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S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


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  #1  
Old 05-22-2018, 07:33 PM
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Default Looking at a 3-inch Model 36

This little gun caught my eye earlier today.

This is not a good photograph of it, it doesn't do the gun justice, believe me. I'm not that enthusiastic about 3-inch J-Frames, but this one looks almost too good to pass up. And the stocks number to the gun.

Anyway, the serial number of 689956 has me thinking late '68 or on into '69. Anyone pin it down any closer than that for me?


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Old 05-22-2018, 08:34 PM
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These 3” J frames just balance and shoot so freakin nice. I’ve been runnin lead through this one on a nightly basis lately. Looking at a 3-inch Model 36

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Old 05-22-2018, 08:35 PM
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That little beauty would tempt me seriously.
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Old 05-22-2018, 08:41 PM
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I've always been fond of mine. It's a good shooter... easy to shoot well. The additional barrel length isn't an issue if you choose a proper holster though might not fit a pocket.

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Old 05-22-2018, 08:49 PM
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Watchdog,
If the price suits you, I would highly recommend purchase. You can get a 2 inch Md 36 almost any day of the year, but 3 inchers are not so common. I found my 3 inch 36 about 5 years ago and I'm really happy I bought it. Let us know what you decide.

I don't shoot mine so much but when I do, I totally agree with what Kalamazoo said above.
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Old 05-22-2018, 08:51 PM
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Sold the 36-1 I had many months ago.
Just was not my cup of tea for CC.
Regrets? No.....
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Old 05-22-2018, 09:05 PM
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This one is from 1956.
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Old 05-22-2018, 09:47 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by loeman View Post
Watchdog,
If the price suits you, I would highly recommend purchase. You can get a 2 inch Md 36 almost any day of the year, but 3 inchers are not so common. I found my 3 inch 36 about 5 years ago and I'm really happy I bought it. Let us know what you decide.
Thank you for the advice and input. I'm going to look at it again tomorrow. I keep telling myself I don't need another gun, don't need to spend the money.

I know, I know, need's got nothing to do with it. I feel myself getting sucked in.
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Old 05-22-2018, 10:54 PM
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Nobody ever told me "need" had anything to do with it.

I'd put the one you're looking at around mid-'68 (seems the numbers get a bit jumbled about then).

Here are a few 3" Chiefs through the years...
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Old 05-22-2018, 10:57 PM
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A three inch j frame on the hip is very comforting on a hike in the woods.
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Old 05-22-2018, 11:03 PM
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A 3 inch and square butt 36 is almost impossible to sell around here unless the price is under $400.00. Even then it may take months. I would't get too excited. Not much going for it unless you like it.
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Old 05-23-2018, 12:07 AM
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FWIW, there's one in my LGS in minty condition (no box) for $550, which is too much IMO.

That said, if it was $100 less I'd have bought it already.
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Old 05-23-2018, 12:31 AM
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I wouldn't mind picking up a nice standard barrel 3" like that. I hope you get it and enjoy it!
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Old 05-23-2018, 08:39 AM
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Either show some sense and grab it, or tell the rest of these scruffy rowdies where to find it!

Geoff
Who helps out when he's too poor to do the grabbing.
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Old 05-23-2018, 09:00 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Watchdog View Post
This little gun caught my eye earlier today.

I have the exact twin to your prospective 3" "J", square butt. According to my papers, which I always keep, it came home in 1972. I used mine as a carry gun on western bow hunts, in case I needed to make noise when I'd taken a fall, etc. I've zapped a couple coyotes with it, a testy rattle snake, a few ground hogs. It's very accurate and shoots to point of aim with the Speer and Hornady lead bullets over a medium charge of Red Dot or Unique. I never used max loads in it, and it's as tight as the day it came home.

The 3" barrel is just enough longer to make a difference when taking a longer shot. Out to about 50yds in a couple cases. It's not enough longer to make carrying it a problem.

I recently found a 3" M60 .38 Pro Series from Talo, stainless with adjustable sights, nicer grips. $700. It was cheaper than the old 3" "J's" I was seeing, several in very good shape were going for well over a $K. I put the old girl back in it's soft padded safe case, as an heirloom.
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Old 05-23-2018, 09:26 AM
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Mine is a 3" 60-10..... micro-686.

It's a .357...... but generally loaded with +P.38s..... my "Penn's Woods Kit Gun"........ not to big/not to small...... just right for just in case!

Don''t leave home; or the cabin, without it!!!!!!!


Had a 3" 37 for many years...... just too nice to carry into the woods.....fragile finish on the alloy frame.

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Old 05-23-2018, 09:31 AM
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I have a similar one, 3" heavy barrel, pinned barrel, and mine had Herretts grips on it when I got it, I bought it from the original owner who worked in a gun shop. I paid $475 for mine, and in Massachusetts thats a good price- he regretted selling it when I was signing papers. I have seen similar ones locally for at least $50 more than I paid, and they are holding value. I shoot my wont out looking snubby more to keep mine nice.
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Old 05-23-2018, 09:51 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zipdog View Post
A 3 inch and square butt 36 is almost impossible to sell around here unless the price is under $400.00. Even then it may take months. I would't get too excited. Not much going for it unless you like it.
I appreciate your thoughts. You're up there in Ohio, though. I'm down here in North Carolina. Three-inch 36s might be a fairly common sight up there, I don't know. But this is the first one I've seen at any of the LGSs I frequent in a year or so. There may have been a few at some of the so-called "gun shows" around here, but since I stopped going to those, I haven't seen them, but I doubt they'd be selling for under $400. Not around here.
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Old 05-23-2018, 09:56 AM
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Default Another vote for the three inch!

Shooting that extra inch of barrel should convince you it is worthwhile. That inch between 2 and 3 does more good than the inch between 3 and 4.

3 versus 2

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Old 05-23-2018, 10:10 AM
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Great little guns that balance and point well. I consider it a beefed up Kit Gun, perfect for the tackle box or pack.

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Old 05-23-2018, 10:18 AM
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Quote:
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The 3" barrel is just enough longer to make a difference when taking a longer shot. Out to about 50yds in a couple cases. It's not enough longer to make carrying it a problem.
I actually had a pre-36 4-screw 3-inch. After shooting/carrying large frame revolvers for years, the little 36 felt like a toy in my hands. And I don't have big hands. Frankly, I was surprised at its accuracy with factory loads in single- and double-action. The action was very smooth. I (foolishly) sold it to a forum member last year. I think it was last year.

Anyway, if I get this one, I won't make that mistake again.

Thanks for your input.
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Old 05-23-2018, 10:20 AM
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Who says size doesn't matter? That extra 1" on the barrel makes the j frames great shooters. Yea, they are a tad harder to conceal, but worth it IMHO.
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Old 05-23-2018, 08:48 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zipdog View Post
A 3 inch and square butt 36 is almost impossible to sell around here unless the price is under $400.00. Even then it may take months. I would't get too excited. Not much going for it unless you like it.
Whoa! I'd sure like to know who's trying to sell "unwanted" 3" Model 36's!
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Old 05-23-2018, 08:58 PM
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Quote:
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I have the exact twin to your prospective 3" "J", square butt. According to my papers, which I always keep, it came home in 1972.
Thanks so much for your thoughts on the 3-inch 36. Good information.

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Great little guns that balance and point well. I consider it a beefed up Kit Gun, perfect for the tackle box or pack.
That's a good way to put it...never thought of it that way before.
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Old 05-23-2018, 11:24 PM
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One of my favorites, a factory DAO with Altamont Altai stocks from S&W.



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Old 05-24-2018, 10:22 AM
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I love the three inch j-frames. I currently carry an older 3” Model 37-1, and really enjoyed a 36-1 for several years. I sold it to finance a purchase of something else(?). The three inch guns are much easier to shoot well. I carried the 36 with the B.B. “Hi-Test” soft lead wadcutters. I paid $375 for my 36-1 ten years ago. Would expect to pay 50-$100 more today.
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Old 05-24-2018, 07:00 PM
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I'm told that at one time, 3" M36's were used to arm NYPD female officers...
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Old 05-24-2018, 07:05 PM
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Default Man, would I.....

Man, would I like to have THAT!
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Old 05-24-2018, 07:24 PM
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I have a blue and pinned barrel 3” Model 36 from, I believe, ‘71 or ‘72. It has the SN with a “J” in the middle of the SN. I agree the 3” J balances very well and is easier to shoot than the 2”. And it does make a great kit/hiking gun. My only problem is that my eyes are getting too old for the 1/10 front sight!

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Old 05-25-2018, 07:32 AM
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I wanted to buy one years ago from a coworker....my dad had a friend who was a police lieutenant and I asked him to check the serial number before I bought it....when his reply came back "where did you get that serial number?" I chose to decline the purchase. Turns out a friend of my coworker was doing community service time and had liberated the gun from the PD evidence room....

Long bs to say I really like that 3" j frame....my are all 2"

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Old 05-25-2018, 01:25 PM
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Have had one of those in nickel that I’ve carried in my truck for decades. Some times forget it’s even there. At a friends place last week there was a big diamondback swimming across his pond toward the corral where his horses were. Grabbed the little 38 and put one through his noggin at about 15 feet. The heavy barrel balances really well. I recommend them. For some reason I shoot it better double action. I have pachmayer compacts on mine but still have the originals.... someplace.
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Old 05-25-2018, 01:30 PM
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I would love one. Very nice, all of you. I would think a 2.5" one would be ideal. But maybe a round butt.... I've never tried a square butt J to see if I'd be OK with that for carry.
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Old 05-25-2018, 02:10 PM
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Personally, I just love these little 3" J Frames. They do pretty much everything better than a 2" version, except if course some forms of concealment . I currently have only 1 3" J's left in the stable, but it's a beautiful & very useful little revolver. It's a 3" S&W 640 ( No dash ), & is it ever nice for an IWB piece, especially when utilizing the 'Hip Grip' mode of carry. No snag, no grab, just 5 quick shots for sure. The 3" HB is also very useful towards keeping it down when using the hotter loads. My only real regret about it, is that I'd not a 3" 642 alloy, rather than all steel framed. S 3" bbl'd J, whether an alloy or steel frame makes a very nice 'light duty' carry piece indeed. My advice, if you have the money, never pass up a nice 3" bbl. S&W revolver !

Best, dpast32
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Old 05-25-2018, 03:11 PM
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If you like it, buy it without hesitation. I bought a 3" 36 in 2008 for my wife. She's a revolver lover and shoots this thing better than me (although I'd never admit that to her). The one I bought was a 1971 build in absolutely mint condition. I doubt there were 100 rounds put through the gun. A guy bought it for his wife, but she didn't like it. You know the story....he thought a girl should have a revolver...well she wanted a semi. I paid $350 with the original box. It's a great shooter and being a real lover of blue Smith revolvers, it became a great addition to my collection. If you decide to buy, I doubt you will be disappointed. I don't have a blue Smith that has not gone way up in value. Good luck.

Tom
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Old 05-25-2018, 04:27 PM
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Got my wife a 637 w/CT Grips, don't want to make her mad, let me tell ya? LOL, Anyway, which model ? I am looking for 357 Mag, J frame , 3" barrel Please??
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Old 05-25-2018, 10:55 PM
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I picked up a 1976 3" 36 a few months ago for $375, shipped. No box or papers. Which is too bad because it clearly had never been shot. Its a square butt. I need to either get better grips or a Tyler T Grip as it shifts in my hand too much during recoil.
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Old 05-26-2018, 10:53 AM
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Originally Posted by RABIDWolf1 View Post
Got my wife a 637 w/CT Grips, don't want to make her mad, let me tell ya? LOL, Anyway, which model ? I am looking for 357 Mag, J frame , 3" barrel Please??
I have a S&W model 60-10. It is my favorite revolver. With Crimson Trace grips, it is manageable. I've fired a box of 50 rounds of 158 gr. JSP factory .357 mag. ammo in it, in one session. It wasn't fun, but not torture either. Here is a comparable current product: Performance Center(R) Pro Series(R) Model 60 | Smith & Wesson
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  #38  
Old 05-26-2018, 03:18 PM
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many of the old pistolero's preferred the 3" over the 2" - not any harder to conceal except possibly in an ankle holster which most professional do not use at all - the longer 3" go for a premium here + you rarely see them for sale -
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Old 05-27-2018, 10:59 PM
iskra iskra is offline
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Just the number of positive responses over five days within this Thread, saying something positive about the 3" Chief Model popularity! Such in my opinion and coinciding with a 'sweet spot' gun. Great revolver, great barrel length for this weapon. Concerning the comment of limited resale value, I'm seldom opposed to learning there are yet bargains out there... Somewhere! In SoCal, seems most guns at premium prices (along with about everything else). Because I've 'got mine', never begrudging someone else's bargain!
My mainstay interest "N" frames, all chamberings, all vintages! Yet... World of other interesting Smiths, just as here! For me and evidently many others, Chief with a 3" barrel, an 'it' gun!
Congrats on some nice pieces here! Happy to count myself among those appreciating this nice model/configuration!
My take
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Old 05-28-2018, 09:09 AM
fish4bugs fish4bugs is offline
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Default My 3" 36 sb

I have an early 70's nickel 3" SB 36 that is MagnaPorted and had a trigger smoothing done. With Pachmayrs it is the PERFECT carry gun. I didn't do the work - I just bought it as is. No one else wanted it.
I have probably 5,000+ rounds through the gun. Cast H&G #51 w/ 4.0gr ww231.
What a wonderful little gun to shoot. Shoots to point of aim and very little recoil. The Pachmayrs fit my hand perfectly making the gun very controllable.
I carry +p's in it but only shoot light cast loads. Every once in a while I shoot a cylinder of +P's just to remind me of the impact. A steady diet of +P's would shake it loose eventually. With the light loads it will last my lifetime and then some.
All in all the favorite of all my shooters.

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Old 05-28-2018, 10:22 AM
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Default Model 36-1

Picked up this 36-1 a few months ago for $325.00 no grips and a used LEO , mechanics Tight , Finish Fair. Had a M 37 , like the 36-1 much better.
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Old 05-28-2018, 10:22 AM
Kframerbluvr Kframerbluvr is offline
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I saw one at the Richmond gun show a couple of weeks ago in nickel tagged at $475. Kinda wished I would have checked it out..
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Old 05-28-2018, 10:29 AM
Minorcan Minorcan is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by two-bit cowboy View Post
Nobody ever told me "need" had anything to do with it.

I'd put the one you're looking at around mid-'68 (seems the numbers get a bit jumbled about then).

Here are a few 3" Chiefs through the years...
I’m sure your wife thinks that way every time she sees a pair of dressy shoes she wants and I’m also sure she comes to her senses and just buys the shoes. How else did her closet get so full of shoes. I’ll tell ya what to do. Go buy a nice pair of shoes for her, put the gun in the shoe box, gift wrap them up and give to her. When she opens the box she will be happy to get the new shoes, while she is admiring them look in the box and say hey look what else came with shoes and show her the gun. I’m sure she’ll just say that’s OK you can keep the gun as she goes to the closet to place her new shoes in a special spot.

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Old 05-28-2018, 10:40 AM
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Hmmm.

No boxes of shoes. No wife. No problem.
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Old 05-28-2018, 12:58 PM
H P Bushrod H P Bushrod is offline
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I prefer 3 inch barreled K-frames, But I wouldn't turn down a 3 inch J-frame if the price was right. The gun in the OP's pic looks great.
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Old 05-29-2018, 04:56 PM
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I'll provide my commentary for what it is worth.

I bought one, much like you, because how could you pass on something like that!

Here's what happened for me. In my affection to buy it, I did not consider how it would work in my large hands. It was challenging to shoot accurately with big hands and I really had to focus. (I am not new to plinking.) . I thought about keeping it around for a night stand gun/home defense but it was just not practical with the standard stocks.

Here is what I would do over. I would NOT sell the gun, but rather buy 'banana grips' or other stocks--like some of the posters above have--and it would have totally changed the grip axis and functionality for me. In my case, the grips would have 'made the gun' and functioned as needed. Hope this is of interest and helps.
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Old 05-29-2018, 05:35 PM
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Originally Posted by TheHobbyist View Post
I'll provide my commentary for what it is worth.
Thanks so much for your comments.

I've actually made up excuses to myself not to go back and look at it, because I know if I do, I'll buy it. But it's been on my mind since last week.

Maybe tomorrow...(insert long drawn out sigh here______)
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