Hello everyone. I'm thinking about purchasing a Model 36 Classic revolver. Anybody know anything about them? Suitable for CC?
How is the recoil? Grip feel? I was gonna get a Bodyguard 38 but I don't know now after reading some reviews. And do I really need a laser for CC? Any comments would be appreciated.

I honestly think the 36 classic is overpriced. Look for a older model 36. You should be able to find a nice one for around $350.

You don't need a laser. Laser's assist with aiming but I do just fine with the standard sights. Laser's are nice at night. Get the revolver and shoot it then decide if you want a laser.

I would agree with dewingrm on that one. I saw a 36 no dash in a pawn shop the other day. looked to be in about 80% condition. they wanted 400 so I didn't even check the mechanicals. but there are plenty on the auction sites so give that a try. I'm looking for one myself.

Apparently if they're new they're overpriced. You have to wait 15-20 years then pay too much.

I have a 3" Chief's Special Model 36 Classic in Nickel I bought new a couple years ago. And I put Crimson Trace grips on it. Carry it every day in an ankle holster. It looks good, feels good and shoots good. I don't think I paid too much because it brings me satisfaction.

If you like it, get one!

I like the new 4" fixed sight .41 Magnum (forget the model number) and also the "Classic" Model 27 4". Whenever I mention these I get bombarded with the "MIM and IL guns are **** get a real one" and "they're overpriced". Sure the "real" ones are priced less, but sometimes I get a deep satisfaction from buying NIB, something I cannot do with many of the older versions. I kinda like being there from round number 1.

I bought a 10-14 which is the same as the "Model 10 Classic" and I am satisfied with it, I got a used one in virtually unfired condition for $350.......sure I could have added another holster buffed 10 for $200 but I wanted the 10-14

I have a few Model 28's, dozens of older S&W's and I just like the look of some of the "Classics" if for nothing else just neat shooters.

It's true, if you buy something NIB you will be accused of "overpaying", life is short, if you can afford it then I say go for it.

S&W now has a $50 rebate on any of their new J frame guns. I would avoid the new plastic model and opt for the aluminum frame models 637 or 638. You can find them for just under $400 new and the rebate makes either a great buy. They are tired and true snubbies that I carry daily.

Thanks for the suggestions. I had a 638 and did not feel comfortable shooting it.Traded it in and lost a lot of money. Had an LCR and it broke. Same thing. I just want a good carry revolver that I had handle and enjoy taking it to the range for practice.

I have a new model 40 I like, and have been thinking of the new model 14 or 36 too

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Stan

Been looking for a 36 for a while. Both gunshow and gunshop used guns are $500 asking price. Probably could get it for $500 out the door.

From Buds, it's $587 plus $25FFL fee.

Difference is about $100. As for me, I'd rather get a new one. My experience with used gun is nothing but trouble. So, I only buy new guns from now on.

I may be wrong but it seems the new 36 Classic is made with the J-Magnum frame......now if S&W made an all steel,blue .357 snub, that would be something neat......38's for plinking or practice, and then 5 .357's for carry.

How about the S & W Model 340 M & P? It caught my eye at the lgs today and it looks interesting. Any comments?

Hello, I just picked a model 36 classic (I think) I'm trying to find out some info on it. I think it is a 1963 model from what I see on the Internet. Can somebody send me to web site that I can check the sn# and frame#?

I got a M36-2 Nickel in 98-99% condition...looked totally unfired this fall...I traded even for it with a Charter Arms undercover .38 S.Steel.. The asking cash price was $325 for the 36. So if you look good deals are around. Also it's all forged parts..no lock...great carry gun..love mine!

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Model-60 Chiefs Special

The newer Classic line of J frames are worth every penny, IMHO. I purchased both the 40 and 42, which are now nearly impossible to find. I would have bought the 36 had it not been for the oddball "nobody knows my name" M360J I bought a couple of weeks ago. These three J's were paid for with the proceeds from the sale of a Colt WWI Repro I sold at twice what I paid, so the higher cost of the two Classics plus the $500 for the 360J was worth it; and I still have over $300.00 in my pocket....thank you Colt.

There are plenty of old model 36's around. The old ones are better guns on almost every level. They were built by real craftsmen, not lawyers and accountants. BTW, if you need a laser to hit something at seven yards or less, you should probably be throwing rocks. They are for precision shooting at longer distances. Lasers on small pistols are marketing gimmicks to add to the bottom line of the seller. Save your money. In a stressful self defense situations, you're looking for center mass, not pinpoint accuracy. Good luck.

Yes and no; while the craftsmanship of older S&W's may be impressive, there are two, maybe 3 things that I find important in today's new guns...better / improved metallurgy, lighter weights with the use of scandium, and knowing that your .38 S&W cal will handle +P rounds. While I don't fire +P from my guns, I load up atleast one round of +P in my carry guns, just in case. I am currently looking for a safe queen M38, LNIB, or even NIB, if anyone knows of one available, BTW.

At about $750, the new model 36's ARE overpriced. You can get a very nice older one for almost half that, and rough ones under $300. I have seen them for $200 in ugly but working condition.

I paid new $650 OTD for the M40 Classic, and $600 OTD for the M42, OTD as well; well worth it. What is overpriced are the M&P J frames of scandium and titanium at 4 figures.

The advantage of +P out a 2" barrel is negligible. If you limit +P to strictly carry as a self-defense round, it can be used in almost any gun. Yes, scandium is lighter, and yes, today's metallurgy is better. If that's what floats your boat, far be it for me to tell you that you're wrong.

Take a look at the new S&W "classic model 36", then compare it to a vintage model 36 Chief (the true classic). The new version uses the internal lock frame, which (even if you don't mind the keyhole winking at you) does not have the same clean lines as the earlier gun. Look at the shape of the frame in front of the hammer.
I would much spend the same (or less) money on a pristine vintage pre-1982 Chief than buy a new so-called "classic".

yep...and the new M36's are here for wayyyy less than the $750 as quoted elsewhere within this thread...a friend of mine picked up a M637 brand new a cpl.weeks ago from the LGS...it had the laser grips for $415...i removed the lock,installed the plug and so...no hole remains....i'm not arguing to get the old model or new...what i am saying is $750 will almost buy two new ones

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

laser sight: Even if the laser sight does not improve accuracy, it seems to me it may still be useful in discouraging bad conduct. looking down and seeing that red dot on my chest would make me think twice about what ever I was planning on doing, if i was thinking. even if it was bouncing around. JMO

I disagree. If someone can achieve good hits in difficult circumstances using just the stock open sghts, more power to them. But proper sight alignment has always been an issue for accuracy, that's one of the reasons why it's easier to hit with a scoped rifle (or handgun) than an open-sighted one-- no alignment required, just put the crosshairs (or dot) where you want it & shoot.
Getting decent hits at 7 yards is pretty easy in practice, but in a stress situation (read "self-defense") even simple things aren't so easy. Anything that can help you get good hits is worth trying. I am old school and would prefer plain old open sights, except at age 55 that front sight is getting pretty hard to see. I've been resisting the urge, but I just ordered my first laser sights (Crimson Trace LG105) and am looking forward to seeing how I will do with them shooting rapid-fire DA. I look at it more as a visual cue for point shooting than a means for precision shooting, but in fact it will probably turn out to be both.

also if you end up in a situation where you are unable to look down the gun sights the laser will help. for instance shooting from the hip level or with your arm outstreatched 3 feet from your body. The dot will tell you where the bullet is going to go.