Why Can't I Find a Mint No-Dash Model 36?

[ImDrRich]

I've been looking for months for the above. It doesn't have to be unfired and I don't expect it to be. I just want nice, original, unmolested bluing. I check here regularly as well as Gunbroker. Nothing. Are they really that scarce?

Mods: This is NOT a wanted to buy ad. I'm just frustrated. Thanks.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I'm not sure why the model eludes you. I track them on several sites weekly, and I routinely find at least a dozen on offer.

Your search criteria might be part of the problem. I use various search terms, including the company name (spelled out and abbreviated) and either the model name or the model number, or both. I run across many erroneously marked pieces because too many sellers today seem to do poor research or misinterpret their findings. Caveat emptor!

Please also be aware the term no-dash as it relates to a Model 36 ran from 1958 to 1988 so you could have (or not) diamond stocks and a pinned barrel. It might also have either a small or large logo on the left side of the frame. To further confuse the name and era the company introduced the Model 36-1 with a 3" Heavy Barrel in 1966, and it remained that until 1988.

Lastly, "Patience is a virtue." (probably a 14th Century proverb)

 

[b737lvr]

They’re all parked in the safe of every 60+ year old in Florida

 

[Frailer]

I would echo Bob’s “patience is a virtue” sentiment.

For several years I looked for a nice, early-production Model 60 without success. About six months ago I was sitting in a waiting room, killing time by browsing on my phone, when completely by accident I stumbled across a timed auction that was ending in around 15 minutes. I bid less than I probably should have and, to my surprise, I won.

I’m convinced that you don’t find the things you collect so much as they find you.

 

[ImDrRich]

Yes, I have sweet Model 60 also. Great little piece. Now I need a blue one.

 

[S-W4EVER]

I bought my blued M36 new back in 1976 (for ~ $123 + tax) and it would be the last revolver I parted with. It’s as relevant as ever and we’ve spent a lot of time together. I assume other people feel the same way about theirs.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

… Nothing. Are they really that scarce?

They are out there you have to wait till the owner passes away and their heirs sell it.

I’m guessing half were owned by cops so they got a lot of wear and tear. Other people bought them for protection and the ones who spent generations in a sock drawer will look mint and maybe unfired.

Good luck they are out there.

 

[cmansguns]

Try looking at this Forum. My Model 36 No Dash with box and docs has been listed before but no takers. I thought maybe price was too high ($800 shipped and insured) and maybe still is. Anyway........this one comes with proof of Roy saying January 1967 as out-the-door in ole Mass. This is not a solicitation to sell, but you can always DM if you really got's to have one.

 

[Rule3]

Because I already sold my two.
Edit, one was a dash 1

 

[Cotis]

I have not found them all that difficult to source. Keep looking!

 

[jeffrefrig]

I ran into my no dash 36 by accident a couple few years ago. They gave me $250 for a model 10-8 and I gave them 200. Out the door. They are available. And I think most are in pretty decent shape if they were night stand residents and not a duty BUG. I think mine’s in great shape for being built in 1973.

 

[b737lvr]

I bought my blued M36 new back in 1976 (for ~ $123 + tax) and it would be the last revolver I parted with. It’s as relevant as ever and we’ve spent a lot of time together. I assume other people feel the same way about theirs.

How can a Model 36 keep up with inflation yet houses can’t. Maybe we should switch to a Model 36 based currency.

 

[pasound]

All three of my j's are early no dash. My 60 I found here a few years back from a fine member. My 38 was at the local indoor range, been sitting there for over a year (they sell a lot of plastic). Made them an offer and home it came. Best DA trigger of the three. I found my 36 at Cabelas library, dirty and seemingly in bad shape - just needed disassembly and a good soak in Hoppes, good as new. They are out there, just be patient.

 

[RKmesa]

Here are a few that I found recently at my LGS. All three were sitting there in the case looking lonely. I could not decide which one to purchase, so all three came home with me.









The boxes were not with the guns, but some extras that I had lying around and thought they looked good together.

 

[greenwellg]

Mine was given to the wife's parents after they were home invasion robbed, by the then chief of the Hampton Va police department. The current police building is named after him. I will never sell it since it might be repossessed if I tried .

 

[JM4151]

I have a model 60 that I bought in May of 1970. Paid $96.00 for it and it has been in about 40 states in the USA. Great gun. I also have a model 37 that I bought new too. Its more than 30 years old. Great guns.

 

[welldoya]

I found two mint 36s in the past 4 years at pawn shops. One square butt and one round. Paid $300 for one and $500 for the other.
Then last year I was helping a widowed neighbor sell her husband’s stuff and came across a 60 so I bought that one.

 

[donadler]

36-1 bought for $50 from a friend who was retiring form the SO where I worked. The no dash I got off Gun broker years ago. Bluing is great, if ya disregard my fingerprints. Next time I clean them, THEN take the photos.

 

[Lima_Delta54321]

hmmm. GunBroker always seems to have many of the model 36, inventory coming and going all the time.

Bought my no-dash there for $450 like new. Sweet revolver.

No box, original grips (matching serial #)

 

[bobsguns]

My 36 is a dash one. 3" bbl.

I was working a Knoxville gun show & a guy was walking around with it, trying to sell it. We dickered a bit & I bought it. Still have it, never have shot it.

I see them all the time at gun shows, conditions varying, of course.