S&W 36 3 in barrel

[msp2640]

This is a sister thread to one I posted in the rimfire forum a short time ago. I recently picked up an older S&W 36 3 in heavy barrel with the standard fixed sights. I've always wanted a 38 caliber type "kitgun" and when I saw this it certainly fits the bill. It's an earlier one with a pinned barrel and wears a set of factory S&W target grips. It does have some bluing wear from being holstered, but the internals are still tight, but other than some dust and oily fingerprints its in very good shape. I have several light weight 38 cal Lyman moulds (358425, 358345 and 358242) and plan on loading this one fairly light (kind of like a very heavy 22 Mag), no intentions on making it a 357. It will make a good transition handgun for my young son from rimfires to centerfires as well. Wondering if anyone has any experience with this model and light weight boolits. I have yet to get some time to shoot it or cast for it, but am hopeful the sights will be fairly close to point of impact with these lighter boolits, within 25 yds or so - Thanks for any input - Bill in MA

[Outpost75]

I would suggest a standard-pressure, 146-grain, double-end wadcutter, with a charge of 3.2-3.5 grains of Bullseye. Most of these fixed sight guns were set up to shoot the old 158-grain lead load, and lighter bullets will probably shoot low. The wadcutters are effective on small game and provide deep penetration with full caliber crush. They don't need to expand. AND they will probably shoot where the gun points.

THIS IS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE!

[Dan Cash]

I had the same model that I bought new in 1969 or 70. It was a fine revolver but the light bullet craze had not yet taken hold. Mine did best with a soft, heavy cast bullet at a moderate velocity. A 358429 semi wad cutter and big old 200 grain round nose similar to 358238. Reducing the powder charge made recoil very mild to manageable. My petite wife learned to shoot a revolver using this revolver and a 3 inch Colt Detective with these bullets.

[Rick Hodges]

I carried a 3" Model 36 for years with Herrett grips. I never tried light bullets. It shot to point of aim with 158 lead HP's (the old FBI +P load) at 20 yds. I have no idea how it would shoot with light bullets.

[WARD O]

I went through the same program several years back. I bought a nice little 36-1 3" heavy barrel in nickle finish. I did not have good luck with lighter bullets shooting to point of aim. I too would suggest staying with bullets from 140 to 170 grain apporx and go down in charge and experiment to get what you are after. I have since acquired a 3" 60-4 38 spec with adj sights and like it very much mostly shooting bullets around 145-150 grain at non plus P levels. Very accurate, comfortable to carry and not uncomfortable in the recoil department.

ward

[MT Gianni]

358477 with 3.5-5.0 gr Unique. Recoil will be stiff at the top end but you should find a good load early.

[MtGun44]

+1 on MT Gianni. IME, the J-frame .38 Spls are set up at the factory for 158 lead at fairly hot
loading. I use a 158 over 5 gr of Unique because it is accurate and shoots to the sights in my
342.

Bill

[msp2640]

Thanks for the responses - I do have 2 heavier Lyman moulds (358429 and 357446) that I can play with as well, was hoping that the sights might work with lighter loads. Hope to get a few extra days off at the end of the month, to cast and load up some ammo for it - Thanks again Bill