Smith 36 question

[Great Scot]

I recently got my hands on an early 80's 3-inch Smith and Wesson model 36. The gun is nickle plated and is in fantastic condition. Does this gun have any collector value or is it okay to use it as a ccw? In the event that I shoot it and have to clean it, are there any cleaning products I should avoid using on the nickel finish? Any I should use? Thanks for the help.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I would put it to work. It is not yet old enough to have attained any "collectible" status, IMO.

The labeling on a bore cleaner should tell you if it is safe for nickel. A lot of copper solvents are probably not. Hoppe's #9 is not, but you would have to leave it on there a fairly long time. If you just clean the bore and chambers (which are not plated) with it and wipe down any splatter you might get on the external surfaces, it will be fine.

 

[Croyance]

Don't use anything iwth ammonia.

 

[XavierBreath]

I would tend to hang on to a three inch nickeled Model 36 and find a more pedestrian gun for carry. It is true that this gun does not have the collector's status of a Registered Magnum, but it is an unusual gun that will increase in value over the years.

A carry gun takes a lot of abuse. They get banged up, bumped, scratched and corroded. See if you can find a Model 60 for that.

 

[Pistol Toter]

I would tend to hang on to a three inch nickeled Model 36 and find a more pedestrian gun for carry. It is true that this gun does not have the collector's status of a Registered Magnum, but it is an unusual gun that will increase in value over the years.

A carry gun takes a lot of abuse. They get banged up, bumped, scratched and corroded. See if you can find a Model 60 for that.

I agree whole heartedly! Model 60 would be good, also look at a Ruger SP101.