Another 3 inch J frame (perfection!)

[KalamazooKid]

The flurry of threads on 3" revolvers invoked me to bring out my M36-1 (circa 1981) this am for some plinking. Man, I love this little revolver - it's on another planet (compared to my 2" models) relative to accuracy.

Took a chance on the big auction site 4-5 years ago as the pics were terrible, stocks were horribly mismatched, and it was filthy. Once home with a stock upgrade and a very thorough cleaning, it is now an absolute favorite. But what really struck me was the accuracy - being a plinker, I was able to hit a beer can reliably at 25 yards and at least half the time at 40-50 yards. For me, surprisingly good!

Anyway, I see this as a must have for folks who like to shoot the little guns. Here's a few pics after cleaning this am .....

 

[raljr1]

These guns are more accurate than most shooters, for sure.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

That's a beauty, Kid.

Thanks for sharing it and its accuracy with us.

Most know 3" Chiefs are my favorites!

And I love the smooth presentation stocks.

 

[heeter3]

I have 2 kalamazoo kid and like raljr1 and two-bit cowboy have observed they never cease to amaze me.I even carry one or the other every so often.Yours looks like a champ.

 

[robertrwalsh]

I confess I do not much like the 3" J-frames. The proportions look off to me. Just me I guess.

 

[heeter3]

robertwalsh and that is not a problem either we all have different ideas of what we like and I guess for me the extra inch just helps my old eyes sight better and the extra weight in the front holds that barrel down just a tad more.Now back in the day and on the job it was a 2in 442 that was my pal before I met my 3 in Js.Still carry that one too.

 

[1911-10MM]

That is a real beauty, the 3" j frame is one of my favorites as well
Here is my stainless cousin of yours.
Thanks for posting.

 

[Birdhunter6]

My 3" 36-1 dates to 77' or 78'. I love it's accuracy and longer ejector stroke.

 

[Norton 750]

The thing I like about the three inch is the front sight is wider. As a 58 year old shooter, an extra inch of sight radius AND that thicker front sight means I can shoot it a lot more accurately than any of my unsuspecting range buddies would bet lunch on otherwise!

 

[rockquarry]

I've only had one small-frame 3" and it was a Detective Special. I don't believe a 3" gun is any more accurate than a 2", but the 3" has just enough extra bulk and a little extra weight to make it slightly easier for an unskilled shooter to do better with it than with a 2" gun.

As for the alleged longer sight radius advantage...I've found this to be of little or no benefit at 25 yards, but I think you might see a difference, maybe a big difference shooting at longer ranges which few of us do.

I shoot J-frames regularly and they require much practice for most of us to shoot them well. They're not inaccurate regardless of barrel length, but many of us need to develop our skills to take advantage of the accuracy. They're not just 3,5, or 10 yard guns.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Ah, but the front sight is only wider on the 3" Heavy Barrel models (Model 36-1, 60-1, 60-3, etc). The 3" Chiefs (Model 36) with lightweight barrels (discontinued in 1976) had the same ⅒" sight as the 2" Chiefs.

 

[Norton 750]

Good job Bob! I learned something today. This forum is a great resource. I have limited exposure to three inch Chiefs and they must have all been the heavy barrel version. Good to know!

 

[yugolovr]

I have a 36 nd, and think they are much easier to shoot than the standard j frame. OP your gun is great looking and I’m glad you enjoy it.

 

[Green Frog]

Yep, a 3” J frame makes a great carry gun. If it’s stainless and has a heavy lugged barrel and adjustable sights, so much the better!
Froggie

 

[diyj98]

I think the 3" j frames make great little holster guns, but since I pocket carry them, the 3" doesn't work out for me to actually carry.

 

[Retired W4]

Another 3"

This one factory DAO.

 

[madmikeb]

Another 3" M36

Here is my 3" M36, tuned by Andy Cannon, mesquite grips by Guy Hogue.