Opinions about a model 36-6 3" - updated post #27

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Belgian686

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A local auction site is offering a model 36-6 with a 3" barrel and adjustable sights, chambered .38 Special only - starting bid around 220 $ plus taxes. Grip is not original, what would be the right one ?

At first sight, I don't find something here about a specific 36-3, although I know some posts dealt with model 36/60 3" adjustable sight. Is there anything to be said about these model 36-6's ? I am quite tempted, as I missed a 60-4 some time ago going for something less that 400$. Serial number is like BEA6xxx (1989-90 ?)

Thanks for your helpful comments as usual.

B686
 

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The 3" full lug Model 36 Chiefs Special Target (product code 101549) is a revolver that is very much appreciated by it's owners. This is why they seldom come up for sale on the various American auction sites.

Several of your fellow Forum members own these

Mine was originally the duty gun for a Federal Probation Officer. She had carried it for just under 5 years when in 1994 her organization mandated 357 Magnum revolvers and she switched to a Model 13

I have always been a fan of the various Chiefs Special Target offerings from the Factory and this one is so cute, looking like a baby 586

full-lug%20pair.jpg


These are accurate little wheel guns. With the improved sights you will be amazed at how far out you can shoot and still stay tight and on target.
 
Despite the oft' misquoted production numbers, according to Roy's letters on the subject, there were 2,000 Model 36-6s (see the attached excerpt).

It's a neat one, and for the equivalent of $200, oh, my!
 

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To the OP- the 36-6 is an Accurate little J frame. Since you're writing for Belgium, I'm sure holster carry isn't poss. The Only downside to the 36-6 is the matte finish which wears quickley w/ holster use. I bought mine when they were first intro'd.. Even in 95% w/ box and papers I not sell at $700. I'd trade for a 60-4 for more durable finish and the same great accuracy and ease of carry. Great Lil trail
Revolver.
 
I had one of those in the mid 90's. Nice pistol and even though I liked it I had to sell it to take care of the family. Sure wish I could find another. Enjoy!
 
They are great little guns and pretty scarce. The book says 615 made, but I had Roy tell me there were 2000 produced. I did feel the original finish was a little tender, and would show handling fairly easily. Wouldn't deter me from getting one if the price was right.
This is BEA7771 which I formerly owned. It was shipped 1993.
 
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I had an early 60s mint square butt 3" M-36 and think it is a very underrated gun. Very easy to carry and very accurate which I shot darn near as well as a 4 inch K frame, would love to have another one.
 
Those 3" Chiefs are excellent revolvers. The ejector rod is long enough to get the spent cases clear of the cylinder, The sights are a bit wider than on the 2 models were back then, and the extra barrel length does nothing to reduce concealability. I loved mine and carried it for years o the job.
 
My buddy offered me a 3" full lug Model 60 a few years ago, when I held it in my hand it was so close in weight to my 66-1 snub that I couldn't tell much if any difference , the thought of going from 6 rounds to 5 was not exciting nor was the thought of shooting full house .357 in a J frame.

Having one in .38 special makes even less sense with a 3" full underlug barrel since SW offers the wide rib 36-1 in 3" barrel lengths.

I usually rotate between a snub Model 37 and a snub Model 12, sometimes carry My snub 66-1 and occasionally a 3953.
 
two-bit cowboy said:
Did you get it?
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As a matter fact, I won the auction 7 minutes ago :D.
I had to increase the bid by 1 € to have it - I am a very happy man (not only for this) :cool:

A few more pictures to enjoy, and many thanks for all the comments and info given here. As usual, this forum is the one to go for a treasure of pictures, info and good company ...
 

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GerSan69 said:
I wonder what it would cost to re-import a little beauty back into the US?!?! :confused:
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Very good question indeed - I would love to know how much it's the other way, when I see what beauties are out for sale in the US. To my consolation however, I have a slight preference for the prices here ;) (at least for used revolvers - a load of people over here are fully unaware of the beauty and quality of S&W or other wheelguns). Still looking since years for a nice 4" adjustable sight 631 in .32 H&R :p
 
Awesome revolver, and one of the few times that the auction price for a scarce gun can actually be called a "win" :D. I like most of the 3" J frames, but I have never seen one with adjustable sights locally at anything like that price! I think some forum members are checking the price of flights now.

Re-imported revolvers do show up in the US. Some sellers on Gunbroker seem to specialize in them. Usually with German, but sometimes with Belgian (Liege) proof marks and sometimes stamped "WISCHO", for the distributor. I see the German "Eagle over N", and the Munich proofhouse shield, but I can't read the 3rd stamp. Do you know what it is?
 
PeteC said:
Awesome revolver, and one of the few times that the auction price for a scarce gun can actually be called a "win" :D. I like most of the 3" J frames, but I have never seen one with adjustable sights locally at anything like that price! I think some forum members are checking the price of flights now.

Re-imported revolvers do show up in the US. Some sellers on Gunbroker seem to specialize in them. Usually with German, but sometimes with Belgian (Liege) proof marks and sometimes stamped "WISCHO", for the distributor. I see the German "Eagle over N", and the Munich proofhouse shield, but I can't read the 3rd stamp. Do you know what it is?
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If you mean KA, I believe this is a date stamp :

German Date Codes
0 = A
1 = B
2 = C
3 = D
4 = E
5 = F
6 = G
7 = H
8 = I (SIG uses J)
9 = K

which would make the date of German proof mark 1990 - seems to tie to the gun, no ? I need to look up the serial of BEA6xxx, to know the exact year of birth of the gun.

Best - B686
 
Belgian686 said:
If you mean KA, I believe this is a date stamp :

German Date Codes
0 = A
1 = B
2 = C
3 = D
4 = E
5 = F
6 = G
7 = H
8 = I (SIG uses J)
9 = K

which would make the date of German proof mark 1990 - seems to tie to the gun, no ? I need to look up the serial of BEA6xxx, to know the exact year of birth of the gun.

Best - B686
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You are in luck, the standard reference puts the BEA prefix with an August, 1989 production date. So figure four months or so to get across the pond and the proof house and there it is. :)
 
You got a great revolver. The 36-6 was made with forged parts, firing pin on the hammer, and no internal lock. It is a modern classic along with its brother the 60-4.
 
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