Need your help-Should I buy this 3" M-36?

[sergeant 042]

I made the mistake of stopping in at my favorite gun shop, and saw a 3" M-36 which caused my heart rate to increase. It is a M-36 no dash, 3" SB, Ser.#9J36XX (mfg. 1971-1972?). The gun looks to be unfired - there is no blue wear, no dings or scratches, perfect grips (w/ gold medallion), etc. The only noticeable mark is a very faint turn line around the cylinder. I couldn't tell for sure, but it doesn't appear to have a heavy bbl., however, I might be wrong. The cylinder locks up absolutely tight - no end play or looseness. The price tag was $450 which was crossed out, and $389 written in. I asked if there was any wiggle room, and the owner said they could drop it to $350. I think that's a good price (w/ tax it'd be about $375 OTD). My dilemma is this: I have absolutely no need for another .38 spcl. J-frame revolver. What to do, what to do, what to do? What would you do?

I know free advice is worth every penny you pay for it, but I would still appreciate your input. Thanks.

 

[rags]

If you like it, buy it. With box, doc's and tools $350 is a good price.

Welcome to a place where making a decision like yours is a daily occurrence!! Remember...WE LIKE PICS!


36-1 Heavy Barrel

rags

 

[beemerphile]

No-one here is going to talk you out of buying a gun that you want. I have two 3" 36's. One with a heavy barrel and one without. As I recall, I didn't need either of them.

BTW, that sounds like a good price on it.

 

[Speedo2]

..what to do, what to do? Some guns just feel "right"; three-inch M36's are such things:

"Sometimes a man's just gotta know his limitations."

 

[samandglove1]

Buy it

If that gun is in as good as condition as you describe, I would buy it. I just bought basically the exact same revolver this week (http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/190964-another-model-36-score.html) and paid $400 OTD. I know I got a great deal, and you would best me by a little bit.

You can never have too many high quality revolvers.

 

[jrs70]

I would get it. $350 is a good price. I don't need most things I got, but I get them anyway. But I do have a soft spot for j frames.

IMHO Paul

 

[G-Mac]

I like the heavy barrel 36-1. I'd probably pass if it's not a heavy barrel...but I still think it's well worth $350.

 

[jglsprings]

No-one here is going to talk you out of buying a gun that you want.

What he said ^

But, you knew that anyway. Right?

P.S.

Of course you know that it won't stop here... First it is a 3 inch J frame, then the 3 inch K frame and then some 3 inch N frames......

 

[TNDave]

dilemma is this: I have absolutely no need for another .38 spcl. J-frame revolver.

I don't see your point. Of course you should get it. You have to strike when something like that pops up. My wife carried this gun for many years. When she changed guns I didn't sell it though.

 

[HOGSTR]

You won't see another one like it, maybe ever. I would do it, if only because of the 3" barrel.

 

[Beaver]

Buy it!!!! A 3" 36 is an outstanding shooting 38. I have a good one, finally bought a Bianchi thumbbreak holster, and I am one bad dude. These are great guns, nice balance, very high cool index.

 

[S&W-Keeper]

Get it, they are hard to find in that condition.It is a pretty good price.

 

[Joe Kent]

It is a good price and I would buy it. I would also caution you against ever again using the "need" word on a collectors forum. You must use it in the proper manner, ie I NEED it to fill a hole in my collection, never , Do I need it when considering buying another neat Smith at a good price. It goes without saying, you should buy it for what it is.

 

[Cooter Brown]

I'm with the rest of the fellers. That's a good price.

The three inch 36 is a great shooter--much better for me than the two inch. You won't find a better shooting J frame!

 

[yooperpat]

Of course you should buy it! I have a 36-1 3"HB and it is a very accurate shooter. I agree with comments that it is much easier to shoot accurately than a 2" gun.

 

[feralmerril]

About 4 years ago I bought the exact same gun. NIB for about $325s. It is also early 70s. Here`s the deal. It finaly dawned on me that the gun seemed half as heavy and more than twice as easy to pack as a 3" model 66-3 and a 2 1/2" python I have. Also the gun cost roughly 1/3 of what those guns bring. The clincher was I carry the same hot .38 ammo in it that I do in the other two .357s! Since the picture I have put on goodyears and got me a nice pancake holster. End result, my rig seems half the weight, is the same 3"s as the 66, shoots the same ammo, and I aint scuffing up a gun that costs 3 to 4 times as much!

 

[papajohn428]

Um, DUDE, it's a three-inch 36 at a great price!! Is this a trick question?

 

[-db-]

Get it or regret it.

 

[Engine49guy]

... saw a M-36 no dash, 3" SB, Ser.#9J36XX (mfg. 1971-1972?). .... I couldn't tell for sure, but it doesn't appear to have a heavy bbl., however, I might be wrong. (w/ tax it'd be about $375 OTD). My dilemma is this:
......... What would you do?.

Buy it...He he ; )

I had the same dilemma twice and here are the results:

 

[Chuck Jones]

Love mine!

Bottom to top: 36 37 and 43

/c