georgiaglocker
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Is there any appreciable difference(s) between a new model 36 of today vs a model 36 30 plus years old?
S&W Model 36
- Thread starter georgiaglocker
- Start date
Does the new one have a frame mounted firing pin? MIM parts? Those would be more significant changes than a "Lifetime Warranty." 
IMO, the grips are not what they used to be, nor is the finish
Last edited:
Inkgardener
SWCA Member
I would rather have a 30 year old gun.
^^^^^What he said^^^^^
While I'm glad S&W is finally starting to phase out the infernal lock, I'm still not too impressed with their current offerings. MIM parts, cheap-looking grips, internal firing pin, and ugly reduced curvature on the back of the frame. I'll take a 30+ year-old Smith any day.
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There is no comparison! The older vintage guns were hammer forged, had the firing pin mounted on the hammer - a personal preference, had walnut grips, had no internal lock, no MIM cast parts, no barrel insert, no "new" .012" barrel cylinder gap tolerance, and was actually quality checked before it went to the shipping department. After buying many dozens of brand new S&W revolvers in the 1970's, 80's and early 90's I can tell you without hesitation, I'd never buy a S&W revolver made after the mid 1990's. IMHO the warranty is pretty much useless as they do a horrendous job with that as well.
All my S&W revolver are vintage however I will give full disclosure in that I have a good stash of vintage parts, the proper tools and the knowledge to fix and repair pretty much anything myself. I am not the least but interested in the factory warranty. The truth is of a vintage S&W revolver is properly maintained it should last a long time before needing anything - assuming you bought a revolver in good condition in the first place of course. When buying a vintage gun of any brand, you must either have the knowledge and skills to check it before buying or have someone with you that does. You will avoid lots of headaches! BTW, forget the so called "bargains" - they usually wind up haunting you in the long run!
All my S&W revolver are vintage however I will give full disclosure in that I have a good stash of vintage parts, the proper tools and the knowledge to fix and repair pretty much anything myself. I am not the least but interested in the factory warranty. The truth is of a vintage S&W revolver is properly maintained it should last a long time before needing anything - assuming you bought a revolver in good condition in the first place of course. When buying a vintage gun of any brand, you must either have the knowledge and skills to check it before buying or have someone with you that does. You will avoid lots of headaches! BTW, forget the so called "bargains" - they usually wind up haunting you in the long run!
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