Model 36 Square Butt

[IamCaleb]

New to me M36 in the square butt variety. If anyone can help identify the approximate date of manufacture, that would be greatly appreciated. Serial number starts with 615XXX.

I bumped up the exposure for detail but, the bluing is darker than the pics portray.

Now to find some nice stocks!


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[murphydog]

Nice gun! I would guess a 1966 production date. Enjoy!

 

[Rudi]

That is a sweet piece!

 

[Retired W4]

That is nice. Without the diamond center magnas that came on it these are a great alternative. Kim Ahrends J combats. What you have on it look pretty good.

 

[rockquarry]

Consider shooting at least a hundred rounds or so with the stocks that came on it. They usually work very well and you may find you don't need anything else. Most, not all, aftermarket grips may or may not provide more comfort at the expense of compactness and concealability.

 

[Old cop]

My glove size is XLG and I’ve found square butt J Frames, w/a grip adapter, work well for me.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Congrats on your new Chiefs Special.

S&W doesn't track "date of manufacture," only the day a revolver shipped from the factory.

Everything in my database that began with 614xxx through 619xxx shipped in March or April 1968 so I'd bet yours shipped near there.

Does the serial number stamped on the inside of the right grip match the serial number on the butt? If so, please don't get rid of those grips if you replace them.

I agree with the others who said give those magna grips a try before you rush out and spend money on something that may not be nearly as compatible with your hand(s).

 

[IamCaleb]

First of all thank you everyone for the replies. I received the Revolver with these stocks, there’s nothing wrong with them I just figured I could put something “nicer” on it. I don’t ever plan on carrying this 36, I like to have more rounds on tap.

I did it quick wipe down of the revolver when I received it but I did not take the stocks off. When I get a little free time I will remove them and see what’s going on underneath.

I was just curious about the date because it was advertised 1957 to 1966.


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[Grayfox]

When it comes to stocks, the square butt J-frames are a bit of a problem child. Most anything you find will be so big that they compromise the concealability advantage of the guns small size. I've never found anybody who makes small or boot grips to fit the square butt. If somebody knows of one, please speak up.
On mine I just use the factory stocks with a T-Grip.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I've never found anybody who makes small or boot grips to fit the square butt. If somebody knows of one, please speak up.

Craig Spegel.

There's an ebay listing for square J frame "service stocks" - the prewar variety - for pretty cheap. That would be dramatic.

Since the very first J-frame was completed on October 23, 1950, and delivered to S&W President Carl Hellstrom on October 27, 1950, yes, a pre-war J-frame square butt service stock would be quite dramatic.

 

[colt_saa]

Congratulations.
That is a beautiful addition to any Family.

I have a similar one that is just a few years younger than yours. I also wanted nicer grips

I can not recall who I bought them from, after all it was more than 3 decades ago. We do have a Forum member that could probably make you something similar if these appeal to you

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Do you know what an I frame is?

Yes, I have had several.

 

[IamCaleb]

When it comes to stocks, the square butt J-frames are a bit of a problem child. Most anything you find will be so big that they compromise the concealability advantage of the guns small size. I've never found anybody who makes small or boot grips to fit the square butt. If somebody knows of one, please speak up.
On mine I just use the factory stocks with a T-Grip.

I’m seeing that, very few for sale that are worth changing for.

Is there a particular “T-Grip” I should get if I go this route?

There's an ebay listing for square J frame "service stocks" - the prewar variety - for pretty cheap. That would be dramatic.

I have a search on eBay for square butt stocks/grips. Just waiting to see if anything catches my eye.

Congratulations.
That is a beautiful addition to any Family.

I have a similar one that is just a few years younger than yours. I also wanted nicer grips

I can not recall who I bought them from, after all it was more than 3 decades ago. We do have a Forum member that could probably make you something similar if these appeal to you

Thank you. Love yours, I like the look with those Antler? Stocks. I’ve seen a few online that are fake but look real. Meh…

I’m down to give a local forum member some business if the wallet is not hit too hard. [emoji23]


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[Biggfoot44]

I had Craig Spiegels on a sq butt M37 , and they were the bee's knees ! The last time I checked , they squares weren't listed on the website , but you can inquire .

Meanwhile , Eagle does list their similar Secret Service grips for the J Square .

 

[Retired W4]

When it comes to stocks, the square butt J-frames are a bit of a problem child. Most anything you find will be so big that they compromise the concealability advantage of the guns small size. I've never found anybody who makes small or boot grips to fit the square butt. If somebody knows of one, please speak up.
On mine I just use the factory stocks with a T-Grip.

You are right about the problem child thing. The Ahrends I pictured are round butt.

 

[Texjack]

I have the same revolver with Grashorn stag grips and Tyler T grip. Looks and feels good. They make very nice carry pieces.

 

[IamCaleb]

I had Craig Spiegels on a sq butt M37 , and they were the bee's knees ! The last time I checked , they squares weren't listed on the website , but you can inquire .

Meanwhile , Eagle does list their similar Secret Service grips for the J Square .

Thank you, I’ll look them up!

I have the same revolver with Grashorn stag grips and Tyler T grip. Looks and feels good. They make very nice carry pieces.

Wow! Those look great, especially with the T grip. Thanks for the heads up. Beautiful piece you have there.


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[HeyJoe]

the square butt on a model 36 just feels good in my hand

 

[Biggfoot44]

With XXL hands , stock Magnas are " somewhat usable " , which is actually a major step up from J RB magnas which are totally UNusable for me .

 

[Green Frog]

My hands fit Large gloves but are more comfortable in X-Large and I've gotten adjusted to the original service type grips on my I frame and Baby Chiefs Special, but given my choice, the small frame grips I prefer are the smooth finger groove combats with grooves for all three fingers. I've just gotten (at auction) a set of Mustang(?) square butt J frame grips in this configuration that will completely enclose the round butt of my Model 60-4.

Froggie