S&W model 36 questions

[Black Adder LXX]

Hello to all-

I'm looking for a pocket snub, and vote with my wallet on the whole internal lock thing with the new S&W revolvers. I've been checking out the old model 36 with the thought of grabbing one up and bobbing the hammer. Then I noticed S&W is 're-releasing' some of the older models, including the 36. So here's what I am wondering:

1. I'm assuming that the older 36 is not rated for 38+p, is that correct?

2. I see the 're-issue' of the 36 is rated for 38+p, but the S&W site doesn't mention if they have the much hated internal lock. Does anybody know if the new 36 has the lock?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Sistema1927]

The "new" 36 has the lock. The "new" 40 doesn't due to the fact that it has the grip safety.

I wouldn't worry about carrying +P in any steel J-frame. They don't like a steady diet of the stuff, but you can try it out at the range and carry it with confidence.

 

[Iggy]

Older models are not +P rated

Lock... yes, it has one.

From S&W.com

Here's an old timer with early Crimsom Trace grips and a bobbed hammer..

View attachment 328560

And no lock!!!

 

[Pistol Toter]

Why ruin a M36?

I don't understand the thought of destroying a model 36. They are Classy and they are Classic. Ghee Whiz and to cut up one of those beautiful Case Hardened Hammers. Good Grief, man go buy a DAO Ruger SP101 or something, but don't you dare do that to Chief Special.:banghead: Anyone who would do that needs to have his fingernails pulled out by the roots.

 

[Black Adder LXX]

Pistol toter - how do you *REALLY* feel about it??? LOL

I would only do that to a beat up 36. And an SP101 would be a good choice, but the 36 is smaller and lighter. The only reason I'm even considering it is because of S&W and their stupid lock they put on the 642. It (the 642) would be ideal, but I refuse to buy a gun with one of those crappy locks.

 

[Iggy]

Ghee Whiz and to cut up one of those beautiful Case Hardened Hammers.

Or you could keep the original hammer and get a take off from your local gun guy that has already been bobbed and converted to DAO for $10.00. Then you have both options.

 

[Cosmoline]

I'd pass on the Crimson Trace and the bobbed hammer, but the M36 is a fine pocket revolver. Just get a good holster for it.

If you want a shroud, you can get one of the old Wallers:

http://wallerandson.com/hammershrouds.htm

If you want a more roomy grip, the T-Grip extensions are handy:

http://www.t-grips.com/

 

[Pistol Toter]

Pistol toter - how do you *REALLY* feel about it??? LOL

I did.. I understand what you're doing. I must confess, I have a love afair with old S&W's. I own several and I guess I'm a small time collector (very small time). To me they are works of art. I carry a blocky Ruger SP101 or a butt ugly Glock. Both do the job real real well and that's all I care about them.

 

[Black Adder LXX]

Or you could keep the original hammer and get a take off from your local gun guy that has already been bobbed and converted to DAO for $10.00.

- Iggy what a great idea thank you!

Pistol Toter- the 36 is considerably smaller than the sp101, isn't it? 'm really looking at this gun for pocket carry... Thanks.

 

[Pistol Toter]

A model 36 weighs 19 ozs, the 2.25" SP101, 25 ozs. I know that I can carry my M36 in th SP's holster bu tit is not a snug; it moves about a bit. I don't carry anythng in a pants pocket. The 36 is in the vault as are all my Smiths, the Ruger rides in a Pancake or a IWB both made by Bianchi. The last thing I carried in a pocket was derringer that I no longer own. A 36 has mountains more eye appeal than an SP ever will which it what brought on my initial (probably, but unintended, rude) comment.

Edit: I would say that a model 36 loaded with standard velocity 158 grain LSWC would make a GREAT CCW. It grieves me to say this but you might do as a young fellow I know has done and employ a Kel-Tec P3AT .380. I don't like them but you might.

 

[rcmodel]

Instead of bobbing the hammer of a 36, which is a very silly thing to do, why not get a Model 49 Bodyguard. Best of both worlds.

Non-snag hammer, and it can still be cocked and shot SA for fine accuracy if needed.


rcmodel

 

[Iggy]

Back when Custer was a pup, a used 36 was the onlyest thing a young LEO makin' $394 a month, could find and afford, bobbin' the hammer was one of few options. Rather than butcher it up, I found a replacement hammer and put the original back in the box the gun came in.

I carried it for years as a hideout gun. Then my wife became a Dep. Sheriff and I lost my lil ol 36 to her for a backup gun.

That gave me an excuse to get a 640-1. I still carry it in my pocket.

We have both been out of LE for many years. We both have CCW permits and carry everywhere we go if it's legal.

The lil woman has took up walkin' several miles a day and she recently bought a 642 which is a little easier totin'. Dadburnit, she kept that 36 with CT grips for her nightstand gun.

I sure would like to get that lil gun back some day.

 

[Pistol Toter]

I sure would like to get that lil gun back some day.

Well be a man! Go take it back. Ghee Whiz. Ya know I been married 36 years and I/ve kept my wife on here knees all those years. That is; Beggin me to come out from under the bed. But the end of that broom handle hurts when she pokes me with it. I retreated to that small crawl place shortly after me were married because that darn iron skillet hurt too.

 

[Iggy]

We been married a couple more years than you, but I do feel your pain.

She can out shoot me and has won "tommyhawk" throwin' contests in five states.

She got me a Seecamp .32 for my birthday a while back. She kept casting suspicious looks at it every time I set it down.

I bought her one to match mine for our anniversary. I could see the writin' on the wall.

I ain't seen it since she got it. I don't know just where she carries it, but I ain't gonna go lookin' neither.

 

[Hutch]

Regarding +P, I'd shoot standard pressure ammo for practice, try a couple of cylinders full of the 158gr FBI load to make sure it'll function and shoot close to POA, and carry those. Practice with standard, carry the +P. Yeah, that's the ticket. A few or a hundred or two won't shake it loose.

 

[Gordon]

God bless your family Iggy!

 

[19-3Ben]

bu tit is not a snug

tit is not snug eh? I hate when that happens.
Sorry. Couldn't help it.