I'm looking to buy an example of the S&W 36. I'm looking for the best working condition/ least fired one of the group. LGS has about 10 old ones on the shelf. Prices range from $450 to $600. One has poor condition bluing the others look good as far as finish goes and are pretty similar to each other, but the price varies for some reason I can't see . Some of the stocks are nicked up pretty good. One example has an exotic wood stocks with the S&W insert on them.I can't tell anything about age from the serial numbers. How do I tell which one will be the best vaue to buy?
thx
james

Bring a truly knowledgable Gunsmith or friend with you to check out the mechanics of each gun BEFORE purchasing. By your question I take it you are fairly new to this.

You want him to check:
*timing
*endshake
*push-off
*barrel and cylinder condition
*barrel / cylinder gap
*cylinder to barrel alignment
*lock up
*general function of parts and entire mechanism
*finish condition
*and MOST important - make SURE Bubba has not gotten his hands into it!

Check it out thoroughly as you can not return a gun like a pair of shoes. A knowledgable person checking out a Revolver can tell if its been abused, monkeyed with or has had after market parts and mods installed. There are plenty of these fine little guns around as they have been made since 1951 - so DO NOT feel pressured into buying the first "pretty one" unless you KNOW it's a keeper!

One more suggestion: Search How To Buy A Used Revolver on Youtube. Lots of good info out there. Good luck.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Welcome! From what you describe they sound to be from a law enforcement or security agency and sound overpriced in the current market. With careful online shopping you can find nice 2" model 36s in the $400-450 range. Please feel free to post the serial numbers or the prefix, like J 123xxx or ABC, for an age estimate.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Yep, prices are high.

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K & N S&W revolvers

Be patient. Most Model 36's et al J frames are shot very little. I qualified with one for several years at 60 rounds a years to carry off duty. But most of the finished worn models I've seen were like new mechanically.

P.S. Those prices are new prices for 442/642 Smiths.

I found a sweet 1971 Model 36 at a gun shop in CT. Excellent condition, barely fired. Blueing in great condition. Original stocks. I'm slowly starting to collect S&W Revolvers. This is my first.


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