3” 36
- Thread starter haywood
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Fishinfool
Member
Owned a model 36 3 inch SB flat latch for a number of years. I did find it easier to shoot than the typical J frame RB snub, especially the air weights. Maybe not much better at close, SD ranges, but noticeable at 25 yards. Problem was it was also less concealable, to the point, for me, a snubby K frame made more sense, at least for holster carry.
Larry
Larry
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haywood
Member
I have no problem carrying it. I carry it around the appendix area. Just tried it out today on a Five my walk. I fits the same holster my 442 was in. If this works out I’ll still carry my pocket 442 and instead of a waistband 442 I’ll replace it with this 3” 36
vipermd
Absent Comrade
I had a 3" 36 target gun that had a nice trigger, and I found that it balance a little better than the 2". I did not carry, nut I do occasionally, carry a 2.75 blue speed six, or a Custom Postal Inspector listed below
1. Ported2. Green front sight3. Fantastic trigger job
4. Bobbed and polished hammer5. Trigger guard relieved for a right handed shooter and polished.
My wife and I have a set of SS , consecutively numbered Speed sixes which are both still NIB, unfired. We always say that we will shoot them, but they keep the NIB, unfired, consecutive Shorty Forties. But she carries one of her Colt officers, and I carry the blue Speed Six for the woods, or the Custom Speed Six for my " Barbeque" Gun. Enjoy. Be Safe,
1. Ported2. Green front sight3. Fantastic trigger job
4. Bobbed and polished hammer5. Trigger guard relieved for a right handed shooter and polished.
My wife and I have a set of SS , consecutively numbered Speed sixes which are both still NIB, unfired. We always say that we will shoot them, but they keep the NIB, unfired, consecutive Shorty Forties. But she carries one of her Colt officers, and I carry the blue Speed Six for the woods, or the Custom Speed Six for my " Barbeque" Gun. Enjoy. Be Safe,
reccpd101
Member
the difference in 2" and 3" Chiefs
The longer sight radius does make it easier for a shooter to be on target at 15 to 25 yards. When I was the firearms instructor during revolver days, many officers carried Chiefs for off-duty or backup. About 50% would fail to qualify with a 2", I would loan them my 3" and they would pass. Afterwards they would visit the LGS and trade, then come back and qualify with theirs. The scores were better yet with the then new heavy barrel 3". The LGS gunsmith did a booming business putting colored inserts in the front sights, like mine. I was a popular customer at the LGS. LOL
The longer sight radius does make it easier for a shooter to be on target at 15 to 25 yards. When I was the firearms instructor during revolver days, many officers carried Chiefs for off-duty or backup. About 50% would fail to qualify with a 2", I would loan them my 3" and they would pass. Afterwards they would visit the LGS and trade, then come back and qualify with theirs. The scores were better yet with the then new heavy barrel 3". The LGS gunsmith did a booming business putting colored inserts in the front sights, like mine. I was a popular customer at the LGS. LOL
I carry a 3 inch 60-15 frequently in a Lobo Gun Leather holster, and the answer to the question is yes, I do shoot it better than the shorter barrel J-frames. I love the grips which help. I have two 3 inch 36’s. To be honest, I don’t carry or really shoot either one of them much, but they are beautiful art in my mind.
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pantannojack
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velocity
I have trouble with hammer spur #36's out of pocket draw, but my 3" gives me 75fps more than my 2" with standard pressure lead. It is smaller & lighter than my 4" #10. Iv'e come to appreciate my 45 Shield very much.
I have trouble with hammer spur #36's out of pocket draw, but my 3" gives me 75fps more than my 2" with standard pressure lead. It is smaller & lighter than my 4" #10. Iv'e come to appreciate my 45 Shield very much.
linde
US Veteran
Based on my experience, scores would be even better with the square butt version of the 3" heavy barrel. Concealment has never been a problem for me with either an IWB or OWB Lobo Enhanced leather holster.
Russ
OP
haywood
Member
I’m carrying it in the waist so no Hang up problems. I ordered Pachmayr Compacts because my once injured hand needs them. It’s from 1972, heavy barrel. The trigger is heavy but I’m a revolver guy and that never bothers me. Now instead of Two 442’s it will be a 36 and 442 every day.
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reccpd101
Member
Linde, your right on about the stock grips. The square butt beats the round butt in that configuration. As I recall, many of the officers bought the round butt but replaced the magna grips with pachmyrs. I had the pachmyr compacs without the outside logo button on mine.
heeter3
Member
I have 2 model 36 3 ins and love them.They are not much harder to conceal than my 442,36 2 in. Det spcl or 70s cobra.I rotate between all on a monthly basis.Im sure youll love your 3 inch and watch out cause youll probably be looking for another one.
two-bit cowboy
US Veteran
I, too, am a big fan of the 3" Chiefs. My July '53 Baby Chiefs 3" is my favorite for carrying, but, like Russ, I like a square butt for shooting. I guess the fact I have 3" Chiefs from every 20th century decade says something.
Yes, I do a wee bit better on the range with a 3".
I'm 6'4" so concealment is not a problem on the belt or in a shoulder rig.
Yes, I do a wee bit better on the range with a 3".
I'm 6'4" so concealment is not a problem on the belt or in a shoulder rig.
MetalMan
Member
I carry my 60-15 regularly in a Milt Sparks VMII.
My 2 - 2” 36’s (1 RB-1968, 1 SB-1983) are now relegated to safe queen duty.
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federali
Absent Comrade
3" Model 37
I owned a 3" Model 37 for a number of years and the guns are a bit easier to shoot more accurately than the 2" version. Mine was a round butt but somebody made a square butt replacement grip that was very comfortable. I don't remember whether or not I also used a Tyler T-grip adaptor.
My only complaint with the entire J-frame line is that Smith furnishes them with very fine fixed sights. These are OK for young people but once you hit your early to mid-40s and need reading glasses, the sights are useless. I too was a firearms instructor and I used to advise my agents and police officer friends that they were better off trading in the Smith and acquiring a Colt D-frame as the sight picture was coarser and much more user friendly for middle-aged and older retirees.
I owned a 3" Model 37 for a number of years and the guns are a bit easier to shoot more accurately than the 2" version. Mine was a round butt but somebody made a square butt replacement grip that was very comfortable. I don't remember whether or not I also used a Tyler T-grip adaptor.
My only complaint with the entire J-frame line is that Smith furnishes them with very fine fixed sights. These are OK for young people but once you hit your early to mid-40s and need reading glasses, the sights are useless. I too was a firearms instructor and I used to advise my agents and police officer friends that they were better off trading in the Smith and acquiring a Colt D-frame as the sight picture was coarser and much more user friendly for middle-aged and older retirees.
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StrawHat
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I competed in PPC during the 80s and 90s. One of the matches was “Off Duty”. For that legs I shot a Model 36-1. At the time, there were no models that had adjustable sights. I tested my target wadcutter loads against full power wadcutters and SWC loads. The one that grouped best at 50 yards was the SWC loading, 158 grain so that is what I used. It must have worked as I stayed up in the ranks until I stopped competing.
I also had a Model 36 with the 2” barrel. Bought it from a detective who dropped it a broke the hammer spur. Ground the rest of the nub away and used it for undercover. Sold it when I decided I liked the -1 better.
Kevin
I also had a Model 36 with the 2” barrel. Bought it from a detective who dropped it a broke the hammer spur. Ground the rest of the nub away and used it for undercover. Sold it when I decided I liked the -1 better.
Kevin
I like all the 3" Js. Here is my 36.
schutzen-jager
Member
yes 3" more accurate at all ranges - just as easy to conceal as two inch - bulk is in cyl. + butt not barrel -
linde
US Veteran
3" heavy barrel Js come in a variety of models . . . see pictures below for Models 36-1, 60 (John Jovino special order) and 640 as well as a comparison shot of all three barrel profiles. Since I could add a 5th picture I threw in a Model 60-4 with adjustable sights and barrel underlug to achieve the same fine balance.
Yeah, I'm a 3' J-frame fan too.
Russ
Yeah, I'm a 3' J-frame fan too.
Russ
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flagman1776
Member
My 36-1 with factory targets is a splendid shooter and conceals just fine (grips and all) is a proper holster. Working a rare (for me) plainclothes detail (dress shirt, tie, preppie sweater) the OIC (Officer In Charge) had to ask me if I was armed. 3" is not going to pocket carry well.
Years ago I was anxious to find a 3-inch 36. As is usual for me, it seemed they were lying around everywhere at good prices until I decided I wanted one. 
I eventually found a nice used one (a blued, square-butt gun) and started shooting it. I found I could shoot it a bit better than my 2-inch guns, but not much, and it was not nearly as handy as my 2-inch 37. Then Colt came along with their Lightweight Officers ACP and “spoiled” things. I bought one of those, which more or less permanently derailed carrying J-frames, for me. I set the 3-inch aside and I’ve rarely used it in the last three decades. A bit later, S&W offered the Model 60-4, which I bought and had great success with, but I used it as a trail gun. Thinking back on all this, I think I’ll drag out the 3-inch 36 again and shoot it some more. It’s been a long time. 
I eventually found a nice used one (a blued, square-butt gun) and started shooting it. I found I could shoot it a bit better than my 2-inch guns, but not much, and it was not nearly as handy as my 2-inch 37. Then Colt came along with their Lightweight Officers ACP and “spoiled” things. I bought one of those, which more or less permanently derailed carrying J-frames, for me. I set the 3-inch aside and I’ve rarely used it in the last three decades. A bit later, S&W offered the Model 60-4, which I bought and had great success with, but I used it as a trail gun. Thinking back on all this, I think I’ll drag out the 3-inch 36 again and shoot it some more. It’s been a long time. 1chessiefan
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Dear Friends,
I have a 3” model 60-3 that is in my carry rotation. I do not have any problem with pocket carry with this revolver. I am 6’1” and on the slim side. I use one of Mika’s pocket holsters. I wear some deep pocketed Duluth Co. shorts in warmer weather and some deep pocketed pants in colder weather.
Stay healthy!
1 Chessiefan
I have a 3” model 60-3 that is in my carry rotation. I do not have any problem with pocket carry with this revolver. I am 6’1” and on the slim side. I use one of Mika’s pocket holsters. I wear some deep pocketed Duluth Co. shorts in warmer weather and some deep pocketed pants in colder weather.
Stay healthy!
1 Chessiefan
two-bit cowboy
US Veteran
Curious: is your 60-3 A Lady Smith? I had one, but sold it to a friend because those ergonomically designed grips fit her hands but not mine.
I've gone back through this thread and enjoyed the 3" discussion again.
Great topic, Haywood, and I didn't mention it before, but I am surprised you switched from a Centennial to an exposed hammer -- that proves no matter how committed each of us is to how we do things we can all learn more and change.
My plinking in the woods gun: different brand, but same sort of scenario. It is certainly easier for me to hit something with this 3" Detective Special than a regular snub nose, which I never really thought of as fun for casual shooting.
