i have the opportunity to purchase a model 36 snub nose in perfect condition for $400. is that a fair price and why is this gun more expensive than other s&w revolvers?

You need to provide more information Model 36's date back to the mid 1950's. A serial number would provide us with a shipping date and a picture speaks a million words, including the finish.

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Baby Chief Admirer
SWCA 2870

How many perfect condition S&Ws do you find for < $400? Please let us know so that we can start buying them.

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I'm with the banned ...

Not a bad price. Around here one in good condition no box go for $350

That is the model that German officers carried when they invaded Pearl Harbor.

MSRP is $749.00 - there are other 5 shot J frames for a lot less. Example, the Model 637 has a MSRP of $469.00. It has an aluminum frame and a stainless cylinder.

Its not - the similar model 360PD has a MSRP of $1,019.00. Its more expensive because it has a Scandium Alloy Frame and a Titanium Alloy Cylinder. Also, it can handle .357 mag ammo.

Perfect condition...blue snubby...$400 out the door...sounds good to me.

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Just pretend this is witty.

Fair price. Good to go...........

I didn't blink and paid $800.00 for a 36-3" nickel in +95% condition. Appears unfired.

I had it in my hands, and hard to find in great shape around here.

I AM A J FRAME SLUT! Models 30, 36, 38..............

Not sure if we'll ever know what the OP will do, only has 2 posts in 5 years. I hope he posts a picture. I to like the Chief Specials, especially the Baby Chiefs. With that said I have 36-2 nickel, snub nose, original grips. Might dump it for more Babies!!! Note the Avatar.

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Baby Chief Admirer
SWCA 2870

I would pay that if I was looking for a 36. I just purchased a 36 no dash with 3" barrel in blue, and I paid a little more. Mine dates to the late 50's. Go get that gun. You won't be sorry.

I'd give $400 for one in perfect shape. Point me to it.

Just saw a 60 stainless 36 sell for $1280 on gb. These little j frames bring a lot of money.

Condition is everything when pricing. $400 is a fair price for a 36 in very good condition, bluing,lockup, timing rust etc. Low for a NIB never fired with all the goodies and high for a challenged 36. Pictures and description for us are the only way to give an accurate answer.

$400 for a "perfect" used M36 is a pretty good deal.

A new "Classic" 36 snubbie can be had for $627, delivered, from a well known online source. Warranty, lifetime service.

I have something of a track on used ones:

Smith & Wesson 36 1-7/8 in barrel– Revolver in .38 Special. Blue Book of Gun Values (35th Edition) indicates between $465 in 95% condition and $650 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 73 recorded prices for this model gun from $250 to $600 over a period of 6 Yrs 11 Mos ending December 30, 2014. The average price as of that date was $407. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction for engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $822.

The last 9 prices I have for this model since 1/1/2014 range from $395 to $565 averaging $475 so the prices seem to be climbing.

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Bob

Around here it's hard to find a snub nose S&W for sale because people buy them for carry guns and tend to keep them. If you do find one in good condition here $400 would be a good deal.