Model 36 3"

[catsfan20]

I shot my model 36 2" that I inherited from my grandpa for the first time a few weeks ago and loved it. Enjoying shooting it got me wanting the 3" version to keep it company. My search to find one has not taken as long as I thought it would as a buddy of mine at the local shop just sent me a picture of a nice 3" RB M36 they just had come into the store. If it is still there at lunch on Tueday as they are closed for Memorial Day as they should be, I plan on taking a look and for the right price, going home with it. Now for my question, what is the right price? I'm pretty new at grabbing up Smiths, but I figure I better get one more before I tie the knot and have to ask permission first .

 

[murphydog]

It looks nice, and if the stocks are original it is likely a mid-1960s gun. I think a fair price would be in the $350 range, less than that would be a pretty good deal.

I gather you liked shooting the 2"?

 

[ultra45]

It looks nice, and if the stocks are original it is likely a mid-1960s gun. I think a fair price would be in the $350 range, less than that would be a pretty good deal.

I gather you liked shooting the 2"?

I bought 2 brand new back in 1979-80 for $61 bucks a piece. Our equipt section had them, they were phasing them out. They used to be the authorized duty gun (back in the day) for policewomen. We had a ton of them. Such a deal!

PS...I still have one of them.

 

[catsfan20]

It looks nice, and if the stocks are original it is likely a mid-1960s gun. I think a fair price would be in the $350 range, less than that would be a pretty good deal.

I gather you liked shooting the 2"?

I really enjoyed the 2"! I had never shot an all steel j frame before and it is a lot more enjoyable than my airweight 642. I think my buddy said they had it priced at 425 which I though was high, but we will see if I can get them to work on the price. I will have to try to force myself to maybe let it slide if not.

 

[kpm]

As always, location can play a big part in price.
I have a very nice square butt 36-1. Someone would really have to catch me in the right mood to get it for less than $425. But thats just me.

 

[A10]

And I have an extremely nice 2" I purchased from a forum member. It would take the high side of 450 for me to part with it, it has the wrong box, tools and papers. I would suggest, if you like it get it. It's pretty doubtful things will be going down in price very soon.

 

[papajohn428]

I picked up the same model in St Louis a year ago for $450, and was glad to get it at that price, even without the box or papers. The three-inchers seem a lot harder to find, those that have them rarely turn loose of them. It also should be said I'm a complete sucker for three-inch guns, and now have quite a gathering of them, of numerous makes and models.

 

[Hondo44]

catsfan20,

I would grab it at that price. It's an early gun in very nice condition.
It was made between '66 (when the flat cylinder latch was changed) and '68 (when the diamond in the grip was eliminated, assuming the grips are original). Check the underside of the right grip to know if the serial number matches the gun's # on the butt.

There are two different 3" barrels that were produced: tapered like the 2" you own and heavy weight.
Notice the difference between the barrel and front sight in your photo and in papajohn428's photo:

I believe your photo shows the tapered barrel (much more apparent in a top view) which has a long front sight ramp. papajohn's looks like the heavywieght barrel and has the shorter front sight ramp and wider barrel rib.

I only mention this in case you weren't aware of the two different barrel styles. I prefer the tapered barrel which is what mine has.

 

[Protected]

a nice gun, you will not be unhappy with it. also, i have found the 3" to be very accurate. mine was manufactured around 1976 i'm pretty sure. Here's a few pics to make you go through with the purchase... haha!

 

[Texas Star]

The lanyard ring on the top gun intrigues me. See if it has any special markings. Keep in mind that the ring will preclude using most replacement stocks. Try to find a Tyler adaptor, maybe rosewood service stocks. (Lotsa luck!)

I doubt they'll come down in price, but $350-400 sounds about right.

I've had several of the heavy barrel form, and strongly recommend the three-inch barrelled guns. You get about 75 FPS over a true snub, better balance, and a full-length extractor rod stroke.

If you have to ask this fiancee for permission to do things, your marriage is already going to be off to a bad start. Ask me how I know. My ex-wife had that attitude, and turned out to have a fragile temper, too.

Good luck with the gun and with the woman.

T-Star

 

[bogman]

I just got a 3" 36-1 round butt, for $350 at a gun show two weeks ago. I saw about six at the show ,some were nickle square butt & blue square butt & two were blue round butt. most were running $ 399.00, but dealers were willing to knock a little off the price. its the most 3" heavy bbl. J frames that I have ever seen at a show in years.

 

[Hondo44]

The lanyard ring on the top gun intrigues me. See if it has any special markings.
T-Star

Although Smith did make a run of this model w/LRs, I believe what you're seeing as a lanyard ring is actually a band around the holder's wrist.

 

[H Richard]

Another 3" 36 to look for is the 36-6. Full lug barrel with target sights. There was a short run (615) made in 1989, and the sister 60-4 in stainless. Once you handle one you will fall in love with it. While they aren't plentiful, they do show up from time to time.

 

[loner]

Have seen a couple around here listed for $499. They were both sold.

 

[Stu1205]

Don't ask permission, just do it. Remember, it is easier to get forgiveness than permission. <grin> I picked one up a few years ago with a 3" barrel from a guy walking the aisles at a gun show for $215.00. It is in cherry condition. For that price and condition, asking permission was the last thought on my mind. It's a great gun. You will love it.

 

[Hondo44]

Don't ask permission, just do it. Remember, it is easier to get forgiveness than permission. <grin> I picked one up a few years ago with a 3" barrel from a guy walking the aisles at a gun show for $215.00. It is in cherry condition. For that price and condition, asking permission was the last thought on my mind. It's a great gun. You will love it.

You are a true and loyal "gun nut" with all the right attitude and philosophy! Welcome to the forum.

 

[KEN L]

Personally, I think the round butt adds a little to the value. If you can get it for a little less than they're asking, I'd go for it. Those diamond pattern grips just do it for me! Cash in hand speaks loudly. Start out at $350 and try to come up with an OTD price somewhere in between! Good Luck and post some additional pics once you bring it home!

 

[Hondo44]

I don't know of any production figures, rd butt vs sq butt however my sense is that rd butts are not as prevalent as sq butts. Also the gun for sale appears to be a tapered barrel 3" which is not even mentioned in SCSW, only 3" heavy barrels which I believe are more prevalent. So there may be increased value on two features.

 

[Texas Star]

I don't know of any production figures, rd butt vs sq butt however my sense is that rd butts are not as prevalent as sq butts. Also the gun for sale appears to be a tapered barrel 3" which is not even mentioned in SCSW, only 3" heavy barrels which I believe are more prevalent. So there may be increased value on two features.

The book must have dropped the ball on that one. Chic Gaylord's, Handgunners's Guide (1960) shows a std. bbl. three-inch Chief which Gaylord heartily recommended.

It was listed from within a year or two after the basic snub gun appeared. I don't think the heavy barrel appeared for civilian sale until about 1975.

 

[Texas Star]

Although Smith did make a run of this model w/LRs, I believe what you're seeing as a lanyard ring is actually a band around the holder's wrist.

You're right. I was tired and in a hurry when I looked.

And this gun looks to have rust or pitting on the trigger. May just be dirt or something. If it doesn't wipe off, I'd pass on this gun, certainly for the price.