classic model 36 = interested

[hardknocks!]

Hello All.
Im interested in a 38 snub and leaning heavily toward a S&W.
Im wondering what the concesus is on the new model 36? i been looking at the older cheif specials as i appreciate the older workmanship.
just throwing it out there for anyone with experience with the new ones.
As for the older model 36 is there any special year/decdade i may want to avoid?
thanks
Mike

 

[RugerMcMarlin]

Nope all good. Got old 1s and new 1s!

 

[madcratebuilder]

You should be able to find a really nice early M36. They had pinned barrels till 82. Mine's a 36-0 with a 3" barrel.

 

[StrawHat]

I have had two M36s, neither was newer than 1981. One was a 2" and I carried it in a belt holster until I bought the 3" M36-1. After that, the 2" tended to stay at home as I much prefered the way the 36-1 handled and shot.

Here's a photo of my old 36-1, a round butted version.



IF I were to ever need a small bore again for carrying, this would be my choice.

 

[Jonah71]

My '74 Mod 36 is one of 2 guns I will never sell. Don't have any experiance with newer models, but if you can find an older mod. for the right price....buy it.

 

[Remllez]

I've never owned or shot the newer model but I have shot the older Chiefs plenty and you can't go wrong with them. You won't regret spending your money on most any older Smith. It takes a little practice to shoot the snubs well but they can be very accurate.

 

[MMCSRET]

I just bought one, 1 7/8" barrel, looks to have never been fired, no box. I paid 270.00, it dates to late 70's as near as I have determined so far.

 

[Jonah71]

Sounds like a good deal to me.

 

[dennis228]

I bought a new S&W 36 chief's special snubbie and it is a very fine handgun. Very nice fit and finish and it shoots even 38+P with modest recoil. I shoot it much better than my buddy's 637. The extra 5 oz. in weight helps a lot.
I was surprised at how accurate it is (most likely not due to me) and it came with a pretty good trigger out of the box. Very satisfied. It has the lock but for me that is not much of drawback.

 

[Owen Sparks]

I really prefer the 3" barrel as pictured. It is much easier to use due to the longer sight radius. You also get more velocity (crucial for making hollow points open up) and less blast. Unless you are using an ankle holster the extra length makes little difference with most methods of concealment.

 

[hardknocks!]

3''

hello all
i have a 3'' K frame from around 19&46. learned here it started its life as a 4'' barrell and was told its possibly the best S&W trigger out of box.
The pull in single action is very smooth and very easy. maybe when the barell was shortened trigger work was done.
rough looking but out shoots my other guns hands down.
I was looking for a snubbie to carry from time to time and i will have to handle the 3'' to see if i would be able to carry comfortably. im sure it will be nicer to shoot when doing some practice.
the Model 60 is also attractive in the older version but i dont know the differences between the two.
Will probably just keep a I out for a nice 36.
thanks for the replys.
regards
Mike

 

[Ole Coot]

All older J frames are great. My 36 and 60 that I carry sometimes are older, pinned barrels and NO holes or keys needed.