Model 36 getting uncomfortable to shoot

[smithman 10]

My current EDC revolver is a Model 36 with the grooved trigger and Hogue Bantam grips. Today I fired some 158 grain rounds of unknown origin and found them quite unpleasant.

I'm wondering if I can get a smooth trigger that will fit this old J-frame and if there might be a more recoil absorbing set of grips that cover the backstrap I can use that will still allow me to use pocket carry.

I'd rather not switch to carrying in any thing other than the Mika pocket holster I have used for decades.

Thanks for any ideas.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Recently put Compacs on my 642.
You definitely need to try some ‘fatter’ grips with covered blackstrap.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Don't shoot it until it hurts. SD you won't care. If you reload soften up practice rounds.

 

[b737lvr]

My current EDC revolver is a Model 36 with the grooved trigger and Hogue Bantam grips. Today I fired some 158 grain rounds of unknown origin and found them quite unpleasant.

I'm wondering if I can get a smooth trigger that will fit this old J-frame and if there might be a more recoil absorbing set of grips that cover the backstrap I can use that will still allow me to use pocket carry.

I'd rather not switch to carrying in any thing other than the Mika pocket holster I have used for decades.

Thanks for any ideas.

I absolutely despise the grooved triggers on most Model 36’s. They are very uncomfortable and often too narrow. If you have a local gun smith that knows how to do the job then your best bet is to give them a call and have them order and install a better trigger. There are plenty out there.

For grips I highly recommend the 642UC grips. I don’t know who makes them so I recommend giving S&W a call to find out where you can get them.

 

[Doug M.]

Don't fire unknown ammo. I am not so much concerned with the dangers of strange ammo, but the potential inconsistencies that may result if you get some real smokers. Standard velocity SWCs are a very good default in any .38 Special. A good target wadcutter is second.

I hate grooved triggers and find them to be a solution in search of a problem. Since this is a serious use gun from your description, there are two choices. One is to find a factory smooth trigger. I am not very familiar with what is available for a J frame as I don't like them very much. The other is to find a decent machinist to grind those grooves off and make everything smooth. Remember that modifications for function are vital - collector considerations are not and should never interfere with serious use.

 

[b737lvr]

Trigger, Stripped, .312 Wide, Smooth, Color Case Hardened, Used Factory Original

SMITH & WESSON J FRAME Trigger, Stripped, .312 Wide, Smooth, Color Case Hardened, Used Factory Original

www.gunpartscorp.com

This should work for a trigger

 

[decuerno]

Simple solution: Buy and install a wide combat trigger, polish the grooves off using a linen-wheel.
OR… hand it to a pistol smith and have him do it for you.

USA

USA

usagunsandgear.com

 

[smithman 10]

Don't fire unknown ammo. I am not so much concerned with the dangers of strange ammo, but the potential inconsistencies that may result if you get some real smokers. Standard velocity SWCs are a very good default in any .38 Special. A good target wadcutter is second.

I hate grooved triggers and find them to be a solution in search of a problem. Since this is a serious use gun from your description, there are two choices. One is to find a factory smooth trigger. I am not very familiar with what is available for a J frame as I don't like them very much. The other is to find a decent machinist to grind those grooves off and make everything smooth. Remember that modifications for function are vital - collector considerations are not and should never interfere with serious use.

 

[smithman 10]

I guess when I said unknown I should have said unknown brand. It was factory, just can't find the box it came in. Wasn't +P I know that.

Thanks for all the quick replies. This gun has little collector value as it has a good deal of cosmetic wear. I have no concerns about modifying it to make it a more comfortable shooter.

 

[Chuck Edwards]

Hogue makes their Monogrip for J frames, it's what I have on all of mine. It has a covered backstrap - I need it to get proper reach to the trigger. I've done 200+ round days at classes with both my 642 and 49 without undue discomfort. A possible downside for you is that since they're three-finger grips, they might not work in your pockets.

Oh, and let me pile on about shooting ammo "of unknown origin". Standard velocity 158-grain ammo is not that uncomfortable to shoot in a steel-frame J frame, and wadcutters hit to the same point of aim and are even more comfortable.

 

[Doug G]

These are ugly as sin, but they did make the gun feel better when shooting.

 

[STCM(SW)]

I have that same grip on my M638-3 . May look bad but are great for shooting.
All my J frames have smooth triggers.

 

[Dump1567]

I took a dremel to this old model 60. It isn't pretty, but it was a major improvement in feel. Basically, broke all the sharp edges. If you've got the skills, you could make yours a lot nicer/smoother looking.

 

[Model19man]

I shoot Western wadcutters for SD. They are best from a short barrel.

 

[413Maxwedge]

Smithman 10, I've bought many hammers, triggers and other revolver small parts from USA GUNS AND GEAR, as well as Jack First Inc and The Gun Garage.

If you contact them with your model # (36-1, 36-3, etc) and serial number they can get you a correct and complete smooth combat trigger to fit your revolver. If you're not comfortable swapping it yourself it should be quick work for a gunsmith.

I would not suggest the part from Numrich's shown above (no offense b737lvr) because it doesn't include the pins, rebound lever or spring. More parts to buy and work for the smith.

 

[gwpercle]

Now that I'm ... older , my Air-Weight J-Frame stays loaded with 148 gr, HBWC Target loads . Very accurate and
I shoot them well ... with fast follow ups .
Smooth off the grooved trigger and explore some new grips ...
That should do the trick !
Gary

 

[Chuck Edwards]

I shoot Western wadcutters for SD. They are best from a short barrel.

View attachment 763359

^^^Nice!

I haven't seen Western ammo for ages, you must have an old stash. I separated my Western brass from the rest of my .38 brass so I could use them for my .38/44 handloads.

 

[H Richard]

Any of my "shooter" Smith's have the smooth trigger. My 60 I ground the ridges completely off, and polished with 600 grit paper, then Mothers Mag polish.

A Tyler T Grip can also make them easier to shoot.

 

[walkin' trails]

Might be worth it to take the gun to a smith and ask them to polish off the groves and any other uncomfortable parts of the trigger. I don’t know what it will cost but guessing it will likely set you back at least $200. I had the grooves on a target trigger on a K frame removed years ago, and the shop also “radiused” the trigger, which got rid of the sharp edges on the back side too.

 

[eb07]

Practice with 148hr wad cutters