im trying to decide which to go with, really like the 36 with 3" barrels but ive seen the 36 no dash with 3" barrel too. so would it really matter too much if it's no dash or dash as far as how well it shoots, build quality, etc.... just want a fun 38 spl to shoot, maybe a mild diet of +P. From what ive gathered the dash model has the "heavy barrel" but from what i can see in photos, the non dash and dash's barrels look the same...

The second post in this thread shows the difference:

Mod. 36 - are all 3 inch guns heavy barrel?

ahhh think i prefer the thinner barrel, thanks for that link!

I have a 3" no dash. Its the balls and MINE shoots pint of aim with 158 lead. I did not buy it for carry, I have others for that. I would also like a -1 but the guy wanted about $100 too much for it so I ended up with the like new no dash. Its a great shooter and that is what I was looking for.

I will try to add the picture later.

David

oh nice! i'll try to get the no dash but i think i like the round butt a little more, either way thou.

regpark,
I have a 36 3" no dash SB, bought it new in 1976, still have the box and all the paper work, it was 125.00. Anybody you talk to the 3" 36's shoot very well, I've never shot +P's in mine never really saw the need for it. If you can find on buy it they are a sweet little gun.

i prefer the looks of the RB, but is the SB more comfortable to shoot?

Here is one picture of my 1968 Model 36 RB.......

what a beauty, is the RB comfortable? I would say i have medium size hands.

The RB is just fine. Remember the model 36 was designed for lady LEO's - I believe in New York - using .38 Specials only.

It carries concealed great. You can always replace the grips with after market that cover the entire grip to look and feel like square butt.

I would imagine there was a need for a compact revolver chambered in .38 special. Colt had the Detective Special, but S&W only had the Terrier, based on the I frame and chambered in .38 S&W, a less powerful round. In 1950, the J framed compact .38 special was introduced at the International Chiefs of Police convention and they voted to call it the "Chief's Special". When model numbers were adopted in 1957, the Chief's Special became the Model 36.

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

I have a 36-1 3" and it is one of my favorites, very accurate and I wont ever sell it.