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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 07-03-2014, 10:05 PM
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Default My new 36-6 Chief's Special Target Gun

So I post these really expensive guns regularly and of course there are congrats and loving hate with joking levels of envy all in good fun. I get worried it is showing off but I think it is good to share and I believe youz guys appreciate seeing these examples and the random discussions about the history and so on... Needless to say, I am very serious about my collection being infected with the sickness.. Smiths are starting to get expensive, although I feel today as an investment there is nothing better in the gun world. No way I do it (as an investment) but it is not a dumb move if we buy smart and go with our heart.. I don't like talking numbers but I just bought a 19-2 3" 99.5% for a few thousand complete at about the same cost as a 4 digit Python would cost me today 98% no box. The 19-2 is more unique and I am privileged to have it. In comparison to an early 50's Pythons (I have four) the 19-2 has elevated my collection to a new status.
The reason I explain this is while picking up today a Pre 29 and the 19 at the local gun shop shipped in from a very special dealer there was this strange little revolver in what looked like a 50's flat blued finish. The poor thing was perfect no box and very dirty.. Here I am the envy of the gun shop with these two ferraris cleaning the poor little neglected SW. So for $500 I save this gun that is a 98 plus Model 36-6 1 of 615!! 615!! Uncommon? No rare!!! For the ones out there that think it is too late find great guns that are fun to shoot and collectable rare and uncommon think again.. I am here to tell you they are out there... If I can find a 36-6 in California you can too.. Sitting in gun jail releasing 7/19. .I will shoot a picture when it releases from cellblock 38....

Last edited by bigl1911; 07-04-2014 at 11:54 AM.
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Old 07-03-2014, 10:26 PM
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This post is worthless without pics.
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Old 07-03-2014, 10:29 PM
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I have a 36-6. Wonder where the other 613 are?
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Old 07-03-2014, 10:29 PM
Shorty 45 MK2 Shorty 45 MK2 is offline
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Can't wait to see it.
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Old 07-04-2014, 12:58 AM
MrTrolleyguy MrTrolleyguy is offline
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I have one also. That leaves 612. With box and flat SAT. Still haven't shoot it.

Bigl1911 you got a good price on your 36-6. And I can understand how pleased you are with the 3" 19-2. I agree with you. I'd rather have the 19 than a Python. I think most on this forum would make the same choice as you.

Looking forward to seeing your pictures.




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Old 07-04-2014, 01:17 AM
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I suspect there was a reason they only made 615 of the things. A 3" target model???? Hello! I am inclined to think that a dubious idea should not make a collector's item. Still with the Internet, it is possible to find people who really think a 3" J-frame is the be-all, end-all -- so I take it all back. People will seek them out only because they made 615 of them.

Of course, I'm just having fun (but you have to admit that a 3" target gun is laughable -- if you want a target gun, then buy a target gun!). How about a target kit gun???

Cordially,

Ashlander
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Old 07-04-2014, 11:55 AM
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This post is worthless without pics.
Working on it!!
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Old 07-04-2014, 12:06 PM
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Originally Posted by MrTrolleyguy View Post
I have one also. That leaves 612. With box and papers. Still haven't shoot it.

Big1911 you got a good price on your 36-6. And I can understand how pleased you are with the 3" 19-2. I agree with you. I'd rather have the 19 than a Python. I think most on this forum would make the same choice as you.

Looking forward to seeing your pictures.
Thanks Trolly,

To be honest, I am a fan of both the 19 and some Pythons. I think the 50's era Pythons are great fun to shoot and very attractive.. I have friend here in So Cal locally that owns Python SN number 21. I wont go into the story how he found it but it is great.. Now that one is really special.. We mutually believe it is actually a prototype since the finish has some interesting and unique differences for example an unfinished muzzle... The 19-2 3" has that similar uniqueness and I am very lucky and privileged to have it.. All I can say is thank you to the seller.. Happy 4th.. L

BTW if you get a chance add a picture since mine is in "Jail"... Goblin wants to see one!!

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Old 07-04-2014, 12:14 PM
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I have one too. Bought it new and promptly had it matt chromed to use as a field gun. Of course, this was before anyone new they were only making 615 of them. These little 'target' guns (as well as the similar 60-15 I own) are PERFECT field carry guns. Mine have seen heavy use on my rural property in the midwest, as well as on trails in across most of the Rocky Mountain West (usually loaded with Buffalo Bore .357 180 grain cast bullets in the 60-15 out there). They are amazingly accurate and easy to shoot. I sight these guns in at 50 yards and feel quite comfortable that any coyote to 70 or 80 yards is at great risk of dying. Mine have also bagged quite a bit of small game. Amazing guns!
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Old 07-04-2014, 12:19 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashlander View Post
I suspect there was a reason they only made 615 of the things. A 3" target model???? Hello! I am inclined to think that a dubious idea should not make a collector's item. Still with the Internet, it is possible to find people who really think a 3" J-frame is the be-all, end-all -- so I take it all back. People will seek them out only because they made 615 of them.

Of course, I'm just having fun (but you have to admit that a 3" target gun is laughable -- if you want a target gun, then buy a target gun!). How about a target kit gun???

Cordially,

Ashlander
Ashlander,

I agree logically with you.. The thing about collectors (it still freaks me out I am one too) we look at the rare strange and unusual at times and the history. Humm.. Sounds like my girlfriends... The one thing on my mind when picking up the 19 3" and cleaning the 36-6 was here is another one with target signs.. I have to go look but I think my combat Magnum 19 also has target sights.. I'm going to check in the vault...Anyway.. You bring up a very good point. In fact, I am trying to get a read on why these guns, in specific the 19 3" was made as a target and if any in the 19-2 range were 3" fixed. Haven't gotten there but working on it.. Happy 4th.. L

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Old 07-04-2014, 12:23 PM
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I do not think so much as the collector-type but I couldn't agree more that there remain lots of nice S&Ws that are more modern design/production, and so no one pays much attention to them. The 36-6 and its stainless brother the 60-4 are both great little guns. Not only "collectible" but great fun to shoot and handy to carry along with you, compared to the bigger models. Congrats on your new purchase. Show us a pic when the poor thing gets out of CA gun-jail.
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Old 07-04-2014, 12:26 PM
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Yep.. Two more examples of snubs with target sights...
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Old 07-04-2014, 01:41 PM
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Of course, I'm just having fun (but you have to admit that a 3" target gun is laughable -- if you want a target gun, then buy a target gun!). How about a target kit gun???

Cordially,

Ashlander
So I did a little research and asked a serious unnamed expert about fixed vs.Target sights on short barrel revolvers.. For starters the Navy used 4" with target sights in the 60's and the overrun of these frames were the 3" and 1/2" target sight 1960 era 19's. To answer the carry gun for fixed sights SW tries to supply what the customer requires and the choice of target and fixed as the factory sees it is a personal preference.. My read on it is there are enough professionals out there that carry and want target sights it justifies the run of revolvers like this 36-6.. Personally and we don't have a picture 36 yet, but it is a gorgeous gun regardless that I am looking forward to shooting...
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Old 07-04-2014, 01:54 PM
MrTrolleyguy MrTrolleyguy is offline
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Originally Posted by Ashlander View Post

Sir,

Of course, I'm just having fun (but you have to admit that a 3" target gun is laughable -- if you want a target gun, then buy a target gun!). How about a target kit gun???

Cordially,

Ashlander

Sir,

I don't think many people will be competing with the 36-6. You are 100% right about that.

However think about this, the 2" or 2.5" snub is derogatorily refereed to as a mere belly gun. Maybe the 3" is popular b/c a little extra barrel length makes a noticeable difference and gives a few more yards of effective range. Plus there is the growing interest in the 3" barrel in all calibers. There must be a reason

Finally, I wish you had pointed out earlier how stupid it is to think a scarce gun is a collectible gun. You could have saved me hundreds.

Cordially speaking,
Trolley
Average newbie collector

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Old 07-04-2014, 01:59 PM
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Many years ago I had both the 36-6 and the 60-4 which were both 38 Special "target" J frames with the 3 inch full lug barrel. The 36-6 had the standard width hammer while the 60-4 had the wider "semi-target" style hammer spur. Foolishly I traded both of these away. They were fun to shoot and quite accurate for a J frame.

I certainly wish I had kept both of these.

Steve
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Old 07-04-2014, 02:57 PM
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Originally Posted by MrTrolleyguy View Post
I have one also. That leaves 612. With box and flat SAT. Still haven't shoot it.

Bigl1911 you got a good price on your 36-6. And I can understand how pleased you are with the 3" 19-2. I agree with you. I'd rather have the 19 than a Python. I think most on this forum would make the same choice as you.

Looking forward to seeing your pictures.



Looks just like yours!
Beautiful!!!
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Old 07-04-2014, 04:09 PM
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I know where one has been sitting for the past few decades, in the box, but with a grip change

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Old 07-04-2014, 05:29 PM
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I know where one has been sitting for the past few decades, in the box, but with a grip change

Better grips!! Nice gun!!!
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Old 07-04-2014, 06:34 PM
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The target sights become really, really important when one uses this revolver for a kit gun or field gun. I want to be able to hit EXACTLY where I aim with a given load. Minute of human silhouette target is not what I am looking for, minute of squirrels head at 20 yards or so is. These target sights may not be needed on defense guns, but they sure are need on field guns. Think about it, this revolver is pretty much the same concept as a 34/63 kit gun, only in a larger caliber. Many, many of us would not tolerate a 34/63 with fixed sights.
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Old 07-04-2014, 06:57 PM
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The target sights become really, really important when one uses this revolver for a kit gun or field gun. I want to be able to hit EXACTLY where I aim with a given load. Minute of human silhouette target is not what I am looking for, minute of squirrels head at 20 yards or so is. These target sights may not be needed on defense guns, but they sure are need on field guns. Think about it, this revolver is pretty much the same concept as a 34/63 kit gun, only in a larger caliber. Many, many of us would not tolerate a 34/63 with fixed sights.
Well said and makes complete sense...

Last edited by bigl1911; 07-04-2014 at 10:28 PM.
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Old 07-04-2014, 08:11 PM
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I have owned two model 36-6 revolvers over the years.
The second one was new in the box. Could not bring myself to shoot the second one, the first I sold one day when I was not thinking properly. Just found a nice 60-4 recently that I am not afraid to use so I am in the game again.

I even saw a third 36-6 one time in a pawn shop that had been refinished and the guy was trying to pass of as new.
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Old 07-04-2014, 08:16 PM
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Up until last weekend, I had this one.

Made the mistake of putting a price on it and putting it in my display case at the show.

I found someone who wanted it more than me. So now, the hunt is on again. Hopefully for one in the box this time.

At least I still have this one to soothe the pain!
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Old 07-04-2014, 08:28 PM
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I think the 3 inch J frame is the best "snubbie". Had one years ago with a heavy barrel, square butt and 1/8 inch sights. I could hit very well with that one. Adjustable sights makes it better IMHO.
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Old 07-04-2014, 10:32 PM
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I have owned two model 36-6 revolvers over the years.
The second one was new in the box. Could not bring myself to shoot the second one, the first I sold one day when I was not thinking properly. Just found a nice 60-4 recently that I am not afraid to use so I am in the game again.

I even saw a third 36-6 one time in a pawn shop that had been refinished and the guy was trying to pass of as new.
What gets me are these guys that try to pass off a refinished gun (excusing the ones that make a mistake) as new or the guys that say "never fired".. There are very few guns that have never been fired out of the factory certainly few that are truly unfired that are represented as such...
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Old 07-04-2014, 10:35 PM
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Up until last weekend, I had this one.

Made the mistake of putting a price on it and putting it in my display case at the show.

I found someone who wanted it more than me. So now, the hunt is on again. Hopefully for one in the box this time.

At least I still have this one to soothe the pain!
Sometimes it hard to know if a shooter or nib box which of the two we like better... In this case I am glad a have one that has no box and can be shot... Yours looks great with the box!!!

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Old 07-04-2014, 10:42 PM
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While I am not a fan of a longer barreled J frame .38 such as these because they simply do not do anything I value, there is little doubt in mind that the adjustable sights make it much easier to shoot them well. That is of course vital to the folks who do use them, such as the field gun uses described. The 2" j frame with fixed sights has essentially the same inherent accuracy potential as any other quality revolver. It is the ergonomics that makes them harder to shoot well, and getting older means that the increased visibility of the adjustable sights makes a big difference.
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Old 07-04-2014, 11:21 PM
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I'm right there with Inthewoods. I passed on a couple 36-6s because I was holding out for a 60-4. I wanted the same features in a stainless gun - for the reasons he mentions. The little gun did everything I wanted it to and I never found anything better for it than the usual .38 full-wadcutter target loads. Great little gun for woods-loafing and floating the rivers. I later bought a 60-10 but to this day still prefer the 60-4. There's not a lot of need for a .357 in this type of gun here in the midwest - and the 60-4 is a MUCH prettier little gun. I only wish S&W would have made these guns in .32 Long, too. The .38 is just a little more than needed for bunnies and squirrels. The great Hamilton Bowen made up a .22 Long Snapper on a 60-4 for "experimental" purposes. It improves on the .22 WMRF in a Kit Gun - provided you are a handloader - and is cheaper to shoot. (That was before the price of primers nearly tripled. )

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Old 07-05-2014, 11:45 AM
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I have looked for one of the carbon steel Chief's Special Target Models for years and I am most envious of those of you that have one. (Anyone in California with one for sale??)

But, here is my Stainless CSTM:
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Old 07-06-2014, 12:06 AM
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My Model 60 with KB Mini Cokes:

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Old 07-06-2014, 01:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Ashlander View Post
I suspect there was a reason they only made 615 of the things. A 3" target model???? Hello! I am inclined to think that a dubious idea should not make a collector's item. Still with the Internet, it is possible to find people who really think a 3" J-frame is the be-all, end-all -- so I take it all back. People will seek them out only because they made 615 of them.

Of course, I'm just having fun (but you have to admit that a 3" target gun is laughable -- if you want a target gun, then buy a target gun!). How about a target kit gun???
How about 2 of them, in stainless? These aren't rare, but they sure are popular. I think I might need a third!

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Old 07-06-2014, 01:32 AM
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I think I've found another one! Seriously, I bought this new way back when, immediately shipped it off to Andy Cannon for his deluxe tuning. Called Guy Hogue who happened to have a chunk of Arizona Mesquite laying around that he made me a stock out of, and here is the result, all in all a pretty nice 5 shooter!
In retrospect though, had I known how rare a piece this was I probably wouldn't have had it tuned, who knew at the time!

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Old 07-06-2014, 05:21 PM
Lobster Picnic Lobster Picnic is offline
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The 3" barrel with full underlug and target sights changes the whole balance and character of a steel J-frame. You have a longer sight picture, better sights, excellent balance, increased velocity, and less recoil - all in a very compact but very sturdy package.

My 60-4 is nearly the equal of a good 4" K-frame in accuracy and actually exceeds many K-frames in the smoothness of the trigger. The extra weight up front really steadies things down. It's a do-everything gun that can hold its own with much more specialized handguns.

It's not for sale.
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Old 07-06-2014, 05:44 PM
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Just want to say it is very interesting getting everyones read on this type of revolver... Thanks and a great eye opener... I thought my baby insignificant 30-6 was an enigma and I stood alone. Come to find it is a significant revolver and loved by many...
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Old 07-07-2014, 01:32 PM
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About 25 years ago, I was working as a Lt. in a Sheriff's office and most of my duties were paper pushing. At the time I wore a SP101 3" 357 loaded with 357s of some brand.

Got a request from 2 of my Detectives to assist on the arrest of an individual for attempted murder of his wife and he had been located in a Trailer park in a nearby town. Went to the scene and the trailer the guy was in was at the end of a row of trailers.

I circled around the end of the trailers to act as a sentry to stop the individual from accessing his vehicle, a pickup.

As the pickup came into view I saw the suspect dash from a side door in the trailer to the pickup. I stood up and confronted the individual with SP drawn and aimed at the suspect.

He had seen the 2 detectives standing on the other side of the trailer and wasn't aware of my presence until I announced. He froze in action half in and half out of the car, staring at me.

The distance was about 60-70 ft. He stopped just long enough for the 2 Detectives to come around their end of the trailer and hook the guy up.

I tell this story is the SP was a 3" with non adjustable sights, it was stainless, and the guy definitely saw it. But from my point of view all I could think of was that's going to be a long shot if I have to shoot. Where's that statistic about 7ft and 2.5 rounds. I'd given my eye teeth at that moment for a 3" 36-6 or 60-4. Actually I was thinking fondly of my Colt 45 Auto sitting at home in the dresser cause it was too heavy to carry that day.

Enjoy your target sighted 3" you never know when you will be glad you have the target sight advantage.
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Old 07-07-2014, 01:49 PM
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my two

/c

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Old 07-07-2014, 02:09 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bronco45 View Post
About 25 years ago, I was working as a Lt. in a Sheriff's office and most of my duties were paper pushing. At the time I wore a SP101 3" 357 loaded with 357s of some brand.

Got a request from 2 of my Detectives to assist on the arrest of an individual for attempted murder of his wife and he had been located in a Trailer park in a nearby town. Went to the scene and the trailer the guy was in was at the end of a row of trailers.

I circled around the end of the trailers to act as a sentry to stop the individual from accessing his vehicle, a pickup.

As the pickup came into view I saw the suspect dash from a side door in the trailer to the pickup. I stood up and confronted the individual with SP drawn and aimed at the suspect.

He had seen the 2 detectives standing on the other side of the trailer and wasn't aware of my presence until I announced. He froze in action half in and half out of the car, staring at me.

The distance was about 60-70 ft. He stopped just long enough for the 2 Detectives to come around their end of the trailer and hook the guy up.

I tell this story is the SP was a 3" with non adjustable sights, it was stainless, and the guy definitely saw it. But from my point of view all I could think of was that's going to be a long shot if I have to shoot. Where's that statistic about 7ft and 2.5 rounds. I'd given my eye teeth at that moment for a 3" 36-6 or 60-4. Actually I was thinking fondly of my Colt 45 Auto sitting at home in the dresser cause it was too heavy to carry that day.

Enjoy your target sighted 3" you never know when you will be glad you have the target sight advantage.
Great story (can't make those up) and thank you!!!
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  #37  
Old 07-07-2014, 02:18 PM
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There's just something enticing of a J frame no matter the barrel length that makes cash levitate out my wallet nearly every time I have the opportunity and ability to add one of even the slightest variation. The above eye candy is simply a pleasure to see. But that goes for most J frames or Snub barrels on other frame sizes as well.
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Old 07-07-2014, 02:46 PM
ImprovedModel56Fan ImprovedModel56Fan is offline
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Well, I guess this thread won't be complete until we have six hundred and some posts. Meanwhile, I have one in the safe, with old-fashioned M36 RB Magnas. I consider it a great .38 kit gun, lighter than other guns of equal capability. However, nowadays I am usually already carrying a decent gun, light or not, so a walk in the woods is no reason to break out the 36-6. If I desire to be able to plink at low cost, perhaps a .22 would be better, although I'm not sure that that is true just this moment.

It's still a lot better gun than a 37, and, in a good holster, just about as painless.

Anyway, about 600 to go, I guess.
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Old 07-07-2014, 08:40 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by madmikeb View Post
I think I've found another one! Seriously, I bought this new way back when, immediately shipped it off to Andy Cannon for his deluxe tuning. Called Guy Hogue who happened to have a chunk of Arizona Mesquite laying around that he made me a stock out of, and here is the result, all in all a pretty nice 5 shooter!
In retrospect though, had I known how rare a piece this was I probably wouldn't have had it tuned, who knew at the time!
*
I'm not sure that a good action job by a competent and respected gunsmith will have a negative impact on value, and to the extent it might, the increase in utility while you have the revolver is worth it. If you let Bubba do an action job with a hacksaw and a dremel too, you deserve the resulting loss, of course.
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  #40  
Old 07-12-2014, 12:18 PM
kaaskop49 kaaskop49 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RevolverDen View Post
There's just something enticing of a J frame no matter the barrel length that makes cash levitate out my wallet nearly every time I have the opportunity and ability to add one of even the slightest variation. The above eye candy is simply a pleasure to see. But that goes for most J frames or Snub barrels on other frame sizes as well.
RevolverDen thinks like I do. Hope he doesn't look like I do... Never met a snub I at least did not look at twice.

Kaaskop49
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