Model 36 Action

[Ronald1]

Hello
New to the forum and S&W handguns. I have bee looking for a Model 36 and found one for 300.00. Has bluing wear to the front barrel area and the backstrap. Doesn't look like it has been fired much though, just carry wear.
Now,after all that, my question! Is the cylinder suppose to lock up solid tight? What I mean, this one has the very slightest play when it is in single action mode. I was told this is normal for smiths. Is this normal? Thanks

 

[feralmerril]

Sounds okay.

 

[Nacho Man]

experts plz help. little wiggle is okay/side to side, cock the hammer, hold the hammer with your thumb, depress the the trigger down holding fully depressed, freeze, try to wiggle the cylinder, should feel a little tighter. my smith & my ruger have a little wiggle, they shoot great though. i hope i just gave some good advice. experts plz correct me if im wrong. im here to learn also...

 

[Ronald1]

Thank you gentlemen for the help. Ron

 

[Tracer_Bullet]

Cylinder should have a little rotational wiggle (clockwise, counter-clockwise), virtually none from front to back.

 

[Ronald1]

Appreciate that. Would 350 be a good price? It has blueing wear on backstrap, top near rear sight groove and on the front edges of both side of the barrel. I know it is impossible to geive value without seeing, but wanted just a ballpark value. Also, I notice it has a pin in the frame at the end of the barrel where it goes into the frame. Ron

 

[growr]

I would grab it quick before anyone else figures it out. Great gun at a good price.....you will NOT regret it!

 

[Ronald1]

If it has a J infront of the serial number does that tell the year made? From what I see in the pic is J51xxx. The X's are because I don't want to list the sn, it is because I can't make them out in the pic. Also, it just says 36. No dashes or numbers at after the 36.

 

[Tracer_Bullet]

If it is in decent shape that is a good price. They usually run around $400-$425 in my neck of the woods. I think that serial number puts it around 1976-77 manufacture.

 

[SASABERANGER]

Ron,
Like the man said; Grab it quickly and firmly.
$300-350 is a fair price out here in WY, when you can find them. M36s seem to have dried up around here except for some real humdingers that I would not touch for any price...not everybody is the gun smith they think they are.
Enjoy the treasure.
Thom Braxton
SWCA #1474

 

[Ronald1]

Thank you. I did buy it and just waiting for the transfer. I will post some nice clear pics when I receive it. I had always wanted a Colt Detective Special, but after reading all the reviews and comments, I am glad I chose the S&W. Was concerned about it being just a 36 without dashes or numbers that some posted post about and the pinned barrel as I didn't think they were stronger than later models.
Maybe that is just my lack of knowledge on &W's. Not going to be continually shooting. Will probably just sit in a nightstand drawer.
I will have to say that the folks here have been very helpful and patient with a new S&W addict!
Ron

 

[Frank46]

Last gun show here in louisiana there were about a half dozen 36's for sale in varying conditions. All of them regardless of bluing wear or loss started at $350 and went up from there. They are a very popular CCW gun down here. Frank

 

[kenny s]

I just bought a 2 inch snubby J frame 5 shot and love it. EZ to carry on those long woodsy walks. Mine was $450 and locks up very tight. almost no wear to the blue. It now sports Elk grips...
I shoot 4.0 Unique and 158 RNFP and got a 2 inch group at 35 feet offhand. Gun is accurate all right. Fits snug in the pocket too.
Ken

 

[Ronald1]

Without bothering folks too much, what would be a good cartridge for my 36? Would like something midrange, nothing in the +P realm. Ron

 

[hiram2005]

I use Hornady Critical Defense 110 grain and any maker 148 grain wadcutters in mine.

 

[Ronald1]

Is that Hornady Critical Defense a mid range round or +P type? Ron

I use Hornady Critical Defense 110 grain and any maker 148 grain wadcutters in mine.

 

[M3Stuart]

Congratulations! In that price range you can't go wrong. I picked mine up for $289 - though it has some finish issues, and I couldn't be happier. You got a great gun that will last you forever.

Here's mine with the serialized diamond wood grips and the pachmayr compacs I got for it. It was made in about '66.

Edit: on the ammo; I shoot 158gr LSWC handloads for practice and have some personal defense ammo for carry. The gun is more accurate than I am. Also I LOVE the older 1/10th inch sights over the newer 1/8th inch sights.

 

[Ronald1]

Thanks gentelman for the psoitive info. I actually paid 320.00 shipped,but I had to pay 20.00 for the transfer and 10.00 for the background check so that is where the 350 total came from. When I get it, I hope to post some pics for viewing. Here is a pic fromt he seller. I hope they don't mind me posting, but since I own it now, it probably doesn't matter. I do not know how to attach the pic! I tried several tries, but it still appears as the attached image.
Ron

 

[PHB]

nice looking 36 I to have problem get full pics mine will always come out as files again nice 36 I carry one everyday