Help with 36......

[38Mike]

Hello,

I've gone about a year without buying any pistols or revolvers; ended that streak today. Picked up a real nice S&W 36, no dash ; it's a round butt with the flat cylinder latch and pinned barrel ; the stocks have the diamond around the grip screws and look like they're brand new. Can someone give me the approx. birth date of this beaut? S/N is 316XXX........

I paid 315.00 before taxes, realizing that Kansas has the highest gun prices in the land; did I still do OK?

thanks,

Mike

 

[Iggy]

I picked up a pretty nice 36 no dash about a 78-79 vintage a few months ago for $225.00. That was with a "good buddy" discount from my freindly LGS guy.

So I don't think you did too bad.

You have a sweet little revolver. My wife thought so too. I sure miss that gun!!

 

[Old Fuff]

It was made in 1962, which was a good year. The price doesn't represent a steal, but it's not too shabby either. Don't worry about the price and enjoy you're find.

 

[Moonclip]

With the older features the price was ok. I saw one in CA similar to yours last year priced at $250 but it sold real quick it seems.

 

[Marshall]

50 bucks here or there, what does it matter? You have a nice gun, you'll blow three times that in the next 30 days on holsters and ammo.

Enjoy!

 

[HSMITH]

Around here that price is VERY good.

 

[Jim K]

Needless to say, avoid any extensive use of +P and equivalent handloads. Those guns were not made for that pressure. They won't "blow up", but anything other than very occasional use of hot ammo will batter and stretch the older guns.

Jim

 

[Old Fuff]

I agree with Jim. For just "plain shooting" .38 Special/148 grain/mid-range wadcutters are relatively inexpensive, won't harm the gun (or you), generally shoot to the point of aim - - and don't make a bad CCW load.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

I like the model 36's. The snub one is a 36-no dash...the 3" one is also a 36-no dash with the "skinny" barrel. The 3" heavy barreled ones were 36-1's. My wifes "claims" the three inch one to be her's since the day she saw it in the safe. Now she just asks about it occassionaly, wanting to make sure I have not sold it.

 

[38Mike]

Fellas,

Thanks for the replies; I'm now lusting after a Bell Charter Oak "deep drop bandit" holster and a Tyler T grip for the gun; so, Marshall you are right about spending the extra dough..

Jim and Old Fuff; thanks for the heads up on ammo selection; gonna scrounge around upcoming gun show for some inexpensive standard pressure ammo; AND it's about time to dust off and re-setup reloader. Sat., I priced a box of 110 gr. Win. Silvertips at $32.95!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mike M.