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

Centerfire Systems has a few Model 60s; I actually just bought a seasoned Model 36 myself and am hoping it’s in good condition. It’s pinned, so I’m guessing it’s from the 60s or 70s; got considerable wear on it but the Pachymars look like it was a detectives gun or something. Hopefully it’s in good shape! Im only 36 so it’s strong old-guy vibes for summer carry.
 

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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.

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Man o Man is that a beauty!! I'm looking for one also..
 
They are out there in a safe near you!

But honestly, 36's and pre-36's come up for sale all the time, I don't think anybody should have difficulty finding one.


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This was the 36 I had for a few months before letting it go to a more deserving buyer. I kinda realized that I felt better owning something that Springfield Mass could service today. Then SHOT show came around and S&W blessed us with a no lock 36-11.
 
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.

View attachment 757126
That hand is 98%, Mark. I wouldn't dare show a picture of mine!
 
Good Lord that's beautiful. My LGS told me i should be able to find a clean one 36/60 around $450
Maybe 6 years ago you could but probably not anymore. All the pristine examples I find both in store and online run $550+. I can’t for the life of me find a model 60 but I do some across some 36s from time to time.

I really wish S&W would just go ahead and produce a Model 60 classic already. Give the hammer and trigger the chrome job they did with the mountain gun. I’ve tried to convince myself to like the current production M60 but it just doesn’t hit right at all.
 
Maybe 6 years ago you could but probably not anymore. All the pristine examples I find both in store and online run $550+. I can’t for the life of me find a model 60 but I do some across some 36s from time to time.

I really wish S&W would just go ahead and produce a Model 60 classic already. Give the hammer and trigger the chrome job they did with the mountain gun. I’ve tried to convince myself to like the current production M60 but it just doesn’t hit right at all.
I'd even go $550. I'm in NY so people always think they have gold when they don't I think i'll have to search online. The 60 is the Blue model and the Nickel is the 36? or do i have it backward? Thanks
 
There's a pristine-looking mid-80s 36 no-dash with a mismatched (slightly earlier, I believe) box here locally for $585 firm right now. I've spoken with the seller before, and know firm is firm, which is a tad higher than I can make myself go for one I'd likely never shoot - definitely a looker though!

Not my gun/pic, just sharing for community knowledge:

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I'd even go $550. I'm in NY so people always think they have gold when they don't I think i'll have to search online. The 60 is the Blue model and the Nickel is the 36? or do i have it backward? Thanks
The model 36 is a carbon steel offered in either blue or nickel finish. The model 60 is a stainless steel that originally sold in a polished finish the first year, then kind of a matte finish, then a brushed finish (today). Strangely, the model 60 was upgraded to 357 magnum I believe some time in the 90s but the 36 has always lived as a 38 special despite being a stronger metal.
 
There's a pristine-looking mid-80s 36 no-dash with a mismatched (slightly earlier, I believe) box here locally for $585 firm right now. I've spoken with the seller before, and know firm is firm, which is a tad higher than I can make myself go for one I'd likely never shoot - definitely a looker though!

Not my gun/pic, just sharing for community knowledge:

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Thanks for this it's beautiful.... That's a square butt too
 
Man, that 3” just does something for me. Of course this whole thread is awesome.
I think I’m in trouble again.
The 3" 36 is a special gun IMHO - handles like it's larger K-frame cousins for me; deeply wish I'd never sold that one!
 
Found my 36 no dash in a LGS a couple years ago for $400 and yeah I live in Florida and it's in my safe. 3" barrel. flat latch, original numbered stocks, excellent bluing, vintage 1960. The only glitch is some previous owner removed the serrations from the front sight.
 

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Found my 36 no dash in a LGS a couple years ago for $400 and yeah I live in Florida and it's in my safe. 3" barrel. flat latch, original numbered stocks, excellent bluing, vintage 1960. The only glitch is some previous owner removed the serrations from the front sight.
I’ve never heard of someone grinding off the serrations on the front sight. What a strange thing to do
 
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