Prospective S&W 36

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Mr. Mosin

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My sister's boyfriend and I were talking, and he was telling me of his mother's S&W revolver that's been fired twice. After further inquiries, I've determined (sight unseen, mind you) to it to be a Mdl 36. She still has the original box and paperwork it came with.

What is one of these worth ? I know people like the old Smiths w/ the firing pin on hammer (not sure why, someone could enlighten me if they wish); though I do know that the old Smiths were built better than the new production, but I really don't care. It would be cerakoted SOCOM Blue and be home to a set of Pachmayr Compacs, and it would ride in a pocket or waistband holster. I'm not buying a safe queen
 
Please don't take a fired only twice Smith still in the box and ruin it like you described. Let someone have it that appreciates the beauty that is still there. If you want a model 36 to Cerakote and put rubber grips on then scour the Pawn Shops or Gunbroker and find one with some finish wear but mechanically sound. Then make the modifications. I agree with ColtPythonElite that you are basically ruining a nice gun.
 
I suggest that you pass on the 36 and find your self a S&W model 60 , the stainless version of the 36. Or , if you are budget minded , a Taurus 85 , also ss.


Why ? I am considering the 442/642
 
If it's in the condition one would expect from the description then it's worth a good $500. Might even get more on gunbroker
 
Fine , great - get a 442 , get a LCR , just don’t screw up a perfectly good 36 Chiefs.

If I bought it, I would carry it. I would use it, I would shoot it. I would absolutely wear it out practicing with it. Why not cerakote it to start with ?
 
I second the Taurus 85. They are nice carry guns and you won't damage the SS by carrying and shooting it. I have both an 85 and a 36 and I shoot the 85 much more often. Believe it or not my Taurus 85 has a better double action trigger than the S&W 36.
 
Mr.Mosin, please go ahead with your plans. That will make the remaining unaltered guns worth more.

Yes, yes. I know the spiel about 'they don't make em like that anymore, yada, yada.' I get it. But me personally, I don't see an issue. S&W made millions of em, and are still making em. It's a gun, it was designed for a purpose.
 
Yes, yes. I know the spiel about 'they don't make em like that anymore, yada, yada.' I get it. But me personally, I don't see an issue. S&W made millions of em, and are still making em. It's a gun, it was designed for a purpose.


Yep, you are right please alter your gun any way you like, might I suggest FitzSpecialing it also.
Sell the box, tools and paperwork online.
 
About 10 years ago I bought a 1975 M36 that by all indications fired only 5 rounds. It came with the box and papers but no tools. It now has 1,000's of rounds through it but except for adding a Tyler T grip remains original. I clean it well after shooting it and baby the finish lol.

I agree with @Mr. Mosin a gun should be shot but just because this gun is available doesn't mean you have to buy it. You can buy one that needs a new finish and have at it.
 
Why ? I am considering the 442/642
Just a note Mr. Mosin, above you mentioned a M442/M642 both Airweights. They weigh only 15oz and are easy to carry. Waveski suggested a M60 because both it and the M36 are heavier @21oz.

I pocket carry a M442 daily and it's a good choice for me. I'm not crazy about carrying the slightly heavier revolver in my pocket.

If I bought it, I would carry it. I would use it, I would shoot it. I would absolutely wear it out practicing with it. Why not cerakote it to start with ?
Why? To save ~$150/200 is why. That almost pristine M36 where I live will run $500/550 most days. If you buy one that is not so pretty you will save plenty and still end up with a painted blue gun. The money saved on the purchase will cover the refinish, the grips and more.
 
Mr OP Mosin ,

You seem to take an opposing position to input that you solicited , even to the point of contradicting yourself. Posts 5 , 9 and 12 are evidence of this.

If it is your wish to wreck a perfectly good model 36 , just go ahead and do it. You are wasting your money on a clean specimen with original box , but that is your prerogative. You asked what it is worth - give the guy $500 , toss the box in the trash , and get out the Cerakote. Your gun , your money. Have a ball.

I see no purpose for this thread , other than you getting your jollies by tweaking those of us who think that your intentions are ... distasteful. (careful word choice...)
 
IBTL...

I’ll fifth the guys who would love to see that clean S&W 36 carried and shot as-is rather than needlessly sprayed and baked into the equivalent of a surplus revolver resurrection project.

Since you’re a Mosin guy it’s like taking an all-matching unissued Mosin Nagant and rattle-canning a desert camo finish and adding an Archangel stock...they made millions of them but the good ones are few and far between.

You asked for a valuation, and you got a value for an un-Bubbaed one. But if you buy it, it’s yours to do with what you want. :thumbup:

Stay safe.
 
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I’d look for something else to carry. Don’t ruin that gun. You can find something less expensive, and just as reliable if you’re looking for a carry gun. Revolvers are cool, they’re reliable, and just plain good. However, with proper maintenance, you don’t have to ruin an old Smith by Cerakoting it. They will last. Also, the grips are fine one you know how to use them. Just a suggestion.
 
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