Turned 38 today so I figured it was only fitting to pick up another .38spl. This little S&W 3" M36-1 was languishing in the used case of my favorite store, with just enough wear on it to bring the price down to bargain level, but not enough to indicate actual hard use. It is interesting to me how much larger this gun feels than my 1 7/8" Model 36; likely the combination of the increased barrel length and the target-style rib. Action is typical old S&W J-frame so it will get an Apex spring kit and plenty of dry-firing after a thorough cleaning. Looking forward to putting it on the timer against my other J-frame .38's next time I take the snubs to the range; it'll be wearing Pachmayr's for that trip. As nice as the factory stocks look, and as fast as they feel in the hand, every time I shoot with them I'm reminded why so many used S&W's are found without their original grips