Model 36

[jcliff1956]

Picked this up after it spent about 10 years in police custody. It was stored in a brief case on it's side and never moved. You can see pitting in the finish on the one side. The other side is clean. I cleaned it up as best I could. The barrel and cylinders are pristine. Mechanically it's fine and locks up tight. I want to send it back to S&W to be reblued. What say you guys?

 

[feralmerril]

I would--- depending on the cost. How much? Add that to the cost of what you think the gun would bring as is, add the cost of sending it to smith, look at that figure, compare what that would buy, then you will be more sure of what to do.

 

[Lew Archer]

A few years ago, a friend sold me her dad's Model 15. Mechanically sound, but lots of holster wear (her father had worked for a number of years as a security guard and it was his duty weapon). The rear side blade was broken, as well. Good action.

I sent it back to S&W and had them re-finish it in their bright blue finish. Had the rear sight blade replaced and the action tuned. Of course, while in their custody, they gave it a check up.

Good customer service from S&W and a pretty quick turn-around.

I was very pleased when I got it back. It looked brand new. A set of wood Hogue grips completed the make-over.

For me, it was well worth it. There is something uniquely satisfying about restoring a gun in this way. This revolver is now one of my favorites.

So, to answer your question...yes, send it back to S&W, have them refinish it. Then, add the right grips (maybe Spegel boot grips, for instance). You will have rescued a great revolver (and true classic) and that revolver will give many years of good service.

 

[Baldy]

I say restore it and enjoy it. I have two myself and I sure enjoy shooting them now and then.

 

[TACC1]

I would do the refinish if it were mine. Pitting isn't the same as honest wear, I'd always be aware of it, and it would annoy me.
Maybe if it wasn't such a great little gun, I might not. A classic.
TACC1

 

[649 Bodyguard]

I would for sure send it to the pros. Smith & Wesson will do you right. Good luck, show us the pictures when you get it back.

 

[01shm]

I'm waiting on a 29-3 that Smith says will be here Friday. Its been gone two months, but I believe it will be worth it. I'll have more in it than the gun is worth on the market, but I wouldn't have sent it back if I was going to sell it. This will be around for the kids to kick around.
This is a before pic, I'll post an after reblue

we'll see how it turns out, send the gun back to S&W, you want be sorry

 

[649 Bodyguard]

I'm waiting on a 29-3 that Smith says will be here Friday. Its been gone two months, but I believe it will be worth it. I'll have more in it than the gun is worth on the market, but I wouldn't have sent it back if I was going to sell it. This will be around for the kids to kick around.
This is a before pic, I'll post an after reblue

we'll see how it turns out, send the gun back to S&W, you want be sorry

Good, I can`t wait to see your after pictures. Its going to be nice.

 

[feralmerril]

I dont see anything at all wrong with the before pictures!

 

[srsmyth]

I don't see anything wrong either, I'd love to have it the way I see it.

 

[Norton 750]

I would fix the grips. Then I would carry it every day and not cringe as the rest of the finish catches up with "the bad side". Some guns are for using, and some are for looking at and shooting now and again.

 

[jcliff1956]

I wish I could be that cavalier about it. I have a thing for good looking firearms used or not.

 

[rpg0123]

I think you'll be very pleased with it after a refinish. I would then find a fancy wood grip for it, as well, but that's just me.

 

[jcliff1956]

I already have the grips.

 

[Alk8944]

One thing to consider is S&W will not polish the cylinder to the degree that the cylinder dimensions will be significantly altered. They will not polish out any pitting as to do so would reduce the cylinder wall thickness and compromise the strength of the cylinder. Unless they can replace the cylinder or you can find an un-pitted one on one of the auction sites or parts houses to send back with it I wouldn't waste the time or money.

 

[jcliff1956]

I'm sure I have an unpitted one on the way, from a member on the forum.

 

[Dan Cash]

Some of you guys must not use your guns. There is nothing wrong with that little 36 as is except for the grips. Pocket it or holster it and use it until the pits wear out of it.

 

[roscoesheater]

Hey, do what you want w/it. I had the same delima, had mine re-finished and have not thought anymore about it. The little 36 is now my fav. I was lucky enough to have a local who had worked f/S&W, trained and certified to do all the work. All the issues as brought out are correct w/pitting and re-finishing. But hey, after all is said and done, you will be pleased if all goes well. Mine was worse than yours and U can see how mine turned out.RH

 

[jcliff1956]

Cylinder arrived and installed today.Much nicer than I anticipated. Will post new pic. Probably going to send it in to be refinished anyway but no rush now.