S&W Model 36 .38 Sp as CCW

08 Cayenne · April 27, 2008, 09:29 PM

I get my license on Tuesday and was wondering what people thought of using M36 1 7/8 barrel in Nickel as a CCW. I bought this gun new over 20 years ago and have put less than 100 rounds through it, it's still in its original packaging I know only 5 rounds and not nearly the firepower of a Magnum. Obviously I would need to get some range time sith it. I have about every caliber of Magnum already only problem is I would walk like I had a cast on my leg, barrels are way too long and my only other choice would be a 1911.

My other choice would be to trade for a .357 snubbie from Ruger or S&W, or a compact .45 auto but I hear about a lot of problems with the compacts jamming and that makes me nervous.

Just roughly what price could I get for the 36 trading it in, I would have to believe it's 100%, looks new, well actually it is.

Thanks
Frank

kamerer · April 27, 2008, 10:12 PM

That is an excellent ccw gun, why trade? Put nice .38 rounds in it and carry it. I use a model 60 (same but stainless) sometimes and it's my favorite "concealable" gun - hard to be it a full-power .38 in that size. Also the steel makes it much more controllable than the lightweight models.

IanS · April 27, 2008, 10:14 PM

I think I can safely speak for most of my fellow members when I say you should definately keep it or you will regret it in hindsight.

James K · April 27, 2008, 10:28 PM

I have a both a 2" Model 36 and a 3" square butt that I carried for a lot of years as a deputy sheriff, and never felt like I was unarmed with either. Practice firing it in aimed double action and you might be surprised at how well it will do. You might get a speed loader and carry it also if 5 rounds might not be enough.

Jim

jrothWA · April 27, 2008, 11:51 PM

it's the perfect SURPRISE.

Try using the Hornady 140gr XTP .38 Spl rounds.

obiwan1 · April 28, 2008, 05:02 PM

Agreed! Or you can just send it to me.

Dismantler · April 28, 2008, 05:13 PM

The pre-lock S&W's are really going to appreciate in price. If it is in the shape that you describe it as being in, you may want to keep it packed away for safe keeping and get yourself a cosmetically challenged used snubby for carry.

In either case, you'll have a fine carry gun. I have a Model 36 and a Model 442 Airweight, and feel fine carrying either of them.

GWbiker · April 28, 2008, 07:42 PM

Keep it and use it, it's an excellent CCW gun. You will be amazed at the accuracy of a short barrel model 36. Get a quality brand speed loader, too.

I've owned a pinned barrel S&W 36 for 25 years.

08 Cayenne · April 28, 2008, 08:49 PM

I didn't realize what I had, Thanks for the info. I'll keep it.

I still want a snubby in .357, I already have a Ruger GP-100 with a 6" barrel, it's my nightstand gun, great shooting revolver. Maybe I'll try a Smith for holster carry when not pocketing the 36.

Thanks Again
Frank

April 27, 2008, 09:29 PM	#1
08 Cayenne Member Join Date: April 27, 2008 Posts: 20	S&W Model 36 .38 Sp as CCW I get my license on Tuesday and was wondering what people thought of using M36 1 7/8 barrel in Nickel as a CCW. I bought this gun new over 20 years ago and have put less than 100 rounds through it, it's still in its original packaging I know only 5 rounds and not nearly the firepower of a Magnum. Obviously I would need to get some range time sith it. I have about every caliber of Magnum already only problem is I would walk like I had a cast on my leg, barrels are way too long and my only other choice would be a 1911. My other choice would be to trade for a .357 snubbie from Ruger or S&W, or a compact .45 auto but I hear about a lot of problems with the compacts jamming and that makes me nervous. Just roughly what price could I get for the 36 trading it in, I would have to believe it's 100%, looks new, well actually it is. Thanks Frank

April 27, 2008, 10:14 PM	#3
IanS Senior Member Join Date: October 7, 2000 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 2,632	I think I can safely speak for most of my fellow members when I say you should definately keep it or you will regret it in hindsight. __________________ Owning a certain handgun isn't a Lifestyle Choice nor is it a Personal Statement. It either works for you or it doesn't. The best article about the 1911 on the internet: http://www.10-8performance.com/1911_Duty_Use.html

April 27, 2008, 11:51 PM	#5
jrothWA Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2006 Posts: 2,519	USE it!.... it's the perfect SURPRISE. Try using the Hornady 140gr XTP .38 Spl rounds.

April 28, 2008, 05:13 PM	#7
Dismantler Member Join Date: April 28, 2008 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 75	The pre-lock S&W's are really going to appreciate in price. If it is in the shape that you describe it as being in, you may want to keep it packed away for safe keeping and get yourself a cosmetically challenged used snubby for carry. In either case, you'll have a fine carry gun. I have a Model 36 and a Model 442 Airweight, and feel fine carrying either of them. __________________ If you can't solve the problem with six shots, you probably can't solve the problem. - Jeff Cooper

April 28, 2008, 07:42 PM	#8
GWbiker Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2008 Location: Arizona Posts: 154	Keep it and use it, it's an excellent CCW gun. You will be amazed at the accuracy of a short barrel model 36. Get a quality brand speed loader, too. I've owned a pinned barrel S&W 36 for 25 years. __________________ "The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself or the state shall not be impaired". - Arizona Constitution.

April 27, 2008, 10:12 PM	#2
kamerer Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2007 Location: Way west Posts: 481	That is an excellent ccw gun, why trade? Put nice .38 rounds in it and carry it. I use a model 60 (same but stainless) sometimes and it's my favorite "concealable" gun - hard to be it a full-power .38 in that size. Also the steel makes it much more controllable than the lightweight models.

April 28, 2008, 05:02 PM	#6
obiwan1 Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2002 Location: Miami, Fl. Posts: 400	Agreed! Or you can just send it to me.

April 28, 2008, 08:49 PM	#9
08 Cayenne Member Join Date: April 27, 2008 Posts: 20	I didn't realize what I had, Thanks for the info. I'll keep it. I still want a snubby in .357, I already have a Ruger GP-100 with a 6" barrel, it's my nightstand gun, great shooting revolver. Maybe I'll try a Smith for holster carry when not pocketing the 36. Thanks Again Frank