Help with my first S&W .38 snub

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newbuckeye

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So I was walking around the gun show this morning and found a guy selling a S&W mod 36. For $300, it seemed in good shape, and was just about what I was looking for (something to pocket carry) so I took the plunge.

Can anyone give me an approx age? The SN is 41xxxx. It looks like the hammer has been bobbed and the pin seems a bit loose (it moves when the hammer is cocked). The cylinder is pretty tight and the trigger seems smooth and over all it looks like it has been well taken care of.
 
If you mean the firing pin moves up & down?
It is supposed too.

The serial number J41xxxx dates to 1976-77.


PS: Yes, before you ask, you can shoot todays +P ammo in it if you want too.

The sights were regulated with 158 grain LRN ammo at the factory though.
I'd recommend 158 LSWC, or LSWC-HP.

rc
 
NewBuck,

You say that your snubbie has been bobbed, has it also been rendered DAO?

If not it is VERY important that you not cock it so as to shoot it double action.

If you change your mind there is no safe way to drop the hammer.

BTW, RC is a smart guy. Everything he mentioned is above 100% accurate. (he does that a lot)
 
Thanks for the info!

Yes, it has been rendered DAO which is actually what I was looking for.

Thanks for the preemptive answer about the +p ammo. I seen on the S&W web site that the new ones are +p rated but i wasn't sure about an older one.

I can't wait to shoot it!
 
Older ones were not +P rated, because +P hadn't been invented yet.
It just came on the scene in 1974.

At that point, SAAMI lowered standard pressure, and made +P just a frog hair faster then standard pressure had been.

rc
 
I have a model 36 no dash which is about the same age as the one you bought. And like others have said, its ok to shoot 38 +P ammo in it. One of the best self defense rounds is the Remington or Winchester LCWCHP 158 gr +P round or "FBI". I have also heard of Buffalo Bores Standard Pressure LCWCHP 158 gr which is suppose to work well with snub nose revolvers.
The model 36 is a good solid carry revolver.
Good luck,
Howard
 
I also bought a very lightly used M36 a few years back for only $300.
Mine dates to 1975 and it's a great revolver.

M36-1-1.jpg

There's nothing like a old 1948 4" M&P and a M36 BUG.

M10-M36s.jpg
 
Not much to add besides "congratulations", and that I have a 1976 36-1 modified to true DAO and a hammer bob. It has seen its share of the FBI load. Go shoot that thing, and enjoy.



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The advise you have gotten here is 100 percent. Also, you have a much finer revolver than is currently available.
 
roaddog28 said:
I have a model 36 no dash which is about the same age as the one you bought. And like others have said, its ok to shoot 38 +P ammo in it. One of the best self defense rounds is the Remington or Winchester LCWCHP 158 gr +P round or "FBI". I have also heard of Buffalo Bores Standard Pressure LCWCHP 158 gr which is suppose to work well with snub nose revolvers.
The model 36 is a good solid carry revolver.
Good luck,
Howard
Click to expand...
The Remington is the original/best load of the two. The Winchester is harder lead and doesn't perform as well.
 
Buffalo Bore loads a soft lead gaschecked 158 grain hollow point made by Rimrock Bullets. both the standard velocity and high velocity expand profoundly to the point of fragmentation when shot through beef brisket

158 SW Hollow Point
Standard pressure 852fps 255ft/lbs 18extreme spread
158 SWHP
+P 1020 365 36
from new bodyguard 2" bbl
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I also use the Buffalo Bore standard pressure 158 grain LSWCHP in my model 36 and my 3" model 10-5. It shoots to POA in both.
 
Does someone make a more comfrortabe set of grips for the model 36. I love mine but it isnt as kind to my hands as I would like it to be.
No hijack intended just curious.
 
I've always wondered about those small grips. I won't change them till after I shoot it even tho I normally prefer hogue's to wood.
 
Don't be so sure about a +p round being OK. One factory 158 gr semiwadcuter +p and I have bulged cylinder chamber in my pristine Model 36 (1982 vintage).
 
TQUIL,

Your gun that was designed to handle 22,000 PSI and had a BIG safety margin bulged a cylinder with a round that produces 17,000 PSI?

If this happened it is either a defective cylinder or a defective round.

Numbers don't lie.
 
Guillermo,

I agree. It should have handled the factory +p round (Winchester). But it didn't. I really liked this gun. I had considerable correspondence and conversations with S&W about a repair. No warranty, too old. No new cylinders available for repair. Most used cylinders are in pretty sad shape. Any suggestions?

Oh, S&W offered to cut me a deal a new j-frame. Only problem.... by the time I paid for shipping the damaged gun back to the factory and FFL transfer fees for the new gun,I could buy a j-fame locally for less money....which I did...a new NL 442. :D

Sorry for the thread highjack.
 
Sorry for the thread highjack
Click to expand...

It is all about discussion. No worries. :D

(besides...it is not my thread :evil:)


I would call Numerich http://www.gunpartscorp.com

Sometimes you get someone more knowledgeable than others. Ask some hard questions and they will get someone who can help.

There is one gruff old man that I have talked to twice. He seems to know everything. (I suspect he is Old Fuff :neener:).
 
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