"Claasic" Model 36 or old one?

ken55

I ran across a nickel-plated S&W Model 36 2" barrel in an LGS that is in unbelievably good condition - no sign of having been fired. Good price, too. Really good price if it's an old one. However, I don't know how to tell if it is one of the current production "Classic" revolvers or if it is an original one. It's a Model 36 (no dash). LGS guy said he doesn't know. Sorry if it's a dumb question but any tips?

DoctorWho

Serial number range will tell when it was made.

Bigslug

If it's got no dash number, it's going to be an older gun. The older guns will also have the firing pin mounted on the hammer. The newer ones contain them in the frame. Also, all but a very select few new models will have a keyhole for a lawyer-proofing "idiot lock" located just above the cylinder release.

ken55

Thanks, guys - that's what I needed to know. I'll see if I can find the S/N range somewhere and go take another look. It's wearing a Pachmayr grip so I couldn't see the S/N easily. If it's an original, it's the best looking one I've ever seen. The tip about the hammer is very helpful. If it turns out to be an old one, I think it's coming home. My Jones for S&W revolvers bit me again.

ken55

Dang it - missed out. Gone by the time I got back to the LGS. For the record, it was a pinned barrel, nickel-plated Model 36 no-dash in what appeared to be unfired condition, although a rub few marks on the barrel and frame. No deterioration in the finish, no pits. Pachmayr grips. Best one I've ever seen. Made in the late '70s. $300. This one's gonna haunt me.

Jim Tom

OUCH

ken55

Jim Tom wrote: »

OUCH

Yeah, it hurt. Only consolation is that I have one already anyway and just wanted to add it to the collection. Here's my late '60s model with my Model 15:

Jeeper

ken55 wrote: »

Dang it - missed out. Gone by the time I got back to the LGS. For the record, it was a pinned barrel, nickel-plated Model 36 no-dash in what appeared to be unfired condition, although a rub few marks on the barrel and frame. No deterioration in the finish, no pits. Pachmayr grips. Best one I've ever seen. Made in the late '70s. $300. This one's gonna haunt me.

That screams "old gun" to me.

Luis

ken55

Jeeper wrote: »

That screams "old gun" to me.

Luis

Yep - Makes it earlier than 1982, I believe. I didn't see the pin when I first looked at it. I screwed the pooch on this one.:conehead:

Weatherby

ken55 wrote: »

Yep - Makes it earlier than 1982, I believe. I didn't see the pin when I first looked at it. I screwed the pooch on this one.:conehead:

A learning experience....next time just ask them to put it on hold most will

ken55

Weatherby wrote: »

A learning experience....next time just ask them to put it on hold most will

Not this guy - tried that when I first saw it. I wasn't shopping and didn't have any cash on me and he wanted 50% cash to hold it. I'll live but somebody got a deal.

Weatherby

perhaps or they got a refinished gun worth about what they paid

DoctorWho

J&g sales has one like that.

http://www.jgsales.com/smith-wesson-36-38spl-nickel-revolver,-used,-overall-very-good-condition.-s-w-p-6609.html

I like these,

http://www.jgsales.com/smith-wesson-model-64-38spl-4in-stainless,-square-butt-w-bobbed-hammer.-very-good-condition-s-w-p-3103.html

robert38-55

ken55 wrote: »

Dang it - missed out. Gone by the time I got back to the LGS. For the record, it was a pinned barrel, nickel-plated Model 36 no-dash in what appeared to be unfired condition, although a rub few marks on the barrel and frame. No deterioration in the finish, no pits. Pachmayr grips. Best one I've ever seen. Made in the late '70s. $300. This one's gonna haunt me.

Hey ken55,,,, I too have missed several opportunities to purchase guns by waiting... Oh well. easy come, easy go.... I agree with ya: "This one's gonna haunt ya, for a while."