S & W Model 36 question

[asleepinTucson]

I am in the process of buying a 2'" blue model 36. I know they had a great reputation, and were discontinued in 1999. This one is in good shape and although the seller claims it is +p rated, everything I've seen on internet searchs says not +p unless you buy a recent 36LS (still in production). The gun was purchased originally new in 2000, so is probably a late 90s production.

Anybody know these j frames well enough to clarify it's +p status?

Thank you

 

[HSMITH]

Any model marked 36 is ok to use +P in, I just wouldn't use a ton of it. Shoot your practice with standard ammo and then a couple cylinders of what you intend to carry in it. The gun will outlast you doing this.

The oldest guns are the ones that are susceptible to damage from the hot loads, and even then a sustained diet is needed to harm one as long as the ammo is standard +P.

 

[SWMAN]

I Have a SW 36

I don't use +P in it, only 110 grain Federal HPs and Winchester FMJ. You can carry +P and shoot them if you're in danger, but the 36 isn't marker +P so I don't use them. The 36 is pretty stout with regular 38 specials.

 

[Cosmoline]

I have not hesitated to use LSWCHP +p 158 grainers in my Model 36. It has a very solid all-steel frame and as long as you don't shoot too much I can't see a problem with it. The only problems I've heard of come from the smaller, maximum velocity +P loads which stress the revolver when entering the forcing cone. Larger bullets appear to pose less risk of loosening.

I consider the Model 36 a lot tougher than the J-Frames Smith used for .357 Magnum loads, frankly. They have certainly held up better to the decades than some of Smith's later J's.

 

[Old Fuff]

Before your question can be answered we need to know:

Is this a model 36 (no dash number) or a model 36 (with a dash number)? The dash number, if there is one, could make a difference.

If the revolver was made in the late 1990's there should be a dash number after the "model 36".

 

[asleepinTucson]

Thank you for your responses.

Old Fluff - This is a S&W model 36-9, production code 101502, s/n CDR7xxx.

Hope that is enough information.

Thanx again

 

[magsnubby]

I have a flat latch no dash 36. I shoot mostly light stuff in it but i'll occasionally run a box of +p's through it. I figure if i ever shoot it "loose" i'll just send it back to S&W for a tune up.

The little J frame Smiths are to much fun to shoot to stick strictly to light stuff. Recoil with +p,s isn't that bad in an all steel gun.

 

[Erich]

And just look at the load Elmer Keith used to fire through his!

 

[Onmilo]

36-9 is one of the last produced.
These guns were built on the new .357 frame using modern techniques and if it is indeed a 36-9, it is rated for, and warranted for, a steady diet of +P .38 special ammunition.