I have had a desire to obtain an older plain model 36 for a while. I need a little information.
I have found one recently in a local shop in decent shape, maybe 95%. Basic blued 36 probably made in the mid 80's. Dirty with a little barely noticalbe patch of pitting on the trigger guard.
They had a $300 price tag on it. Refering to various value guides, the "value" of this in the condition it appears to be in to me is aroundo $250, however, I can't find many that low in price? Can they be found easily, or is $300 and higher reasonable for a basic blue steel j frame?
I already have a new airweight. It is said these older steel frames are not rated for +P ( and it is not stampled on the gun that way either). What is the word on this? Since most "defense" ammo is +p, how big of a deal is this? I had a gun smith say it wouldn't hurt to fire a few in these. I read about the famous 158 grain lead semi wadcutter, but aren't these loads +P?
Is a new aluminum framed j frame actually tougher than the older steel framed since the have +p stampled on them? It is a little unrealistic to ask, perhaps academic, but hypotheticly, if a person was to fire thousands of light loads through both, which would get loose first?
The few extra ounces of weight, the nice blued finish, hammer mounted firing pin, and lack of an internal lock are all very appealing. Is there a reason not to get this? Intended purpose would be to shoot for practice (same feel, but a little heavier than the airweight) and occasional carry if necessary (the airweight serves the purpose already).
Or would a person be better off purchasing a new steel Taurus which would cost this much for a new one and still feel the same?
I have found one recently in a local shop in decent shape, maybe 95%. Basic blued 36 probably made in the mid 80's. Dirty with a little barely noticalbe patch of pitting on the trigger guard.
They had a $300 price tag on it. Refering to various value guides, the "value" of this in the condition it appears to be in to me is aroundo $250, however, I can't find many that low in price? Can they be found easily, or is $300 and higher reasonable for a basic blue steel j frame?
I already have a new airweight. It is said these older steel frames are not rated for +P ( and it is not stampled on the gun that way either). What is the word on this? Since most "defense" ammo is +p, how big of a deal is this? I had a gun smith say it wouldn't hurt to fire a few in these. I read about the famous 158 grain lead semi wadcutter, but aren't these loads +P?
Is a new aluminum framed j frame actually tougher than the older steel framed since the have +p stampled on them? It is a little unrealistic to ask, perhaps academic, but hypotheticly, if a person was to fire thousands of light loads through both, which would get loose first?
The few extra ounces of weight, the nice blued finish, hammer mounted firing pin, and lack of an internal lock are all very appealing. Is there a reason not to get this? Intended purpose would be to shoot for practice (same feel, but a little heavier than the airweight) and occasional carry if necessary (the airweight serves the purpose already).
Or would a person be better off purchasing a new steel Taurus which would cost this much for a new one and still feel the same?