Do we still like 3" J-frames? Model 37
- Thread starter Teddydog
- Start date
Birdhunter6
Member
LOVE my 3" 36-1 (78/79?). Barrel length/sight radius makes for better accuracy at 15 yards and beyond. Longer ejector rod gives positive extraction on .38 special cases. (With the snubs ejector rod is shorter than the case itself and can leave you with a speed loader in your right hand shaking your revolver like a maraca trying to dislodge one or two cases!) I also have a 3" K frame 13-2.
I have to admit I carry my no lock snubby 640P these days. The night sights are the deciding factor, but I WISH it was a 3".
I have to admit I carry my no lock snubby 640P these days. The night sights are the deciding factor, but I WISH it was a 3".
dpast32
Member
That his one of my 'Dream Guns' !! That, along with the now, long discontinued Model 12, 4" Round Butt. Just take the time to find an efficient load, that although Non+P, will perform as required. Even limited +P usage may be done, I personally would limit it to sighting in & defensive use only. I'm down to just my 3" M-640, although I truly wish it was an M-642. 3", as it is a bit heavy. LOVE those 3" J Frames, especially alloy versions.
Best, dpast32
Best, dpast32
pantannojack
US Veteran
Velo City
My 3" m36 gives me, or them, 75fps more velo than my 1 7'8" m36 w 4g 231 and 158 lswc. Just remarking.
My 3" m36 gives me, or them, 75fps more velo than my 1 7'8" m36 w 4g 231 and 158 lswc. Just remarking.
millerj7
Member
RMFnLA
Member
I used to carry a nickel 3” Mod. 36 with Mustang grips, loaded with 200 grain LRN.
Sweet little gun but I never could get that coil spring action as smooth as I wanted, so I finally moved up to a 2-1/2” Mod. 66…
Sweet little gun but I never could get that coil spring action as smooth as I wanted, so I finally moved up to a 2-1/2” Mod. 66…
millerj7
Member
Very nice revolver! I think it is just a light strike...I have seen a few, usually on alloy frames, over the years. In fact, I had an early (flat latch, ser# 25K range) Model 43 (3.5") that was the same way. Enjoy!
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Cooter Brown
Member
We still do around here.
I’m going to be the odd man out and say I never cared for the 3” J Frame, except for how great it looks. I like options and the longer barrel, to my way of thinking, limits those carry options for no real return. I can shoot either one accurately under simulated combat conditions.
biblethumpincop
Member
Howdy neighbor, and welcome aboard.
The original grips for your 3" Lady Smith were "anatomically designed for women," according to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 4th Ed., p 243. I call them Mae West Combats because they have a slight resemblance to S&W's Combat grips of the time. S&W put them on the 3" Lady Smith models 36-3, which I'm guessing is what you have, and 60-3. The 2" equivalents came with smooth laminated rosewood grips.
The Ladies of that era came in a rather homely plastic case.
I believe you're close for your Lady's vintage.
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So that's where my orphaned pair of J-combats originated...Thanks for that tidbit of info, Bob...
...Benbiblethumpincop
Member
Pantherclass2004
Member
Perfect carry gun
36-8 with combats
I sold a 3" Model 36 here some years back. Wish I'd kept it. 
Hmmm. I would have sworn I recalled seeing your 36-8 with a bobbed hammer. Do you have more than one?
my 3" 31-1 is my favorite 32 shooter. It has been reamed to take 32 H&R Mag so I could use it for daily carry, but I prefer not to carry exposed hammer guns concealed so it's only a range toy. If I did any woods walking, though, it would be my first choice.
