I have a potential revolver purchase and I wanted to know what you guys thought.

[KyleHines2005]

All I know of right now is that it's a model 36 no dash that dated to early 1973 or so. Serial number J112674. Fellow says its in good condition with a tad of rust on the right side of gun. I would think behind the cylinder. Look at these photos and let me know what I should or should not pay. He wants $425 which I know is too high. Any input would be appreciated.

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[KyleHines2005]

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[jjbrewst1]

It looks a little rusty and pitted. I would say $325 bucks tops. IMHO

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

It is also a square butt,If you plan to ccw it you will want a round butt(And so do most other people who buy M36's)I am with Jim at about $350 TOPS.I also see the bubba "Red Ramp Sight",The paint may or may not clean off cleanly.

 

[CoMF]

Just my opinion, but for $425 I think you could do a lot better if you look around. I paid that exact amount for my own personal square butt M36 in near mint condition with the original box, manual/warranty card/inserts and tools still sealed in the original plastic.

Also, if you have your heart set on a square butt I can tell you from personal experience that a SB Chief conceals just as easily as its RB counterpart. The caveat is that grips which make all the difference are not as easy to find for the former as they are for the latter. Fortunately, a call to Herrett's fixed that problem for me. Other good choices would be grips from Jim Badger and Pachmayr.

 

[Fessor]

KH2005,
I agree with you that $425 is a little high. However, if you are looking for a M36 SB you probably know that the SB is not as commonly seen as the RB. With that in mind, you will have to look longer to find a SB vs. a RB. Further, if this is a local sale, you will save shipping and transfer, easily a $50 savings. Additionally, to me seeing and holding a prospective buy is worth some money: a personal examination will reveal a lot about condition and in particular, the rust on this piece. If this is just what you are looking for, the asking price may not be as high as initially thought.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

IMO, you can do a lot better. Value on this one for me would be $300 - $325.

 

[gkitch]

My vote is $275 if the timing is solid. As a carry gun (its only purpose) I much prefer the better shooting and more easily accessed Centennial or Bodyguard. I would also prefer stainless or nickle for their durability and (as mentioned) a round butt.

Did I say $275? Lets change that to $250.

 

[TIMETRIPPER]

I'd keep looking at that price. $300 tops, $250 is more realistic. There's a lot of them out there. Just saw two nice 36 RBs at an auction this past weekend sell for $325 and $375. The latter was 98% and with box and everything.
John

 

[H Richard]

I would agree, $425 is too high, it's more a $300 gun. That gun was not well cared for. You can find better for less.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

Just my opinion, but for $425 I think you could do a lot better if you look around. I paid that exact amount for my own personal square butt M36 in near mint condition with the original box, manual/warranty card/inserts and tools still sealed in the original plastic.

Also, if you have your heart set on a square butt I can tell you from personal experience that a SB Chief conceals just as easily as its RB counterpart. The caveat is that grips which make all the difference are not as easy to find for the former as they are for the latter. Fortunately, a call to Herrett's fixed that problem for me. Other good choices would be grips from Jim Badger and Pachmayr.

I disagree with this,I bought a model 36 SB and found it much harder to conceal due to the larger stocks.I use a shoulder holster and an appendix carry IWB.I ended up buying a model 60 RB to replace it,1/2 or more of concealing a gun is the size of the stocks.

 

[KyleHines2005]

He decided to hold on to it. I gave him a manufacture date and what it should bring. I wanted to help him out some and told him some ways to gently remove, if possible, the rust.


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[Rufus]

I bought my daughter a model 36 a few weeks ago that was pretty much in mint condition. I gave $450 for it. I would agree with the others that the price you have been given is a bit steep.

 

[ColbyBruce]

You can buy a NIB Shield for that money. The Shield would be thinner, lighter, hold more cartridges, easier to reload, and less prone to rust.

 

[CoMF]

I disagree with this,I bought a model 36 SB and found it much harder to conceal due to the larger stocks.I use a shoulder holster and an appendix carry IWB.I ended up buying a model 60 RB to replace it,1/2 or more of concealing a gun is the size of the stocks.

If you don't mind me asking, what stocks did you have equipped on your SB Chief's? These are what my Detective Stocks look like and they virtually disappear under a T-shirt or button uniform shirt with the use of a proper belt and holster, and printing is nonexistent with the checkered service stocks it came with. I typically carry IWB at 4'o-clock or AIWB while seated in a vehicle on my daily commute to and from work.

Of course, I also realize what works for me doesn't work for everybody, but I don't believe the difference in concealability with J-frames is as profound as with RB and SB K-frames.

 

[CoMF]

You can buy a NIB Shield for that money. The Shield would be thinner, lighter, hold more cartridges, easier to reload, and less prone to rust.

Not to mention ugly as sin, and this coming from someone who carried a Glock for years and almost bought a Walther PPS to replace it. To each their own, but compact autoloaders will never have the old-school class or panache of a snubbie.

Even with a nitrocarburized finish, I still performed wipe downs with a rust preventative oil (Break-Free CLP). I still do the same with my CS and have yet to see even a freckle of rust anywhere even after exposure to sweat and occasional rain, including the grip screw.

 

[M3Stuart]

I would put the value at less than $375 and more than $275. It's not collectible and there are better concealed carry options at $425.

That's my 2 cents.

 

[njdet354]

Square butt is the way to go. Just add a grip adapter and your set. J-frame is so small it doesn't make a difference for printing if it's round or square. Square is a better fit for shooting. I have been carring one for the last 33 years.