I KEEP coming back to the Smith #36

[doc540]

Circumstances dictate that I carry in a deep cover, SmartCarry, and I've been searching for the best personal defense handgun for my particular situation.

I've bought and sold a Glock 26, a Smith 642 (now in the nightstand), researched compact semi-auto after compact semi-auto from the Hawgs to the Kimbers to the STI Rouge at $1,000+. Tonight I sized up the Wilson Combat ADP only to find its reliability and quality is doubtful.

And while I've been doing all this reading, calling, and talking, the model 36 rests quietly and confidently inside its holster, ready at a moment's notice to do its intended job simply and without question.

This very well may be the perfect self defense gun for my deep carry needs.

[Mike1951]

Looks like you've got your speedstrip in the 2+2 configuration.

I haven't experimented with that yet. Is it that much faster?

[doc540]

Good question.

Especially in a deep cover carry like a SmartCarry speed is a relative term. I'm able to draw, point, and fire in around 3 seconds.

Retrieving the speed strip takes a bit longer, but the ability to bend the plastic strip and reload "2+ 2" is definitely easier than trying to bend it with more than 4 in it. I tend to fumble around with more than 4, but the 2+2 arrangement works well for me.

[OverEasy]

doc540,
Why do you choose the model 36 over the 642 for the SmartCarry? I would think the 642 would draw better with no hammer spur to get caught on clothing.
I use a Glock or a Kel-Tec in my SmartCarry. Can't remember the last time we shot snubbies. My wife used to carry a 36 airweight before CHL. Now, since she qualified with a semiauto, she prefers them because of the lighter recoil.(SIG P239/40). A 36 airweight, with a 158 gr. HP in +P is a handfull.
Regards, OE

[doc540]

why the 36 instead of the 642?

another good question

I first bought a Glock 26 but it was too thick and patterned through my slacks. Then I bought a 642 which stung my hand pretty good using +P's and the factory Uncle Mike's which exposed the back strap of the frame.

I went to a set of Hogue Monogrips on the 642 and along with a trigger/action job they boosted my confidence and accuracy tenfold. However, the Monogrips didn't fit as well in the SmartCarry. See below:



Now the 642's in the nightstand, and I carry the M36 with its extra weight which helps control the +P's. I really enjoy shooting both of them now, but the M36 is more concealable with its boot grips.

re snagging
I did a partial hammer bob on the M36, and it doesn't snag at all now.


Hope that helps.