Right on, mine is from 1979 that I bought in 1992. Unfortunately it didn’t come with the original grips but thankfully I found a set from a private party a few years later. Great little gun and still in service to this day!
I have a S&W 19-3 that my father gave me as a gift. He now carries a 36 that he acquired in the early 80s and those two guns are absolutely beautiful. Deep blued finish, smooth triggers and cylinders that lock up tight. I wish Smith and Wesson starts manufacturing guns as nicely as they did back then.
Bro I’ve been watching reviews of 38 specials all day today and this is one of the most in depth reviews I’ve seen. You covered every topic I wanted to hear about. Excellent job. Keep it up!
I was going to buy one of these newer versions of this gun. But as luck would have it there was an older model 36 at my local gun shop. Manufactured in 1971 with a pinned barrel and spur on the hammer and best of all no wear on the bluing. It was like finding treasure.
Sean, my model 36 is from 1966 and the bluing is still so rich and deep. I can see my reflection in the finish. A swell gun for sure. Older Smiths are a work of art and a piece of history, fuhgeddaboudit.
@@martyjewell5683 Yeah that model 36 was not cheap but I had to buy it because it was likely I would never find one again in that good condition. One of the best gun purchases I ever made.
@@seanmathews1826, hate to say what I paid for mine in 2010. When I checked the top strap behind the forcing cone and saw very little wear I knew this gun was rarely fired. Lockup was tighter than a piss clam. And the deep, rich bluing sold me. I had to have this gun. A true classic. Congrats on your score my friend.
I love these little guns. I bought this same revolver about a year and a half ago. I've dry fired it a lot, and the trigger pull has definitely become easier. That last group you shot would have resulted in a very wounded criminal! lol
I've had my Model 36 (snubbie) for 10 years now. I contacted S&W, found out my gun left the factory between 1965/66. As mine has the newer (then) contoured cylinder release I would guess 1966. It's a beautiful gun. Pinned barrel, firing pin in hammer, case hardened trigger and hammer, walnut squared (hand checkered) grips and a highly polished blue finish. You can literally see your reflection in the finish! It's non +P but so what. I would never sell this revolver, it truly is a piece of history.
Had one,with the lock and sold it. A few years later I located a near mint Chief without the lock and bought it. Will never sell this one. A really fantastic snubby.
@@sanjoneroadrian1331 These are pricey even for a used one it's going to cost you $500 to $600. I spent $580 for a used one that was in mint condition. I don't regret spending the money because the model 36 is a truly great little revolver.
Just getting out of cadet class, I bought my first Model 36 for $80 some odd and change. I have since moved on to the Model 60, same pistol of course in stainless steel. Both fine guns.
I have a nickel plated one from 1976 and they don't look like they've changed very much at all over the years except for the lock and the hammer mounted firing pin.
I have this my father gave to me and called this Dick Tracy Gun this was my grandfathers and he kept underarm in leather holster what I have at his liquor store she a pretty gun and the same gun issued to me while in Army
Smith&Wesson doesn’t use a transfer bar. They do have a hammer block, which prevents the hammer from moving forward unless the trigger is pulled. I have the same Model 36 Classic, and it’s a great revolver. 👍👍👍👍
I would buy a modern one of these despite the hillary hole. Noce to have them in all steel again, and + P too. I have a 637 and a 36 (no dash), a charter arms undercover, a ruger lcr all in .38 special- they're probably my favorite guns
@Nick hi, I would jump on it. 637 is lighter so it’s kicks a little more. As for grippyness I think it really depends on the type of trip you put on. The M36 stock wood grip isn’t very grippy but you can change it out anytime. I think the wood grip is nice and has the classic look that makes me wanted to buy it at the first place. Hope that helps :)
@Nick the 637 is lighter, and the frame is aluminum alloy, cylinder and barrel are stainless. The model 36 is a blued steel gun. I carry the 637 mostly when working outside because it’s a little more resilient to weather and I wouldn’t care if it gets scraped up. The 36 I got because it’s more of an heirloom piece, and a bit heavier. I live them both- the 36 is a little easier to shoot because it weighs more as well, but it’s really a matter of what you like more. I have two steel frame charter arms as well, a steel Colt Detective special, and a SP101 Ruger- I carry and shoot all of them.
@Nick if you can afford the 36, get it. It’s a sweet shooter, and historic. But my 637 the finish is wearing off the butt because I carry it a lot as well, still shoots great
This example, as is clearly written on the barrel ,WILL safely fire +P ammo. However, earlier examples (the original version which looks like your gun) are generally not recommended for +P. That's not to say that standard 38 spcl isn't sufficient; it will still be lethal as is demonstrated by the countless uses over the decades. I know that some have shot +P through the original versions. But at the very least, that will stress the structure more than it was designed for. Thanks for your video.
I want that gun so bad, I've got a 637 but I'd love the all steel blued version, and yes I grew up in the little Italy area of Kansas City in the 80's and I think just about everyone was packing one of those back then, and a stiletto.
I carry a 1967 model 36. Love it. Also have a model 49 bodyguard I carry a lot. You should use some tru oil on those grips to bring them to life. Really not sure why they would bring a classic back with the lock. The apex tactical trigger kit is amazing. And since you’re frame mounted FP you can do it. With mine I only replaced the rebound spring
I have a 1975 Model 36 and I love it. I was looking for a very small revolver that packed at least .38 punch that I could carry in my pants when I went power walking. This fits the bill just right. I don't have the original grips, but it does have the really nice pachmayr rubber grips. It's so small. Love it.
The Model 36 carried by Steve McGarrett in Hawaii Five-O had custom wooden grips. He killed a bunch of damn people with that gun during the series run.
3 years later, do you still have your Chief Special? I still have my 36 - 10 and it has been flawless. It's still my everyday carry and has had zero issues.
The locks aren't that bad everyone makes a big deal about the thing I hardly noticed it anymore gun wrks fine just keep the key around just in case. Ty
Thanks, so far both I've shot American Eagle/Federal 130gr FMJ seems to be pretty good. I've loaded some 148gr wadcutters and seems to be just as accurate.
Wish that S&W would make this in the Model 60 stainless line. As far as the hated lock, if that feature is so useful, desirable, and beneficial, than why only on revolvers ? why not install it on all the rest of the firearms they offer, the ARs, 1911s, M&P polymer pistols, etc. ? If they did they would lose a lot of customers.
Because they're pointless. If you keep the gun locked up in a safe normally, there's no point in locking the gun itself. If you don't keep it locked up in a safe you're not likely to be the type of person who would use the lock. So it's completely pointless. Bad guys aren't going to wait a second until you can fumble around for the key to unlock it. You can of course ignore the lock but I have heard of locks malfunctioning and self-locking like if you drop the gun or something.
@@craigfinley2507 Another thought that just occurred to me is you can instantly tell that gun isn't a 'Vintage' model if it has a safety lock, esp on the Model 36. That might turn people off as well. Personally for me it's not a dealbreaker. I have guns with it, and guns without it. I just pretty much ignore it.
@@adisorn90 it’s definitely not as grippy and easy to shoot as more modern rubber grips. The hardwood would gives you more felt recoil, but it’s manageable. Surprisingly it’s not “slippery” like I would have thought, the recoil comes right back straight towards the center palm of the hand, so no worry of the wood grip slipping out of the hand
@@bebe0928 woww super subcompact pistol. I love revolver its easy to use because no safty management and its dificult to fring im doing about my license in thailand gun having license its very hard to do.
@@bebe0928, the squared wood grips have much better purchase and unless you have big hands it's very manageable. Though I don't use +P in my 1966 model 36.
The model 36 I bought was an absolute piece of shit. The piece that holds the ejector rod into the underlug fell apart after 5 cylinders. This was a brand new gun. Smith and Wesson quality control and customer service is dog shit
people are totally blinded by material things. It is a wrong value system, People loving and adoring material things and using and abusing other people, instead of vise versa......
This was my first handgun that I bought back in 1971 and I still carry it today. I believe it to be one of the best CCW handguns on the market ever!
Agree!
Right on, mine is from 1979 that I bought in 1992. Unfortunately it didn’t come with the original grips but thankfully I found a set from a private party a few years later. Great little gun and still in service to this day!
Nice review sir
You are correct- definitely the best carry handgun . Mine is from 1957 and still run perfect.
I bought mine new in 1970.
I have a S&W 19-3 that my father gave me as a gift. He now carries a 36 that he acquired in the early 80s and those two guns are absolutely beautiful. Deep blued finish, smooth triggers and cylinders that lock up tight. I wish Smith and Wesson starts manufacturing guns as nicely as they did back then.
Bro I’ve been watching reviews of 38 specials all day today and this is one of the most in depth reviews I’ve seen. You covered every topic I wanted to hear about. Excellent job. Keep it up!
Well done. 'God bless America' was a nice addition at the end, cause we surely need it right now. God bless you as well.
Beautiful gun, beautiful finish, beautiful wood
It reminds me of old Hong Kong movies' policemen
This is my favorite gun
Still the best gun ever made.
I'm impressed with your double action results at that distance. Way better than I could do anyway.
Revolvers are handsome wheel gun that would never let you down.So on that note don't leave home without one!!👍
Such a nice revolver! Smith and Wesson did a great job with the classic series. I really enjoyed your video looks like you had a lot of fun making it!
I was going to buy one of these newer versions of this gun. But as luck would have it there was an older model 36 at my local gun shop. Manufactured in 1971 with a pinned barrel and spur on the hammer and best of all no wear on the bluing.
It was like finding treasure.
Sean, my model 36 is from 1966 and the bluing is still so rich and deep. I can see my reflection in the finish. A swell gun for sure. Older Smiths are a work of art and a piece of history, fuhgeddaboudit.
@@martyjewell5683 Yeah that model 36 was not cheap but I had to buy it because it was likely I would never find one again in that good condition. One of the best gun purchases I ever made.
@@seanmathews1826, hate to say what I paid for mine in 2010. When I checked the top strap behind the forcing cone and saw very little wear I knew this gun was rarely fired. Lockup was tighter than a piss clam. And the deep, rich bluing sold me. I had to have this gun. A true classic. Congrats on your score my friend.
Absolutely beautiful gun
Thank you!
I love these little guns. I bought this same revolver about a year and a half ago. I've dry fired it a lot, and the trigger pull has definitely become easier. That last group you shot would have resulted in a very wounded criminal! lol
Thank you! Yes indeed. Lol
When I was growing up in the North End ofKansas city back in the 80's I think just about everyone had one of these, and a Switchblade.
Thanks for share the story, sounds like good old days back in the USA 🇺🇸
I've had my Model 36 (snubbie) for 10 years now. I contacted S&W, found out my gun left the factory between 1965/66. As mine has the newer (then) contoured cylinder release I would guess 1966. It's a beautiful gun. Pinned barrel, firing pin in hammer, case hardened trigger and hammer, walnut squared (hand checkered) grips and a highly polished blue finish. You can literally see your reflection in the finish! It's non +P but so what. I would never sell this revolver, it truly is a piece of history.
So the new one he has is that for +p
Had one,with the lock and sold it. A few years later I located a near mint Chief without the lock and bought it. Will never sell this one. A really fantastic snubby.
Indeed!
What the average price for them?
About $560 to $600
@@sanjoneroadrian1331 These are pricey even for a used one it's going to cost you $500 to $600. I spent $580 for a used one that was in mint condition. I don't regret spending the money because the model 36 is a truly great little revolver.
Great review, comprehensive, informative - well done Sir
Thank you!
Nice set of wheel guns
Nice review brother.
Thanks brother!
I’m sold great video sir and thank u
Just getting out of cadet class, I bought my first Model 36 for $80 some odd and change. I have since moved on
to the Model 60, same pistol of course in stainless steel. Both fine guns.
Nice! Definitely on my list. Thanks for showing us.
Nice video!
Thank you for the thorough review! Because of your review, I subscribed to you and have just picked up a new model 36.
That’s awesome! Thanks for the support!
I have a nickel plated one from 1976 and they don't look like they've changed very much at all over the years except for the lock and the hammer mounted firing pin.
I have this my father gave to me and called this Dick Tracy Gun this was my grandfathers and he kept underarm in leather holster what I have at his liquor store she a pretty gun and the same gun issued to me while in Army
Smith&Wesson doesn’t use a transfer bar. They do have a hammer block, which prevents the hammer from moving forward unless the trigger is pulled. I have the same Model 36 Classic, and it’s a great revolver. 👍👍👍👍
Great, thanks for the correction 👍🏼
Good job on that.
Thanks for the review
I have an old model 36, it's a good, solid,reliable 👌compact revolver,but it's mostly good for self defense " close & dirty "
I would buy a modern one of these despite the hillary hole. Noce to have them in all steel again, and + P too. I have a 637 and a 36 (no dash), a charter arms undercover, a ruger lcr all in .38 special- they're probably my favorite guns
Lol, Hillary Hole...spot on!
@Nick hi, I would jump on it. 637 is lighter so it’s kicks a little more. As for grippyness I think it really depends on the type of trip you put on. The M36 stock wood grip isn’t very grippy but you can change it out anytime. I think the wood grip is nice and has the classic look that makes me wanted to buy it at the first place. Hope that helps :)
@Nick the 637 is lighter, and the frame is aluminum alloy, cylinder and barrel are stainless.
The model 36 is a blued steel gun.
I carry the 637 mostly when working outside because it’s a little more resilient to weather and I wouldn’t care if it gets scraped up.
The 36 I got because it’s more of an heirloom piece, and a bit heavier.
I live them both- the 36 is a little easier to shoot because it weighs more as well, but it’s really a matter of what you like more.
I have two steel frame charter arms as well, a steel Colt Detective special, and a SP101 Ruger- I carry and shoot all of them.
@Nick if you can afford the 36, get it. It’s a sweet shooter, and historic. But my 637 the finish is wearing off the butt because I carry it a lot as well, still shoots great
This model 36 even had the leading role in the movie Running Scared (2006)
Thank you for this review. Very nice review.
Can’t wait to get one 😍
Such a nice revolver
Great back-up piece. I carry mine on an Ankle holster, in the event I get knocked off my feet.
This example, as is clearly written on the barrel ,WILL safely fire +P ammo.
However, earlier examples (the original version which looks like your gun) are generally not
recommended for +P.
That's not to say that standard 38 spcl isn't sufficient; it will still be lethal as is demonstrated by the countless
uses over the decades.
I know that some have shot +P through the original versions.
But at the very least, that will stress the structure more than it was designed for.
Thanks for your video.
I want that gun so bad, I've got a 637 but I'd love the all steel blued version, and yes I grew up in the little Italy area of Kansas City in the 80's and I think just about everyone was packing one of those back then, and a stiletto.
I carry a 1967 model 36. Love it. Also have a model 49 bodyguard I carry a lot. You should use some tru oil on those grips to bring them to life. Really not sure why they would bring a classic back with the lock. The apex tactical trigger kit is amazing. And since you’re frame mounted FP you can do it. With mine I only replaced the rebound spring
Great, thanks for the suggestion!
I have a 1975 Model 36 and I love it. I was looking for a very small revolver that packed at least .38 punch that I could carry in my pants when I went power walking. This fits the bill just right. I don't have the original grips, but it does have the really nice pachmayr rubber grips. It's so small. Love it.
Good shooting.
Thank you!
The Model 36 carried by Steve McGarrett in Hawaii Five-O had custom wooden grips. He killed a bunch of damn people with that gun during the series run.
jack ruby approves this message
36 model I Like
3 years later, do you still have your Chief Special? I still have my 36 - 10 and it has been flawless. It's still my everyday carry and has had zero issues.
Still have and will always have, it’s on my desk to keep my day happy
My 60-3 is with me everyday in my car, as a just in case pistol!
I want that gun bad im looking for one that grip makes it look good
I added a set of Altamont grips to mine. Makes shooting it less painful.
Nice shooting! If you can shoot a double action j-frame well you can shoot anything
Awesome video, I wish I had one of these.
I would love one of these. I don't understand the hate of the lock. Who cares? Don't use it for goodness sake.
Good video i have a Model 649-2 i purchased in 1993. Let us know if you had any issues with the key lock malfunctioning .
Thank you, 140 rounds so far so good 😊
The locks aren't that bad everyone makes a big deal about the thing I hardly noticed it anymore gun wrks fine just keep the key around just in case. Ty
There is a difference between a K Frame and a J Frame
I think they shoot better with lead round bullets
Disconnect the safety (lots of videos to show you how), then install a trigger kit and Bob the hammer spur. Then you have a true carry gun!
That is a nice looking revolver. What factory ammo and bullet weight shoots most accurate so far?
Thanks, so far both I've shot American Eagle/Federal 130gr FMJ seems to be pretty good. I've loaded some 148gr wadcutters and seems to be just as accurate.
@@bebe0928 Thanks
Wish that S&W would make this in the Model 60 stainless line. As far as the hated lock, if that feature is so useful, desirable, and beneficial, than why only on revolvers ? why not install it on all the rest of the firearms they offer, the ARs, 1911s, M&P polymer pistols, etc. ? If they did they would lose a lot of customers.
I saw the same gun today at my local shop. They want 639.00 for it Is this a good price??
Hi, thanks for the comment, I got it $699 brand new. $639 for the similar condition would be a fair price I think.
you will find that s Tyler T Grip will help with your hold on the gun; and not add to the printing.
Cock the hammer with your left thumb. Good groups buddy. Thanks for the video.
Why do they hate the safety lock
Because they're pointless. If you keep the gun locked up in a safe normally, there's no point in locking the gun itself. If you don't keep it locked up in a safe you're not likely to be the type of person who would use the lock. So it's completely pointless. Bad guys aren't going to wait a second until you can fumble around for the key to unlock it. You can of course ignore the lock but I have heard of locks malfunctioning and self-locking like if you drop the gun or something.
@@ChadBoss-qr4hl yeah I hear you , just don't use it, not unless kids are around
@@craigfinley2507 Another thought that just occurred to me is you can instantly tell that gun isn't a 'Vintage' model if it has a safety lock, esp on the Model 36. That might turn people off as well. Personally for me it's not a dealbreaker. I have guns with it, and guns without it. I just pretty much ignore it.
I Like
How is recoil ? Guy it’s interesting.
Not bad at all with regular pressure 38. A little stout with +P ammo
@@bebe0928 And what about that grip ? Its look small, how did u feel ?
@@adisorn90 it’s definitely not as grippy and easy to shoot as more modern rubber grips. The hardwood would gives you more felt recoil, but it’s manageable. Surprisingly it’s not “slippery” like I would have thought, the recoil comes right back straight towards the center palm of the hand, so no worry of the wood grip slipping out of the hand
@@bebe0928 woww super subcompact pistol. I love revolver its easy to use because no safty management and its dificult to fring im doing about my license in thailand gun having license its very hard to do.
@@bebe0928, the squared wood grips have much better purchase and unless you have big hands it's very manageable. Though I don't use +P in my 1966 model 36.
You do need some practice and some more hand filling grips
The model 36 I bought was an absolute piece of shit. The piece that holds the ejector rod into the underlug fell apart after 5 cylinders. This was a brand new gun. Smith and Wesson quality control and customer service is dog shit
people are totally blinded by material things. It is a wrong value system, People loving and adoring material things and using and abusing other people, instead of vise versa......
Seem kind of judgmental, Miroslav.
Turn your computer in.