Model 36 variants in nickel
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MetalMan
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My sister (retired LEO) has one which she tosses into her range bag for annual qualifications along with her Glock 19. I saw it a couple of months and the finish seems to be holding up well despite the abuse.
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They are out there but in certain eras (the "Baby" and pre-36 times) they are fairly scarce. The 10% nickel of total production rule may or may not apply to this model.
Lonestar57
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I think mostly people are just holding on to the nice clean examples. I picked up this one years ago from an older gentleman who bought it new back in the 70's. A classic example but note the flash chrome trigger and hammer. Very unusual. When I questioned him about it, he said he really never thought anything about it or knew what the difference was since that's the way he had purchased it.
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I purchased my 3” nickel plated 36 about 30 years ago at Gander Mountain for $235.00. It’s my Sunday/dress up carry gun. Shoot two cylinders worth monthly at the range. I’d guesstimate nickel is between 90-95%. It has the best trigger of any of my J frames.
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I bought a new nickel 36 with 2" barrel in 1975; still have it and still shoot it. It does have some finish wear ("cloudy") on one side due to extensive close-to-body carry a long time ago, but nothing I'd bother to have refinished.
The ten percent nickel de facto "rule " may apply, but when I purchased this gun and other nickel S&W revolvers years ago, there was never any difficulty in obtaining them; certainly no shortages. I guess few buyers wanted a nickel finish.
The ten percent nickel de facto "rule " may apply, but when I purchased this gun and other nickel S&W revolvers years ago, there was never any difficulty in obtaining them; certainly no shortages. I guess few buyers wanted a nickel finish.
I have no knowledge of a "rule," but I sure don't often see them in nice condition.
From left to right mine shipped in '52, '54, '55, '61, and '62.
The 3" is 1 of 6 nickel 3" Chiefs I've documented between 1950 and 1961, and I have 1,150 Chiefs Specials on my list from that period.
From left to right mine shipped in '52, '54, '55, '61, and '62.
The 3" is 1 of 6 nickel 3" Chiefs I've documented between 1950 and 1961, and I have 1,150 Chiefs Specials on my list from that period.
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I like the way you think.
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I also put "rule" in quotes in my post as I don't know know how accurate the 10% nickel production estimate really is. I'm not a collector, but experienced collectors may likely have a more accurate estimate than this. Nevertheless, the 10% figure has been used for a long time, right or wrong.
I did some trading at the Expo show last year and had a real nice nickel 2" for a little while. The trader tried to get it back the next show but it was gone. Probably should have held on to it. I don't see them around here often.
They pop up from time to time, always bring a premium near me- I have seen them up to $1000 and they sell in days. I like them, but I would be scared to shoot it a lot, I have heard the nickel can come off the cylinders if shot a lot, and I like to shoot mine...
There is a nickel model 12-2 with a 2" barrel near me, I may look at if it's still there in a week or so when I get some cash again. Model 12 is one I don't have yet
There is a nickel model 12-2 with a 2" barrel near me, I may look at if it's still there in a week or so when I get some cash again. Model 12 is one I don't have yet
We "hear" lots of stuff, some has value, and some doesn't.
Proper care and cleaning can keep a "used" nickel revolver looking every bit as good as a blued one. I'm one voice, but from my experiences I don't believe I'd shy away from nickel due to hearsay.
I know I take what I hear with a grain of salt... I have a nickel plated Beretta 21a from the 1988 that has been shot a fair bit, and the nickel is still fine on it.
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If it's an aftermarket nickel job, maybe the nickel will come off. if the nickel is already peeling on a factory job, maybe the nickel will continue coming off.
If the nickel is in good shape on a factory nickeled gun, shooting will never hurt the finish and it won't come off. I say this based on shooting a variety of nickeled S&W revolvers over many years. Also, I've cleaned nickeled revolvers (with no finish damage) for close to fifty years using Hoppe's #9 only, but I don't soak guns. It does no damage to the finish whatsoever, contrary to unsubstantiated Internet claims.
Again, good to hear from people who have done it versus someone spreading something their cousins uncles brothers dogs groomer Bubba said at a bar...
I shopped for an off duty revolver when I graduated from the police academy in 1975. Model 60's were still rare in my area, so I found square butt, 2" nickel 36 as my next best alternative. I carried it for many years and aside from some work induced road rash, it has held up well.
Here is my model 19 I bought in 1978. Carried it holstered in the woods, sat in the dirt on deer stands, shot a few thousand rounds thru it over the years, and you can judge for yourself.
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