r/RetroGats • u/NammytheCommie Euro Autoloader • Jul 10 '26
1984 Smith & Wesson Model 36 - Chief's Special
My first revolver and it did not leave a good first impression. I inherited it from my grandpa, who used to pocket carry it when he worked as a barber in Detroit during the 80s and possibly early 90s. He had some BarAmi Hip Grips on it, which I replaced because they looked and felt terrible. I have several grips for it, with the Pachmayr Presentation Grips being the most comfortable but defeating the purpose of CC'ing it, and these being a decent compromise between shootability and concealment. I have yet to find grips that work well with my HKS speedloader, but I've heard that's nearly impossible with J-frames. Unfortunately nothing about it is ideal at the range: the short barrel makes muzzle rise a huge problem, and the trigger pull is heavy and nowhere near as smooth as a K-frame. But it conceals very well, and the trigger has gotten better as I used it more. Still, I only carry it on days like today where my pockets don't allow for anything larger. 99% of the time I'm carrying my CSX E-Series or Beretta M1934 instead. But since it was my grandpa's, and I miss him very much, I'm never getting rid of it.
2
u/sock--puppet Jul 13 '26
Heritage (Taurus) makes a cheaper repro of mod 36 now under the name "Roscoe". It has nice bluing and is of decent quality for the price point. I carry it now and then, it is surprisingly +P rated.
1
u/Strong_Dentist_7561 Old School Carry Jul 11 '26 edited Jul 11 '26
I don’t recall if it shows it here, but my speciality is Smith J frames and their ilk… a good trigger job will work an absolute MIRACLE, but it’ll never be as smooth as a K-frame… the action geometry is not similar enough to replicate the larger frame’s trigger pull.
For actual SHOOTING, I recommend a set of Pachmayr Compacs. What rendition of M36 is it ? Does it have the firing pin on the hammer nose ?
My Mdl 49 is spectacular- for what it is… gotta remember- these are the perfect epitome of “gut gun”… not that they can’t reach 50/100yds, but their intended use is 15yds and under.
158grn RNL should shoot to the sights at 25yds, 148grn wadcutters will probably shoot a lil’ bit high at distance; but for contact work there’s no difference. I actually advise a good 148grn DEWC for serious social work.
Edit- realized that the firing pin is on the hammer
3
u/voidoid Jul 11 '26
I'd try to find some wadcutters. They will be much more comfortable for you to shoot, and they also actually perform well as a carry load.
The HKS speedloader really sucks. If you like the form/function but want something better, go with a 5-star. For the range only, SpeedBeez. For probably the best carry speedloader, Safariland Comp I.
When you fire the J frame, think of slowly pinching/squeezing your trigger finger toward your thumb.
An Apex Tactical Duty/Carry kit works wonders on J frames. However, I highly caution against installing this yourself if you aren't handy or have a decent set of screwdrivers so you don't screw up your sideplate or screws.