Model 36 getting uncomfortable to shoot

[decuerno]

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.

That is a simple job to anyone familiar/talented enough to disassemble a S&W. Using a linen wheel or emory/abrasive paper can do this job very simply… should cost less than $50 , IMO.

 

[LostintheOzone]

I shoot 38 Short Colt ammo in my 836 and model 36 but loaded with Hornady SD ammo right now. Also the grips are Uncle Mikes but I think they're no longer available.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Get a .32 S&W Long and it’s a six shooter.

Trying HBWC is an option for the .38.

 

[Jimmymac46]

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 completely understand. In 1968 I entered law enforcement straight out of college. I was 22 years old and shooting handguns since 16. An early big bore nut, acquired a model 29 and Ruger first series Blackhawk 44mag as well. Still have both and LOTS more. 44 Magnum is the greatest handgun cartridge ever. Recoil is mostly in your mind, if you don’t fear it, you can shoot it extremely well.
Back to 1968, I bought my first ‘Chief Special’ model 37 for the job. The 37 is a lightweight 36. It was a different animal and I experienced the same exact issues you are having. It is arguably the least comfortable handgun to shoot ever. However, it is also nearly 100% reliable, fast handing, easy to conceal and all day carry is a breeze. 60 years later it is still my primary EDC

My ‘solution’ is there is none! All you can do is make modest changes and live with it.

1. As many have suggested here, use 148 grain target ammo exclusively. Yes it still kicks, but your gun weighs only a pound. E=MC2. Gonna happen. Two very good things about the fully flat wadcutter, it strikes full caliber, no expansion required, all energy expended instantly. It uses fast burning powder, little or no muzzle blast, a huge benefit if needed in the dark. I have three of these sweet little guns, my 68’ 37, a 642, and a 342 scandium 11 ounce, my full time ankle carry. These wadcutters shoot perfectly regulated to the factory sights on all three….out to about ten yards.

2. Grips. Larger grips allow a better purchase undoubtedly but you are defeating the reason you bought it and carry it. All mine fit in my front pocket of my jean as is. Larger anything will negate that. Carry in a holster? Might as well get a 2 or 3” K frame.

Solution summary. Your model 36 hammer is a pain in the posterior. Cut it off, or better yet save up for a model 642, arguably Smith’s do it all CCW masterpiece. Grip; best you can do for comfort and concealment. Finish perfect. And with hours of practice, dry firing at the tv, a callus on your trigger finger, you will be hitting center on a paper silhouette at 25 yards with easy. If you get an ankle carry, it will be unnoticeable on your leg after 15 minutes and you will regularly checking it to see if you lost it. De Santis lambs wool and wide elastic. You won’t lose it. You can get to it in five seconds with practice. Find some cover or just run from any confrontation until you can put it. Fast than you think!

Lastly. Don’t shoot it regularly. Why? I ain’t fun. Once a month, box of 50, AND regular dry firing, action smooths, concentrate on front sight….front sight….front sight! Then get a Smith model 29 for the fun range time, 44 specials are soft and accurate. OR the newer, sweet return of the 2 3/4” K frame ‘Combat Magnum’. It is magnificent. Holsters very, very well. Can pocket carry in Dockers, but tighten your belt. Jim

 

[giguchan]

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

View attachment 763359

She's BEAUTY!!

 

[Cobbler]

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

 

[Cobbler]

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

 

[Cobbler]

If your 36 is MIM then there’s no issue finding a smooth drop-in trigger that will be better. If not you can still find a trigger but will have to have it fitted by a gunsmith. This is a big reason I have no issue with MIM revolvers.

 

[Quiet Wyatt]

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.

I certainly agree, regarding grooved triggers. Rather than dealing with the expense of having another trigger installed, I lightened the reloads for my model 36. Fast double-action shooting requires a smooth trigger, and I never understood why S&W uses them. I had a model 57 Smith, .41 mag. I liked it, but hated the trigger. After firing 50 to 75 rounds, a welt formed on my trigger
finger. This doesn’t occur with my smooth trigger, .41 mag. Ruger Redhawk,
even after firing twice as many rounds. I tried using shooting gloves, which worked well, but I finally sold the Smith.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

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 got my first Mika pocket holster in 1988 or so. I have two others, and one is for my EDC a Kimber K6xs which is a two inch six shooter similar to the Colt Detective Special.

 

[rwsmith]

The shape of the grip matters for shock absorbing grips, One of mine wears Pachmayr and the other wears Hogue. I can't remember which one had the round or flat bottom grip. Both are much better on the bones than factory grips in J frames.

 

[S-W4EVER]

Recently put Compacs on my 642.
You definitely need to try some ‘fatter’ grips with covered blackstrap.View attachment 763213

THIS. I put some on my Chief’s Special about 45 years ago when I was a baby Trooper, it’s what my buddies, the City Policeman & Deputy Sheriffs were running on their backups and they were right. I only replaced them with wood after I retired, but I’ll never get rid of them... you never know.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

As others have mentioned wadcutters could reduce recoil a bit. Hogue and Pachemeyer make more comfortable rubber grips, and you can replace the trigger with a smooth one made for a J Frame. I remember the trigger annoyed my brother and I when I owned one, so I sold it. Since you seem to trust this one, a trigger replacement, grips, and wadcutters seems like a winning combination.

 

[ImDrRich]

Have you give thought to moving down to a .32?

 

[DARE]

Pachmayrs work well for me on this airweight.

 

[BillyKframe]

I wouldn't like my 638 with a grooved trigger. The first time I shot it with plus Ps and stock grips, I bled allover the range. The recoil drove the nail of my trigger finger back into the tip of my thumb. I tried 148 gr. Wadcutters in that short barrel and noticed that some of them were going through the paper sideways. I could see the barrel shape in the target. That might penetrate a rat assuming I could hit a rat. The trigger is already smooth and I found a big Hogue wraparound grip. For cartridges I use standard pressure Hornady 125 XTPs or 110 Critical Defense or a combination. I’m not suggesting that all of this is superior to what anyone else does but it works for me.

 

[Baxter6551]

All my model 36s have smooth triggers thanks to gunsmith polishing the face. Makes all the difference firing double action. My 60-7 has a smooth wider combat trigger.
Gunsmith also did 10-6, 64 & 67. As far as grips go, can’t beat the Uncle Mikes Spegel Boot grips. Check eBay around $50 average. Well worth it. Or VZ boot grips.
Grip adapter works great also.

 

[jstert]

larger grips covering backstrap and softer ammo, i.e. 148gr wadcutters & 125gr shorts, make my s&w 642 way more pleasant to shoot.

 

[shep854]

Lighter loads do indeed make a difference--physics always wins.
For many years I pocket-carried a Model 49 (A REAL Bodyguard!). For slimness and the classic look I used the original style 'lemon peel' grips and a T-Grip--see my avatar.
I avoided loads with 158gr bullets, because, physics...
My carry load was a 125gr HP, and practiced with 130gr Winchester ball. With those loads, it was always comfortable to shoot.

 

[Doug M.]

I don't think the loads themselves lead to the problem described. What I am not sure of is and only the OP can answer, is how well this older gun has smoothed out. J frames are stuck with some problems when seeking a smoother trigger because the geometry of the action is different due to lack of space.

Changing out the trigger may have a negative impact on the trigger pull. Rather than risk that, I would probably just smooth the face of the trigger that is already there.