Gift 🤠

[El_Phantasmo]

I brought a mistreated and rusted Model 36 back from the dead, mine looked just about as bad as yours, and mine was salvageable. Now it's a great shooter.

Give it a try, and keep us updated!

 

[flagman1776]

All Model 36-1s are 3" barrel. Not all Model 36s with 3" barrels are the -1 variation. No one seems to know why. Remove the grips before soaking the gun as described earlier.

 

[GerSan69]

Just says model 36. No - or 1. Anyone know why the S&W look different from all the others I see.

It doesn't say"-1" because it's not. That is a standard 3" barrel. The best way to tell is the length of the sight blade - it's almost twice as long as on the heavy barrel. And there's a rib on the top, which the -1 does not have.
The S&W are standard for that vintage, too.

 

[Injunbro]

After soaking you could do a cold blue on it for under $10 & an hours work. Cold blue is available @ Walmart, Brownells, etc. It will make it look better & make a nice carry gun.

 

[Loyaljeeper]

Years ago I had a very similar 3" Chief's Special. In 1955 they were not numbered as a model 36 and just called a Chief's Special. The 3" barrel adds about 10% more value over the standard 2". It also appears to be a round butt over the more common square butt configuration for the 3" but doesn't add value. I recommend soaking it in ATF and acetone. The previously mention cold blue is about the most cost effective measure for attempting to make it look cleaner. You could also have it cerakoted for about $150. Considering it is a $100 revolver in this condition, a $150 cerakote job may be worth it. A 36 with an aftermarket finish with cheap rubber grips is worth about $300.

 

[Grayfox]

Clean it up good, lube and then shoot it. If you're happy with it, then consider refinishing.
I've had excellent results with a product called Blue Wonder. It requires a little heat to do properly. But an ordinary hair dryer is enough. Read and follow the instructions carefully. It gives a very nice and durable finish.
However, if the pitting is bad, I'd just hit it with some common cold blue and forget it. No need in trying to put a nice finish on a rough gun.

 

[Audiblehd]

S&W customer service replied this morning.......it was made 1940!!!!

 

[JP@AK]

S&W customer service replied this morning.......it was made 1940!!!!

Proving once again how useless it is to contact the company about matters such as this . . .

 

[Tom S.]

S&W customer service replied this morning.......it was made 1940!!!!

Either you gave them the wrong serial number or the janitor took your call. The knowledgeable members here have already pegged the general time frame the gun was made.

 

[Audiblehd]

Either you gave them the wrong serial number or the janitor took your call. The knowledgeable members here have already pegged the general time frame the gun was made.

. Ya I think they just picked a date out of the sky!

 

[Sierra117]

no idea on cost to re-blue it. My godfather is a gunsmith and he has a bluing tank. I bought a 19-4 and thought I would have him reblue it but there isnt any wear at all hardly so I will let it ride and do it if needs it later. But I also like the idea of just keeping at is.

I understand your situation is different. You are trying to restore a gun that wasnt cared for. In a way I think thats is really neat. You got some good advice to get rust off then you can have some fun with it.

 

[Warren Sear]

I would not mess with the finish. It will look worse when you are done. I suggest just soaking it in oil, as mentioned above.

It is hard for gun guys to just leave bad enough alone, but slapping on some cold blue, or painting it (ugh!) will end up making it look worse in the end. BTDT.

I would get some beat up factory wooden grips from the period for it.

 

[Hawg Rider]

I see a few comments about just cleaning up this old girl and carrying and shooting it. Let's be real- common sense dictates that a good cleaning, followed by a detailed inspection of the bore, cylinder, and internals are required before even thinking about shooting or carrying this Model 36. Maybe even a trip to the local gunsmith for a look see and functional check. If it's determined not safe to shoot, this could be a revolver relegated to just being a wall hanger or parts gun. But with any luck, it'll clean up nicely. I've worked on a few guns in this (or worse) condition, and sometimes it's fun to just practice some shade tree gunsmithing. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Either way, have fun and enjoy.

 

[Audiblehd]

Hey all. Happy 4th of July. I inquired at a few local gun shops and they directed me to Koonce Gun Works of Oregon. Todd is nice and professional. He inspected it and told me that it could not be refinished due to severe pitting and that it is not safe to shoot. Oh well I have the original grips. Time to make it garage art!! I'm now on the hunt for a model 36 in good condition.

Thank you all for you advice and encouraging me to not give up. I'll find a nice example. I'm more of a polish, clean, shoot... repeat enthusiast anyway!