[Update: Short range report in Post#5]

I have K-Frames, L-Frames and N-Frames, but until recently had no J-Frame. Took delivery of a very nice Model 36 (no dash) Chief's Special today from a forum member here. After a cleaning (though it really didn't need it), a little cold blue on a few small spots, a little Flitz, and a coat of Ren Wax, she came out looking pretty good. I would call it a very high shooter grade, which is exactly how I like 'em. The right grip panel has a few dings, but the grips number to the revolver.

Based on the diamond magnas and the serial number (437XXX) I had guessed perhaps a 1965 ship date. I asked the previous owner, who said he thought '64 or '65. Can any of the many experts here confirm the date? Thanks in advance.

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Congrats -- that is a handsome creature.

S&W changed to the contoured thumbpiece (like yours) in February 1966.

Others in the database near your serial number suggest yours might have shipped in June or July '66.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Based on some research in the SWCA archives it appears to date to August, 1966.

Nice looking gun! Enjoy it.

I took the M36 to the range for the first time yesterday. As I said, this is my first J-frame, and the first time shooting one. I wasn't expecting so much recoil. I was shooting standard pressure Norma 158 gr. FMJ. Using my normal grip, the cylinder release lacerated the top of my thumb. I'm going to have to get some larger grips for range duty, or adjust the way I grip this one. Maybe both!

I was pleased with it's accuracy -- not a tight group , but about a 6" spread at 10 yards. Certainly accurate enough for it's designed usage.

Once you get to know your J-frame you will find it remarkably accurate FROM A BENCH. Masters of the two hand grip can do almost as well. That is why there is a large open market for J-frame grips. I tried the ERGO grip on my Model 638, but it interfered with my holsters. I have the S&W long grip that allows me to get 3 fingers on it. I got it from S&W on line, which no longer seems to be available???

Geoff
Who doesn't know what to make of this...anyone??

S&W used to make what we call "banana" stocks for the I and J frames. They are not pretty, but they do fill the hand better than the original Magna stocks. Perhaps this would be a solution for you. You can probably find a pair on eBay.

Here is a picture of a set on a .22/32 Kit Gun Model of 1953. They are now on my wife's Model 34 Kit Gun.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

This is correct. My first outing I had similar groups to OP, now I put bullets on top of each other. The Chief is incredibly accurate for a snub and far more accurate than I'll ever be.

Short update: I installed a set of Hogue Monogrips and went back to the range. MUCH better recoil mitigation. I plan to pocket carry the M36 on occasion however, and the Hogues make it too large. To keep the original numbered diamond magnas in as good a shape as possible, I ordered a set of E-Bay grips from Thailand and retired the originals. They fit pretty well, and if they get a few dings it's no big deal. I can always put the Hogues back on for range duty. Here's the Thai grips.

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[QUOTE=ZGrand;141756709]Short update: I installed a set of Hogue Monogrips and went back to the range. MUCH better recoil mitigation. I plan to pocket carry the M36 on occasion however, and the Hogues make it too large. To keep the original numbered diamond magnas in as good a shape as possible, I ordered a set of E-Bay grips from Thailand and retired the originals. They fit pretty well, and if they get a few dings it's no big deal. I can always put the Hogues back on for range duty. Here's the Thai grips.

[/QUgOTE]

I put the Hogue Monogrips on and now I can practice easier. It's a keeper and I never want to sell it. Gotta have a 'J' frame.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

When I bought my new 36 back in the mid-‘70’s, all the dealer had in stock at the time was .38+P ammo and the thumbpiece lacerated my thump too. A set of Pachmayr Compac grips solved that problem and I carried that revolver for years off-duty and as a backup weapon.

There's a Karma for a set of combat stocks, I think, in the Lounge. Check those stocks out. I may look for a pair when I don't win those ones. Similar in size to the banana style posted above by JP@AK. They might just turn that very nice revolver in the OP into a very handy and handsome revolver. I don't mind the original ones on my '74 M36. I have 125 gr. .357 magnums in it for the few times I've shot it and it's not that bad with the stock Magnas and I don't have much of a problem. Maybe because of the lighter bullet? And, also, I shoot whatever size cartridge in double action free hand just as bad as any other cartridge! But up close & personal these are very nice guns to carry.
Very nice example in the OP, in my opinion. Perhaps I should get the wax out and TRY to come close to that.
Post #7 very nice, too.

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There's a Monster on the loose

I don't think I understand. You shoot .357 Magnum cartridges out of a Model 36 from 1974??? How is that possible?

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

My fault!!! That would be a little tough to do! Thanks for catching that for me. I meant the lighter .38spl at 125 grain instead of the 158s. Thanks for setting my butt straight. (That’s hard to do with me.)
I’m surprised the masses with torches and pitchforks haven’t rushed my gates!

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There's a Monster on the loose

If you want to appreciate the original stocks on your ‘60s vintage Model 36, try shooting service ammo in a Baby Chiefs Spl with the original grips. Those standard J frame stocks will feel huge!
Froggie

Very nice , congratulations

These S&W "target" work well for me. A good hold and fills the "ouch" gap between the rear of the trigger guard and grip frame.

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Everyone should own AT LEAST one j frame. Perfect carry gun

Nice find! I like J frames a lot.

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I would say you do. Wow! Incredible collection.

One of the most critical advantages of the J is the ability to use as a deep cover gun - pocket ankle etc. larger grips really defeat the purpose there.
From what I have experienced the best options are :
The standard service grips plus a grip adapter
Boot style grips offered by spigel eagle and a few others.
There is no free lunch easily concealed grips are tougher to shoot with larger easy to shoot with grips are difficult to conceal.
Many savvy snub users depend on 148 target wadcutters for snub carry for a lot of solid reasons:
Light more manageable recoil
Usually hit to point of aim for fixed sights ( or close anyway)
Inherently accurate
Good penetration to fbi standard in ballistic gelatin
Unlike round noses the sharp shoulder cuts tissue as it passes instead of pushing it out of the way - better wounding potential

From a lot of research and experience the answer with snubs in regard to traditional marketed hollow point defense ammo:

If it expands, it won’t penetrate
If it penetrates it won’t expand

Looks like an amazing example and I’ll go out on a limb and say that it won’t be your only J-frame

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Some Might Say.

You'll love that gun ZGRAND and if you have the chance get a 3 inch too.

I like these boot grips on my J frame snubs. I use J targets on the 3 and 4" guns.

S&W Model 60 (2).jpg

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Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760