My new Revolver

[oxmav3rickxo]

Hey guys and gals, im new to this site and introduced myself last night and mentioned this little guy (my first smith and revolver).

I just brought him home tonight and took some crappy cell phones pics to share with everyone and maybe get some feedback, advice and information... (revolver newb)

So far from what I gathered on this site, it seems to be a Model 36 (no dash), flat latch with a 223XXX serial number so dating it to about 1960??? Let me know if that is an accurate estimate???

Also seems to have original grips, I took them off and on of them has the serial number imprinted on the inside (Are they BOTH suppose to have the serial number or just ONE?) The exterior has seen better days so im also wondering if your guys opinions are to have it refinished? (Reblued or other) Or leave it as is as I think it adds character I was thinking a polished finish would look slick with some nice new combat grips maybe...

Let me know if there is anything else I should know about this gun. Also the only history I have about the gun is that it was owned by a co-worker of mine that is now retiring (has never shot it) and before him it was owned by a Corrections Officer as his off duty) Dont have any papers or box with it.

Thanks for looking, here are the pics...

 

[P&R Fan]

The Catalog says it was probably made around 1960.
I think it looks cool as is. Those marks, to me, represent character. It was used as intended. If you refinish it, it will severely decrease it's collector value. I'd just leave it like it is and enjoy it.
Oh, about the stocks. It is very fortunate that they number to the revolver. That's another thing collectors look for. Don't worry that only one is numbered, that's the way they did it.
It's a nice old gun, thanks for sharing the pics.
Jim

 

[oxmav3rickxo]

Ya I agree with the condition adding to the character of the gun, I guess I was just worried about the little specks of what appears to be rust on the exterior but I think I can just go at it with some oil and maybe steel wool to try and eliminate some of it. Are there any other approaches any of you guys have on how to get rid of minor rust on revolvers???

 

[DAinTX]

0000 steel wool (or actually bronze wool is better, IMO) and good penetrating oil or Hoppes will get the surface rust off. Rub lightly...just hard enough to get the job done, i.e., look a lot, rub a little.

 

[photoman]

An excellent old gun. Enjoy!

 

[MArktAZ]

No combat grips. This is a cool old gun. Leave it as-is, except for getting rid of the rust if you can.

 

[jsfricks]

As DAinTX said, some bronze wool and oil, and go at it lightly. I usually then use a little Mother mag polish and lightly wipe it down with that. Be careful, it will remove bluing.

 

[labworm]

I like your purchase, take off the grips and put a heavy amount of oil on the external parts, barrel, cylinder. Let it sit for a day, then wipe it off with a soft rag. That may do the trick, don't use steel wool, bronze wool is OK if you have to.

Good luck with your first Smith.

 

[JP@AK]

don't use steel wool, bronze wool is OK if you have to.

Agreed. I never let steel wool anywhere near my S&W revolvers. It's just too easy to take off the blue with it.
Jack

 

[radar1972]

Nice looking 36! I'd leave it like it is.... as others have said, that's character.

 

[Old TexMex]

oxmav.... What labworm said^^
This is how it starts, buddy. First ones a 36 with diamond grips...might as well buy yourself a safe and some prop rods, cause you've been exposed to the bug. Welcome.

 

[Mike McLellan]

Leave it alone. It's perfect. If it was mine, I'd put it in a Bore-Store flannel sock, and keep it nearby.

 

[C Islander]

Your 36 is pretty sweet! Leave it the way it is.

 

[squekydad]

Honest wear from many years of keeping the faith. Get a comfy rig, load up some short barrel Gold Dots and carry with pride. Great little 36 you found, I would definitely just clean and oil.

 

[captaint]

I like it. I would carefully remove the rust and leave it alone. Great
the way it is. Mike

 

[bnewc75]

love dirty old girls