3" Model 36

[petepeterson]

So I have a personal rule about $300 S&W revolvers I see at gun stores- Buy them and figure out why later...Worst case, it costs me $50, and I get to enjoy researching it a little. Sometimes it works out great, other times...

I found a 3" 36 no-dash with some muzzle wear, and grips that have seen better days, and unfortunately, the hammer spur tip either broke off, or someone tried to shorten it a little. For some reason though, the 3" barrel calls to me on a j-frame. If nothing else, I have a nice shooter to play with.

The ser # is J829xx. Can someone give me an approx. ship date? Any other info would be appreciated, as well. Looks like it will go nicely in my 3" 60-15 holsters.

 

[P&R Fan]

Catalog says it was born in 1970.
You can buy another hammer. That, for me would be a haggling point.
Jim

 

[petepeterson]

Thank you for the lightning reply. That's perfect. Goes well with my 1970 19-3 (also bought for $300!).

I'm always afraid I'm missing out on something if I leave it there! I didn't even catch the hammer until I got home, because it was smooth. Thats what makes me think it was done on purpose. Neat gun, though.

 

[Jim NNN]

My understanding is that, not long ago, $300 could actually buy you a very nice used garden variety K frame or J frame. I remember that the brand new model 10 that I didn't buy at Wards 30 years ago would've cost me well under $300. But even nice used guns several years ago were a good deal less than they are now. I started a very modest collection of S&W revolvers three or four years ago. I've seen prices go up a bit in just that time.

I love my 3" J frame. I'm sure you'll love yours.

 

[petepeterson]

Upon further review, I believe i overpaid for this one. Whatever it is that jumps into my bloodstream when I see a used S&W owes me 3 bills.

On the other hand, if it's a shooter, I'm sure I'll find a use for the old, homeless girl. I really like the way the 3" guns balance, and they are, for me, easier to shoot than a snubby. As I typically carry IWB, the length is no issue.

 

[Jim NNN]

My guess is that people luck into nice $300 S&W revolvers. It's common for people to brag about the low prices they paid for really nice guns, giving the impression that prices in general are lower than they actually are.

I checked Numrich gun parts for your hammer. They're a bit over 50 bucks, but they're out of stock. They do have some grips (round) in stock - reasonable prices but obviously used.

 

[NE450No2]

If the gun is in good using shape, even with the trimmed hammer, and functions 100% I think $300.00 for a 3" Mod 36 is a good deal.

I have always thought a 3" J frame would be a good purse, or belt holster gun, for those that carry a 38. I prefer the 2" [1 7/8"] barrels for the pocket.

I have a 4" 22 LR Kit gun and a 2" 22LR Kit Gun. I carry the 2" while hunting a lot more often because I can carry it in my pocket. [I always have a 44 or a 45 on my belt.]

I have killed several snakes,[Speer/CCI shotshells] and a few squirrels and rabbits for the pot, with the 2". It is suprisingly accurate...
I have used it for finishers on a couple of wild pigs as well.

 

[H Richard]

Good gosh, a $300 S&W revolver! Getting to be a scarce object. I have fond memories of carrying a $100 bill in my wallet in case I ran into a deal on a S&W. Boy, are those days long gone.

 

[Kiteman72]

It's funny that I stumbled on this thread.
My local dealer just texted me a photo of a pretty little 36-1 w a "little rust on top" for $350. Sounds like it might be worth a look, I'm betting the rust issue is minor. I saw a decent one at a recent gun show for $450.
Have fun and good luck w yours.

 

[GF]

I bought a 3 inch Mod 36-1 a few years ago with a crack in the hammer spur. Must be a little more common with the long slim hammer of this timeframe. Anyway - I try to keep hammers & triggers for just such an emergency and changed it out.

I think someone took it outta' the box and dropped it on the hammer, then took it to the gunshow to get rid of a broken revolver!

S&W pieces & parts were plentiful and that's what you kept in inventory, not them ol' worthless wood grips. But I DID keep a few of those in the drawer too. I always did like (still do, but it's sure harder now) to buy a gun that needed some TLC and stand it back up.

The $300 blue revolver and the $400 stainless was all you needed to know as far as what the ballpark price on S&W's were for a long time.
And it doesn't seem like it was all that long ago.
Money is getting smaller and tangible assets, like guns are getting more expensive.

Buy 'em while & when you can!

GF

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

So I have a personal rule about $300 S&W revolvers I see at gun stores- Buy them and figure out why later.

Then you would have had quite a dilemma if you had been in my shoes earlier this evening. The gun shop down the street just got in a nickel Model 10-5 with a five inch barrel. The finish is about 98% (though I'm more experienced in judging blue than nickel), and the trigger appears slightly rust discolored, but it's mechanically in excellent shape. Original grips are in good condition. Price tag said $300.00, but the salesman said he'd let me have it for $270.00.

I was stunned, and sorely tempted. This place is usually reluctant to price a pinned barrel S&W for anything under $400.00. Made me suspicious, but I couldn't see anything wrong with it. Only thought that occurs to me is that it's priced so low because (perhaps) the nickel isn't original. If it's an aftermarket nickel job, it's not obvious to me, though.

 

[David R]

I just bought a 3" 36 no dash that looked unfired for $349.00. I left the store with it in a paper bag, no box. Its a sweet shooter. I also have a 2" 36 no dash and a new 637-2. You folks got me hooked.

I would not have walked out of the gun shop with out the 10-5.

Enjoy your new toy. Mine is accurate as can be.

 

[petepeterson]

I bought a 3 inch Mod 36-1 a few years ago with a crack in the hammer spur. Must be a little more common with the long slim hammer of this timeframe. Anyway - I try to keep hammers & triggers for just such an emergency and changed it out.

I think someone took it outta' the box and dropped it on the hammer, then took it to the gunshow to get rid of a broken revolver!

S&W pieces & parts were plentiful and that's what you kept in inventory, not them ol' worthless wood grips. But I DID keep a few of those in the drawer too. I always did like (still do, but it's sure harder now) to buy a gun that needed some TLC and stand it back up.

The $300 blue revolver and the $400 stainless was all you needed to know as far as what the ballpark price on S&W's were for a long time.
And it doesn't seem like it was all that long ago.
Money is getting smaller and tangible assets, like guns are getting more expensive.

Buy 'em while & when you can!

GF

Mine isn't quite as pretty as that one! I also have a 4" kit gun with a little wear on it, so it looks like I'm starting a new branch of collecting- Abused, Homeless j-frames.

 

[petepeterson]

My guess is that people luck into nice $300 S&W revolvers. It's common for people to brag about the low prices they paid for really nice guns, giving the impression that prices in general are lower than they actually are.

I checked Numrich gun parts for your hammer. They're a bit over 50 bucks, but they're out of stock. They do have some grips (round) in stock - reasonable prices but obviously used.

I did luck into a 19-3 at that price awhile back, so I can't complain. Are all 36 hammers the same, or did they switch to a firing pin at some point? And I believe mine is a square butt, if I'm not mistaken.