Rescued an Orphan 36

[Liftrat]

I was down in Denver last week and stopped in one of the chain sporting goods stores looking for reloading supplies and any ammo deals. In their used handgun display, among several Colt Detectives, a forelorn Dan Wesson, and a 42 with a freewheeling cylinder was this 36. A couple small rust patches on the top strap, some freckling inside the trigger guard, and, of course, filthy. Some light scratches and not-perfect grips, but bore & chambers were good, it cycled well, and only faint drag marks on the cylinder. At $350 OTD, I took a chance.
Serial J380XXX (1976?), grips are numbered to the gun, T-grip came with it. Internals were dry, but in good shape, case colors still good. Believe it or not, this is my first blued S&W.
So I have a couple questions. What did S&W use to finish their grips? I've read that Tru-oil is a popular substitute (I have a coat of pure tung oil on them now), but was wondering what the factory used.
I'm thinking of installing a bobbed hammer (I'll leave the original one alone) and wondering if one with a broken spur would provide reliable ignition, or are there better alternatives? Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[slight_turn_line_69]

Nice pick up! I believe the stocks were coated with clear lacquer, with none of it in the checkered area. Not sure about the bobbed hammer. I believe there might be a few for sale though, in the accessories section of this forum.

 

[Ardeebee]

Shoot it before doing any modifications. From its appearance I expect it will work just dandy, but I would make sure the POI is on POA and that the groups are small before customizing it. Personally I like it the way it is. (Not dirty; you know what I mean.)

 

[Pine_Worker]

Shoot it before doing any modifications. From its appearance I expect it will work just dandy, but I would make sure the POI is on POA and that the groups are small before customizing it. Personally I like it the way it is.

What Ardeebee said.

 

[Baxter6551]

What the last two guys said !!! After a clean up inside and out will be a perfect shooter and carry gun with a proper holster.

 

[Liftrat]

I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet; we're still snow-bound. My thinking is that the hammer spur would make pocket carry problematic, and a hip holster would have to have good body protection. Any recommendations? And you all are right; I'll definitely shoot it before making any changes. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Baxter6551]

I find the steel 36 just a tad heavy for pocket carry - have a 442 for that. I carry OWB. I'm a fan of Kramer leather It's pricey but def worth it in my opinion. Their belt scabbard or their MSP paddle holster would be perfect. Milt Sparks would be excellent as well. A lower cost option is DeSantis Speed Scabbard. I'm sure others will chime in.

 

[Ardeebee]

Uncle Mike's #3 pocket holster covers the hammer on my Model 60, which is the same size as the 36. Carry is comfortable in jacket pocket (95% of the time) or loose trousers. I'm too old to wear tight trousers!! Less than $20, not much risk to try.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Howdy neighbor.

Nice buy. Great price! Welcome to the world of the prettiest (blued) S&Ws.

S&W likely shipped yours in late '75 through early '76.

I have a Chiefs special with a broken hammer spur. No problems with ignition, but Lobo Gun Leather makes a great belt holster in its Enhanced Pancake -- add a hammer shield.

 

[Liftrat]

Bob, thanks for your observations. Good to know I can probably get a broken hammer and swap it if I want, but I'll shoot first and modify later. I'll have to look into Lobo Gun Leather, too. Appreciate the input.

 

[n3s2]

Congratulations on the great find!

Some people fit rubber tubing over the hammer for pocket carry.

Mika is a great pocket holster and value.

 

[Baxter6551]

Model 36

I rescued a couple of orphan model 36 no dashes from the Armored Car company I worked for. They were pulling in all the old guns from around the country to standardize with stainless revolvers - 65s and 642s. Good price and great shooters. Polished internals and smoothed trigger faces. Replaced hammer on the round butt due to broken hammer spur. Fine companions to my model 19 & 66. I second on the Mika pocket holster in addition to my earlier recommendations. I bought my first Mika (shown in middle photo) when he was still with LAPD and selling them for $5.00 out of an add in the back of Police Magazine.