Hi,

One of the websites of I regularly visit (Dutch gunshop), where I already bought in the past, sells a model 31-1 for about 150 $. I couldn't resist, and the the owner proposed me a used model 36 on top, both together, all expenses included (shipping a paperwork) for 250 $. That was another offer I couldn't resist, so I will end up with two 'new' used J-Frames (square but I believe). I am quite happy with the deal. Do you think I did well - the 36 is used, and I never handled one, but I thought I couldn't do wrong for 75$ ? Worst case, it's schooling money.

I have to wait another 6 weeks to two months before having them (Belgian permits take a long time).

Serial numbers are : H1412xx for the 31-1 and J7154xx for the model 36. Could someone date these for me, please ?

Also, it seems that the grip of the 36 should match the 31-1 to a more 'original' package, as the grip on the 31-1 looks silly replacement. Do you know where I can find other better suited grips for these J-frames SB ?

Thanks and best to all - B686

Attached Images

	S&W 31-1.jpg (104.1 KB, 97 views)
	S&W 36.jpg (59.6 KB, 95 views)

Great deal, CONGRATULATIONS! You should be able to pick up grips/stocks on ebay. I have gotten some nice sets there. Bob

That would be a terrific deal anytime and place so congratulations. I am also not a fan of the oversize grips on your #31 but shoot it first and see how you like them.

Andrew

You didn't just get a good deal, you got a SUPER deal! Here in Virginia, the 31-1 would bring more than what you paid for both and even in well used but solid condition, the 36 would be expected to bring even more. Both are lots of fun to shoot at the range, and although the 32 S&W caliber doesn't get a lot of respect in some quarters,either one would be suitable for self defense as well. Congratulations on an exceptionally great purchase.

Froggie

Congratulations! Those are amazingly good prices.

According to the SCSW your 31-1 dates to 1981. And your model 36 dates to 1976-1977.

You shouldn't have much trouble replacing those grips. You can find really nice square butt J frame stocks for around $40 +/-.

__________________
I'm gonna grow fins.

We in the states can only dream of deals like this.

Thanks to all for your nice words .

I have been looking for a .32 S&W J-frame for about 15 years now, so one should never give up, I guess. And the three inch is the king in my garden, long enough for the range, but not too long for the great looks. CCW is not an option in Europe, so it's only for range fun and collection.

I will now buy the dies for .32 long at Lee's on the US webshop, and plan to reload. I even reload .32 ACP, just for the fun on winter evenings, at a rate of 100 rounds per hour, but feel great to shoot my own reload for that tiny cartridge. I read often that the 31 can also shoot .32acp, so unless someone here tells me that's a no-no, I will give this a try.

For the 36, I already reload .38 spl since long, so I am very interested how this great classic snubnose handles.

As to the prices, in the Netherlands, they can only own 5 guns (all together), and they are not allowed to shoot handguns less than 3" barrels (reserved for collectors only there), so a lot of great used guns end up in Belgium because of the incredible prices and the restrictions in the Netherlands. Which is a great country by the way, but I really feel sorry for gun owners.

Thanks for all the info gathered on this forum. I am also on local forums, but this one has really outstanding info and members.

Take care - B686