A "grip" change I'm thinking about.

K

Kentucky Rifle

New member
I own a blue steel S&W model 36 that I purchased NIB in the late '70's. Cosmetically, it shows a little holster wear and has a couple of scratches. I'm emotionally attached to this pistol because I bought it the day before I got married to carry on our honeymoon/camping trip to Colorado, so I'd never consider selling. It's also been on more local camping trips and vacations to Florida than I can remember. The cylinder still locks up perfectly and has no end shake. Now, with my injured hands, I've been thinking about a grip change to something more comfortable. (I don't HAVE to shoot/carry this old 36 as I have several more modern pistols from which to choose.) It still has the stock, skinny grips which were popular at the time. Think I ought to leave it "stock" or switch the grips to something more modern and easy to hold? There seems to be several nice (and handsome) models of J-frame wood grips out there from which to choose. Just wondering.

KR
 
Sentimentel Firearms?

Kentucky Rifle,

Can you say, "PRICELESS"? Sounds like you got two keeper's;
a wife and a Smith & Wesson model 36. (Laughing Loudly):D

Its funny how some particular firearm becomes sentimentel.
Something happens to cause the owner to "cherish the
moment". I know of several case's where this has happened.
One very close personal friend gave up his Browning Buck
Mark to his best man; now he wishes he had it back!:( :eek:

Once upon a time I gave up a brand new 2nd generation
Colt Match Target Woodsman to a lady friend that I was
very fond of at the time. Damn worst mistake I ever made,
cuz I wound up without the lady and the gun!:rolleyes: :eek:

I guess we live and learn don't we pal? My suggestion is
to leave the grips stock, to reflect on the past.


Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member


*FootNote- Thank goodness my wife knows nothing about
a computer. (Ha, Ha) Laughing real loud!
 
Thanks for the reply Dan...

Maybe you're right. I do take this "old fella" out and remember all the places we've been. To tell you the truth, my wife shoots it better than me. If I made a change she probably...well, you know. :D

KR
 
Hang on to the stock "skinny" grips.
Get some others to play with.

I still have a first run 36 and still carry it often. It has been through a few wives and in over a dozen countries. Tis an old friend.

Sam
 
K.R.,

I too, prefer the service grips. One thing you may want to consider, that can improve the grip while keeping the original stocks, is a Tyler grip adapter.

The Tyler T-Grip, as it's called, adds a bit more meat to the grip by attaching to the frontstrap. The adapters are available in silver, black and pimptooth gold.

Some folks love the things and some folks hate 'em. Just a suggestion.
 
A "grip" change for a 36

If you are going to shoot the little "Chief's Special" I would get the LARGEST grip PACHMYER makes.
MADISON
 
Ala Dan was right...

I've been lucky enough to acquire several other nice pistols to shoot. However, the old 36 is too nice not to carry sometimes. (It makes me feel young! :) ) Each "nick" in those skinny wood grips indicates a different place and time. Since I purchased the old guy WAY before CCW laws were enacted, it's ridden to Florida several times in my camera bag, right behind the front seat, placed in position where I could make a grab for her in case of an emergency. I think I'll leave it just as it is. Believe it or not, but it's still in the original Bianchi holster.
I haven't seen very many of these, however I'm going to inherit an even older "Chief's Special" that is chambered for .32 Long. I guess I won't change that one either.

Thanks for the replies,
Sentimental ol' Kentucky Rifle :)
 
Smart man, Kentucky Rifle.:D I think you are definitely making
the right decision's on both firearms.:) :cool:

Question regarding the .32 caliber weapon. Could that
possibily be a S&W model 30 chambered for .32 S&W Long;
or is it even earlier than that, before model number's were
assigned?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Ala Dan...

I don't know if the .32 has a number on it because it's not in front of me right now. I do know that it's blue steel and was purchased NIB in the early 1960's and I'm also sure that it's chambered for .32 S&W long. Also, if you have a Smith and Wesson catalog handy, it shows a picture of the first Chief's Special from 1950. (On page 22 in the 2002 catalog.) The grips that are shown on the 1950 Chief's Special are just like the ones on the .32 long Chief's Special that's going to be passed down to me. The grip screws have a diamond shape around them.
I'll check on the number and get back to you.

KR
 
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