Good first revolver?

K

Kingcobra145

Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2011
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
I have the opportunity to buy a 1970's model 36 square butt with a 1 7/8 barrel thats never been fired and is in the box with papers, and tools.The guy is asking 450$. This would be my first handgun, and I am looking to go into law enforcement after college. I want a gun that will be practical, and easy/inexpensive to shoot. I had my sights set on a model 10 or 64 prior to coming across this gun, but this seems to be a good deal. I will shoot this gun alot, and probably carry it occasionally in the future. What do you guys think? Go with the model 36 or model 10/64?
 
Register to hide this ad
I might add that I've held both, and they both feel great in my hand. I know the 36 would be great for carry, but I'm unsure about it as a gun that i will shoot alot at the range. However i like the size, and the idea of owning such an old gun is appealing. Something different from anyone else i know.
 
Sir, the Model 36 is a good gun, but I'd advise against it as a first handgun. Snubbies are hard to shoot well, and that will make learning to shoot harder than it needs to be. Better to stick with your original plan to find a 4-inch Model 10 or 64. You'll probably save some money besides.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.
 
I second that nomination. A Model 10 with a 4" barrel will be a platform to learn all you need to know about revolvers.

It is THE revolver.

You should be able to find a used police trade-in for $350 or that will be all the hand gun you need to become familiar with the revolver.

And a Model 10 is not difficult to carry. It certainly will be easier to handle, easier to shoot, and has six shots. Get a good speedloader, and some good leather (all used) and you will be good to go.
 
I think that price is a few $ too high. Especially when you are spending top buck to get a new, unfired gun & then you'll destroy the extra value by shooting it. There are many model 36's out there lots are just barely used for $250-$400
 
Thanks for the advice guys. I thought the model 10 would be the best way to go but the model 36 i came across just made me think. Hopefully i can get one soon.
 
A nice 4" Model 10 is never a mistake. Neither is the M36 but they are distinctly different guns for distinctly different purposes. But the M10/64 is a much better starter piece--easier to shoot well. With proper leather it will conceal and carry quite well and do a lot of what the M36 does.

First things first.
 
15

I think for the extra $50-75 that it will cost to get a 15 instead of a 10, it's worth it to have adjustable sights. Just my 2 cnts.

Pete
 
Model 10 or 15

I have both a 10 and a 15 and yes, the adjustable sights are nice. However, my model 10 shoots to point of aim and is more snag free. For a first revolver, I vote for a 4" model 10.
 
I am assuming that you have done at least some shooting with a handgun. Any of the 4, 5 or 6 inch K frames are better suited for a novice shooter than the Chiefs Special. The Model 10 is far more practical a choice to begin with for all the reasons previously stated. That "old" (LOL) model 36 sounds like it was a safe queen and would likely make a collector very happy. Law enforcement agencies (back in the day) typically trained recruits with 4 inch medium frame size revolvers from S&W and Colt for a reason. Not only because these weapons would be used on duty, but also because they were selected on the basis of being effective, reliable and simple to operate for the average person. I agree with the other fellows that you should stick with your first impulse and leave the snub guns for a bit later on when you've gained more experience and good fundamental shooting skills. Best of luck!

Cheers;
Lefty
 
Kingcobra145 said:
I have the opportunity to buy a 1970's model 36 square butt with a 1 7/8 barrel thats never been fired and is in the box with papers, and tools.The guy is asking 450$. This would be my first handgun, and I am looking to go into law enforcement after college. I want a gun that will be practical, and easy/inexpensive to shoot. I had my sights set on a model 10 or 64 prior to coming across this gun, but this seems to be a good deal. I will shoot this gun alot, and probably carry it occasionally in the future. What do you guys think? Go with the model 36 or model 10/64?
Click to expand...

Hi Kingcobra,
I have a model 36 1 7/8 barrel and I agree with others that it is hard to shoot. At 7 yrds I am lucky to keep my rounds in a 6 inch range. For a first revolver I too suggest a model 10,15 or a 64 in 4 inch. Also consider a model 13,19,65 and a 66. These revolvers are of course 357 magnums. You can shoot 38 specials in them as well as 357 magnums. All K frame S&W revolvers are very accurate and the triggers are excellent. The model 36 uses a coil spring instead of a leaf spring and the trigger on the 36 is not as nice.
Good luck and let us know what you buy.
Howard
 
I agree with all of the other folks who indicated the Mdl 10 as a first revolver.
30 years ago I wanted to shoot a revolver and bought a Ruger B/H in .41 Mag. needless to say I never became proficient with that gun.30 years later in a trade I got a Colt Anaconda in .45 Colt,had some difficulty with that as well.
I still wanted to learn to shoot a revolver well it was suggested I get a S&W Mdl 10 and go from there,I did.Spent lots of hours and ammo with that little Mdl 10 and became a pretty good shot with it.The Mdl. 10 was the perfect platform to learn technique and was a pleasure to shoot lots and refine technique.In the past 3 years I have added 15 additional Colts and S&W's revolvers and that Mdl. 10 gave me the ability to shoot just about any cartridge I wished to shoot even the .41 Mag.I now have 4 .41 Mag.(3 S&W Mdl 57's)revolvers and they are my primary revolvers with that Mdl 10 being one of my favorite revolvers of all time.They are perhaps the best "training" revolver available today or at any other time.
 
m going to stay with the group and say a Model 10. A bull barrel 10 is a excellent training gun. There is almost no recoil and the older ones have very slick actions. They also point very well being a K frame and fit small to medium hands well.
 
10s great but a 681 is a good option too. I have one in 4". I love it. Not a lot of money ether.

I carry a M36 (it's great as a ccw) and I shoot it some too. It's not real enjoyable to fire.

I know we're about Smiths here but there's something about my Detective Special, it's like the best of both. Everyone need at least one DS. :)

You are at the beginning of a very long journey; my first revolver was a "Highway Patrolman" (I was in high school 1978), I wish I still had that one.

Have fun!
 
I will vote for a Model 19 or 66. Once you become proficient you can adjust the sights precisely or for different loads. And you can fire .357s as well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Sgt 127
  • Locked
Highway Patrolman, 64 2”, Ruger SSM, 460 XVR, Colt 1917
Replies
2
Views
1K
Tyree1867
T
M
  • Locked
WTB 5-6" heavy/bull barrel for model 10 K frame 38 special
Replies
0
Views
305
mbmopar
M
R
New member in Indiana
Replies
10
Views
883
OK Hog Shooter
OK Hog Shooter
R
My morning at the local gunshow
2
Replies
26
Views
4K
Homechicken
H
PALADIN85020
Still "...the answer to a peace officer's dream."
2 3
Replies
43
Views
6K
gtoppcop
G

Latest posts

Back
Top