36-1, 3 inch POA/POI question

[Casual Smith Nut]

LGS has a really clean square butt 3 inch model 36-1 for sale in low 500s. Those of you who have this configuration (heavy barrel dash 1), do you find a particular load that shoots to sights at 25yd?

I realize they aren't meant as target guns but I think it makes a great kit gun. It would be nice to know if in general they shoot POA with 125gr loads or 158gr loads.

Thanks

 

[colt_saa]

Based on your question, I presume you are asking about the 3" Model 36 with standard sights fixed sights

In that Era of manufacture, the common load would be the 158 and that is what the Factory would have strived for

In handguns like the snubby Model 36 heavier bullets tend to hit higher than lighter bullets. This is good for you since you could lower the front sight to take care of that with your 125s

However until you shoot it you will have no idea. The previous owner might have already made a change.

Since you have handled the firearm did you notice if the front sight had been shortened and reblued?

I am fortunate as my 3" Model 36 is one of the Chiefs Special Target variations so things like POI/POA not converging are easily resolved

Though I realize there were not many produced in this configuration

 

[Casual Smith Nut]

Thanks for the reply. That sure is pretty target model chiefs special.

No I didn't notice any modification to the front sight. My hunch also is it would be regulated for 158gr loads as many of the fixed sight guns were from that time. As handy as adjustable sights are though, I really like the simplicity of fixed sights assuming they're regulated for a normal loading.

Some guns seem to have less variance in POA/POI between bullet weights than other guns. There's probably numerous factors at play for that… heft, barrel length, grip etc…

I'd be interested to hear from some 36-1 owners out there to see their findings.

 

[Ameshawki]

Have one. I don't shoot it at twenty five yards. More like twenty five feet. Keeps them in a decent size group more or less centered. 158 grains for the most part.

 

[reccpd101]

I owned a blued one for years then traded for a Model 60. I now have a 3" 36-1 again in nickel. Go for the 158 grain. In the older guns, they were likely regulated for what was the standard load at the time they were manufactured. Both my 36-1s liked them.

 

[SLCDW]

My 36-1 is poa/poi on with 158 grain Hornady Customs at 21-50 ft.

 

[Model19man]

I have a Model 37 which is essentially the same as your Model 36 except mine is alloy frame while yours is steel frame. I shoot factory 148 grain wadcutters at 25 yards and they are right on.

 

[Casual Smith Nut]

Thanks for the reply everyone. Sounds like 158gr is the consensus. I'll know if I get a chance to go back (assuming it hasn't sold yet).

 

[StrawHat]

I used a Model 36-1 in competition. The 158 grain cast SWC at factory speed were close enough to the sights at 25 yards to win.

Kevin

 

[len917]

my 36-1 15 yds POI is very close to POA. 158 gr SWC Tight Group or HP-38 3.1 gr

 

[chief38]

I have found that 158 grain lead is about the best bet in accuracy for all 38 specials. The LSWC makes a very nice range load as does the 158 grain RNL. The RNL is just more difficult to see at distance due to it's more ragged holes vs SWC clean cut holes.

 

[rockquarry]

I have found that 158 grain lead is about the best bet in accuracy for all 38 specials. The LSWC makes a very nice range load as does the 158 grain RNL. The RNL is just more difficult to see at distance due to it's more ragged holes vs SWC clean cut holes.

Yes, generally true.

And I'll add this... It will vary from one shooter to another, but for me, a two-handed hold will get the bullets much closer to point of aim than shooting Bullseye style with one hand, my preferred method of target shooting with any revolver. With one handed shooting, the point of bullet impact is almost always higher, often by 6" or so. I usually shoot all handguns at 25 yards.

 

[stansdds]

S&W regulated the sights on their 38 Special revolvers based on standard pressure 158 grain lead ammo. Most will shoot point of aim at 25 yards with such ammo, but sometimes things did not line up correctly and a revolver left the factory with point of impact being too high or too low. I would definitely try standard pressure 158 grain loads, two hand hold or from a bench rest, and if it still does not shoot point of aim, have another experienced revolver shooter try it.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

For the most part you will be right on with 158 grain lead.

Some people have vision issues and others have grip issues especially with a J Frame. Of course most people do not shoot one inch groups at 25 yards. So some people will not shoot significantly better with 125 or 158 grain bullets.

One thing, I do not believe in filing down front sights.