Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980
o

Notices

S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 02-19-2011, 01:23 PM
Major Wader Major Wader is offline
Member
Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy  
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default Model 36 accuracy

or the lack thereof....

Recent purchase was a S&W Model 36, no dash, 3" barrel. Almost no wear, probably less than a box of ammunition through it since it was new in 1976.

We have tried multiple brands of ammunition, and can't get anything to group less than 4-5" at 7 yards.

I'm sure that it's not operator error. I shoot well with every other handgun that we own, including several revolvers from the same time period, semi-autos, and a couple of modern short barrel revolvers.

Any thoughts on repairs, modifications, or adjustments that might help? I really like the gun, but don't want to hang onto one that isn't accurate. I bought it at a good price, so recouping my investment would not be a problem.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 02-19-2011, 01:31 PM
mkk41 mkk41 is offline
Banned
Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: South East , PA . USA
Posts: 5,027
Likes: 485
Liked 1,610 Times in 884 Posts
Default

I'd first try a different set of grips like a Pachmayr Compac or even a Tyler T-grip adaptor.

I too have a 3in Mod 36. It's no K-38 or Python , but certainly accurate enough for it's intended purpose , an a 4in group with defensive loads at 7yds is just fine.

Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 02-19-2011, 01:39 PM
fc60 fc60 is offline
Member
Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy  
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default Accuracy With 3" Barrel

Greetings,

I have the stainless version, Model 60, and for fun I mounted the pistol in a Random Rest to check the accuracy. Using Federal 38 Special Match Wadcutter ammo, It fired ten shots at 50 YARDS that measured 3".

Try to locate a friend with a Random Rest and try some quality Match Wadcutter ammo with your pistol. Be sure it is completely clean before testing.

Cheers,

Dave
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 02-19-2011, 01:45 PM
kingranch kingranch is offline
Member
Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

What mkk41 said.
This one is always loaded and ready to go...but it ain't for shooting paper .
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSC01646.jpg (93.7 KB, 114 views)
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 02-19-2011, 02:03 PM
Major Wader Major Wader is offline
Member
Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy  
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

I guess my point is, that I regularly shoot 2" groups with my Ruger LCR, and half that size with my model 10-8 4" barrel.

I expected more from the 3" model 36, and wondered if there might be something wrong with it. I have fired other S&W short barrels before, and never noticed an accuracy issue.

This one came with a Pachmayr Compaq on it.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 02-19-2011, 02:51 PM
mkk41 mkk41 is offline
Banned
Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: South East , PA . USA
Posts: 5,027
Likes: 485
Liked 1,610 Times in 884 Posts
Default

Well , aside from checking the bore for excessive fouling , or obvious muzzle damage , I really can't think of a reason for bad accuracy. If ya can find a machine rest , or try a good two-hand rested group.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 02-19-2011, 03:26 PM
Texas Star Texas Star is offline
US Veteran
Absent Comrade
Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Texas
Posts: 20,362
Likes: 24,260
Liked 16,154 Times in 7,408 Posts
Default

I've owned several, both snubs and three-inch guns. All were very accurate. Same for M-60's.

Which ammo have you used? Unless you got a lemon with overbored cylinder throats, I'm at a loss to explain your problem. But I did once own a Model 49 that I couldn't hit the target paper with at 25 yards. Never did figure that one out...

T-Star
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 02-19-2011, 04:01 PM
murphydog's Avatar
murphydog murphydog is offline
Moderator
Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,782
Likes: 935
Liked 18,873 Times in 9,241 Posts
Default

Agree with T-star, it sounds like a cylinder or barrel problem. Don't know how to solve it short of a trip to the gunsmith or factory.
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 02-19-2011, 04:42 PM
DGNY DGNY is offline
Member
Model 36 accuracy  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Garden Spot, Upstate NY, USA
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 3,385
Liked 748 Times in 445 Posts
Default Model 36 Accuracy

You might recheck the crown with a good light and magnifying glass. Also, if the mainspring is weak/clipped, you could be getting light hits on the primers. Similarly, if the recoil plate-to-rear of cylinder spec is off on the wide side.

Probably others have inquired whether the barrel is leaded badly/irregularly.

There has to be an explanation, so....

Good luck,

Dyson
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 02-19-2011, 09:06 PM
H Richard's Avatar
H Richard H Richard is offline
US Veteran
Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Central IL
Posts: 22,758
Likes: 18,437
Liked 22,313 Times in 8,245 Posts
Default

How does the trigger feel? Is it excessively heavy or have a glitch in it? Often a "duty tune" trigger job can solve a lot of accuracy issues. I have 2" mod 36, mod 60, and mod 940, and all will shoot into about 2" at 10 yards. I would also check the muzzle for unevenness.
__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 02-19-2011, 10:56 PM
Kelly Green's Avatar
Kelly Green Kelly Green is offline
Member
Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Texas
Posts: 897
Likes: 55
Liked 527 Times in 144 Posts
Default

Some things that can affect a revolver’s accuracy:

Timing: The cylinder must be in alignment when the hammer drops. Hammer or pin strikes should be centered on the primer.

Indexing: The alignment of the bore to each chamber of the cylinder should be true. Indexing can be checked with a range rod.

Forcing cone: If the cone is too deep or too wide it will affect accuracy. A too wide or deep cone may cause bullet tipping.

Cylinder chambers: The rounds should fit closely.

Barrel: The barrel should be clean with sharp rifling. The bore should not be oversized.

Trigger: The trigger pull should be smooth without binding, roughness or glitches.

Endshake: In a S&W, excessive endshake can alter the relationship between chamber and forcing cone affecting the barrel to cylinder gap. This has an affect on accuracy.

Cylinder–Barrel Gap: The ideal barrel to cylinder gap is .006". A normal usable gap is .004" – .010"

Sights. For revolvers with adjustable sights, check for play or loose sights.

Ammunition: Not all brands and kinds of ammunition shoot the same.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 02-19-2011, 11:29 PM
JC4013 JC4013 is offline
Member
Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Fort Worth,TX
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times in 5 Posts
Default

Sometimes shooters new to the "little" guns tend to wrap too much finger around the trigger, especially if they're used to N or K frames, causing them to pull the barrel to the side as they pull. Also, try using light loads until you're used to how it handles and you're sure there's no involuntary flinch. It's more common than you'd think among shooters using the pocket guns.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 02-19-2011, 11:39 PM
tom turner's Avatar
tom turner tom turner is offline
US Veteran
Model 36 accuracy  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Georgia
Posts: 1,814
Likes: 180
Liked 2,270 Times in 285 Posts
Default

The little J frames can be plenty accurate, but the minimal sights do make it a tad more "challenging" from the shooter's point of view.

As for the gun? Well, if it is in good condition and within proper specs, the gun will launch the bullet as accurately from a 2" barrel as an 8 3/8th or whatever.

So, if the gun checks out ok I'd recommend two things . . .

1. 158gn bullets. The older S&W J-frames were regulated to this wonderful weight bullet.

2. 140 gn. wadcutters will generally show you what a gun in proper specs can do on paper.

If I do my part, I can put a full cylinder of wadcutters into a 1" square with any of my J-frame snubbies, and it is even easier with my wife's 3" Model 37 Airweight.

Have patience with the "wee beastie," it might just surprise you yet!

Best wishes,

Tom
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 04-07-2013, 03:43 PM
Richard44 Richard44 is offline
Member
Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy  
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default Mod. 36 3"

8x10 paper target at 10 yds. Nickel sized bulls eye. Shooting 6" low and 6" to left. Group 2". Filed .050 off front sight and smacked right side of front sight with punch and hammer. Now shooting dead on. Must have been luck!.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 04-07-2013, 04:25 PM
shouldazagged shouldazagged is offline
Absent Comrade
Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy  
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Louisville, KY, USA
Posts: 19,336
Likes: 53,737
Liked 38,386 Times in 11,801 Posts
Default

I love J-frames, and have used one as my CC for over twelve years. I don't think of it as a plinker or target gun, but as a last-ditch weapon to stop a threat at very close range. MOT--Minute Of Thug--is okay with me. But that is strictly my view as an elderly guy who can't afford a lot of range time or ammo. I hope you get your answer and enjoy that little 36 your way.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #16  
Old 08-11-2017, 11:32 AM
Etalksalot's Avatar
Etalksalot Etalksalot is offline
Member
Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy  
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 756
Likes: 246
Liked 593 Times in 290 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by kingranch View Post
What mkk41 said.
This one is always loaded and ready to go...but it ain't for shooting paper .
Very nice gun sir, I just bought the exact same one, square butt and all! I absolutely love it! Got it for a reasonable price and it came with box and papers. It has since become my carry gun. I switch it out with my Taurus 605 (5 shot J frame sized .357, but I mostly carry it. It's old school, and beautiful as can be!
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 08-11-2017, 12:18 PM
Watchdog Watchdog is offline
Banned
Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy Model 36 accuracy  
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 12,572
Likes: 21,054
Liked 32,463 Times in 7,773 Posts
Default

This thread is so-o-o-o old. Even the OP hasn't posted in about six years.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
940, airweight, fouling, gunsmith, model 10, model 37, model 60, pachmayr, primer, ruger, wadcutter

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Model 41 New vs Old Accuracy MangoBango Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 21 07-23-2017 09:23 AM
Accuracy of Model 41 PC ray2849 Smith & Wesson Competitive Shooting 9 06-07-2015 11:30 PM
Model 14-2 Accuracy ray2849 S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 14 10-17-2013 04:57 PM
Model 25-2 accuracy? MDanay S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 51 12-25-2011 10:21 PM
Accuracy on model 36? Kingcobra145 S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 12 01-12-2011 12:02 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:57 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)