I just bought a very nice Model 36 no-dash and I wanted to share. This is my first S&W snubbie, and the first Model 36 I've ever held. This little gun appears to be used very little. The bluing is not worn in the places you'd expect it to be if holstered. Based on the very light cylinder ring and tightness of everything, I don't think it's been fired much. There are some tiny scratches that keep the finish from being 100%. I'm thinking this gun has probably lived in a drawer. My observations are that it actually feels good in my hand, even though the grip is tiny. The single-action pull is light and crisp, just what I'd expect from a vintage S&W revolver. The double-action pull is a real workout! For just a moment, I thought I was squeezing a Glock trigger! Very heavy pull. But, I guess for a pocket pistol a heavy pull is good for safety reasons. Let's face it...these pistols are designed to be used at close range, with adrenaline flowing, when no one notices how heavy the trigger is. I think I got a good deal on it, 460 beans plus tax and shipping. I have two questions for you experts: 1) I know that the features indicate that this gun was likely made in the seventies. Can anyone pin the date down for S/N 7019XX? 2) I'm not sure .38 Special +P was around when this gun was made, so I'm sure S&W would not have rated it for that. But, since it is all steel, what is the concensus on shooting just enough +P to be proficient as carry ammo, and doing the majority of practice with standard ammo? Many thanks in advance.
Snagged a nice Chief's Special
- Thread starter daveboy
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MetalMan
Member
You may find +P ammo too objectionable, especially with those tiny grips. I only shoot standard pressure ammo in mine, and I got so tired of the cylinder latch chewing up my thumb during recoil that I converted it to an early flat latch.
VASCAR2
Member
Very nice model 36. As nice as that model 36 is I wouldn't shoot any +P ammo. Typically Officers might carry +P ammo but practice with wadcutters. The short barrels don't produce much velocity in 38 Special and I would carry 148 grain hollow base wad cutters (HBWC) or semi wad cutter standard pressure.
Wow! That's even older than I thought. Thanks for the info.
You are so right about the quality of the old bluing. Comparing this bluing to what passes on most guns today is apples-to-oranges.
VASCAR2
Member
The Smith & Wesson revolvers from that era are getting harder to find in excellent condition. The likelihood of having to use a firearm in self defense is not common for the average civilian.
Here are a couple of links to ammo I mentioned, 158 grain SWC and 148 grain HBWC by Remington. Fiocchi sell a standard pressure lead SWC. Other manufacturers might also still sell SWC or HBWC ammo.
I put more faith in shot placement than any expanding bullet out of a short barrel 38 Special. These loads usually shoot pretty close to point of aim. Speer sell a 90 grain Gold Dot Special 38 +p but those will shoot low out of a 2" barrel.
Remington 38 Special 158 grain SWC 755 FPS
Buy Performance WheelGun 38 Special Ammo 158 | Target Shooting | Remington
Remington 38 Special 148 grain HBWC 710 FPS
Buy Performance WheelGun 38 Special Ammo 148 | Target Shooting | Remington
Here are a couple of links to ammo I mentioned, 158 grain SWC and 148 grain HBWC by Remington. Fiocchi sell a standard pressure lead SWC. Other manufacturers might also still sell SWC or HBWC ammo.
I put more faith in shot placement than any expanding bullet out of a short barrel 38 Special. These loads usually shoot pretty close to point of aim. Speer sell a 90 grain Gold Dot Special 38 +p but those will shoot low out of a 2" barrel.
Remington 38 Special 158 grain SWC 755 FPS
Buy Performance WheelGun 38 Special Ammo 158 | Target Shooting | Remington
Remington 38 Special 148 grain HBWC 710 FPS
Buy Performance WheelGun 38 Special Ammo 148 | Target Shooting | Remington
heeter3
Member
Congratulations Dave boy on an excellent little revolver.I have 3 36s and carry and shoot them often.That double action will lighten up the more you use it.Enjoy it.
I reload, so I could replicate those loadings easily. You are correct about most civilians being in a gunfight. But, since it won't be my favorite range gun, I'd just like to know my options for carry. And, you are also correct about the short barrel negating most loads that boast of increased velocity. All of that fire coming out of the barrel is just wasted powder.
Congrats. Nice Chiefs Special.
Based on a search of others in the database, I'd estimate S&W
shipped yours between late '68 and early '69.
S&W made the first Chiefs in 1950, and the serial range ran from
1 to 786544 in 1969.
I heartily agree with VASCAR2's point about shot placement. Get
yourself proficient with the ammo you shoot best. You'll be fine.
Based on a search of others in the database, I'd estimate S&W
shipped yours between late '68 and early '69.
S&W made the first Chiefs in 1950, and the serial range ran from
1 to 786544 in 1969.
I heartily agree with VASCAR2's point about shot placement. Get
yourself proficient with the ammo you shoot best. You'll be fine.
That is another reason that I don't think this gun has been fired very much. It's TOO tight, including the trigger pull. I removed the side-plate to give it a good cleaning and except for some old, gummed up oil (which I removed) everything looked brand new. I've got snap caps in in and have probably pulled that trigger a couple hundred times and it already feels better.
It was not rated for +P ammo by S&W but your plan to only shoot a limited amount of +P and shoot mainly std pressure ammo will be just fine.
Nice score! I'm relatively new to the Model 36s, but they've won my respect. That's a nice example there - well done.
Bloodhound
Member
That is a beauty! Congrats
Great model 36 you snagged. The best (imo) grips for carrying are the now discontinued Uncle Mikes boot grips. They can be found on line but prices are going up.
What's Better Than J Frame Uncle Mike's Boot Grip For Carry?
Of course changing grips around is part of the fun of S&W collecting !
What's Better Than J Frame Uncle Mike's Boot Grip For Carry?
Of course changing grips around is part of the fun of S&W collecting !
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VASCAR2
Member
Everglades ammo sell reloading bullets and components and they have plated 148 grain HBWC bullets plus lead bullets. I have been reloading the plated 125 grain Flat Point for my 38 Special 3" model 36 and 4" model 15. I like this bullet as it has proven accurate for me. Being fully plated tends to reduce lead exposer. The flat point design aids loading a revolver especially with speed loaders. I have been using a light powder charge of accurate # 2 with the 125 grain FP 357 bullet in my 38 Special reloads.
I have no affiliation with Everglades other than being a satisfied customer.
38/357 125gr FP Plated Bullets - No Cannelure
Nice snubbie there OP. Every time I see one of those, I want one. but I can't hit a darn thing with them. I was really giving serious consideration to a nickel 36 a couple weeks ago, but I am not that fond of nickel either.
I have to get past this
I have to get past this
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That is a BEAUTIFUL 36. Did it come with box and papers? They don't make them anymore and you have a WINNER.
.38SuperMan
Member
You got a very good deal. I found 2 "pre 36's" At a local show a week ago that were in comparable shape. There were no boxes and the price was $900 on one and $1,000 on the other. Way too much in my book so I passed. Everything the guy had was over priced so I walked away. I was just thinking I do think I've ever had a 36 but have had several J few am snubbie including 2 37's, 442, 640, 30-1, 40-1 and 32-1. I really like steel frame snub nose and should look to acquire a nice one.
Beautiful 36 and a great price.
Beautiful 36 and a great price.
Bajadoc
US Veteran
Great deal on a beautiful piece. Hang on to it, don't sell it or trade it away. The longer you have it and use it the more valuable it becomes to you.
