Good deal, Micky!
Not only did you get a steel M36 . . . you got one of the earlier ones with the flat cylinder latch and the diamond grips . . . and in pristine condition!!!
This makes it even a sweeter deal. Ya did great!!!
The square latch and diamond grips means it's no newer than a '66 model . . . and the grips will even have the gun's serial number stamped on the insides of the grips!
Here's my 1964 model. I got it in similar condition about four months ago. It didn't have a turn ring on it either when I got it . . . in original, bright nickle-plate. It's grips though show wear from being carried a lot for a period of time in its past . . . but NO holster wear or abuse.
And here's its first target shot by me, standing and unsupported at 10 yards into a 1" black square bullseye.
I kind of felt sorry for the probation officer standing next to me at the range when I shot it. The officer was all over the target with a Glock 22 . . . and then I walked up, shot one target with my "new" snubbie and then left to get back from lunch on time. The poor officer was practicing like heck to get "ready" for the next day's annual qualifications and couldn't shoot worth a _____.
These are great little wheelguns. Mine is in my pocket as I write . . . replacing a Kel-tec P32 as my "always" gun . . . and usually also doing a lot of double duty as my main CCW gun. With this little jewel my 1911 lightweight officer's size .45 doesn't get as called on as before!
It's really neat carrying something nearly fifty years old that's still just as outstanding as the day it was beautifully made!
T.
