Description

California shooters: the S&W Model 36 .38 Special J-frame is a California Roster-eligible revolver configuration. Revolvers are generally exempt from California’s pistol roster requirements — confirm with your CA FFL. The Model 36 in .38 Special is a standard-pressure revolver with no magazine restrictions (revolvers are exempt from California’s 10-round magazine limit). The nickel Lipsey’s exclusive configuration is available through California FFLs.

Lipsey’s exclusives are notable because they tend to be genuine limited runs — not perpetually-available catalog items relabeled as exclusives. The Model 36 in this specification is not available through the standard S&W channel. If this configuration appeals, availability is distributor-controlled and historically finite.

S&W Model 36 Lipsey’s Exclusive Features

• J-frame — S&W’s smallest revolver platform — The J-frame is 74 years old and still the benchmark for snub-nose revolver concealed carry. At 19 oz with a 1.875-inch barrel, it disappears in a pocket holster or IWB configuration. The small frame and 5-round capacity are acceptable trade-offs for the concealment advantage. Browse the Taurus .44 and Taurus Judge Magnum in our store for larger-frame revolver comparisons.
• Nickel finish — The original Model 36 was available in both blued and nickel. The nickel finish is the more desirable collector configuration — it’s corrosion resistant, visually distinctive, and was the preferred finish for law enforcement plainclothes carry. On a modern re-issue, nickel electroplating is applied over steel. It requires different care than bluing (avoid silicone-based lubricants) but doesn’t rust under normal carry conditions.
• Checkered walnut grips — The correct grip for this configuration. Walnut checkered stocks provide secure purchase without synthetic feel. They’re also the most period-correct choice for a nickel J-frame.
• 1.875-inch barrel — The classic snub-nose length. Not optimal for velocity but optimal for concealment. .38 Special from a 1.875-inch barrel produces approximately 700–800 fps with standard pressure 158-grain loads — adequate for defensive use at close range. +P ammunition is supported by S&W’s standard +P rating on the Model 36.
• Double-action/single-action operation — The Model 36 is a traditional DA/SA revolver. Pull the trigger for DA fire; manually cock the hammer for SA single-shot precision. No safety to manipulate. For carry, DA-only pull means the revolver fires reliably from the draw without additional manipulation.
• Pinned barrel and recessed cylinder — The Lipsey’s exclusive presumably follows the original Model 36 engineering. The recessed cylinder (each chamber has a recessed rim for cartridge retention) and pinned barrel are features of earlier S&W production that were eliminated in later years — their presence on a re-issue is a significant collector differentiator.

S&W Model 36 Specifications

Who Should Buy the Model 36 Lipsey’s Exclusive?

Two buyers: the collector who wants a period-correct nickel J-frame as it was originally configured, and the practical carry shooter who prefers the simplicity of a DA revolver for deep concealment. The Model 36 is not a competition pistol. It’s a 5-shot .38 Special in a package that fits a front pants pocket — and in that role, 74 years of production history says it works.

Pros and Cons

What We Like

• Lipsey’s exclusive = limited availability — this configuration won’t be on shelves indefinitely
• Nickel finish is the correct aesthetic for the original Model 36
• Checkered walnut grips are the right complement for nickel
• J-frame is the proven benchmark for pocket carry concealment
• S&W quality on a heritage platform

What Could Be Better

• 5-round capacity is the principal practical limitation of J-frame revolvers
• Snub barrel limits velocity from .38 Special loads
• $699 is premium for a 5-shot snub — but Lipsey’s exclusives historically hold value

FAQ

What is a Lipsey’s exclusive?

Lipsey’s is one of America’s largest wholesale firearms distributors. Lipsey’s exclusives are configurations of firearms produced in limited runs specifically for the Lipsey’s distributor network — they’re not available through other standard channels. They tend to be collector-grade configurations that are genuinely limited in production.

Can the Model 36 shoot .38 Special +P?

Yes. Modern S&W J-frames are +P rated for .38 Special. The Lipsey’s exclusive Model 36 follows this specification. Sustained +P use accelerates wear; standard pressure loads are recommended for regular practice.

Is the Model 36 double-action only?

No. The Model 36 is a traditional DA/SA revolver. The hammer is external and can be manually cocked for single-action fire. If you want DAO, the LCR is the J-frame-equivalent DAO option.

Does the Model 36 fit standard J-frame holsters?

Yes. The Model 36 is a standard J-frame configuration and fits holsters made for J-frame revolvers.

How many rounds does the Model 36 hold?

5 rounds. All J-frame revolvers hold 5 rounds of .38 Special or .357 Magnum (caliber-dependent).

Lipsey’s Exclusive — Limited Availability. New 2026. Ships to FFL. Last updated: February 28, 2026.

California Note: Revolvers are generally exempt from California’s handgun roster requirements. Confirm with your California FFL. No magazine capacity restrictions apply to revolvers under California law.