Forgive me if this is a stupid question but I have no experience with laser grips. I have a 3" Md 36-1 that I am teaching my youngest daughter to shoot with the idea that it would someday be a home defense/CCW weapon for her. She is left handed and I want to know if a left-handed grip would interfere with the laser and is it more difficult for left-handers to activate?

The second question I have is there an after-market, drop-in, bobbed hammer that I can get for this gun?

Third and final question: What would a good self-defense load be for this gun? I can make my own or buy factory, would like to hear your thoughts. I carry a .357 or .44 spl and my wife carries a 9mm so I haven't given the .38 much thought. Thanks

While not a S&W®, this what several friends and family use. This is truly a left handed revolver in all respects..........
• Charter Southpaw #93820

As for ammunition for self defense try these two. My wife uses the first and I use the second..........
• Federal Premium - Handgun Details
• Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy .38 Special Pistol & Handgun Ammunition

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David
CW3 USA (Ret) 1968-1990

The Model 36 with Crimson Trace Grips should not present a problem to left-handed shooters using any reasonable grip. They are ambidextrous in that the switch is on the front of the grip right under the trigger guard.

ECS

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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

I'm a lefty and use Crimson Trace grips, no problems. Ammo, Gold Dot short barrel. The hammer can be bobed or replaced. Maybe S&W still
has them or Midway, Brownells, Gunbroker, you may have to have it "fitted" by a gunsmith. Another choice is a 3 inch 640 or 642 little hard to find, but good shooters. I like your choice of a three inch J frame.
S&W made a limited run of 2 1/2" J frames, last year, that would work too and are easier to find.
Good luck finding one that will work for your daugther.

Thanks 851, nothing against Charter Arms, the .44 spl I carry is a Bulldog Pug (which is why I'm a fan of the bobbed hammer), but I want to keep costs down. I hear good things about Buffalo Bore and like the low flash aspect of their ammo and will give it a try.

Thanks for the info ECS, teaching her the fundamentals of sight picture and trigger control but really like the deterrent effect that laser sights give and the fact that she would quite likely be shooting in low light in a self-defense situation.

Gray Rider,

My wife appropriated my S&W Model 681 after I put Crimson Trace grips on it zeroed for 25 yards with Speer .38+P 135 grain Short Barrel ammunition. At any reasonable range in the house the bullet will hit within an inch and a half of the laser dot.

Amusing anecdote: When I showed the grips to my wife and demonstrated the laser, she asked, "How do you turn it on?"

I told her, "Pick it up."

She repeated, "How do you turn it on?"

I repeated, "Pick it up."

She fixed me with her interpretation of a steely glare and asked, "How. Do. You. Turn. It. On?"

"Pick. It. Up."

Once she understood that I wasn't doing an Abbot and Costello routine, she was as happy as a kid with a new toy. When I told her that the laser may have an intimidation factor, she said that wasn't something she was worried about. If someone does break in, she ain't waitin' to see if he's intimidated.

ECS

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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

Good Story ECS!

I've got CT grips on my 642 and love them, but like your wife, I'm not interested in intimidating anyone. The dot is going on the bridge of his nose.........as I take up the slack. That way I can still wank the shot a little and still expect to hit eye socket. I think a bullet in the brain is what REAL intimidation is about!

I am left handed also.

I can't say I liked CT grips on S&W J-frames.

I bought two of them, one new with them on the gun and one used that I installed them on. I hated them and sold both guns.

I could not get the lazer to move to the left enough to hit were it should have been.

Now was that just because of my bear paws I don't know but I could not get it to work for me.

Now I have CT grips on a lot of my other guns and I love them.

I have them on both of my M&P 40's (one FS one compact) and I was able to adjust them fine.

I have had great service from CT and I say they are the best grip out there.

I am now saving up to buy a set of their new 1911 grips that work without cutting the rightside of safety lever off.

I hope that this answer helps you out.

Se Ya

David

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NRA & GOAL LIFE MEMBER