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Hey all-

A friend of mine is selling his 3" S&W 36-1 made in the 70's with a pinned barrel. The price he wants is pretty fair and I have a thing for revolvers so I am considering it. The only issue is I want to spend money now on something that I would be likely to carry. I do not have my CHL yet so I have no experience carrying and have some experience with shooting revolvers but more shooting autos. Is this something I would do well to carry? I know many carry snub nosed J-frames in a pocket but with the longer barrel and traditional hammer, this wouldn't pocket carry well I don't think.



Here it is:



Thanks!

I have a 4" model 66 on right now. Carry it a lot.

If it were me, id get something in 357 mag if you're going with that barrel length.

Although a pinned s&w is never a bad purchase!

I want it just because no doubt. I hadn't really considered a wheel gun for carry until this came around. Much as I hate to say it, I think you're right.

Would I be able to run +P in limited amounts through this?

Look on gunbroker for used 65's 66's 19's etc. They call em the Combat Magnum. 65 will have fixed sites and the 66 will have adjustable with the red ramp. Those are the 2 stainless models, 19 is blued with adjustable sights. They are deceptively light and you can get one with a variety of barrel lengths. You can get round or square butt frames, and you can also get grips that are so short you don't have a pinky hold ala j frame if that's what you desire.


A wheelgun can definately fit the bill even in these modern times. They have a lot of features an autoloader cannot offer. I have pretty recently dived into them but they are a great option for me. I will often have the 66-1 on my belt and the 340 in my boot. 11 shots of 357 on tap!

I'm sure other guys will have years on me when it comes to carrying these beasts but I'm happy to share the info I've acquired with you.

...a 36 that was steel and round butt would hide better than a Model 19, 66, or 65...or GP 100... have carried all of the above extensively...and with +P rounds, would be plenty potent...the .357's a stouter load...on both ends...and the Js in that caliber beat your hand off...smallest .357 I'd consider shooting would be an SP-101 and that's a lot larger than the 36....for a carry gun or a backup, I don't think you should pass this by if you can get it around $300...Smith Js are going for $450 and up...the 3" round butt is rare...more were made in square butt...slip on a set of Pachmayr Compacs or Compac Pro(even smaller) and you've got a pleasant-to-shoot winner that'll stop the clock if you can place your bullets...easier in the .38+P than the .357 in a snub, too...you won't hurt it with say, less than 50 +P in a lifetime...practice with standard velocity...the Compacs fit most hands well and make the recoil much less...hence you enjoy practice...

I'd certainly like to have another 3" 36. I had one several decades back and it was the most natural pointing, easiest shooting small revolver I've owned.

If it is posted somewhere for sale, would appreciate a heads up.

I will pass on the information if I don't snag it, Mike.

Thank you for the advice everyone...decision time I suppose.

...and the decision is???????????? we're all waitin' with baited breath...

I'm making the decision to pass on it for now. As painful as that was, I needed to get a GunVault first. The good news is that I now have a new MultiVault with room for a couple of handguns. I'll check if he still has it once funds are replenished but that might be a while. Being responsible stinks sometimes.

...if you miss it, you're gonna remember it like your girlfriend's perfume on prom night!!! it'll haunt ya!!!

speedsix wrote:...if you miss it, you're gonna remember it like your girlfriend's perfume on prom night!!! it'll haunt ya!!!

Its like the one that got away...the monster fish that jumped off the hook as you were trying to net it, or the umpteen point buck you choked on cause buck fever hit.

I agree though being responsible is not the most fun.

I'm one of those who pocket carries a scandium J frame in .357, and I carry mine with 125 grain Critical Defense .357 ammo. Yes, it stings the hand a bit, but it just isn't that bad, and it does kick butt and take names. But all of that said, my newest carry acquisition is a Kahr PM9, and it carries in either a pocket or in a holster just fine.

speedsix wrote:...if you miss it, you're gonna remember it like your girlfriend's perfume on prom night!!! it'll haunt ya!!!

I guess I'm fortunate in that I ended up marrying the lady I took to prom but I catch your meaning.