Scored a 36-2 DAO, Matte Blue with J Combats

[NCBeagle]

Found this on a large auction site a few weeks ago. It arrived today. This is a Model 36-2, DAO, matte blue with box, tools, etc. I understand that it is part of a limited run (maybe 2000?) in 1989 or so. Product Code 101520. There are a couple other threads on this configuration.

It appears to be unfired since factory. Dissapointed is definitely not the word, but was expecting something with a little wear and tear. Planned to carry it. Hard to justify roughing up a NIB 36 when I have others in the rotation. I'll probably carry it anyway.

* This is not just a "look at my gun" thread. Feel free to hijack it with pics of your own 36-2 DAO, additional information about this configuration, or other comments.

 

[sigp220.45]

That gun is too nice NOT to carry! Very cool.

 

[kaaskop49]

Wow! Nice snag! This is the 1st time I've read someone being disappointed that their newly acquired gun was not finish-worn. Were it mine, I'd swap out the grips for UM boot grips. Then, off to the range with a couple of hundred service loads. Enjoy your new gun.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[jim0383]

That's awesome, nice find!

 

[NCBeagle]

Wow! Nice snag! This is the 1st time I've read someone being disappointed that their newly acquired gun was not finish-worn. Were it mine, I'd swap out the grips for UM boot grips. Then, off to the range with a couple of hundred service loads. Enjoy your new gun.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

That's exactly what's likely to happen. Maybe Hogue Bantam grips. Going to think on it for a couple days.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Congrats.

Glad to see someone here got that one. (I was watching the auction, but I have two, already.) I've only managed to add nine of the 2,000 to my database, including the consecutive one that precedes yours.

Do you have any .38 snap caps?

Give the trigger a "go" with 'em if you do. My two have the finest triggers of any of my Chiefs or other J-frames.

The finish is called glass beaded satin blue. It's the same finish as the same era 3" Chiefs Special Target Model 36-6.

 

[seldon14]

Don't much care for the grips, but otherwise that thing looks about perfect.

 

[majick47]

Considering the finish on the 36 I'd also be leaning towards UM boot grips.

 

[Hapworth]

Excellent score, NCBeagle.

I get the hesitance to put such a nice-condition one to use -- I've got a couple S&Ws tuned to near perfection that nonetheless are much too idle because they're near pristine.

But if there's a use in your shooting needs for this piece, it's purpose built with the matte finish and bobbed hammer and should go to work.

I'm a big fan of the J-frame combats both for feel and looks, but know this: they won't clear speedloaders.

I too am a fan of the old Spegel-inspired Uncle Mike's boot grips, but they're getting harder (and more expensive) to find. I've also had them wear from daily carry. I'm sold for now on VZ's G-10 version -- you might want to check them out.

 

[Mbrgr1]

Just curious.

* This is not just a "look at my gun" thread.


Are look at my gun threads discouraged or frowned upon?


I like sharing my latest finds and enjoy seeing what others have found.


Just curious.


Thanks

 

[Hapworth]

* This is not just a "look at my gun" thread.


Are look at my gun threads discouraged or frowned upon?


I like sharing my latest finds and enjoy seeing what others have found.


Just curious.


Thanks

"Look at my gun" threads are fine on this forum, and generally encouraged if the pics are good and plenty.

 

[Mbrgr1]

"Look at my gun" threads are fine on this forum, and generally encouraged if the pics are good and plenty.

Excellent!


(This is not a look at my candy reply)

 

[LPD256]

I learn something every day on this forum. I have a couple 36's now and bought my first one in 1976. What I've really learned is that every time I see a gun like yours that I haven't seen before, I want one. Same with the DSS Model 19. Great one. Thanks for sharing.

 

[NCBeagle]

* This is not just a "look at my gun" thread.


Are look at my gun threads discouraged or frowned upon?


I like sharing my latest finds and enjoy seeing what others have found.


Just curious.


Thanks

Not at all. I enjoy "look at my gun threads." Sometimes, however, I am cautious about whether to reply or share my own similar picture out of concern about hijacking the thread or stepping on somebody's toes. My comment was to solicit others' photos, stories, information about this configuration. That's all.

 

[transit]

Terrific find!

Is the factory bobbed hammer the special order code?

How did that all work?

 

[brjr51]

Nice score! I found mine in a LGS a few years ago. The dealer didn't know what it was and thought someone had bobbed the hammer and refinished it. Unfortunately the original Combats were long gone and she wore Pachmayrs. Carried her for a bit, then decided I'd be better off putting the wear and tear on a newer 438.

 

[SAFireman]

I'm sorry that you are disappointed, I will happy trade you, straight across, for one with an appropriate amount of wear, just so you are happy

Seriously though.....that is a really neat one. I think you are spot on - take the combat stocks off and set them aside. Then carry away sir, that gun was made to be carried. It will likely take a special ankle holster to hold it properly with the hammer spur removed.

Nice find!

 

[ejjeff]

Congratulations on a beautiful example of blue steel and wood!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Is the factory bobbed hammer the special order code?

At some point (early '80s perhaps) each individual S&W model had its own six-digit Product Code. The OP's Double Action Only Model 36-2 from 1989 was Product Code 102520, which equates to a Chiefs Special that is indeed double action only (even if you can get purchase on the hammer, the revolver will not operate in single action), round butt, combat stocks, and bobbed hammer.

Product Code 102522 was identical with one exception, it came with "synthetic grips." I'm not positive which ones.

The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 4th Ed., details many, if not all, product codes for the various models.

Hope this helps.

 

[S&W Fan]

I'm not much a fan of J frames (never could shoot them very well) but that is one very cool revolver! Congrats!