1971 Chief's Special Model 36, general questions

[kaaskop49]

To all above posters

Incredible Forum. Incredible thread. Incredible posters. Wow. Somebody obtains a plain-Jane Model 36 and Forum members offer more helpful and useful info than even a J-hound like me can handle. Well, I can, but you know...

Kudos to all and thanks for not encouraging the OP to remove the sideplate if he were not competent to do so.

Kaaskop49
J-hound extraordinaire

 

[peterdeb]

Nice older Smith----many would like such as a collector piece---having box and all.

Think about locking it up somewhere and see where the value/demand goes for a few years

Buy a current 638 and carry IT.

Don't mess with the screws/sideplate.

IMHO

I completely agree! Put it away and get a 638.

 

[firemanhank]

Another great looking 36!
I carry my chief's special quite frequently. As others have already said, it's a great gun and very comfortable to carry all day.

 

[hotrod150]

It's a nice tool, made to be used. Carry it. I much prefer my vintage pinned Chiefs to the later model j-frames I've owned.

 

[Terminatorret]

OK, it's a jewel. Collectors would love to have it. If you want make $$ seal it up and lock it in a safe.
BUT, if it's going to become a family heirloom (it will outlive you), then you have to decide what your great grand child wants to hear...
1. "Here's great-grand dad's Model 36. He never carried it. He kept it locked in a safe. I think he'd want you to have it."
or...
2. "Here's great-grand dad's Model 36. He always carried it in his pocket. It's worn, but 100% functional. I think he'd want you to have it."
Both answers have merit. You decide.

 

[Boettner]

OK, it's a jewel. Collectors would love to have it. If you want make $$ seal it up and lock it in a safe.
BUT, if it's going to become a family heirloom (it will outlive you), then you have to decide what your great grand child wants to hear...
1. "Here's great-grand dad's Model 36. He never carried it. He kept it locked in a safe. I think he'd want you to have it."
or...
2. "Here's great-grand dad's Model 36. He always carried it in his pocket. It's worn, but 100% functional. I think he'd want you to have it."
Both answers have merit. You decide.

Well put. I'd like to think my grandchild would appreciate a well carried piece rather than a time capsule. I've been let down by a modern J-Frame (the matter is developing, I'm working with S&W). This piece is so well made and functions perfectly, I know with this quality gun I have the real deal and can depend on it. Hopefully, my grandchild will understand my decision.

 

[hotrod150]

I love Chiefs, I own two 36's a 37 & a 60, but they're not really anything special. In reality, how much value would be lost by carrying it instead of locking it away? Versus losing the value of a good tool for everyday carry? Seems like a no-brainer.

 

[jrandyh]

Beautiful gun. I aquired a 36 flat latch that belonged to a friend who passed away. Not sure he ever fired it. It's in excellent condition. So far haven't been able to fire it as I have plenty if other shooters.
JR

 

[Lobster Picnic]

If you bought it to carry, I would carry it. There's pride of ownership in knowing you have a pristine M36 in the safe, but there's also pride of ownership in knowing the things you carry to help you through life are top quality tools, beautifully crafted, with a proven track record. Carry the M36 and enjoy it every day.

 

[hotrod150]

With something like a model 36, how much is the value ever gonna rise? Even if you got it cheap, is locking it away for years in order to make a measly few hundred bucks worth giving up the enjoyment & satisfaction of using it the way God (and S&W) intended? I use mutual funds etc for investment income, my guns are for enjoyment.

 

[Boettner]

I decided against opening up the side plate and used Rem-oil to flush out the internals as was advised by Chief38 (thanks bro).

The gun functioned flawlessly at the range, one of the best triggers I've experienced, very crisp - and this baby was accurate. I'm talking about putting follow up rounds in the same hole.

I'm not going to knock current Smith products, I have had good results with M&P 40C, and with a little after-market work, the Bodyguard 380. However, my 442 isn't hasn't delivered what I bought it for and that's reliability (light strikes). However, with the 36 I feel the quality and reliability are all there.

After cleaning the bore with Hoppe's 9 I cleaned with CLP, and then applied more CLP and let it soak overnight. After a nice polish with a silicone cloth the pistol looks great, too.

Thanks to everyone for all the wisdom, and help. I appreciate it.

 

[CoMF]

Glad we were of help. I hope you get many years of service from your M36.

 

[Jaymo]

I'd carry it.
I carry a 36 of the same vintage, every day.
I wouldn't waste time using steel or bronze wool on it.
All I'd do is clean it, oil it, load it, carry it, and shoot it.
That finish looks good to me.
I'd take it out and take it's virginity, vigorously.
I like shooting my little 36.