Question for the group:

A LGS has a 1975 vintage Model 36 for sale, with the original box, and part of the original cleaning kit with it, nothing else. Mechanically, it feels great, good lock-up and cylinder alignment, no hammer push-off, and the trigger pull is nice and smooth like every other S&W revolver I have owned. Cosmetically, the guns is a different story. There is substantial bluing loss on the frame, barrel, and cylinder, which leads me to surmise is spent most of its life in a holster. The grips are in ok shape as well, but still show a bit of wear. (Maybe it spent a lifetime in a woman's purse?)

I will apologize now as I don't have a picture to share, however I am hoping my above description can at least help push me toward an answer to my soon to follow question...

The LGS has it priced at $350. At that price, it has sat in the case for about a month now, calling to me. As these guys are the (probably the first, but maybe second?) biggest gun dealer in the state, it is rare that anything stays in the used case for that long. They also are one of the few places I shop at that don't like to haggle over prices, even given the gun's condition and length of time sitting, so the asking price is probably what I'd end up paying. I will add that usually their pricing is beyond fair on most guns, I'm just not sure in this one.

Given that I am not bothered by the condition as I plan to shoot it a bunch, is the $350 asking price fair for a 36 in the above described condition? If not what would you pay for it?

Thanks!


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If you're looking for permission I grant it.

Go forth and procure my son.

If it functions well and you need a carry piece you could do worse.

$350 sounds a tad high to me but no so far off as to not consider it. Sounds like this one is in about good condition?

Per SCSW 4th edition:
condition
fair - $250
Good - $300
Very Good - $450

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Scoundrel & Ne'er-Do-Well

You will absolutly love. There is no revolver more handy than a model 36. Can carry in your pocket or on a belt holster and hardly know it's there. One of my favorite farm and ranch guns--easy to carry while working and can put in a shot load for snakes/rats/mice. Accurate, easy to shoot, and extremely safe. There is a reason they were used for years as back-up and primary by police. I would offer $275 and see what happens.

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Possum—The other white meat!

...bought this one on Gun Broker last year for $369 plus FFL and shipping...box and paper work included...I thought I got a pretty good deal...

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A Country Boy Can Survive

Most Model 36s and its chief rival, the Colt Detective Special, were carried a lot and shot a little. With a gun like that, I wouldn't mind the holster wear as it gives the gun some character. It would help if you knew some of the basic things to inspect such as looking for end shake or a worn cylinder advance. This could verify whether the gun was a pocket or holster queen or got the starch shot out of it.

It doesn't sound like a bad deal to me, but not a great one, either. Try to think about what it is your buying. This is a "school of thought" thing for me, rather than a right/wrong thing. If the price is a little inflated because of the original box, then what you might be buying is a model 36 for $300 and a box for $50. That's worth it for many knowledgeable people, but for me, it's 50 bucks for some cardboard and I'm not into that.

I love original boxes with guns, but because they tend to bring or add a premium with original vintage guns, I avoid old guns with their original boxes. They create some confusion as to what the seller thinks he's selling and the buyer thinks he's buying. I like to pay for a gun based on it's condition rather than the extraneous items that come with it.

The other side of it is that vintage J frames are extremely cool, but it seems that the enormous number of modern alloy J frames that S&W is selling new may be deflating the value of the old cool J frames. That's my impression, anyway. That also means that old J frames may be a little undervalued, which is good for anyone who buys that gun.

When all is said and done, though, $350 isn't much of a risk for a good functioning vintage S&W revolver. Might be an example of the old Smith and Wesson collector adage, "Your not paying too much, you're paying to early." Or it'll eventually be worth that amount even if it isn't now.

"The LGS has it priced at $350. At that price, it has sat in the case for about a month now, calling to me. As these guys are the (probably the first, but maybe second?) biggest gun dealer in the state, it is rare that anything stays in the used case for that long. They also are one of the few places I shop at that don't like to haggle over prices, even given the gun's condition and length of time sitting, so the asking price is probably what I'd end up paying. I will add that usually their pricing is beyond fair on most guns, I'm just not sure in this one."

Here is my take on the situation. At $350.00 it's not a bad deal, it has not moved in 30 days so they might be ready to see it gone. They may not like to haggle but you got not nothing to loose by making a "one time only offer". Not knowing your location, what the taxes and fees are, you might do some math and figure out what the gun price would be if those were deducted then round off to something close to the asking price, In short, offer them $350.00 OTD with the bills in your hand, while opening your wallet, reaching for your money clip, etc. It takes being a little diplomatic but the old saying about "money talks" still works wonders. Good luck, hardcase60

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You want me to do what?

Since i'm after shooters and not collectors, I'd make an offer on it. Being a shooter also, I don't care about boxes and gear. I don't think the price is bad for such an animal. Carried a lot, shot a little is just what I like.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Well my biggest question is this...why not negotiate?
I love the model 36 and most big shops need to move inventory to keep things going...350.00 seems like strong money to me...but 6 months from now...might be a bargain...i got a model 38 that was very finished challenged and i love it...make them a offer and if they decline no worries...if u want it buy it

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I like purdy guns so it would not be for me. For another $150 (cheaper than refinishing) you can find a REAL NICE one with accouterments too. While you may save a few dollars up front, you would loose it when traded or sold. If you think you might want to refinish it in the future - PASS on it as it will wind up costing MORE than a good one and won't retain the value.

$369 + $35 (shipping) + $20 (FFL transfer) = $424. I'd offer $350 + NO TAX + NO TRANSFER FEE. Then smile....

I'm thinking it's a $300 gun. Offer to pay $350 out he door. That's what you'd spend on a new 442 or Brazilian snub nose. Not knowing your state's taxes in TN a $300 gun is about $340 out the door. That what I paid for this well worn pre-36. They had it priced at $350.

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I bought this 1972 Chiefs Special in 2015 for $425 and have never regretted it. I think you should go for it.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

I don't like M36's for MY purposes: pocket carry. Square butts are worse than round butt guns.

The problem is the hammer spur which presents a constant threat to snag.

Square butt 36's are too big for pocket carry.

As a result, I'd only buy it if the price was low enough to turn a profit on resale.

$350 plus tax isn't low enough to turn a profit.

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who likes a square butt J frame!

GF

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SWCA #2420

I love the model 36. I have several rb and several sb. I have blue and nickel. Condition varies from one like you are describing up to a close to mint in box. They are a hoot to shoot! Every so often I'll go to my backyard range and have a "snubbing day". It's amazing how accurate these little guys are. The one you are considering is perfect to take out and pop off a hundred rounds of wadcutters at paper, cans, pine combs while not worrying about scratching the finish or hurting the value. With 6-7 already, I'm sure I'd give $300 and might go more. Negotiate the price and have some fun. Don't forget the chief makes a great carry gun as well.

Alright then, I guess I have my answer. When I have some time this week I will stop in a see if 8 can strike a deal on the 36...

Some of you suggested trying to negotiate a lower price, however unfortunately, as I had mentioned in my original post, these guys don't like to negotiate too much, so the price is what it is. I tried to negotiate a better price a few weeks ago on a Beretta 96D Brigadier that had been sitting the case for 2 months or so, and they wouldn't budge. My persuasion that the D model is relatively undesirable, that there are several on the market locally for around $250, and most guns in 40 caliber are not very popular in the area, was well received by the salesman who agreed with me, however the manager who makes to call on prices did not. The claim was made that they had already dropped the price on it, which I refuted, as i was there the day it was put out at the exact same price.

We shall see what happens. Thanks to all who responded.

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I have the same SB 2" 36, and everybody that said they are excellent is correct IMO.

Mine even came with a Tyler like yours.

Bargain, a bird in the hand and all that. Sitting there a month, people preferring bottom feeders, you could get a deal.

ETA

I see that the mgr is a stonewalling optimist, sees and says what he wants regardless of reality.

Watching you walk away twice may or may not enlighten him, but stick to your principles. Better to try and lose than not to try at all.

Perhaps your walking away with your money might strike another nail in his coffin with the owner when sales are not energetic.

I have a 36 and a 342. When I feel the need I use the 342 as my carry piece. The 36 is my travel piece in the car by my left hand in the door pocket. The price is a touch high, but not prohibitive. The next one will only cost more..........

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

Funny thing is my LGS is the same way with used guns. Years ago I tried to make a deal on a Colt King Cobra. He said we don't negotiate on used guns. I paid his price but made it up when I used it as a trade for a Dan Wesson CBOB 1911. Now days the King Cobras are somewhat getting a premium but so are the CBOBs.

If it is in the budget, maybe you can negotiate a deal for both guns. Lay the cash on the counter and see if they let you walk away.

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

I would wave $300 in large bills in front of him and see if he bites.

I found a 1971 M 36 at my LGS for $460 and it was in excellent condition and it looked like it was hardly ever shot. I then bought a new M 637 thinking the 36 was too nice to EDC and shoot regularly. Turns out the 36 is a great shooter and feels right in my hand. The 637 with its air weight frame was not much fun to shoot and no where near as accurate as the 36. I sold the 637 and now my EDC is my M 36 and I love this little gun. Now I carry the 36 IWB, OWB and pocket carry all depending on my mood and wardrobe that particular day.


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Been away for a few so I'm a bit late to your question. I picked up this 1963 Mod. 36 this month for $429. No box or stuff. It has a few nicks on the side plate, but otherwise it's a nice little Chiefs.

You said the one at your lgs has good mechanical characteristics but some blueing loss. If you've going to carry it, the "character" is going to come. I believe the gentleman (or gentlewoman) from Tennessee who drives a Chevy Z71 has the right idea: $350 out the door.

Best of luck with your negotiations.

Cheers,

Bob

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

I think the price is a little high for the description you supplied, but it's there and local so if you feel comfortable with it I say go ahead. Everybody need a model 36, they conceal well and I've been shooting one so long it feels like an extension of my arm.

I have a mid 70s m36 rb I paid a bit more for and have absolutely zero regrets about buying. Super nice shooter. I'd probably buy another if I came across one.

Buy it, use it...a lot and enjoy it!

I wish... Sadly they were right about the 96D and it did sell at their asking price a little while after I made the offer. Instead, the money I would have spent on the 96D bought a near brand new Sig P226 in 22LR. It still had the shipping oil all over it, and shoots extremely well, the antithesis of the mosquito really, or at least it was before the mags started falling out of the gun during shooting. I ended up sending it in to Sig, maybe bad batch of mags, maybe bad mag catch, maybe both, I'll let them figure it out. I will say though, as the frame is a standard P226, I can convert it to 9mm, 40, or 357 Sig easily, so no big loss missing out on the 96D, and I am not all that sad about having to send the gun in for repair either. I am a little annoyed though that it's the second 22 I've bought this year that immediately needed to go out for repair, the other being my 617-6, which I unknowingly bought with a seriously bulged barrel obscured by a really dirty bore.

Anyway, I digress... Payday is Thursday, and I am going to swing into the shop on the way home from work, and see what I can do on the 36 by itself. Maybe I can talk them down a little, the 96D was in great cosmetic condition as is, the 36 not so much, and being a revolver it's a little bit harder for them to sell. The masses want semi-autos or will spring on a brand new Taurus 85 or Charter Arms Undercover before an old, ugly-looking S&W 36 at the same price point, and the collectors only want pristine examples. Their loss...

If you want to get a deal, you can't become emotionally involved. Offer what you want to pay and if they won't take it, just walk away. Eventually, one will come up in the condition you want for the price that you do want to pay.
If you aren't 100% sure, then walk.

I bought my first 36 - the snub version - about three years ago. About same vintage you are looking at. I paid $350 for it - had a ratty box but was in pristine shape - basically a "sock drawer gun". Original wood grips. I considered myself lucky to find it and had no problems with paying that price and have never regretted it - it's one of my primary CCW handguns.

I bought my second 36 about a year later but the 3" version - no box, Pachmyre grips and about 90 - 95% - mainly holster wear at the muzzle. I gave $350 for it as well and was happy to get it. I also CCW it at times and it's a great "kit gun".

I look at it this way . . . if you like it . . . and the price is within reason . . . why spend hours and hours as well as gas and mileage to try to get something that may be just a bit cheaper in price?

While I "carry" with 38 Special - I also reload and love the 38 Colt Short cartridge for general plinking and critters that need to be dispatched. I use a Lyman 358-242 120 ish grain RN that I cast and it's a fun cartridge to shoot out of a 36 for general "play".

I love my M & P K frames but the J frame 36 is one of my favorites - it just doesn't get any better!

Good luck!

So... I went down to the LGS to see about striking a deal on the Model 36. It was still there, still priced at $350, and I still really wanted it, but I didn't negotiate, no offers were made, I didn't buy it...

This is where things get awkward. Those of you with fierce brand loyalty should stop reading now, and save yourself from the disappointment.

Ok, so with that said, I'll continue: I scan the used cases for the 36, as they had moved it, and there, in the next case over from where she lay was something that caught my eye. It was another revolver, around 25 years older than the 36, and was of the E-Frame variety. Yes my friends, it was a Colt, a Colt Official Police to be specific.

BUT... I have some good reasons for why I chose the Colt over the Model 36, which I will layout in another post over in Firearms and Knives - Other Brands, as I have a couple of questions that I am hoping someone may be able to answer. Look for my post shortly if you are curious.

There will be other 36s, every gun store I go to has at least one for sale all the time, and almost always reasonably priced, some in much better condition than the one I was considering. The Colt on the other hand...