Older Model 36 Info?

[Glynn863]

Looking for a revolver for my parents. Came across a Model 36 at a local shop for $300 + tax. Details:

Mod - 36 - No Dash.
Ser No. 145xxx on the butt.
2" barrel.
Blued finish with some wear on the high points.
Wood grips with medallions, but worn some.
Action seems tight.

When was this made and how is the price?

Thanks.

 

[MetalMan]

Based on the information below, somewhere between 1958 and 1960?

Early J frame serial numbers
For models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50 and pre model number versions.

1950 = start at 1
1952 = 7369 - 21342
1953 = 28916
1955 = 55050 - 75000
1957 = 117770 - 125000
1962 = starts at 295000
1969 = ends at 786544

J serial Prefix serial numbers.
For models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50.

1969-1970 = J1 - J99999
1971-1972 = 1J1 - 999J99
1973-1974 = J100000 - J250000
1975-1976 = J250001 - J370000
1976-1977 = J370001 - J610000
1977-1978 = J610001 - J670000
1979-1980 = J670001 - J760000
1981 = J760001 - J915400
1982 = J915401 - 1J18600
1983 = 1J18601 - 1JXXXX

1955 - 4 screw side plate ends
1957 - stamping of model number at 125000
1966 - flat latch ends
1968 - diamond grips end
1975 - heavy barrel standard
1982 - end pinned barrel

 

[model3sw]

My guesstimate is 1958 or very near there. $300 seems OK

If for your parents, presuming for self defense, consider something newer. Also, consider ... the J frames .38 Specials are "up close and personal" self defense weapons. Some of us can hit the x at 25 feet but don't expect much better than that at any further distance nor in the midst of a real-life confrontation.

There are plenty of new or newer S&W Js in the $300 to $400 range that might be better suited for them if that's the way your thinking.

Choosing a self defense firearm for someone else is always a chore. Best to have them try out something similar as well as some other types.

I usually recommend a .38 Special revolver with standard (non +P) loads for a novice but it is always, very much, a matter of personal preference.

 

[Ozark Marine]

S&W 36 no dash that has the flat latch brings a premium.
As long as it's not beat to hell buy it.

 

[Waveski]

As to price , based on your description I would pounce on that no dash at $300 if I had the chance.

The original 36 is an excellent snub nose revolver. I see no advantage to a newer J frame unless we were to factor in weight , but the original steel J frame is a MUCH better shooter than an alloy one , based on my experience.

There are those who will disagree on that last point.

 

[Biggfoot44]

I would buy it at that price, if the condition were acceptable .

I used to regularly carry an M37 . Today I use and prefer an M36 .

Anybody that has to ask, I recommend all steel .

If tight in good condition , I would have no qualms of purposing it for social purposes .


But the real question is the choice of a J Frame for your parents . Are they experienced revolver shooters ? Of small snub nose ? Will this be primarily for deep concealment , or primarily at home, or in the vehicle ? ( If you can't guess , I'm sounding out the situation to see if a K Frame would be a better recomendation .)

 

[Hondo44]

That's a good price. But might not be the right gun.

How old are your parents?
Will they carry it or is it intended as a bedside gun?

The Model 36s can have fierce recoil even with standard 38s, for older people, especially if their hands are a little arthritic!

I'd certainly recommend taking them shooting to try out different cartridges and revolver sizes before buying that one:
Can they manage the double action trigger pull?
A K frame will have a lot less recoil.
A J frame in 32 Long or 22 Magnum will be a lot more user friendly and both have an extra shot.

 

[Glynn863]

Whichever is chosen will be primarily a house gun. I have my great-grandfather's I-frame Model 1905 ?th change in 32 Long. It has browned over the years and has a dark bore, but still shoots well.

 

[Green Frog]

I tend to always vote in favor of buying another gun, especially if priced favorably, so that part of your question is easy. OTOH, whether I would give it to my parents as a house gun is another question all together. It would be good in many cases with many people, but maybe not for you. If you "buy and try" though, you still will be a desirable gun to the good, so why not?

As for the I frame 32, a lot more info is needed. In many ways, it would fit the same niche as the CS, BUUUTT, from the way you describe it, I think I would have to thoroughly clean and service it then have any potential user practice with it before it became their house gun. While not as easy to find there are some types of 32 S&W Long ammo available for home defense... on the lower edge of effective, but better than nothing (or a loud miss.).

Regardless of your choice of gun, you need to know that a gun is not a magic wand to just be picked up to make a threat disappear. Anyone acquiring a home defense gun) needs a commitment to shoot it enough to become competent and confident in its use. (Sermon to the choir over. )

Froggie