Model 36 Value

[ma deuce]

I just saw a Model 36 that caught my eye at a LGS. I'm not usually a J-Frame fan, but this one seemed so nice I'm tempted. It's 2", nickel, not a scratch, blemish or discoloration on it, so perfect I'd believe it had never been fired. Box, papers and cleaning brush. Serial number is J140xxx, which I think puts it in 1973. Store wanted $599, but they'd probably come down. What's a fair price for this gun here in the mid-Atlantic region?

 

[opaul]

What are the chances of finding another one like that? I think a blue one as described would run $500 and nickel is usually a 15-20% premium, so there you go.

 

[arjay]

I saw a nice pair of blue, flat latches today.Seller was asking $500 ea.

 

[Jaymo]

I'm afraid I'd have already denied anyone else the opportunity to buy that one.

My blue, square butt, 1971-72 36 sat in the LGS display case for about a month or so. I'd glanced at it but didn't really look at it.
I ended up looking at it one day, when nothing else caught my eye.
It was in excellent condition, with very little use and a small amount of carry wear (small spot of holster wear at muzzle and some dulling of finish on right stock).
They were willing to deal on it, and I got it for $300.

It is now my favorite carry piece.

 

[billwill]

I'm sorry I didn't see the stores phone number in your post. I'd try and dicker a little with them and adopt that one. Sounds like a good find.

 

[ma deuce]

Guess I'll be going back on Monday. Thanks for the input. Like I said, J-Frames aren't usually my thing.

 

[hotrod150]

Pristine with box and etc? Six bones seems a little high but not too much. I'd try to kncok them down a bit, just on general principle. FWIW I sold a pristine blue model 37 with box & etc for $525 about a year ago.

 

[Kensterfly]

I'm afraid I'd have already denied anyone else the opportunity to buy that one.

My blue, square butt, 1971-72 36 sat in the LGS display case for about a month or so. I'd glanced at it but didn't really look at it.
I ended up looking at it one day, when nothing else caught my eye.
It was in excellent condition, with very little use and a small amount of carry wear (small spot of holster wear at muzzle and some dulling of finish on right stock).
They were willing to deal on it, and I got it for $300.

It is now my favorite carry piece.

That's a major score. Well done!

 

[PRM1]

I personally like the vintage guns over the new ones especially if they are in the 98-99% condition range. You can't buy a new one any cheaper and the prices are going up this year. If you like the gun jump before its gone. Look at it this way, are you going to let it slip by over a few bucks? Over the lifetime of owning it, $50 or so really don't amount to much.

 

[ma deuce]

Got it for $550, including hand-delivery across the Mason-Dixon Line from America to my Maryland FFL. Thanks for all the support, guys.

 

[ColbyBruce]

J frames, like Lays potato chips

You just can't take one.

 

[Ault]

Just bought a 1976 no dash nickel that looks new. Now box but just an excellent example of a 36. I paid 475 for it just yesterday. Ran the history through smith and I am the 2nd owner... The original being a columbus police department chief deputy. Awesome history and now my favorite gun I have owned

 

[Kensterfly]

Just bought a 1976 no dash nickel that looks new. No box but just an excellent example of a 36. I paid 475 for it just yesterday. Ran the history through smith and I am the 2nd owner... The original being a columbus police department chief deputy. Awesome history and now my favorite gun I have owned

Major score! I would have been all over that. Did you find the gun on a website or locally?

I'm still trying to buy a friend's Model 12 snub. He bought it for his wife and she's not sure she likes it. I've really been leaning toward an M36 or even an M37 for a carry. I have an M10 snub already but going a little lighter appeals to me, despite cutting capacity by 20%. If I can't get the M12 sometime soon I'll probably focus on a M36 or M37. Congrats on your find.

 

[Ault]

Major score! I would have been all over that. Did you find the gun on a website or locally?

I'm still trying to buy a friend's Model 12 snub. He bought it for his wife and she's not sure she likes it. I've really been leaning toward an M36 or even an M37 for a carry. I have an M10 snub already but going a little lighter appeals to me, despite cutting capacity by 20%. If I can't get the M12 sometime soon I'll probably focus on a M36 or M37. Congrats on your find.

I am a district sales manager and travel all the time... So basically the story goes I had an appointment with an account and when I showed up they said she would be 30-45 min late. So I said cool and I'll go kill some time in the area. Found there was a gun store 4 mi away and obviously that was where I wanted to kill the time. I was looking around and saw the 36 sitting in the case for 499. I pulled it out and was amazed at the condition and saw it was a no dash and offered 450...settled at 475. Called smith when I got it home and learned that I just bought quite the 36. It will be my daily carry j frame. Just don't make them like they used to IMO.

 

[happy514]

please help

I tried to make a new thread but it wont let me. i have a mod 36 sir#6359xx it is a blued wood grips with gold dot seals in grip, stub nose .38spl this gun was my grandfathers then my dads and now mine. thank you in advance


happy514

 

[Kensterfly]

You just called S&W and gave them the serial number and they gave you the history? right there on the phone? Any charge for that?

I'd love to run my guns by them.

 

[happy514]

please help

I tried to make a new thread but it wont let me. i have a mod 36 sir#6359xx it is a blued wood grips with gold dot seals in grip, stub nose .38spl this gun was my grandfathers then my dads and now mine. thank you in advance


happy514

 

[MrTrolleyguy]

Got it for $550, including hand-delivery across the Mason-Dixon Line from America to my Maryland FFL. Thanks for all the support, guys.

I hope you're going to get us photos.

 

[Jaymo]

My 36 looks like the three that ColbyBruce posted above.
Except for the fact that he has three to show and I only have one.

After holding it and negotiating the price, I couldn't pass it up.
Mine will get a LOT more holster wear.
I bought it to be a personal protection piece.
I don't mind the weight of it. It doesn't feel heavy to me.
I don't like shooting Airweights.
To be honest, I'm not crazy about shooting the 36.
It's not terrible, but I don't use it for extended shooting sessions.
That may change, when I load some powder puff wadcutter loads or some round ball gallery loads for it.
I want to load some 158 grain +P loads for it, just to see how they shoot.

 

[Kensterfly]

If I had a 36 or any J Frame,especially and air weight, THAT would be my carry piece. I'd use my Model 10-5 four incher Nickel or my 10-5 blue snub as my range gun.

And that's precisely what I'm trying to do. I'm hoping my buddy will sell his M12 to me. If not I'll be looking for a 36 or 37. Nickel would be great but blue conceals better, I guess. To me, it doesn't have to be too pretty for a carry.