My first 3" J Frame

[AJR337]

I've always had 2" (I know...1 7/8") J frames but ran across this 3" Model 36 no dash on a popular online site for a great price. I threw out an even lower offer (which was accepted) and then remembered that I received a $25 coupon the day before for any purchases of $300 or more...so I was able to get it for $275 ($300 with tax and delivery).

It was filthy, had some light rust in spots, and a fair amount of holster wear so I did a complete break down and soaked it in a kroil bath for several days. Then I used some OOOO bronze wool to remove the rust and gave it a good cleaning.

The original grips are numbers matching but were extremely worn so I replaced them with a set from Thailand that feel and look great.

It also needed a couple of shims...one for the yoke and another for the cylinder but the lockup and timing are perfect now.

And I'm really liking the feel of the 3" barrel...the slightly heavier front end gives it a nice balance and the square butt frame fits my hand well. It might just be perception but it seems easier and more comfortable to shoot compared to my 2" models.

And (of course) a couple of pics...

 

[Erich]

Oh, that's a beauty! What a job you did on the clean-up, amigo! Wow, you're going to love carrying that one - it's really all a man needs. Gorgeous!

Mine (notably less pretty and slightly customized) sends its regards.



By the way, you are going to love the extra velocity you get - and the added sight radius is no downside; plus, except for pocket-carry, a 3" totes better than a snub (more stable, don't you know?).

 

[AJR337]

Oh, that's a beauty! What a job you did on the clean-up, amigo! Wow, you're going to love carrying that one - it's really all a man needs. Gorgeous!

Mine (notably less pretty and slightly customized) sends its regards.



By the way, you are going to love the extra velocity you get - and the added sight radius is no downside; plus, except for pocket-carry, a 3" totes better than a snub (more stable, don't you know?).

Thanks! I'm really liking it. It required a bit of effort to clean it up but I enjoy restoring/tinkering so that part was fun as well and worth it.

Those stag grips and grip adapter are classic.

And you're right between the slightly heavier front end and longer sight radius, it's a really nice shooter.

 

[Matt_X]

I've always had 2" (I know...1 7/8") J frames but ran across this 3" Model 36 no dash on a popular online site for a great price. I threw out an even lower offer (which was accepted) and then remembered that I received a $25 coupon the day before for any purchases of $300 or more...so I was able to get it for $275 ($300 with tax and delivery).

It was filthy, had some light rust in spots, and a fair amount of holster wear so I did a complete break down and soaked it in a kroil bath for several days. Then I used some OOOO bronze wool to remove the rust and gave it a good cleaning.

The original grips are numbers matching but were extremely worn so I replaced them with a set from Thailand that feel and look great.

It also needed a couple of shims...one for the yoke and another for the cylinder but the lockup and timing are perfect now.

And I'm really liking the feel of the 3" barrel...the slightly heavier front end gives it a nice balance and the square butt frame fits my hand well. It might just be perception but it seems easier and more comfortable to shoot compared to my 2" models.

And (of course) a couple of pics...

View attachment 795184

View attachment 795185

Interesting stocks.
My 36-1 square butt came with target stocks which I really like for target shooting. Off hand they fit perfect, and any two handed stance they still provide good control. A little tight for the Comp II speedloaders.

I bought a pair of magnas and a BK filler. Almost as good but not quite.


Difference could have been just me too.

 

[Erich]

Thanks! I'm really liking it. It required a bit of effort to clean it up but I enjoy restoring/tinkering so that part was fun as well and worth it.

Those stag grips and grip adapter are classic.

And your right between the slightly heavier front end and longer sight radius, it's a really nice shooter.

Well, now you did it - I went and got mine out to wear.

 

[AJR337]

Interesting stocks.
My 36-1 square butt came with target stocks which I really like for target shooting. Off hand they fit perfect, and any two handed stance they still provide good control. A little tight for the Comp II speedloaders.

I bought a pair of magnas and a BK filler. Almost as good but not quite.
View attachment 795193

Difference could have been just me too.
View attachment 795194

Very nice... the 36-1 has the heavy barrel?

I originally bought a BK grip adapter and was looking for a new set of magna grips but stumbled upon these on Ebay.

I removed the original finish, fitted/sanded them, and finished with a few coats of tung oil.

They're very comfortable so I'll probable keep them for now.

Also, the back strap was pretty scratched up and had some light surface rust so I planned to stipple it (and probably will eventually) but sanded and reblued it for now.

 

[AJR337]

Well, now you did it - I went and got mine out to wear.

Interesting carry combo...if you don't mind me asking, why do you have one reload with wadcutters and the other with HPs?

 

[Matt_X]

Very nice... the 36-1 has the heavy barrel?

Yes. My understanding is that all 36-1 were 3" heavy barrel.

I originally bought a BK grip adapter and was looking for a new set of magna grips but stumbled upon these on Ebay.

I removed the original finish, fitted/sanded them, and finished with a few coats of tung oil.

They're very comfortable so I'll probable keep them for now.

If they work for you then that's a winner! I think on a non-collectible some custom fitting can be a good thing.

I actually already had the B-K adapter on a Charter Undercover. The Charter now has bulldog grips that I've been reshaping over time. The B-K adapter I slightly reshaped for the Charter and also reduced the high spot so my smaller hand better fits. But now the targets are back on the 36-1 and I think will stay on for a while.

My 36-1 had light primer strikes serious enough that hard primered ammo didn't always fire, especially double action. I have whole thread about it. Got it to where it seems OK with most other ammo.

 

[Dump1567]

Looks like a solid deal. I've never really been a fan of the 3", but when I found this Jovino 3" model 60 at a local shop at regular model 60 prices, I couldn't say no.

 

[AJR337]

Yes. My understanding is that all 36-1 were 3" heavy barrel.

If they work for you then that's a winner! I think on a non-collectible some custom fitting can be a good thing.

I actually already had the B-K adapter on a Charter Undercover. The Charter now has bulldog grips that I've been reshaping over time. The B-K adapter I slightly reshaped for the Charter and also reduced the high spot so my smaller hand better fits. But now the targets are back on the 36-1 and I think will stay on for a while.

My 36-1 had light primer strikes serious enough that hard primered ammo didn't always fire, especially double action. I have whole thread about it. Got it to where it seems OK with most other ammo.

I thought about bobbing the hammer on mine but don't want to run into potential ignition problems.

 

[AJR337]

Looks like a solid deal. I've never really been a fan of the 3", but when I found this Jovino 3" model 60 at a local shop at regular model 60 prices, I couldn't say no.


View attachment 795231

Aesthetically, I prefer the 2" but the 3" carries almost as well and the slightly longer barrel makes it a bit easier to shoot.

That Jovino 3" is extremely nice.

 

[Zoner]

I've had a hankering for a 3" j frame 38 Special with adjustable sights and a RB for a long time but never came across one when I had the money available to buy. This thread is bringing back the itch haha

 

[Erich]

Interesting carry combo...if you don't mind me asking, why do you have one reload with wadcutters and the other with HPs?

Longer story than I want to peck out on this tablet. Those are seriously fast hardcast DEWCs, though.

On today's walk

 

[Law-dog]

I thought about bobbing the hammer on mine but don't want to run into potential ignition problems.

No do not do that. I carried a 3 inch as a federal investigator and later for CCW. If you will shoot the Q load, the 130 grain ball ammo, you can hit gallon jugs at 100 yards single action. I did demonstrations for decades, your peers will be impressed.

That load is such that if you place the front sight as the bottom of the groove, the elevation is correct for the 100 yard shot.

Once you get it from a bench you can do it with a 2 hand hold about 60% of the time. Few people can hit a gallon jug at 100 yards with a snub gun, it will make you stand out.

If you use other ammo, just mark a spot on your front ramp sight to show the trajectory.



Never bob the hammer on a 3 inch, it destroy the ability to make shots at distance and in an older Smith and Wesson lowers the value.

I also have a 3 inch model 60, in 357 of course and with adjustable sites, Remarkable little guns. That said, the model 36 3 inch pin barrel gun will do it all. Mine also has the T grip.

I knew Melvin personally back in the day and frequented his shop when I lived in Oklahoma City. Melvin made a custom holster for me by the way. I bought lots of his stuff, trigger shoes we put on our model 19s we carried on duty and we put them on our deer rifles to make the triggers feel lighter, still have some. We had no clue the T Grip would become a cult device, I should have bought a bunch. lol

 

[Erich]

Never bob the hammer on a 3 inch, it destroy the ability to make shots at distance and in an older Smith and Wesson lowers the value.

I believe you are wrong in this statement, sir. Everyone should do what suits his needs - period. The partially bobbed (to match the profile on a 547) hammer on my 36-1 delivers just fine at distance - single-action notch is intact and functional (but all us S&W revolver aficionados all primarily shoot DA anyhow, don't we? We're not shooting Bullseye with our J-frames.). And, value? It's not as if we're talking about rare gems - many pristine guns exist for collectors, but working guns' value is in their utility - not what some hypothetical collector (and they're getting thin on the ground as the Boomers pass) might pay.

 

[walkin' trails]

OP - that was a nice find. Those of you who replied. Some beautiful examples of three inch 36s. My dad has a pair of square butts. He bought them at separate times in the 70s and carried them when he worked undercover dope and later as a regular detective. One on each hip. They've worn the original grips with Tyler T-grips and then Pachmeyer Grippers. I haven't seen them in years. I have a 60-3 three inch myself that came from the factory as DAO with a bobbed hammer. I bought that one new in 1990.

 

[AJR337]

I bought a hammer on Ebay which I plan to bob so I can keep/switch back to the original as well.

 

[Journey]

You will like it. I have several of that model in round and square butt. I have posted some on this forum.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Mine is a 60-10 .357 with adjustable rear sight.-, and Spegel "extended" Boot Grips.
Hard to beat as a companion to a long gun while hunting or a small town concealed carry.
I prefer a "higher cap" auto like a 3913 or 6906 for urban carry and/or faster reloads

 

[M E Morrison]

I've always had 2" (I know...1 7/8") J frames but ran across this 3" Model 36 no dash on a popular online site for a great price. I threw out an even lower offer (which was accepted) and then remembered that I received a $25 coupon the day before for any purchases of $300 or more...so I was able to get it for $275 ($300 with tax and delivery).

It was filthy, had some light rust in spots, and a fair amount of holster wear so I did a complete break down and soaked it in a kroil bath for several days. Then I used some OOOO bronze wool to remove the rust and gave it a good cleaning.

The original grips are numbers matching but were extremely worn so I replaced them with a set from Thailand that feel and look great.

It also needed a couple of shims...one for the yoke and another for the cylinder but the lockup and timing are perfect now.

And I'm really liking the feel of the 3" barrel...the slightly heavier front end gives it a nice balance and the square butt frame fits my hand well. It might just be perception but it seems easier and more comfortable to shoot compared to my 2" models.

And (of course) a couple of pics...

View attachment 795184

View attachment 795185

Sure cleaned up nice!

 

[MTC(SS)Ret]

Love my 3", flat latch 36 no dash, circa 1960. Put the original numbers matching stocks in the safe and got these generic targets for fun shooting. I'll have to try the 100 yard water jug but I would probably be better off trying for a 55 gallon drum.

 

[Sebago Son]

I love my 3" guns... but I don't have to worry about 'bobbing' the hammer.. oh and this one is a bit more authoritative in the cambering department.

 

[Sebago Son]

I shot this one last week with the new (to me anyway) .38 PPU 158 grain lead SWC Hollow Point... this stuff is advertized at 900 fps, but the way it feels, it wouldn't suprise me to find it's faster... I'll have to dig out the chronograph to find out... I'll report it when I do.... View attachment 795701

 

[PaulM&P]

I believe you are wrong in this statement, sir. Everyone should do what suits his needs - period. The partially bobbed (to match the profile on a 547) hammer on my 36-1 delivers just fine at distance - single-action notch is intact and functional (but all us S&W revolver aficionados all primarily shoot DA anyhow, don't we? We're not shooting Bullseye with our J-frames.). And, value? It's not as if we're talking about rare gems - many pristine guns exist for collectors, but working guns' value is in their utility - not what some hypothetical collector (and they're getting thin on the ground as the Boomers pass) might pay.

Ah yes, the 547. I believe they were made for the French police back in the day, in 3" round or 4" square butt configurations. I had a chance to buy one of the latter and have kicked myself for failing to do so ever since. If you have either, hang onto it!

 

[Pizza Bob]

OP - That cleaned up really nicely and I like your choice of stocks. Here are my two three-inchers...

The CCH one is wearing Fuzzy's.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[SFeintuch]

I've always had 2" (I know...1 7/8") J frames but ran across this 3" Model 36 no dash on a popular online site for a great price. I threw out an even lower offer (which was accepted) and then remembered that I received a $25 coupon the day before for any purchases of $300 or more...so I was able to get it for $275 ($300 with tax and delivery).

It was filthy, had some light rust in spots, and a fair amount of holster wear so I did a complete break down and soaked it in a kroil bath for several days. Then I used some OOOO bronze wool to remove the rust and gave it a good cleaning.

The original grips are numbers matching but were extremely worn so I replaced them with a set from Thailand that feel and look great.

It also needed a couple of shims...one for the yoke and another for the cylinder but the lockup and timing are perfect now.

And I'm really liking the feel of the 3" barrel...the slightly heavier front end gives it a nice balance and the square butt frame fits my hand well. It might just be perception but it seems easier and more comfortable to shoot compared to my 2" models.

And (of course) a couple of pics...

View attachment 795184

View attachment 795185

I have a couple of 3" 36's one flat latch and one 36-1 target both nib.

 

[StrawHat]

3" is the perfect length for the I, J and E frame revolvers.

As for bobbing the hammer, go for it! The only people who advise against it have not yet learned how to shoot double action.

Kevin

 

[Law-dog]

I believe you are wrong in this statement, sir. Everyone should do what suits his needs - period. The partially bobbed (to match the profile on a 547) hammer on my 36-1 delivers just fine at distance - single-action notch is intact and functional (but all us S&W revolver aficionados all primarily shoot DA anyhow, don't we? We're not shooting Bullseye with our J-frames.). And, value? It's not as if we're talking about rare gems - many pristine guns exist for collectors, but working guns' value is in their utility - not what some hypothetical collector (and they're getting thin on the ground as the Boomers pass) might pay.

Different handguns for different skill levels and different uses in my view. You own it do what you want as I always say. I was a federal investigator carrying a 3 inch gun model 36 in addition to long guns, and as I said I can hit gallon jugs at 100 yards, but only single action. I own a bunch of J frames and did put bobbed hammers on one, a 2 inch. When I lost the ability to make long shots, I switched it back. Our qualification required 10% of the rounds to be fired at 50 yards. Pretty easy to do with two hands, but one hand DA only not so much for most people. Most people will never us a handgun in defense at any range, so practically is does not matter.

If I want a pocket pistol, for shooting through the pockets, the 442 is mighty fine. And when I worked undercover that was a consideration, you can always fire once through a pocket, but some people thought they might need more, never heard of such a case, but the 442 works for that if it is an issue. I have been pocket carrying the 2 inch for over 50 years, a hammer on the gun does not bother me at all, I learned to draw without an issue and still do. The one today is a 637 with CT laser grips.

Just a matter of preference. I could do that qualification with one hand, most people do not shoot any wheel gun well double action with one hand.

On another note, I started teaching CCW classes in 1996 and the J frame was often a recommendation. As I studied self defense shootings, I found most of them involved firing with one hand, so one hand shooting which I had been taught, I incorporated into my training programs.

If you will check places like the new Smith and Wesson Academy, I think they are now demanding that people learn to shoot with one hand. They do not allow wheel guns in those courses, but one hand shooting is deemed a critical skill.

When I retired I bought a 3 inch model 60, the adjustable sights on it make it even easer to shoot at distance. It replaced a 2.5 inch model 66 for fishing trips and the like. If I wanted to take a 100 yard shot, I can but only in single action. Most people just do not have the skill to shoot a wheel gun at distance in the DA mode, you might I dunno. Just an option I keep open. I have other handguns that shoot distance better, a 38 Super I built and one of the current SW M and P in 5.7 x 28, fun gun you can shoot as far as you are steady.

So, no I do not shoot bullseye, boring back then to me, boring today. Just preference.

I just see no reason to grind of a perfectly good hammer and lose some of the function the gun was created with, just personal preference. When I pass all of my guns will be that way.

 

[Law-dog]

3" is the perfect length for the I, J and E frame revolvers.

As for bobbing the hammer, go for it! The only people who advise against it have not yet learned how to shoot double action.

Kevin

At what distance? And one hand or two? Just saying, some of us enjoy shooting longer ranges with the little J frame. And I was shooting DA with race guns a very long time ago, but that was for games, I carry for real these day.

 

[Law-dog]

Love my 3", flat latch 36 no dash, circa 1960. Put the original numbers matching stocks in the safe and got these generic targets for fun shooting. I'll have to try the 100 yard water jug but I would probably be better off trying for a 55 gallon drum.View attachment 795631

Start with a solid rest and take your time. It may also help to start with a tall thin narrow target to get the hold over right. A white sheet of paper 12 inches by 18 inches works pretty well. The elevation is what is hard to learn. Once you figure it out, you can impress the ladies, and some of the guys who think wheel guns are belly guns and only shoot them at 7 yards.

And actually shooting metal barrels at 100 yards or even 50 is a lot of fun, with wadcutters they make a pretty good clunk when they hit.