Smith 36-6 full lug target found today

[bikemutt]

I really was looking for a pair of 2 gauge jumper cables in this pawn shop today, really I was. What do I encounter but a pretty nice looking S&W 36-6 target model, pre-lock, 3" barrel, round butt. Houge mono-grip.

The finish is rather like the 28-2 Highway Patrolman models; a matte blackish-blue color. It may be re-finished for all I know. It looks as if it's been fired very little.

In any event, they were asking $399 for it so I told them I'd take it and come get it tomorrow. It sure is a nice looking handgun and I'm sorry I didn't have time to get a picture.

I hope it shoots as nice as it looks, and yes, I will post pictures once I have her home

 

[stiab]

That's a rare gun, worth much more than the price you paid. The finish is called "blue glass bead". Those are not the original grips, if in fact Hogues. Congrats!

 

[Panzerschwein]

Pics please! Very cool!

 

[Ron James]

I believe if they had named it a " Trapper" or " Trail Gun " they would have sold a ton of them. People just don't equate a model 36 and targets. They are really great guns.

 

[bhk]

I had one and gave it to my daughter. Smith made less than 700 of them (615, I think). Mine did come with a Hogue monogrip (and still wears it). A few years after I bought the 36-6, I bought a 3" full-lugged target sighted model 60-15. Very similar gun, but stainless and chambered in .357. Both of these guns are outstanding trail and ccw firearms and are quite easy to shoot with heavy loads.

The price you paid is outstanding!

 

[Waveski]

Wow. I am a 36 Chief's Special fan - YOU STRUCK GOLD!!!

 

[Wil Terry]

The S&W M36-6 38SPL was the Trial Masterpiece. So was the S&W M60-6 matter of fact ...
And so it goes..

 

[Armybrat]

Some guys have all the luck, but I'm glad it's now owned by someone who can appreciate it. I've been on the lookout for a 36 with 3" pinned barrel, square butt - blue finish. Both my brothers have one or two each.
Never have seen one with the special finish.

 

[swopjan]

You had me at 3" barreled model 36. I didn't know they existed, much less that they existed for $400. But then, I guess they don't now since you probably got the only one...

Pawn shop in town kept posting pictures of a 36 snubby with nickel finish. Pretty to look at but I don't enjoy shooting snubbies and won't pay $600 for a gun I won't shoot. Sounds like you did very well.

 

[Comrade Mike]

Pictures please!

 

[bikemutt]

Pictures up!

Well, fellow THR members, the news is all good

I got the gun but, after much haggling the LGS agreed to sell it for $360 or $40 less than original asking price! I was stunned!

Here she is:

 

[stiab]

They made an otherwise identical stainless steel version .38 Special that is actually much more common, called the 60-4. They sold lots of those, and then continued it with the other later dash models in .357.

I've been on the lookout for a 36 with 3" pinned barrel, square butt - blue finish.

This one is much harder to find, the 3" pencil barrel in RB...

 

[TfflHndn]

Did you get that at Ben's? I've been meaning to go by there and check out what they have. Got a King Cobra there many years ago and as I recall they are a very good shop with good prices. Nice score!

 

[Hoppes Love Potion]

The 60-4 is the Stainless steel version of the 36-6. These are the best balanced and most shootable J-frames ever, IMO. Here's my 60-4 wearing Pro Series grips:

 

[bikemutt]

I've been trying to find a model 60 3" for so long I gave up looking, not because they aren't out there, the prices have just pushed them far above the value to me.

Since I don't really care to shoot .357 from a J-frame anyway, this new one will have to be my consolation prize for being patient

 

[ThomasT]

From what I have read S&W did only make 615 of these models and the Houge grip was standard issue. And like Will Terry stated they are indeed a trail masterpiece. I have one I bought off GB. The same day I won that auction I also found my holy grail gun. A 631 with a 4" barrel in 32 magnum. Both guns together cost me around $1300. That was a bunch for a one day expense. I don't regret it one bit either.

And just so you know my 615 cost me $600. You got a hell of deal on yours.

 

[rondog]

That's a sweet looking pistola, congrats!

 

[Lone Star]

I think you'll really like that gun. Collectible, but a very nice small trail gun if you don't worry about bears.

 

[bikemutt]

Did you get that at Ben's? I've been meaning to go by there and check out what they have. Got a King Cobra there many years ago and as I recall they are a very good shop with good prices. Nice score!

Ben's was the place. If you make your way up here Tuesday through Saturday, be sure to check out Pinto's Guns too, just a couple blocks away (my only affiliation is as a customer).

 

[bannockburn]

bikemutt

Sweet! I remember seeing that particular Model 36 when they first came out, thinking finally here was the perfect trail gun with a 3" heavy barrel and an adjustable sight. Nice acquisition, especially for that price!

 

[Hoppes Love Potion]

The price on the 36-6 was definitely a steal. I paid $600 for the 60-4 more than 3 years ago.

 

[jcv]

Wow! Both blue and stainless versions are gorgeous. I must be looking in the wrong shops.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Quote:
I've been on the lookout for a 36 with 3" pinned barrel, square butt - blue finish.
This one is much harder to find, the 3" pencil barrel in RB...

Really Ive got a 3 " pre model 36 RB . I picked up while back Shoots good . I put a set of Pack grips I had lying around for 20 years or so on it. As not really going to be carried much.

 

[Haywood]

Nice

 

[TfflHndn]

Bikemutt
Thanks for the lead on Pinto's. I went into Ben's and after being totally ignored for over 5 minutes while the spudheads behind the counter chatted with buddies, I left and went over to Pinto's. Great little shop, attentive staff, and they knew their inventory well. I ended up walking out with a new S&W 57-6 (.41 mag) and a used Remington trap shotgun. Shot 'em both, like 'em both! All in all, a very good weekend! I wouldn't have known it was there without your recommendation. Thanks again.