b737lvr
Member
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2025
- Messages
- 64
- Reaction score
- 185
The new model 36-11 is here and in my company. I’m not going to waste any words so I’ll just get right to it.
Box
The box is the usual blue hard case with foam padding. This case does not and did not support the pistol adequately during transit but luckily this did not harm the pistol. I would like to see them use something more secure for J frames going forward.
Grips
The wooden Altamonte grips were snug and flush with only the slightest visible light through the flange of one of the panels. Not at all enough to warrant sanding. The grips were extremely tight on the pistol and took a good bit of work to remove. Rubber boot grips have been installed in their place.
Fit and Function
The pistol itself appears to be in fine working order. Barrel alignment appears to be 100% perfect. The screws do not appear damaged from install. Crane to frame fitment is exactly what I’d expect from a revolver made in 2025, no more no less. There is no crane movement forward or rearward. End shake measures at 0. Cylinder gap measures barely at .009”. On the high end, but, well within normal range. All but one cylinder lock up fairly well. One cylinder is a little looser than the others. The double action trigger pull is exceptional and the break off the DA sear has a slight roll to it. The break from the single action sear has the absolute slightest double stage to it although it is not noticeable during real use. I am extremely detail oriented so most would probably not even notice if I tried to show them.
Finish
The blued finish is very dark and well done. There are some visible machining marks underneath the blue in certain areas such as the front strap of the grip but it is smooth to the touch. There is one single blemish to the blue visible on the right side of the frame in the lower front corner. A photo is below. Other than that, the polish work underneath the blue is about exactly what I’d expect. Not mirror but not dull. Right in between.
Summary
For a new 2025 model 36, a model introduced 75 years ago, this is very well done. I have no complaints or concerns apart from the unfortunate blemish in the blue. I would not consider this to be an exclusively “collectible” firearm but if you have been yearning for a decent steel J frame in 38spl then this is a big winner.
Box
The box is the usual blue hard case with foam padding. This case does not and did not support the pistol adequately during transit but luckily this did not harm the pistol. I would like to see them use something more secure for J frames going forward.
Grips
The wooden Altamonte grips were snug and flush with only the slightest visible light through the flange of one of the panels. Not at all enough to warrant sanding. The grips were extremely tight on the pistol and took a good bit of work to remove. Rubber boot grips have been installed in their place.
Fit and Function
The pistol itself appears to be in fine working order. Barrel alignment appears to be 100% perfect. The screws do not appear damaged from install. Crane to frame fitment is exactly what I’d expect from a revolver made in 2025, no more no less. There is no crane movement forward or rearward. End shake measures at 0. Cylinder gap measures barely at .009”. On the high end, but, well within normal range. All but one cylinder lock up fairly well. One cylinder is a little looser than the others. The double action trigger pull is exceptional and the break off the DA sear has a slight roll to it. The break from the single action sear has the absolute slightest double stage to it although it is not noticeable during real use. I am extremely detail oriented so most would probably not even notice if I tried to show them.
Finish
The blued finish is very dark and well done. There are some visible machining marks underneath the blue in certain areas such as the front strap of the grip but it is smooth to the touch. There is one single blemish to the blue visible on the right side of the frame in the lower front corner. A photo is below. Other than that, the polish work underneath the blue is about exactly what I’d expect. Not mirror but not dull. Right in between.
Summary
For a new 2025 model 36, a model introduced 75 years ago, this is very well done. I have no complaints or concerns apart from the unfortunate blemish in the blue. I would not consider this to be an exclusively “collectible” firearm but if you have been yearning for a decent steel J frame in 38spl then this is a big winner.
