What to do with this Model 36?

S

Slimjim9

New member
At least I think it's a Model 36. It looks just like this one:
http://www.gunvaluesboard.com/i-jus...ave-read-several-post-and-...-26769539.html#6

Here's the thing. I hate shooting this gun. Even with normal range ammo, 5-10 rounds and I've had enough. I think my main problem is the grip. I've had two LGS tell me they don't have anything to fit it, and one said "I wouldn't recommend it anyway as you would ruin the value of an antique gun". Seriously? Can't be *that* old, right? I'm also not crazy about the trigger - seems really heavy to me.

A little more back story. I got this gun used a few years back just to "have something". It got fired a few times and has been in the closet most of the time. Lately, I've been hit by the gun bug and have decided to get proficient, take the CCW class, etc. After trying a few rentals and buddy guns, I got a Glock 19 for range, home defense, eventually carry. I'm getting comfortable with it and don't have a problem doing 100-150 rounds per session. But I want to get good with a revolver too, and I just can't train with the one I have.

Should I try to "fix" my M36 or just get a bit larger gun like a 3" Model 60 or Ruger SP101? I tried an SP101 and feel like that is a gun I could train with (though I'd probably want a better grip and trigger job on it if I bought one).

Any advice for the newbie?
 
The gun in the pic is a M36 that has had its hammer bobbed. Prob dbl action only neutering done as well. Might be an old LAPD gun. They did that to their guns for a long time

A different set of grips will make a world of difference in How that gun feels in the hand and under recoil.

Changing the grips wont change the value, especially if you keep the origional ones as well.

Look for something more hand filling and softer. Pachmayer used to make a cpl really nice rubber options for the J frames.
 
It's always good to have a pistol you can pocket carry. Internet aside, I've met more people who have given up on inside the waistband carry or belt carry than any other method. It's either too uncomfortable or they're tired of dressing around the weapon.

I say sell it or keep it for the range. I've tried the steel framed .38s and they were always a bit on the heavy side, so my preferences has always been towards the alloy revolvers. Either way, about 15 ounces or less is a good weight for most pockets.

I must be crazy, but I love shooting my j-frame, but it does take practice! Agreed, those skinny wooden grips won't make these easier. Adding a thicker grip may compromise the ability to conceal the pistol, but, again that has to do with how big your pockets are.

Some quick tips...

- If you buy a new model, take a look at a shrouded hammer model, like a S&W 638 or 438. I've found that I can get a very high grip on these models. Also, you can leave the revolver unloaded and leave the hammer cocked for a few days, it helps the spring take a set.

- Try lighter loads! Have you tried 146 grain wadcutters? What about standard pressure 110, 125 or 130 grain loads? That will easily cut recoil by 20%. I am aware of a 90 grain Hornady, it's load like a .380, should be very mild, expensive for practice, though.
 
I have a model 36 that is my carry gun. I carry it in my right-hand pants pocket in a Bianchi holster. I have bobbed the hammer, changed the grips, and did a double-action trigger job.
003.jpg

Was this:
SW36_1_1.jpg

became this:
001-1.jpg

carried like in this:

I installed a wider, smooth trigger also.
 
Slimjim9 said:
I've had two LGS tell me they don't have anything to fit it
Click to expand...

You have some sorry gun shops. Your M36 is a round butt "J" frame S&W. There are literally THOUSANDS of different grip configurations available for it. Hard to believe that there's a gunshop that doesn't have a Hogue that will fit it.

Go to Midway or Ebay and search for "J frame grips".

Slimjim9 said:
Should I try to "fix" my M36 or just get a bit larger gun like a 3" Model 60 or Ruger SP101?
Click to expand...

A M60 has the exact same frame as your gun. I personally can't tell much difference between my "J" frame Smiths and my SP101's.
 
I admit I had considered keeping it as a pocket carry option later on.

@testuse79- I'll have to check but I think I've been shooting standard pressure 130gr FMJ Remington ammo. Whatever Walmart stocks.

@dahermit-what grip do you have on yours?

@45-auto: round? Looks more square butt to me?

Would it be a really bad idea to have a gunsmith give it a slightly lighter trigger pull? Not too much of course but somewhere in the 9-10lb range?
 
A trigger job is always a good idea. As for a lighter spring that's debatable, Apex tactical has a kit, but I've always kept the guns stock. Lots of reviews in past posts, though. I don't think it will work on your revolver, though, it only works on the newer guns with out the firing pin on the hammer.

https://store.apextactical.com/WebDirect/Products/Details/192058

As far as the load, I'd try a box of standard pressure lead wadcutters, they're some of the lightest loads available, they're usually 146 or 148 grains.

Thinking outside the box, though, a .38 Special will also safely fire .38 Short Colt and .38 Long Colt. They're usually made for the cowboy action crowd and are very light loaded, safe to fire in a .38 special, you'll probably just want to clean the cylinder afterward. They're a bit pricey, though...
 
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Justlikes don't count.
Can you show a picture of your actual revolver?

My Bodyguard M38 has the factory grips and a Tyler T grip adapter. Anything bigger would be too bulky for pocket carry and I have better guns for belt holsters. So 10-15 rounds at a time is enough of a refresher course.

A real gunsmith could improve the trigger somewhat. Calling the 10 minute mainspring and rebound spring change a "trigger job" does not qualify. My M38 is not reliable with a reduced mainspring. My 640 is, but it had the work done to reduce friction in proportion.
 
I've carried my Airweight 042 in my front pocket for nearly a decade.

It wears a Hogue Monogrip.

Is it stamped anywhere NYPD? If it's not, then chances are excellent that it is NOT an NYPD gun, and simply had an aftermarket hammer bob.

A competent gunsmith can do an excellent hammer bob in a matter of an hour or so.

An incompetent gunsmith can do a passable hammer bob in about the same time.
 
I have one S&W model 36 with Pachmayr grip, but I do not have picture.
If you'd like one, I'll make you one. With, and without the grip.
The Pachmayr grip makes a very big difference.
 
Here's a pic I snapped a week or so ago. I'll have to check later for any NYPD markings.
 

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That looks like a routine gunsmith hammer bob.
I once saw a gun alleged to have been an NYPD police woman's revolver.
It did not have a bobbed hammer, it had the hammer out of a Bodyguard, which looks strange in a regular J frame.
 
I have small hands and even then I can't hang onto those small grips. Get yourself some Pachmayrs. We did before carrying the 36 off duty.
 
As already stated the pachmayer compac grips are the beez knees for the model 36 square butt. I carry mine on my belt in a pancake holster it's too heavy for a pants pocket. I love my model 36 and wouldn't trade it for anything. Shooting DA is no big deal, and let's be honest it's not a range hound. I take mine twice a month and fire 50 rounds each time DAO.
 
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