S&W model 36 barrel swap

[7mmsavage]

Can anyone tell me how difficult it is to remove the barrel on my S&W model 36? It currently has what looks like a 3 or 4 inch barrel but I would like to swap it for a 2". Just applied for ccw permit, and have had this pistol for 10 years and don't really use it. I don't think its worth enough to try and sell it, but just found a 2" barrel and was thinking about making it my carry gun.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

You'll probably get lots of varied responses on this one. First off, changing barrels needs to be done by a pro with the right tools and experience. Most folks will say the expense is too high...especially if you send it back to S&W to be done (preferred by most)...I think about $200.

My local gunsmith has done some K and N frame revolvers for me and charges $60. Of course you also will need to find the 2" barrel you want. The 2" barrel will also reguire you to install a shorter ejector rod and center pin. As you can see, the price is adding up.

Model 36's with 3" barrels are fine concealed carry guns just as they are. If it was mine, I'd leave it as it is. Open the cylinder and see what's stamped on the frame behind the crane. If it reads 36-1, you have the 3" heavy barrel version. If it reads 36 only, you have the lesser seen (and more desirable) tapered barrel version.

This is a pic of my 36 3" tapered barrel gun...perfect small concealed carry revolver just as it is.

Of course these are only my opinions and not necessarily right for all...

 

[isp2605]

3" barrel won't be any more difficult to conceal than a 2" unless you are wearing an ankle rig. It's not the barrel that makes it difficult to conceal but the butt.
If you don't like the 3" then trade it. There's a cult following for the 3" and you could probably do very well on a trade.

 

[Lucky Derby]

The 3" is worth more than a comparable condition 2". Do Not do the swap.

 

[Old Fuff]

On a cost basis, if you sell or trade your 3" barreled revolver and the extra 2" one you will do better getting a different 2" gun then paying the price to have the barrels exchanged. Be aware that it's seldom that you can unscrew one barrel and exchange it for another without additional fitting. Unless you are looking at pocket or ankle carry, you're better off with what you have.

 

[Bulldog]

And here's a fine example of a 1971-1972 production 36-1 with the 3" heavy barrel.

 

[7mmsavage]

Thanks Everyone !

Thanks for everyone's advice! Hey Cocked & Locked, mine is just like yours but without the extra grip piece, where do you get something like that?Also how can I tell when mine was made?

 

[Cocked & Locked]

There is no telling when it was made! Some guns were shipped YEARS after they were made. Instead, S&W kept/keeps records by the shipping date from the factory. The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson has a fairly close record of that info.

The only way to know 100% for sure the ship date is too call S&W at their toll free number and tell them the serial number...or, for $30 one can obtain a factory letter specific to the gun. It's usually not worth doing that unless it is a rare gun, or perhaps has some interesting provenance regarding original owner, distributor, etc.

If you will give me the serial number (from the bottom of the grip frame) I'll be glad to look it up and give you a very probable ship date from S&W. Include all numbers including any prefix. Block out the last numbers if you wish with an X...one X for each number you don't indicate.

Some folks have a concern regarding the posting of serial numbers. The X's should aleviate any concerns. If not comfortable with that, feel free to PM me or shoot me an e-mail.

The thing on the grip is a Tyler T-grip. The company is still in existence and has a web-site. Just do a search for "Tyler T-Grip" and it will show up. The T-grips also appear on Ebay upon occassion. You would need one for a J-frame S&W round butt if your gun is like mine. The web-site will cross reference your gun to a Tyler item # for the right adapter.

 

[.41Dave]

I also agree that a 3" 36 can be a sweet CCW gun. And Lucky Derby is right, a 3" is worth more than a 2". I have a 3" nickel 36-1 and would never consider making it a 2".

 

[Jim PHL]

Your 3" model 36 may be less than perfect for pocket or ankle carry but will outshine the 2" in every other category. If you intend to carry mainly on or in your belt, keep the 3". Even if you decide you prefer the 2", keep the 3". Eventually you will be sorry if you get rid of it. Finally, if you do decide to sell it...sell it to me!

 

[7mmsavage]

Thanks again

Thanks again everyone for all the info. After seeing the all of your pics I pulled out the old pistol and I seem to see things a little differently now. I also checked it out in my GunTraders Guide and it looks like this may be the only gun I have ever bought that is worth MORE (book value)than I paid for it! Anyway thanks for all the response, looks like I was about to make a big mistake.

 

[Lucky Derby]

You have made the right choice.