Model 36 ?

CJ45lc · #1 07-18-2013, 10:27 AM

My wife just received the pistol from her mother, her mother says she bought it in 1959...IDK for sure but she thinks that is when she bought it from a policeman in Colorado.

The info I have from looking at the identity sticky is as follows & I would appreciate any info as to the year made & worth, BTW it isn't going anywhere no matter the info I get hahaha

Behind Yoke - MOD 36
no dash

Hand ejector

Serial # - 223XXX

Barrel Length - measures 1 7/8" , so I'm guessing it's a 2"

Fixed Sights

I believe it's stamped 38 Special on the right side of the barrel & I believe it has the CTG ( I'm at work & can't look right now & wasn't bright enough to write that down )

Any help is greatly appreciated

P&R Fan · #2 07-18-2013, 11:08 AM

The Catalog says 125,000 ended in 1957 and 295,000 started in 1962, so it's close to what she thought for a birth year.
Jim

KEN L · #3 07-18-2013, 11:28 AM

Are there any pics in our future? That would be nice.......

CJ45lc · #4 07-18-2013, 11:41 AM

Thanks for the info P & R Fan

As far as pics KEN L, yep when donkeys fly lol
I'm a computer idiot but maybe I can get my daughter to help me, the pistol is in great shape, not a speck of rust anywhere, lived in Colo all it's life & hasn't been shot very much at all & the last time fired was in the early '60's sometime. From what I have been told I doubt 250 rounds have been down it's tube

hotrod150 · #5 07-18-2013, 01:43 PM

Sounds like a beauty! The model 36 Chief Special, and for that matter any Chief Special, is a great little gun- suitable for open carry, concealed carry, or stashing in the nightstand or under the pillow for home defense. Lots of different 38 special loads available too, from pussycats to fire-breathers. And lots of different grips and holsters are available to tailor fit your needs.

Texas Star · #6 07-18-2013, 02:10 PM

Well, we don't know how long the policeman had it, but the serial number suggests not too long.

Just fire .38 Special ammo marked Plus P in moderation. As a steel-framed gun made recently enough to bear a Model number, it should be okay with Plus P, but the more you shoot, the sooner you'll get things like cylinder endshake and timing problems. You only need that stuff for defense and occasional familiarity firing, anyway.

That sounds like a splendid little gun that's found a good new home. I hope that your gun laws aren't too awful. I don't think that Delaware has been in the news since joining the Union so it can't be too crime ridden?

66Park · #7 07-18-2013, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJ45lc

Thanks for the info P & R Fan

As far as pics KEN L, yep when donkeys fly lol
I'm a computer idiot but maybe I can get my daughter to help me, the pistol is in great shape, not a speck of rust anywhere, lived in Colo all it's life & hasn't been shot very much at all & the last time fired was in the early '60's sometime. From what I have been told I doubt 250 rounds have been down it's tube

Ok. I'll help you out. Here's a picture of my 1959 M36.

05CarbonDRZ · #8 07-18-2013, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 66Park

Ok. I'll help you out. Here's a picture of my 1959 M36.

What is the serial number on your 1959 M36? You can XX out the last digits if you wish.

66Park · #9 07-18-2013, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 05CarbonDRZ

What is the serial number on your 1959 M36? You can XX out the last digits if you wish.

1650xx. It shipped in September 1959.

CJ45lc · #10 07-19-2013, 08:55 AM

Thank You 66Park, no need for a pic from me now because that is exactly what ours looks like. Same grips, the turn line on the cyl is the same.
We are really looking forward to shooting this baby just because we can & then it will be a heirloom that my wife will surely cheerish.

Texas Star · #11 07-19-2013, 09:59 AM

That pic brings back memories of TV shows of the era, like 77 Sunset Strip and Peter Gunn...

I was a kid, but already knew what a S&W M-36 Chief's Special looked like and had toy versions. I was reading those gun books that Larry Koller used to write and could ID most common firearms.

I remember when the cylinder release changed from the flat sort in the mid-1960's. Gad, it seems like yesterday!

hotrod150 · #12 07-19-2013, 01:01 PM

The original diamond-checked magna grips look great. They should have the gun's serial number stamped inside the RH grip, and you should NEVER allow them to become separated from the gun (aka lost), but they're not the greatest for shooting for most folks. You might think about adding a grip adapter or getting a different set of grips for shooting purposes. I really like the uncle mikes boot grips- they've been discontinued for several years but S&W still has a bunch in stock for about $22 delivered.

66Park · #13 07-19-2013, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas Star

That pic brings back memories of TV shows of the era, like 77 Sunset Strip and Peter Gunn...

I was a kid, but already knew what a S&W M-36 Chief's Special looked like and had toy versions. I was reading those gun books that Larry Koller used to write and could ID most common firearms.

I remember when the cylinder release changed from the flat sort in the mid-1960's. Gad, it seems like yesterday!

Yeah, they do evoke memories, don't they? They are wonderful, great looking little carry guns. Too bad they are not easier to shoot!

Dr.ButcherMD · #14 07-19-2013, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 05CarbonDRZ

What is the serial number on your 1959 M36? You can XX out the last digits if you wish.

That is a beautiful example! I only have one 36, she's a nickel born 1978. She was one of my carry guns but now that I'm in Md I can't carry anymore

CJ45lc · #15 07-19-2013, 05:47 PM

Funny but now I am really cussing this damn pistol lol
I've always wanted a Model 19 & after handling this little joker I've really got the bug to find one...a 19 w/4" barrel, I wont be happy til I get one hahaha

Thanks for all the info fellas

Texas Star · #16 07-19-2013, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJ45lc

Funny but now I am really cussing this damn pistol lol
I've always wanted a Model 19 & after handling this little joker I've really got the bug to find one...a 19 w/4" barrel, I wont be happy til I get one hahaha

Thanks for all the info fellas

Well, when this was made, MANY knowlegeable men limited to just two handguns would choose a snub M-36 and a M-19 with four-inch bbl. For many years, that was the case with me, although I added other guns as I could. But that was my core selection. I did limit use of full .357 ammo to when needed. I had larger S&W .357's and Rugers for more frequent Magnum use. But the M-19 would fire that load when desired.

Even now, the only change I'd make is to get a M-60-7 and a M-66-3. Basically the same, but in stainless and with improved heat treatment and other tweaks to add endurance.

A snub .38 is hard to shoot well, but if the shooter is equal to the task, they're surprisingly accurate. I can get them to stay in the black of a 25 yard target, firing "offhand." The versions of the M-60 with full-lug three-inch bbl. and adj. sights are at least twice as easy to shoot well and add velocity and a full-length extractor rod stroke.

I use Pachmayr's older two-panel Presentation and Presentation Compac grips, to aid in controlibility and to lessen recoil.

Don't curse that M-36 for suggesting that it have a companion M-19. It's doing you a favor.

CJ45lc · #17 07-20-2013, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas Star

Well, when this was made, MANY knowlegeable men limited to just two handguns would choose a snub M-36 and a M-19 with four-inch bbl. For many years, that was the case with me, although I added other guns as I could. But that was my core selection. I did limit use of full .357 ammo to when needed. I had larger S&W .357's and Rugers for more frequent Magnum use. But the M-19 would fire that load when desired.

Even now, the only change I'd make is to get a M-60-7 and a M-66-3. Basically the same, but in stainless and with improved heat treatment and other tweaks to add endurance.

A snub .38 is hard to shoot well, but if the shooter is equal to the task, they're surprisingly accurate. I can get them to stay in the black of a 25 yard target, firing "offhand." The versions of the M-60 with full-lug three-inch bbl. and adj. sights are at least twice as easy to shoot well and add velocity and a full-length extractor rod stroke.

I use Pachmayr's older two-panel Presentation and Presentation Compac grips, to aid in controlibility and to lessen recoil.

Don't curse that M-36 for suggesting that it have a companion M-19. It's doing you a favor.

I really got a laugh out of your last sentence bud...I know I shouldn't be cursing the little pistol it is just giving me a good excuse to get something I've really had an eye on for quite some time. I'll have to take a look at the pistols you suggested but the 19 has been on my mind for quite a long time & the M-36 just restoked the fire lol

JEECEE 9mm · #18 08-02-2013, 05:57 PM

Hello , got a question for you .. i recently purchased a 99 % mint condition model 36 2 in. and a brand new in the original box model 60 also in 2 in. Now i plan to use the 36 as a SD carry gun with 2 Galco ammo pouches ( the 2x2x2 model ) but i'm wandering which ammo to use .. i think a few + P to get the feeling of the gun would be ok and then carry + P but in the + P category , which would you suggest .. i was thinking about 110 to 125 grs. hollow points .. any suggestions .. ??

JEECEE 9mm · #19 08-02-2013, 06:21 PM

Model 36 serial is 326xx and model 60 is 324xx .... i'm trying to put 3 pictures but i'm no computer Genius ..

Naw .. i cannot find how to send pictures .. lousy me .. !! Ok .. got the how to now ..!!

hotrod150 · #20 08-03-2013, 12:10 AM

The two serial numbers given don't seem to jibe. 326xx & 324xx would be 1953-54. Model numbers didn't start until 1957 so what you have can't be a model 36, but it might be a pre-model 36 Chief Special. However , the model 60 stainless Chief wasn't introduced until 1965. Is it possible that the s/n on the model 36 has a J prefix, and on the model 60 an R prefix? That would make them approx 1969 & 1970-73 respectively.
As far as carry ammo goes, I like a heavy soft lead bullet like the 158 gr SWC-HP aka "the FBI load".

JEECEE 9mm · #21 08-10-2013, 04:14 AM

Hello Hotrod150 .. you made my day cause i really goofed on the serial no. of these 2 J frames .. for the 36 , the serial is *J188xxx and the 60 is R88xxx ... My error ..sorry .. i shoot the 36 with 158 grs. round nose in practice but load it with Federal 158 grs. Nyclad 158 SWC-HP +P for defense as a back-up to my 9 mm MP which i load with 124 gr. +P Gold Dot .. The model 60 is brand new in the original box so i will not shoot it for the time being ... Might possibly get a good amount of $$$ from Collectors in Gun Shows ..

Thanks for your help ..!! i was wishing to find a NON + P load in the 125 to 140 gr. that would still offer good penetration and expansion in my 36 but .. can't find any in my area .. i feel that the FBI load is a carry but don't shoot often round in a J frame of the 1 st generation .. !! ??

Green Frog · #22 08-10-2013, 08:12 AM

Where to start...
CJ45lc, you brought back looong ago memories of my first handgun, a High Standard 22 Sentinal Deluxe Snubbie acquired while I was working near your location. I was on senior staff at a now-defunct Boy Scout Camp near Sharptown, MD and lots of our kids and some of our staff hailed from Smyrna, IIRC. I'm guessing that practice shooting out your way will involve sand pits(?) That little Chief you have is an excellent carry gun, close defense gun, etc, but it is steering you well when it asks for a big brother. The Model 19 will be one you can develop and hone your skills with, then you can fine tune them with the 36 - it's not a gun to start out with. I like your idea of using 158 gr (+/-) bullets for both your practice and serious loads... I would crank out a good supply of mid-range practice loads and try to wear out one of those sand pits' back wall with them, then have +P stuff available for both guns to use to finish up some of my practice sessions (only 1 or 2 cylinders full) and keep in the guns when in carry mode. You are definitely going "old school" but there is nothing wrong with that... in fact, I'm an old school teacher - retired!

Froggie

hotrod150 · #23 08-12-2013, 01:32 PM

Jeecee, your model 36 dates from 1973-74 and your model 60 from 1970-73. That 60 and box look really nice. I don't see them but I hope you also have the original (serial-numbered) stock magna grips as they will add collector value. As will a cleaning kit and any other stuff (warranty card, ammo & holster brochures, etc) that came in the box along with the owners manual.
You might think about picking up some light wadcutters for practice and saving that good Nyclad ammo for carry duty. if you can't find any locally, a lot of online/mail order outfits (Midway, Cheaper Than Dirt, Cabelas, etc) sell ammo.

CJ45lc · #24 08-13-2013, 09:49 AM

Thanks for all the info. fellas, what a great forum here.

Just wanted to update & let ya'll know my stepson & I each shot 5 rounds of Blazer .38 spl ammo thru the 36 on Saturday. I had some 6" targets printed on 8x11 paper & we put the target at 7 yds, shot in the single action mode. I told him I'll be lucky to hit the paper with the little short barreled joker lol but much to my surprise we both put all our shots on the paper & 4 of my 5 were in the target. Boy was I pleasently surprised.

What a nice little pistol. I went ahead & cleaned the barrel & cylinders to be put away for a while. My wife is gonna put a few rounds thru it & I want to shoot it DA a few times & then the little joker will be put up & kept for "old time sake"

Sure was nice to play with the revolver after shooting only semi-autos for so long. Now on the hunt for a 19 that my wife & I can shoot regularly.

Malysh · #25 08-13-2013, 10:19 AM

Very nice Mod 36s, gents

You should be careful about using Xs in your serial numbers in posts. A certain member told me I was paranoid because I posted a gun with a partial serial number and Xs one time!

Just kidding you, who cares what he thinks?
Enjoy your firearms!

CJ45lc · #26 08-13-2013, 10:40 AM

Oh Oh I used the X's hahaha

Green Frog · #27 08-13-2013, 11:29 AM

CJ45lc, once you shoot a thousand or so rounds through the Model 19, drag the Model 36 back out and shoot it. You'll be surprised at how much better you will shoot it, and how much more rapidly you will be able to develop the skill set to shoot it very well. The 36 is not a beginner's gun, but it will surprise you by how well it does shoot once you can do your part. It's not an inherently inaccurate gun!

Froggie

Malysh · #28 08-13-2013, 11:46 AM

Actually, if you set up a J frame S&W and a D frame Colt in a Ramsom rest, you will find they are very accurate revolvers. But, they are much harder to control with the small frames, small grip areas, and the short barrels than most other handguns.

I especially liked Froggie's remark about them not being beginner's guns. I have said this more than once, but you don't see many folks mention this.

Hondo44 · #29 08-13-2013, 01:06 PM

CJ45lc,

Froggie and Malysh are correct. Those little guns will easily put all 5 rounds in the black at 25 Yards. But they take more practice to shoot them as accurately as they truly are PLUS one must have the mental confidence that they are accurate, to shoot them well.

Remember the old axiom: a gun will never be shot as accurately as its potential w/o the shooter's confidence in the gun's ability to do so.

rog8732 · #30 08-13-2013, 01:49 PM

CJ, I see where, at first, you felt 7 yards would be a challenge. (And for me as well) .... I saw the great Bob Munden, of trick shot fame, burst a regular ballon at 300 yards with the little Mod. 36...may have been 600 !? Not just one, and, it was not a passenger type hot-air ballon either !! Course, I am no Bob Munden,but, the little 36 will shoot.

CJ45lc · #31 08-13-2013, 02:09 PM

Oh believe me boys I have no doubt the little joker will put the lead right where it is pointed, the surprise was me being able to aim the little barreled gun as well as I did lol old eyes ain't what they once were, if you know what I mean.

jaykellogg · #32 08-13-2013, 06:32 PM

I have an old model 37 no dash (Chief's Special Airweight) It is very hard to shoot double action. I just today ordered a spring kit for it. I have the original grips, but I have a set of rubber grips on it. With the aluminum frame I wouldn't use +P in mine.

Malysh · #33 08-13-2013, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaykellogg

I have an old model 37 no dash (Chief's Special Airweight) It is very hard to shoot double action. I just today ordered a spring kit for it. I have the original grips, but I have a set of rubber grips on it. With the aluminum frame I wouldn't use +P in mine.

You should try shooting standard pressure "short barrel" Buffalo Bore 158gr LSWHP in your Mod 37. It has a noticeably harder kick than any other standard pressure 38 Special load I have ever shot!

Maybe the spring kit will help that DA trigger pull. I hope so.