1980 Model 36 with Orange Insert on Front Sight?

[Dump1567]

Doing the paperwork on a like new 79-80 Mod 36 square butt right now. It has an orange insert in the front sight. Never seen that before? Is that normal?

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

When I was a cop in 79/80 I do not recall seeing any 36s with an insert like that and we had a Locker Room full of guys with 36s.

I am thinking a local Gunsmith did that insert because it looked tacky when guys used paint, nail polish and other products to make the front sight stand out.

 

[Dump1567]

I finally got this home & cleaned it up. a few minor blems. Doesn't look to have been fired much. I think I over paid at $645 OTD, but as I mentioned above, I've never seen a model 36 with an orange ramp insert. Plus, it came with a Bianchi holster that's worth around $50, so that helped offset the cost. And the cost of adding the insert, whether from the factory or aftermarket.

I added the grip adaptor.

 

[Threadkiller]

Somebody did a mighty fine job on that insert.

 

[Baxter6551]

It’s a nicely done insert. Nice gun and holster for sure.
The factory used to do inserts on fixed sights like my model 642 but they don’t anymore. This one was done around 1994 back when you could drop guns off at the factory.
I asked them to do one on my model 65 3 inch some years ago when I had the Combat Revolver Package done and found out they only were doing it on adjustable sights going forward.

 

[Dump1567]

It’s a nicely done insert. The factory used to do inserts on fixed sights like my model 642 but they don’t anymore. I asked them to do one on my model 65 3 inch some years ago and found out they only were doing it on adjustable sights n

So I'm guessing maybe someone sent it back to S&W and had it added? I wonder if S&W did special orders for new guns back then?

 

[cmj8591]

That very well could have been done at the mother ship. In the day they would put that insert in any Smith that you brought to them. You used to bring them to the front door and drop them off and if it wasn't busy, you could come back in a couple of hours and pick it up. That's a really nice gun.

 

[Tu_S]

Don't know if it's common for the era, but I have a similar vintage Model 63 that has an orange front sight from the factory.

 

[murphydog]

It was not factory standard equipment, so it might have been a factory or non-factory modification after shipping.

 

[demkofour]

That very well could have been done at the mother ship. In the day they would put that insert in any Smith that you brought to them. You used to bring them to the front door and drop them off and if it wasn't busy, you could come back in a couple of hours and pick it up. That's a really nice gun.

Back in the early 1980s I took a trip to the factory with my issued duty weapon, a 4 inch 64–3. I dropped the gun off to have a red ramp installed as well as an action job and the whole thing was done by the time I finished the factory tour…

 

[Muley Gil]

So I'm guessing maybe someone sent it back to S&W and had it added? I wonder if S&W did special orders for new guns back then?

I have done dozens over the years. All you need is a sharp file and a piece of plastic. A toothbrush handle works nicely.

 

[Baxter6551]

Tu S - The model 63 came with red ramp front standard I believe.

 

[Dump1567]

Thanks for all the info.

It's sad all the info. that will be lost about how S&W use to do things when the original Revolver guys have passed on. Someone needs to put all that info. in a book.

 

[Narragansett]

While not standard, that was easy to have done at the factoy. Especially if you were a LEO.

That looks to ,e to be a factory job. Have you looked for return markings on the frame under the grip?

I used to live 90 miles from factory and was an active duty constable in my town. I used to take all my guns to the factory for mods. Show up in the morning, see the service manager, look at the exhibits, go have lunch, and come back an your gun would be ready to go. Usually no charge.

My model 65-1 is out there with a red ramp, factory action job and target hammer.

 

[Dump1567]

While not standard, that was easy to have done at the factoy. Especially if you were a LEO.

That looks to ,e to be a factory job. Have you looked for return markings on the frame under the grip?

I used to live 90 miles from factory and was an active duty constable in my town. I used to take all my guns to the factory for mods. Show up in the morning, see the service manager, look at the exhibits, go have lunch, and come back an your gun would be ready to go. Usually no charge.

My model 65-1 is out there with a red ramp, factory action job and target hammer.

Do you know what markings these used in the early 80's?

 

[Baxter6551]

***** “I used to live 90 miles from factory and was an active duty constable in my town. I used to take all my guns to the factory for mods. Show up in the morning, see the service manager, look at the exhibits, go have lunch, and come back a your gun would be ready to go. Usually no charge.

My model 65-1 is out there with a red ramp, factory action job and target hammer.” *****

Yes and the service center was across the street in the industrial park. Go have lunch / see the Springfield Armory Museum and go back. Gun ready no charge. “Oh - want a set of grips ? Grab a blister pack off the rack”. I usually declined (head smack)

My model 65 with the trigger job, model 66 hammer and red ramp is also floating around somewhere. I sold it when the City issued us 65s. My last name and Dept are pencil engraved in the frame under the grips…..we engraved everything after reading “The Onion Field”