Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Ammunition-Gunsmithing > S&W-Smithing
o

Notices

S&W-Smithing Maintenance, Repair, and Enhancement of Smith & Wesson and Other Firearms.


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11-26-2010, 03:21 AM
Frank46 Frank46 is offline
US Veteran
S&W model 36 with adjustable sights S&W model 36 with adjustable sights S&W model 36 with adjustable sights S&W model 36 with adjustable sights S&W model 36 with adjustable sights  
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: New Iberia, Louisiana
Posts: 4,588
Likes: 25,427
Liked 3,380 Times in 1,736 Posts
Default S&W model 36 with adjustable sights

Has anyone ever about putting adjustable sights on a S&W model 36? I seem to remember reading about this but have CRS and for the life of me cannot seem to find the information. This might be a pie in the sky thing. But would like to explore this option if doable. Thanks, Frank
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11-26-2010, 06:10 AM
murphydog's Avatar
murphydog murphydog is offline
Moderator
S&W model 36 with adjustable sights S&W model 36 with adjustable sights S&W model 36 with adjustable sights S&W model 36 with adjustable sights S&W model 36 with adjustable sights  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,787
Likes: 938
Liked 18,881 Times in 9,242 Posts
Default

There are a few thousand 2 and 3" factory Chiefs Special Targets (also known as the model 50, some stamped model 36) floating around, and in the 1980s there was a run of 3" barrel full-lug model 36s Targets made. Also, there are 2" model 60 (stainless CS) Targets. Uncommon but findable, and be prepared to pay a premium.
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11-26-2010, 10:52 AM
chief38's Avatar
chief38 chief38 is offline
Member
S&W model 36 with adjustable sights  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 17,759
Likes: 7,836
Liked 25,616 Times in 8,661 Posts
Default

I never understood why someone would want a 2" or 3" .38 Special J-Frame (very concealable hideout gun) with adjustable sights. To me, a model 36, 37, 60 ,etc. is a self defense "belly gun" that is carried concealed. While I do believe in lots of practice with the weapon one is carrying, I also believe it should be practiced with at the realistic distances it will be used at, which more than likely is less than 10 feet. At 10 feet, what is the point of having an adjustable sight that has a greater chance of getting caught on a piece of clothing, or thrown off from daily carry?

I own many J-Frame 38's and at a distance of 10 feet they are as accurate as one would ever need. Yes, at 50 feet they may shoot 3 or 4 inches off, but who cares? If you are going to go target shooting at 50 feet, then a Model 15, 14, 19, 66, etc is more in order for that task. In fact the ONLY J-Frame revolver I could see with an adjustable sight is the model 63 (.22 LR) with a 4 inch barrel. At least one can use that for squirrel or crow hunting and the adjustable sights would come in handy there.

The reason that S&W did not make a whole lot of these little revolvers with adjustable sights is that there is really no reason or purpose for them, other than being a "curio" or collectible.

There........I've had my rant and I feel better. Hope everybody had a wonderful and joyous Thanksgiving!

Regards,
chief38
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11-26-2010, 11:44 AM
murphydog's Avatar
murphydog murphydog is offline
Moderator
S&W model 36 with adjustable sights S&W model 36 with adjustable sights S&W model 36 with adjustable sights S&W model 36 with adjustable sights S&W model 36 with adjustable sights  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,787
Likes: 938
Liked 18,881 Times in 9,242 Posts
Default

Chief38;

All good points. As far as using a J frame for concealed carry only, I can see someone with smaller hands who wants to shoot different loads in their gun, or who essentially wants a centerfire Kit Gun, wanting a CS Target. Bottom line is the factory will make anything when they think there is a demand - think 1 3/4" barrel N frame .45s .
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11-27-2010, 04:04 AM
Frank46 Frank46 is offline
US Veteran
S&W model 36 with adjustable sights S&W model 36 with adjustable sights S&W model 36 with adjustable sights S&W model 36 with adjustable sights S&W model 36 with adjustable sights  
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: New Iberia, Louisiana
Posts: 4,588
Likes: 25,427
Liked 3,380 Times in 1,736 Posts
Default

I would tend to agree with all of you regarding the 10' distance at which the 36 would be effective. However our pistol range has its first targets set up at 20yds. And would like to do some shooting at the 10' distance. Lately due to the amount of pistol shooters this ain't gonna happen. I'm not the best shooter in the world but would like to see what the little sucker can do. That was my reason for posting that question. It do hey hot and humid here in louisiana and a few of my friends that CCW carry the model 36 in their jean pockets. If I wanted to shoot further I have a colt trooper in 357 mag, 624 44 special, or a redhawk in 44mag. Heck the last time I shot my walther pp in 32acp at 10' all shots could be covered by a pack of smokes. Thanks, Frank
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11-27-2010, 06:23 AM
Pisgah Pisgah is offline
Member
S&W model 36 with adjustable sights  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Upstate SC
Posts: 3,439
Likes: 37
Liked 5,413 Times in 1,756 Posts
Default

Years ago, I read an article about the Model 50. It was called the "Chief's Special Target". The author opined -- and I think I agree -- that part of the reason it never sold big was the name. He believed it should have been called something like the "Trail Masterpiece", because that is it's true niche, as a "large-caliber" Kit Gun. I have kept an eye out for one ever since, but never seen one "in person". A J-frame has more than enough accuracy for longer ranges, given decent sight and grips, and I think it would be great as a trail companion.
__________________
Pisgah
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11-27-2010, 07:38 AM
BUFF BUFF is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
S&W model 36 with adjustable sights S&W model 36 with adjustable sights S&W model 36 with adjustable sights  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SLC, Utah
Posts: 5,062
Likes: 739
Liked 3,271 Times in 1,282 Posts
Default

20 years ago, my department's qualification included shooting at 25 yards. They made no accomodation for the 2 inch 5 shooters, you had the same time to get off 6, 12 or 18 shots as did the sixshooters. I had no trouble qualifying my Model 60, and later my Model 642, and often shot 100%. The little guns are capable of very good accuracy, their small sights, short sight radius, small grips and light weight can make them difficult without practice.

The benefit of the adustables isn't just to zero the gun with the ammo you are using. They also give a larger, blockier sight picture that is much easier to pick up with speed.

About the only time adjustable sights on a 2 inch J frame would have been a problem for me would have been pants pocket carry, and even then, the hammer spur would be far more likely to catch and snag. Using any kind of belt, shoulder or ankle holster, I can't see the sights being a problem.

If you like them, a very good gunsmith can mill the topstrap of a Cheifs Special for the Kit Gun rear sight. Keep in mind, though, that the new front sight will have to be quite a bit taller, as the sighting plane of the adjustable rear sight is taller.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
624, 642, ccw, colt, concealed, gunsmith, j frame, kit gun, masterpiece, model 15, model 60, model 63, redhawk, s&w, trooper, walther

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Model 60-1 with adjustable sights gkitch S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 1 01-11-2015 08:55 PM
Model 60 w/ adjustable sights-value? Patches09 S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 6 08-16-2013 01:29 PM
Model 60 with adjustable sights. fighter62 S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 12 12-04-2010 12:28 AM
Model 60 with adjustable sights and more fighter62 S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 20 11-03-2010 03:42 PM
Adjustable sights on a Model 64 K.38 S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 3 12-20-2009 02:44 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:43 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)