Just a general question...I recently got a 36 no dash with a 3" bbl..the serial number does not have any prefix and is 4316xx which I was told is about 1964 or 65....it's a flat latch cylinder release. The condition is original..very little use...no rust and 95-98% deep clean blue..no wear point bluing loss..has factory wood grips with matching serial numbers...no box or paperwork.

The FFL where I did the private party transfer was like a dog looking for a bone trying to get me to sell him the gun...seemed awfully eager...he may be looking for that particular gun but seemed odd..he's a dealer that has many used guns...he offered me almost double what I had paid for it...my deal was for "under $400"...Got no reason to sell it to him...my Wife wants a small 38 for a house gun so she'll shoot it a bit , clean it up and in the drawer...just wondered if there is anything super special about what I've described? Just seems like a really nice and clean older revolver..

Thanks
opos

It is not a rare gun; under $400 is a very good price as described, but $7-800 is very high. I'd guess 1965 and perhaps 10-15% of total model 36 with the 3" barrel. Any reason you didn't sell at $800?

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Actually it was $750 and I don't need the money...it was what my Wife liked from several guns she'd looked at and held and I felt that I could always get what I paid for it on down the road...I'm not a dealer and not really into it for any profit motive...just figured it was a nice little revolver...It may well be that he either has someone that want's that particular gun or he may have some use for it in his own "collection"..I know that on occasion I've spent more on something that what the "market price" would be just to get what I'd wanted..

Some years ago I bought a "brand R" old model revolver...it was in absolutely pristine condition and when I asked a question about it on a forum I was inundated with questions about the rear sight..seemed like too much interest from too many folks so I just said thanks and pulled the post....turns out it was a "transition" situation and that particular revolver with that particular rear sight set up was very collectable and scarce...I always get curious when folks like the FFL are too eager to buy something I have..

As it is I got a nice little revolver..the wife is happy and all is well...many thanks
opos

Happy Queen, Happy Castle!

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Cool, enjoy (no offers to buy from me )!

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I bought a 3" 36, at gun show in 2014. 1957, S.B. with box, & papers. Matching #'s. Very nice gun. $425. Sold it for $500 last Sept, and bought a beautiful 13-2, and went home with $25 to the good. J frames are not my 1st. love. Bob

I just regret that your state laws require you to incur cost and FFL oversight to complete this transaction at all

Opos,

Just for your knowledge, the 3" 36 was made with either tapered or heavy barrels, and round or square butt.

Not commonly seen in most gunshops but not rare. Usually several on Gunbroker at any given time for $450 to $750 depending on condition and completeness (Box, papers, etc).

Your wife picked a great little revolver, and if she likes it - keep it! Put some Craig Spegel full size grips on it and it will really be a dream to shoot.

Edited to add: The flat cylinder latch guns in higher condition tend to be valued higher. Maybe that is why your dealer wanted it. As I have already said, Id keep it - if you got a great deal on it, you were meant to have it!

A 3" M36 no dash with a tapered barrel and square butt is a fabulous little 38. Kind of makes me think of a mini M10. They shoot really sweet and with the square butt magnas are just the perfect size.

I consider the 3” barrel J frame to be my favorite barrel length. I guess that’s why I have 3 of them, one tapered barrel and two heavy barrel. Also have a 3” model 37.