Score - S&W M36

[mr surveyor]

guys... I detail strip my firearms... I don't just dunk them in solvent and hope for the best. I think there's a burr in the bolt channel that's interfering with the freedom of movement of the bolt.... I'm about to find out.

[Armybrat]

Time to post a pic of a J frame - my Bodyguard Airweight:

[DeaconKC]

mr s. I certainly hope i did not offend you. As a fan of S&Ws like you, I always worry about folks damaging the side plate if they don't know the right way to do so. I always recommend the simplest, not the best, way to clean out an old revolver.

[mr surveyor]

mr s. I certainly hope i did not offend you. As a fan of S&Ws like you, I always worry about folks damaging the side plate if they don't know the right way to do so. I always recommend the simplest, not the best, way to clean out an old revolver.

me offended???? naaahhhhh. I know that on the algore-internet-superhighway it's not always easy to determine everyone's knowledge or understanding unless they have credentials and or well known reputation. I have no credentials, but I do have a reputation

Yep, I for sure know what you mean about the unknowing person wrecking a revolver with a prybar. Never use a prybar when a big old hammer will do the trick.

After having disassembled/reassembled several times, polishing surfaces and lubing, I've come to the conclusion that the "bolt" is out of spec. When you use normal thumb pressure and push forward on the thumb piece to open the cylinder it has the same type feel that Jocko must experience when he drags them dead horses down the railroad track. Using a small piece of wood to push the thumb piece straight forward (with no pressure inward towards the frame) the bolt moves much, much easier. I called one of my gun shop buddies to check with his gunsmith and considered dropping it off with them. Then decided for less than 25 bucks delivered I could order a new bolt from Brownells and give that a try.

My son and I put 25 rounds (about half 148 gr dewc's and half 125 gr lrn's) through it yesterday for a function test. I'll have to admit, this is the best j-frame I've ever shot. Have to get it up to 100% now.


surv

[mr surveyor]

here it is in it overly shiney type glory (I still don't like nickle)

[JFootin]

Ooo, shiny!

I don't care who you are, that's purdy right there!

[CJB]

Dad carried a 36 every day for over 20 years. It was Dept issue, and he had no option to keep it upon retirement. I was WELL worn on the outside, but not rusty, and it was spankin new inside, having fired perhaps 200 shots total, during the whole time.

[mr surveyor]

the M36 is well made, and obviously from a long line of highly refined design. I'm suspecting the bolt problem with this one may have been caused by a friend of the former owner using a bit of unnecessary force on the thumb piece in an attempt to open the cylinder... and they didn't realize that the crane was completely glued shut with 30 year old dried lube.

CJB..... do you think it could be possible to torque the bolt out of spec by extreme force, like, say, hammering a wood block against the thumb piece?

[Barth]

the M36 is well made, and obviously from a long line of highly refined design. I'm suspecting the bolt problem with this one may have been caused by a friend of the former owner using a bit of unnecessary force on the thumb piece in an attempt to open the cylinder... and they didn't realize that the crane was completely glued shut with 30 year old dried lube.

CJB..... do you think it could be possible to torque the bolt out of spec by extreme force, like, say, hammering a wood block against the thumb piece?

My M65 cylinder was touching the forcing cone.
And the cylinder stuck slightly during opening.
Had my Favorite gunsmith give the gun a once over
and put everything back to factory specs.
Now she just sings!!!

I went ahead and emptied a cylinder of magnums rapid fire.
And was surprised how easy it was to control the 3" heavy barrel gun.
This bad boy was made for shooting and has quickly become my favorite revolver.

Enjoy your new toy she looks sweet.
I'm betting the nickel finish will grow on you - LOL!

[Armybrat]

here it is in it overly shiney type glory (I still don't like nickle)

Really nice lookin' little revolver. Some simulated ivory grips would look great with that nickle finish.

It's definitely worth restoring to shooting condition.

[DeaconKC]

That is sweet! All it needs is a Tyler T grip!

[mr surveyor]

That is sweet! All it needs is a Tyler T grip!

now THAT would be cool..... you have a spare????

[melissa5]

Very nice old revolver you got there!

I've been thinking about getting a Tyler T grip for my M37. http://www.t-grips.com/

[espresso]

Man I'm drooling........that's just a fine lil snubbie worthy of fixing up right.

[gb6491]

here it is in it overly shiney type glory (I still don't like nickle)

That sure is a sweet flat latch Model 36

That is sweet! All it needs is a Tyler T grip!

Very nice old revolver you got there!

I've been thinking about getting a Tyler T grip for my M37. http://www.t-grips.com/

I have a Tyler "T" on my square butt 36 and like it, especially when shooting double action:

Regards,
Greg