Model 36 with three inch barrel?

[22 Short]

Saw a nice model 36 with a 3" barrel today at the gun show and wondered if these are common or not. I really like the three inch configuration on these guns.

It was a 60s model and he had $495 on it. Not sure if that is fair or not. It was actually in pretty nice condition. Looked like a nice shooter.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

They exist, yes, they are not unheard of but you don't see them often and there are guys on this Forum who think they're the best thing since sliced bread. Price seems about right for a 3" these days.

First time I ever saw one I probably should have bought it but it would have become a safe queen for me (not that I mind; I have my share of those); I didn't buy it because I personally thought it was unusual looking (this was decades ago) and not concealable enough for me. As noted, some guys LOVE THEM.

***GRJ***
***GRJ***

 

[STCM(SW)]

Check out this thread:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/395840-model-36-mania.html

 

[bananaman]

My 36, 3" (1957) purchased at the Sept local gun show. Numbers match, including grips. Box included. $425. Went yesterday, and all I got was a lousy box of 148gr, BBWC bullets. (good, not lousy) Target grips were added. Bob

 

[David R]

Love it.

3" around 71 mfg. Model 36.

 

[murphydog]

There are several 3" model 36 variants; the ones here are the heavy barrel (you can see a slight taper) that was produced at the same time as the 2" model 36 and even in the pre-model era. The 36-1 has a bull/untapered barrel with a wider top rib, and there is also an uncommon 3" 36-6 Target sighted version.

 

[petepeterson]

I found a square-butt, no-dash in the "wounded" section of my LGS. No box or any goodies, a little bit of muzzle wear, and a broken-tipped hammer (or someone did a poor job of shortening it.)

I like the way the square J fits my hand and, at least for me, the extra inch makes a big difference in accuracy.

 

[Garintheair]

All of my J frames were 1 7/8" airweights with nothing steel in the collection. Last month I bought a 3" 36-1 RB for $400.00 from a LGS. I found three of them at three different LGS's; one an early 70's 36" RB tapered barrel @ $425.00, one early 70's SB heavy barrel @ $385.00 (like new) and the one I bought which showed some carry wear but locked up tight and didn't appear to be fired much, if at all-barely a turn line and NO scuffing of the recoil shield or firing pin hole. I was only looking for a round butt heavy barrel which is why I ended up with the one I had. I do like the feel of the square butt but it just seems out of place on a J frame. I have several sets of aftermarket grips for the round butt and can tailor the feel with those.

I didn't buy this to carry but to shoot as a companion to my other J frames. I have to say that I'm VERY impressed with the control ability and accuracy over the shorter barrel versions! FUN gun all around and I don't know why I didn't want to get one sooner.

I also found what appeared to be a like new 442 3" barrel; kind of neat but I didn't see a purpose for that gun. Is there anything special about these?

Gary

 

[H Richard]

There were a variety of 3" barreled 36's made over the years. The 36-6 seemed to be the ultimate to me. 3" barrel, full lug barrel, adjustable sights, smooth combat trigger. The Hogue grips were factory. The only drawback is the matte blue finish is a little "tender", and doesn't hold up well under hard use. That was solved when they issued the 60-4, the same gun in stainless. (There were only 615 of the matte blue guns made).

 

[millerj7]

There were a variety of 3" barreled 36's made over the years. The 36-6 seemed to be the ultimate to me. 3" barrel, full lug barrel, adjustable sights, smooth combat trigger. The Hogue grips were factory. The only drawback is the matte blue finish is a little "tender", and doesn't hold up well under hard use. That was solved when they issued the 60-4, the same gun in stainless. (There were only 615 of the matte blue guns made).

I have one of the 60-4s, bought new in 1994. It has become my favorite "kit gun" in the woods. With the 3" barrel and adjustable sights, loaded with wadcutters, any squirrel or grouse out to 25 yards is in deep trouble! Also does double duty as nightstand companion.

 

[Frank237]

A few more three inch guns....A M-36-6 upper left, with a 3" M-60, SQ butt Jovino to it's right.

A light barrel M-37 in the Center.

Bottom left is my Wife's M-36 with a heavy barrel in nickle. And a M-650 .22 WMR on the bottom right.

All sorts of 3" variations in the J frame lineup. And compared to the 1 7/8 and 2 inch guns, they are (to me) far easier to shoot accurately.

 

[Garintheair]

Apparently I'm going to need to catch up...!

 

[MrTrolleyguy]

Since it was at a gun show it is gone forever now.

Price wise, I saw one go for $375 this week. Good buy for sure.



I traded and added cash to get a 98% finish but aftermarket grips for a three incher. I over paid but like the look of the grips.



I also have a few of those rare 36-6 target models.

I'll admit that some times I will look at a 3" 36 at a certain angle and it looks a bit out of proportion. Maybe that is just me.

They are easier to master than the snub nose when you are shooting at more than 5 meters.

 

[bananaman]

There were a variety of 3" barreled 36's made over the years. The 36-6 seemed to be the ultimate to me. 3" barrel, full lug barrel, adjustable sights, smooth combat trigger. The Hogue grips were factory. The only drawback is the matte blue finish is a little "tender", and doesn't hold up well under hard use. That was solved when they issued the 60-4, the same gun in stainless. (There were only 615 of the matte blue guns made).

Saw my 1st one in person at local gun show yesterday. Bob

 

[federali]

I owned a M-37 SB 3". I sold it years and years ago and now regret selling it as I've regretted just about everything else I sold.

 

[Will Carry]

Tell me what the big deal is with the model 36, 3"?

 

[bananaman]

Tell me what the big deal is with the model 36, 3"?

I am certainly not trying to be rude, but did you ever own or shoot 1? Everybody has their own thing. I had never owned a J frame prior to July of this year. Have a 2" RB, and a 3" SB. The 3" for me is much easier for me to be accurate with. Was it designed to be a long range target pistol? NO! The 3" now has factory target grips on it, as do most of my Smiths. Not that it matters, but I think they are neat looking too! Bob

 

[Cal44]

Tell me what the big deal is with the model 36, 3"?

Well, easier to shoot than a 1 7/8. You get more velocity out of the same ammo.

I have a 36-1 and like the slight extra weight and the square butt fits my hand well.

I'm the opposite of one other poster in that I think the square butts on J frames look great -- better than round. And fit my hand better also.

Here it is:

 

[filipows]

Excuse my ignorance, but how many J frame models are there?

I am looking for an early (pre 68) J frame with a 3" barrel

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

They exist, yes, they are not unheard of but you don't see them often and there are guys on this Forum who think they're the best thing since sliced bread. Price seems about right for a 3" these days.

First time I ever saw one I probably should have bought it but it would have become a safe queen for me (not that I mind; I have my share of those); I didn't buy it because I personally thought it was unusual looking (this was decades ago) and not concealable enough for me. As noted, some guys LOVE THEM.

***GRJ***
***GRJ***

I think they're great because that fifty percent improvement in barrel length 1) significantly increases sight radius, 2) significantly increases bullet velocity, and 3) doesn't in the least impede concealment or carry comfort in an IWB holster.