Hello Everyone,
I've read a lot of the posts on here and figured that it was about time I joined the forum. I am looking for some help/opinions about the following:

I am looking to buy a S&W Model 36. Either a 90%+ Model 36 no dash for sale at my local gun shop or a brand new 36.

The 90% used 36 (no dash) is being sold for $575, no box, no paperwork. I feel that price is a little high as I could get a brand new 36 for around $600, maybe a little more. But I'm not sure how I feel about the IL on the new models. If I can get the seller down $100 would it be a good purchase to get the used one?

I know that SW has good customer service but if I can't talk the seller down at little would it be beneficial to just get a new model with full warranty?

Or is $575 a fair price for a quality used 36 no dash (sorry I didn't take pictures of it yesterday and didn't write down the serial number, but its in mint condition)? I will try to get both up this week.

Please help.

That price is about $300 bucks too much.

Sounds awfull high to me, but I havent been active for awhile. I bought a very old but yet brand NIB in 3" about 3 years ago for $350s and a old model 40 for about the same before that one.

Very high.

$275 to $325.

Wow $575 for a used 36 with no box, papers or tools? That is so high I would not even attempt an offer. The seller obviously thinks his gun is more valuable than it is.

For reference, I got a 90+% M. 36 with all the tools still sealed in plastic, the original box and all paperwork. It was list priced at $349.

In general, the older a used gun you can find, back until the 1950's or so, the more craftsmanship and better materials went into it.

I would hold out for a more affordable Model 36, or if you want a new gun Bud's has great deals on these...

Smith & Wesson 642 .38 Spl+P $361.00 SHIPS FREE

Smith & Wesson 637 .38 Spl+P 1-7/8" $367.00 SHIPS FREE

The price for Model 36 no dash is to high as around here because it's a snub nose and people would want it for concealed carry if the actions tight it would sell for $350 to $400. During the height of the post election price surge I saw a couple of model 36's that were real beaters sell for $400 here locally and I mean these were 80% guns and the actions were well worn.

You wouldn't get any S&W around here that's P&R for less then $300

Was Model 36 ever P&R? I know they were pinned up until about 1980...

No .38 was ever recessed, only Magnums and rimfires, and the Magnums only until the early 1980s.

I agree with the remark that the older guns show better workmanship and are certainly more aesthetically pleasing, but to say the materials were better is an unrealistic stretch. I won't address MIM, but other than that the steels and heat treatment of modern guns is definitely superior to 1950s-1960s production. This is what allows the modern J Frames to be chambered for .357 Magnum.

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Gunsmithing since 1961

Hmmm, looks like all this fussin about the MIM parts and Il is beginning to force them ole guns value up... $450 and up for 2 pre 80's M36's here..

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Jack C

Unfortunately for you, the folks who say it shouldn't cost more than $275 do not have a gun to sell you at that price. There is an E*Bay type auction site that is a gunbroker (hint-hint). Using them as a benchmark, anything in decent condition is going to run you $350+/-, plus shipping, plus any FFL fees. Call it $400 out the door.
Unless it belonged to John Dillinger and the guy can prove it, $575 is too high.

You CAN find a really cherry pre-lock 36 on Gunbroker
for about $400 - just watch the auctions for a few days
and have your money ready.

I am not a metallurgist and will not pretend to be. The reason I believe the materials today are inferior(not the technology) is I see a lot more frame damage and cracks in guns that are post 1980 than the old guns of the 50's, 60's and 70's. Just an observation.

i definitely don't think the newer guns are any better than the old guns, metallurgically or otherwise. i would most assuredly get an older one, but 575 is way too much. i don't know where you are, but they are readily available for 400.00 or so around here at gun shows, on the auction sites, and in these very forum classifieds! put in some due diligence, and find you a mid 70s 36 in perfect condition for 400-425, and happy shootin'!

I was sniffing around at a local funshop that's pretty well-known for gouging customers on used guns, and found this pristine little beauty (minus the Spegels) for $450. I thought the price was about $50 higher than it should have been, but love is blind, and it followed me home anyway. But $575 is pretty far out of line.

I recently bought a new 640-1 (NL) for less than that. If you're going to spend that kind of money there are other choices. Unless you're locked into a 36, ask for suggestions from other members. You'll get some good advise from people who have been there, and done that (that's how I bought my 640). And I have a 36 I bought in 69 but if I was purchasing another today I'd look at something like a 642. Good luck.

While the price is too high (I don't claim to be an expert) I would always opt for an older S&W minus the lock. I do own two with the lock and have had zero problems w/them, but I do not carry them (range only) for SD. IMHO the more "stuff" any company adds to a gun the greater ther chances of some sort of a SNAFU.

I'm past 60 and have a built in prejudice for older S&W and Colt snubbies. I shoot and carry them regularly.

Where are you guys getting these model 36 guns for the $300 figures?

I want a 2 inch so bad it hurts and all I am finding used around here is going for over $575. And I am talking about well used and abused.

About a month ago I bid $450 for one on a well known auction site and lost it by over $100.

If you know of a dealer with a nice two inch for less, let me know.

Used J frames are difficult to find...I only found three last week and they were less than pristine but priced accordingly. No papers or boxes with these jewels either.

here in florida everything seems high,you have to be patient and lucky.I picked up at gun show a lnib 3 in. 36 box,papers etc.,paid 450 otd and was happy.also found the other day at local pawn a flat latch 36,2 in,original diamond grips,97 %,no box 300 otd,so there are still a few bargains,its all about the hunt

You are right I just wasn't thinking when I typed it which common for and old geezer as there were pinned only 36's.

I've been tracking the Model 36 for a while and the prices I've found look like this:



Here's the data track (the chart is one price behind the track):

Smith & Wesson Model 36. 1-7/8 in Bbl Revolver in .38 Spl. Bluebook of Gun Values (31st Edition) indicates between $380 in 95% condition and $590 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 55 recorded prices for this model gun from $284 to $600 over a period of 3 Yrs 2 Mos ending February 25, 2011. The average price as of that date was $396. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $822.

Prices are from completed auctions, online classifieds (including forum classifieds), local gunshop prices.

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Bob

what os the lock you mentioned ?