Looking for advice on an S&W Model 36

[Jim K]

I would probably have bought the "broken" gun if I could have gotten it for $250; I suspect it would have taken ten minutes or so to fix. IMHO, either the gunsmith is not competent or they never had anyone look at the gun.

Jim

 

[Old Fuff]

I would agree with Jim and some others that an inexpensive fix might be possible, except for this:

So, what's the likely problem here? The shop owner says they had a gunsmith look it over and replace a bunch of things inside, and thats as good as it will get

The shop owner's comment might, or might not be true, but if his gunsmith(?) had replaced "a bunch of things," I would be in no hurry to find out what that might be.

 

[SC Shooter]

I have a Model 36, and love it. If I see another at a great price I'll pick it up just to have it. However, there are enough of them out there to warrant passing on a busted gun.

 

[ZVP]

Agreed the 36 is one of the best revolvers ever made! Why? Because it's a fine piece of work but moreso because you'll tend to carry it with you if you need it.
They are also fun to shoot and feel good in the hand.
Powerwise, they're what some consider marginal but I prefer to think of how effective that 158 gr slug lumbering along has done over the years,Saved lives!
That mkes it a good revolver!