Model 36 with three inch barrel?

[The Real Hawkeye]

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 used to have that very same gun. Identical. Bought it new. Sure wish I hadn't sold it way back when.

 

[chief38]

While a bit too large for pocket carry, my Heavy Barrel M36 3" Square Butt handles more like a K Frame than a J and is a sheer pleasure to shoot. If one is OWB carrying on a daily basis it's a real handy and sensible CCW. Even though the SB grips are only slightly larger than the RB's they make all the difference in the world when shooting stiff loads.

 

[Richard Simmons]

The 3" M36 standard barrel with round butt is my favorite J frame next to a 3" M38 or M49 which I have yet to acquire.

 

[murphydog]

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

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

1. There are J frames in .22 LR/Magnum, .32 Long/Magnum, .38 Special and .357 Magnum, 60+ years' worth.

2. In the time frame mentioned there are a J frame 3" .22 (current Kit Gun and 3.5" model 43 Airweight), various .32s (3.25" model 30 in .32 Long, and others I've forgotten), .38 and .357 Chiefs Specials (models 36 and 60, some with target sights).

The Standard Catalog of S & W 3rd edition is your friend for details .

 

[shadow53]

My 3" 36-1 square butt was the first gun I ever bought back in the early 80's. While it doesn't come out of the safe very often, I will never part with it

 

[Muss Muggins]

I've had a couple and sold or traded them. They were easy to shot and good looking. I moved them on because I just didn't shoot them enough, and the three inch barrel is a little long to carry (for my taste). I wish I had one of them back, just because . . .

 

[Isis1200L]

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

If you ever have the need to thin your herd of 36-6's, please let me know!

I also have a 60-4 on my "most wanted" list. Just so you know, you know...

 

[Will Carry]

The reason I asked the question is that I own a model 36 3" nickel, along with many many other handguns. I did a test one day as to which of my concealed carry handguns was the quickest to draw and fire two well aimed shots. The first time I did this, the little model 36 won. "Oh NO, that cannot be!" I said. "I have many more expensive weapons". So I did the test again, and again, the model 36 3" won them all. It beat out my Glock, my Sig, My XD, my Colt ,my Rugers and my CZs. "WHAT?" I said. This is a little devil. The square butt is easy to grab, It's not like grabbing a brick. Yea though it only offers a 38 special round and only five of those (don't even think about reloading it during a gunfight) it gives you the advantage of getting the first hit. That is something that makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

 

[SWIll]

I have a 36-1 from the early 70's, one of my favorite carries. Recoil is less than my 638, because of steel construction. Easier to sight because of the longer sight radius. Slightly better velocity, because of the longer barrel. Plus, I just think it's cool. It was a corrections trade in. Some wear, of course stamped with the corrections facility ID. Picked it up at a local pawn shop for 350.00 out the door.

 

[M3Stuart]

Here is the 36-1 I got in what appears to be unfired condition.

Shoots great! I recommend them.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

Slightly better velocity, because of the longer barrel.

If you go to the website BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: Home you will see that for most handgun ammo the largest increases in velocity and power are in the jump from a 2" to 3" barrel and from a 3" to 4" barrel. For a concealed weapon, the extra 1" ( or 1 1/8" in the case of a 1 7/8" barrel) can provide a significant boost in power.

 

[PRM1]

I've always been partial to the small frame S&Ws. One of my first was a 1914 Perfected Model. This gun was in mint condition when I bought it in the 70s. I've carried and shot it a lot over the years and it still remains a favorite.

The Model 36-1 has become my EDC. I bought this 1977-1978 issue gun about two years ago and found it in unfired condition. I just cant keep one that way. The three inch heavy barrel make this revolver one of the best performing .38s I've ever owned. Great classic arm.

 

[M2MikeGolf]

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***

Count me as "some guys". $495 is not bad for a square butt, excellent for a round butt. My RB has become the safe queen, the SB the carry. I consider the 3" 36 classiest of cool carry guns, and one of my very favorites. That 3" barrel makes them a natural pointer and they are fast and easy to reload.

Until about three months ago, J-Frames didn't make my list for anything. The 3" 36 is now one of my very favorites.

 

[KEN L]

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

How much?? I hope you bought it.

 

[Twiki357]

Three inch "J" frames are nice.

 

[bananaman]

How much?? I hope you bought it.

I want to say it was $795, or $895. I can't justify that when I have 2 36's already. I had a hard time getting myself to spend $800 on a 625JM last year. (really like it by the way) Bob

 

[Black_Sheep]

I found my wife a RB 3" Model 36 about a year ago. Nice old S&W revolvers are tough to find locally but one turned up on GB with a $500 BIN so I jumped on it. No regrets...

 

[peepaw]

My three inch flat latch.