Model 36

mayamatt · #1 07-31-2009, 10:28 AM

Hi folks,

I just recently acquired a Model 36 "Chief's Special", and my plan is to use it as a CCW piece. I've never owned one of these before, but I noticed the firing pin is located on the hammer. Can someone please advise me if it is safe to carry it holstered, hammer down, with all (5) rounds loaded, or should it be carried with the hammer down on an empty cylinder?

Any advice or suggestions would be much appreciated.

-Matt

browntown · #2 07-31-2009, 10:41 AM

I think the standard catalog tells you not to on older ones. I don't remember what was different, it might have been the exposed hammer. In the interest of not spreading mis-information though, I'll let someone whos sure comment.

LoboGunLeather · #3 07-31-2009, 10:47 AM

Matt:

S&W revolvers have incorporated a safety bar (hammer/firing pin block) for decades, longer than they have had model numbers assigned (such as Model 36). This device requires that the trigger be pulled fully to the rear, releasing the hammer to fall with pressure on the trigger, for the firing pin to pass through the recoil shield and strike the primer.

When the hammer is down and the trigger forward the safety bar stands between the hammer body and the frame within the hammer recess. A simple test of its proper function is to take the (unloaded) revolver, pull the trigger fully, allow the hammer to fall on the (empty) chamber, then release the trigger. You will notice that the hammer rises as the safety bar returns to its position in the frame recess.

There were many demonstrations provided by S&W of the safety of this arrangement years ago. These included (1) placing the loaded revolver in a vise and pounding the hammer until it broke, without discharging the weapon, and (2) cocking the revolver into the single action mode, then striking the trigger with a rod; before the firing pin could strike the primer the safety bar rose to prevent that.

Assuming that your Model 36 is in proper operating condition, and has not been altered from original specifications, it is entirely safe to carry with all five chambers loaded.

That said, in years past, some users were known to remove the safety bar in an attempt to improve double-action trigger pull. As far as I know, this was done primarily by competition shooters. Any improvement in trigger pull was probably minor at best. If you purchased your Model 36 used, a quick inspection by a knowledgeable gunsmith will determine whether any modifications have been done (not a bad idea with any used firearm, actually).

XTrooper · #4 07-31-2009, 10:53 AM

All unaltered, post-war Smith & Wesson revolvers are absolutely safe to carry fully loaded, i.e., with a loaded chamber under the hammer. With the improved hammer block, the hammer-mounted firing pin is not a safety issue.

VM · #5 07-31-2009, 11:24 AM

Welcome to the Forum

FAQ's

Go to the bottom of page one in FAQ. Look under "Detail Strip". It shows the side plate off with hammer block in place and removed. The Member who has graciously posted the FAQ's is very knowledgeable and the info is excellent. You may wish to read all of the pages as it is very helpful.

Thuer · #6 07-31-2009, 01:34 PM

There is a more easy way to see if the hammerblock is there. Just cock the hammer to single action. Then look in the space between hammer and frame. You can see the end of the hammerblock just below the gap for the firingpin.
Also when you cock the hammer you can see the movement of the hammerblock down.

redsfan2 · #7 07-31-2009, 02:44 PM

Welcome to the forum. I've been helped greatly by the folks here.
I carry my model 36 no dash fully loaded with +P hollow points. I'm not suggesting that you should do either. Model 36's aren't rated for the +P's and I don't use them when I take it out shooting .. ( except for a couple of rounds maybe )..... On the other hand .. if I ever did need its services while being carried I would want all 5 shots to be as effective as possible.
Again ... not recommending ... just an opinion.

mayamatt · #8 07-31-2009, 03:32 PM

Thank you all very much for the good information, and for clearing that up for me. I reckon I can go ahead and load 'er up with all 5 now, without undo worry.

BUFF · #9 08-01-2009, 03:31 AM

A wag might say that it is dangerous to carry a Chiefs Special with an empty chamber under the hammer, because it's a .38 Special and you may dang well need more than four shots!

fyimo · #10 08-01-2009, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redsfan2

Welcome to the forum. I've been helped greatly by the folks here.
I carry my model 36 no dash fully loaded with +P hollow points. I'm not suggesting that you should do either. Model 36's aren't rated for the +P's and I don't use them when I take it out shooting .. ( except for a couple of rounds maybe )..... On the other hand .. if I ever did need its services while being carried I would want all 5 shots to be as effective as possible.
Again ... not recommending ... just an opinion.

I to have a Pre 36 and I follow the same procedure with the +P ammo

bountyhunter · #11 08-01-2009, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoboGunLeather

Matt:

When the hammer is down and the trigger forward the safety bar stands between the hammer body and the frame within the hammer recess. A simple test of its proper function is to take the (unloaded) revolver, pull the trigger fully, allow the hammer to fall on the (empty) chamber, then release the trigger. You will notice that the hammer rises as the safety bar returns to its position in the frame recess.

It is actually the rebound slide (and it's spring) which pushes the hammer back up to normal "rest" position as you release the trigger from being pulled rearward to fire.

That rebound slide blocks the hammer from coming back forward (to where the firing pin could touch a primer) anytime the trigger is forward. The safety bar is to prevent the remote possibility of dropping the gun onto a solid surface landing on the hammer spur which might break the hammer and allow it to come forward and hit the primer.