New J Frame - 36-7

[Sakràn Dog]

I picked up this mid-90's 36-7 recently. I have owned several new production models but have always had an interest in the more classic version. I initially thought the stocks had been replaced but I believe these may have been factory installed? Luckily, it came with the plastic case and factory paperwork - stapled into the manual was the original purchase receipt dated 11/96 - $299! I only see three burn rings on the cylinder but believe it was shot at least once as there was a single spent CCI shot shell in the cylinder, along with a second loaded shot shell and two Winchester Silvertips! Most likely a "Sock Drawer" gun but I was happy to acquire it.

 

[chief38]

IMHO you got yourself the best dash number of any Chief's Special ever made by S&W. The -7 has the wider front sight, a wider trigger, traditional bluing, specifically designed for +P use, and was a very high quality product. It does not have any of the undesirable features and was the last dash version to have all of these features together. I do not believe the Uncle Mike's grips are original - as far as I know it should have come with wood magna grips.

 

[Sakràn Dog]

Thank you chief38. A couple of questions though: I was under the impression that "model numbered" 38's were OK'd with +p - were there changes to the -7 that specified this? Also, the stock code on the box is listed as "RB" - would this not refer to rubber?

Much appreciated!

 

[chief38]

Thank you chief38. A couple of questions though: I was under the impression that "model numbered" 38's were OK'd with +p - were there changes to the -7 that specified this? Also, the stock code on the box is listed as "RB" - would this not refer to rubber?

Much appreciated!

After the fact, S&W stated that any revolver stamped with a model number in the Yoke area is OK for a limited amount of +P. The -7 was the first Chief's Special to actually be designed and built for the +P's.

RB stands for Round Butt. As far as I know, S&W never used Uncle Mikes rubber grips on their revolvers. I too have a -7 and it came with factory wooden Magna grips.

 

[pbramlett]

S&W did ship many guns with rubber grips by Uncle Mikes. Both in boot style and combat style. This 36-7 may have indeed shipped with them. Many model 640-1,940, and other J frames had OEM rubber grips, shipped from SW that were of Uncle Mikes manufacture.

This is a very nice 36, and one that I would love to have found myself. Well done.

 

[Sakràn Dog]

Thank you Patrick - the minor research I did seems to show that Uncle Mike's was an OEM supplier to S&W in the 90's. Based on the story that came along with this revolver, I highly doubt the original owner would have modified this firearm but you never know what has transpired over the years!

 

[HamHands]

I picked up this mid-90's 36-7 recently. I have owned several new production models but have always had an interest in the more classic version. I initially thought the stocks had been replaced but I believe these may have been factory installed? Luckily, it came with the plastic case and factory paperwork - stapled into the manual was the original purchase receipt dated 11/96 - $299! I only see three burn rings on the cylinder but believe it was shot at least once as there was a single spent CCI shot shell in the cylinder, along with a second loaded shot shell and two Winchester Silvertips! Most likely a "Sock Drawer" gun but I was happy to acquire it.

You scored... And you should be very happy! A semi-vintage J frame is a sweet thing that will outlast you. And with the perfect grip set-up (independent for everyone), the right holster whether pocket or hip or appendix carry, and ammo... this Revo is the answer for a lot of problems! I've carried (2) J-Frames at a time, a lot of times, in times of need... and they were the answer too to a lot of potential problems.

Conceal-ability is High Priority for me. I'm a fly under radar kind of guy. I'm big, 6'2"+ and 255lbs so I get enough stares because of my build and physical presence so I've been told my my family and friends. It bothers me a lot so I ask the people I trust to tell me the truth because A: I don't like the extra attention from "others" and B. I try to tone down my presence as a possible threat magnet in order to blend in as best I can to the senses and public.

If I was ever seen with a big/bulky object hanging off my hip I could only imagine the amount of "Extra Attention" from the "Sheeple" and especially the area I live at and the area's I go.

J-Frames have become My Favorite Hand-Guns of All Time because of the above for 1. 2, their performance is awesome and I train 20 yards and closer of which they excel at, and lastly with a Tyler-T and Magna grips they fit my mitts to a "T" no pun intended.

Hope this helps.

-Hams

 

[Eagle1*]

Great score and very nice looking J you found.

 

[chief38]

S&W did ship many guns with rubber grips by Uncle Mikes. Both in boot style and combat style. This 36-7 may have indeed shipped with them. Many model 640-1,940, and other J frames had OEM rubber grips, shipped from SW that were of Uncle Mikes manufacture.

This is a very nice 36, and one that I would love to have found myself. Well done.

Well I guess I just learned something I did not know. Live & learn!

 

[Jerry in SC]

Well I guess I just learned something I did not know. Live & learn!

The -7's also have the improved yoke retention: the yoke screw has a spring loaded ball that rides in a V shaped groove in the yoke. It virtually eliminates yoke end shake.

 

[Sakràn Dog]

Thank you for your input Jerry - the newer-style yoke screw is a plus in my book. I have not disassembled the revolver for a detailed inspection to this point (only a superficial cleaning) so I am very appreciative of the tidbits of information the forum is willing to share!

 

[kaaskop49]

OP, there is a term we cognoscenti use for guns like the one you bought: "real J-frame." THAT is a real J-frame! I envy you your lovely gun.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. I might want to check under the rubber grips for rust on the frame, and to prevent it in the future. Been known to happen...

 

[Sakràn Dog]

OP, there is a term we cognoscenti use for guns like the one you bought: "real J-frame." THAT is a real J-frame! I envy you your lovely gun.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. I might want to check under the rubber grips for rust on the frame, and to prevent it in the future. Been known to happen...

Agreed - it feels very nice in hand with just the right amount of weight.

All clear under the grips - it is actually in perfect condition though I am fairly certain it lived inside the factory case it's entire life!

 

[kaaskop49]

Agreed - it feels very nice in hand with just the right amount of weight.

All clear under the grips - it is actually in perfect condition though I am fairly certain it lived inside the factory case it's entire life!

If there were more than 1 like yours in the showcase, say 5 or 6, I would have trouble not buying all of them! I wouldn't worry about using +P ammo. These guns are tough little chickenpluckers; they were originally cleared for the higher velocity/pressure .38-44 loads. Kaaskop49

 

[JohnRippert]

Several years ago I went into a Gander Mountain and found a almost pristine 36-7. I paid the GM premium and forked out $500 for it. Never been sorry. As mentioned before, the wider sights wider trigger and overall great looks of this version make it a must buy if you find one. First pic as received and the second with Altamonts to get all my fingers wrapped around it.

 

[Sakràn Dog]

Very nice, John! I had no issue paying $500 for this one (also came with a nice Bianchi holster and 50rd box of Norma 158 JHP's). I am a sucker for pristine Smith's though!