 36~!

 

[Majic]

Since the Chief Special has been made since 1950 most of the answers to your questions will depend on the age of the revolver. Get it's age by the serial number to get correct answers to your questions.

 

[Ala Dan]

My friend Majic is correct, we do need to know the DOB of the
revolver in question~? Give us the details of the
S/N, by listing the first few numbers including any letter prefix; and
I or someone else with a book will be happy to give you its date of
birth~!

 

[texas bulldog]

The S&W model 36 being an all steel firearm should handle +P ammo without any problem;

ala dan,

i was looking at purchasing a "flat latch" model 36 recently and was told by the gun shop employee, in no uncertain terms, that i should not load an older 36 with +P ammo. in fact, he recounted a story of one having to go back to S&W after just five shots of the stuff. possibly gun shop BS, i suppose, but would you care to expound upon your claim?


PS...i passed on the gun partially for this reason, and i am now looking instead at purchasing an SP101.

 

[Ala Dan]

I don't have a metallurgy degree, but I suppose that perhaps the materials
used in the early 50's wasn't as strong, as say those used in the 70's? Not
trying too be a wise a$$ here, but another condideration might be that the
lockwork may fail. I really don't have an answer right now, but I will pose
that question to our S&W rep~!

(continuing)

If early S&W all steel model 36's were so fragile, NO wonder the
2" (six shot) Colt Detective Special out sold the 36 by a wide
margin. After all, the S&W's cylinder does rotate counter clock-
wise; while that of the Colt rotates clockwise. Makes one wonder
doesn't it?