New guy here. I am looking for some advice in picking out a first revolver. There's one for $300 cerakoted older m36, good shape, and a pristine older m15-4 4" (no logo on right side) for $530. Both out the door.

I am concerned with felt recoil on the J vs K frame for my wife's future possible ccw use. I know the model 15 is too big to carry, so I am leaning towards the model 36 as a new revolver to break us into the world of revolver. Any suggestions?

Buy both, one for her, one for you. Problem solved.

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Size and trigger are the biggest issues here. The 36 has a coil spring mainspring that creates a heavier pull the the 15 leaf spring style mainspring. The 15 has adjustable sights. The 15 would be a better gun to learn shooting techniques then the smaller 36. New shooters can get frustrated pretty quick if they can’t hit anything...

Unless your stock on buying either of those two, Id wait and pick up a 686. Not that great as cci, but great overall revolver to shoot. Once you establish your desire to stick with them, then find a j or k frame snub

A model 36 isn't too good for a first revolver; the triggers are (relatively) awful, and they aren't a good practice gun. You'd be better off with the M15 as a starter, and then pick up something small for ccw down the road.

Don't get me wrong, the 36 is a good little gun, just a bit limited on uses.

A J frame is probably not the best to learn on. I've taught a number of females, who lacked hand strength to run a respectable semi-auto, to shoot revolvers with a Model 10 snub. And they've done well and were comfortable with them. Standard pressure .38 is not overwhelming, operation is simple and easy. And once you learn to shoot a revolver well, going over to a semi seems easy. A K-frame snub nose is not hard to CC, but I'm used to a full size 1911 so I guess it's all relative.

For all the reasons mentioned so far, I think a K-frame .38 special would be way better. I like the Model 15 (I have one), but if you really want something a mite better, look for a Model 67, which is essentially a Model 15, but in stainless steel for better ease of maintenance and weather resistance. Just my two bits worth.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I agree, a k frame .38 like a snub model 10 would be a good choice. Plenty out there to choose from and prices are not outrageous.

The model 15 all day long. It will be a purchase you will never regret and $530 OTD for a pristine M15 is an OK deal by my standards. You didn't mention whether it came complete with a box and papers but I just sold one in that category for $600 and the buyer was very pleased after he received it. Either way anything around that price if it is indeed in the 95% grade is a winner. The photos show what a lot of folks train with starting with a must have model 18, not just another masterpiece. The snub nose is just one of my favorites and perhaps one of the most accurate 2" barrels you will ever find,

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I agree..except, since you're both new to revolvers, use the Mdl. 15 as a trainer. The Mdl.36 will then find it's place.

Add: Get a better price on a package deal.

If you're not new to guns, I'd go 36 first all the way. Even for your wife. But for her, you may want to have her hold them and see what one she likes. But you can get some pretty mild loads for the 36. Yes, the 15 will have less felt recoil.

As others suggest, really both would be the best answer. But if you're wanting a gun for yourself to carry right off the bat, I suggest the 36. As long as you're not a brand new shooter.

I went to the range yesterday with three young ladies and one older one.None of them shot the 442 well and it kicked like crazy,it seemed as if their wrists worn't strong enough.They liked the 15-4 except for the long trigger pull,the glock 19 was the one they liked 500 rounds worth. These are all beginning shooters your wife could be a more experienced shooter and have better luck with the J frame.

Model 15 is too big to carry? Nonsense! This is my EDC, a 4 inch Model 65-1. It hides even better under a Hawaiian shirt.


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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

News flash! Women are strong and tough, not to mention smart. Anyone who has a dainty, shy violet gf hasn't yet seen her when she really wants to do something (or wants you to do something). Get the Model 15. Much easier to learn to shoot accurately than a 36. Shoot target wadcutters to learn how to shoot a revolver. They are also pretty good for SD. As the previous post shows, you also can carry a Mod 15.

My wife's gun:


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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

I also agree. A J frame really isn't a gun to learn revolvers on.They take a LOT of practice to become proficient with them and the recoil is less than pleasant generally. Better off with a K frame as long as it fits her hand well. Take her with you and let her tell you what fits better.

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1st smiles,lies.Last,gunfire.

Welcome to the forum.

For a new shooter I'd recommend a quality .22 and a case (5,000) or so of shells.

Cheap, quiet, no recoil or muzzle blast. Just the thing to learn the fundamentals on and then move up to centerfire.

A Model 17 or a Model 18 should serve you nicely.

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On the whistle draw and fire 6

The model 15 is fine. The model 10 is the standard K frame with fixed sights, but if you want the adjustable sights (I would)the model 15 would be the way to go. I had a model 10 but traded it for an L frame 686. For fun shooting I would try to get one with a barrel a little longer than the snub, unless you plan to carry it. I love K frames, but I wouldn't want to conceal carry one.

The mod 36 needs practice and discipline to shoot well beyond a few yards. It's a close in defense gun. Great gun though, I have one and wouldn't trade it.

The K frames are easy to handle and shoot, even for people not used to handling guns. The .38 special round is a pretty ideal as ammo runs from light target to Plus P whammer blammers. So choice of ammo is very important depending on what you want to do.

If you are just planning on shooting for fun, the K frame would be ideal for anyone, wife included.

IF you decide you want an L frame mod 586/686 make sure to get a barrel, no longer than 4-5". My 686 is just a tad nose heavy with a 6" barrel, though it holds and shoots great. My wife LIKES big revolvers because they soak up some of the recoil. If you shoot .38s or light .357s in the L frame they are pretty easy to handle.

IF you are familiar with shooting and use ammo that can be handled by the person carrying it, a J frame is pretty ideal for SD.
There are light alloy J frames, but they will kick a lot more. My wife got one she can't really shoot without very light ammo. With heavy loads it smacks my hand pretty good. My son fired one shot out of it and the first thing he said was, "There ain't no way Mom's going to be able to shoot this gun!"

For an ideal light carry gun that is easy to shoot, the M&P Shield semi auto 9mm is as good as it gets. It's double action only. The trigger on the Shield is close to a single action, which makes them easy to shoot. There are other guns in that same category that work about as well depending on what features you want. If I can say ANYTHING negative about the Shield, the body is very slim, which is good for carry, but feels just a little harder on the hand. However, I find the Shield to be a VERY comfortable gun to shoot. It's plenty light and can hold 8-9 rounds depending on the magazine used. I like the 9 round because it gives more for your little finger to hold onto.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

I WOULD PASS ON BOTH OF THESE, AND OPT FOR A 3" M686+. ITS MORE MONEY, BUT LOOK AT IT AS A LIFETIME INVESTMENT .....

IMHO, THE M686 IS THE FINEST .357 MAGNUM REVOLVER IN CURRENT PRODUCTION. IT IS COVERED BY A LIFETIME FACTORY WARRANTY......

IT FEATURES ADJUSTABLE SIGHTS, A 7 ROUND CYLINDER, AND THE CAPABILITY TO SHOOT A WIDE VARIETY OF AMMO---FROM THE LIGHTEST .38SPL TARGET LOADS, TO THE HOTTEST .357 MAGNUM LOADS......

THE 3" BARREL HAS A FULL LENGTH EJECTOR ROD. IT IS VERY VERSATILE---AT HOME ON THE RANGE, IN THE FIELD, FOR SELF DEFENSE, AND HOME DEFENSE.....

AFTER SHOOTING ALL KINDS OF FIREARMS, FOR OVER 60 YEARS---IF I WAS REDUCED TO HAVING JUST ONE HANDGUN, THIS WOULD BE IT ! ! !

AS AN NRA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR, I AM OFTEN ASKED BY STUDENTS WHAT I WOULD SUGGEST THAT THEY PURCHASE, AS THEIR FIRST FIREARM. MY ANSWER IS ALWAYS THE SAME----THE 3" M686+........

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

I carry a 4” model 19 every day. Concealed.

I am a fan of the 4” k or l

If those are the only options you are considering, the model 15 for familiarization and practice, then consider a model 36 or similar. Even with light loads J frame .38s can be challenging to shoot.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

My granddaughter is a Lance Corporal in the USMC, and her hands are TINY! I gave her Cimmaron Lighting in .38 Special last time she was home on leave because it fit her hand. When she's old enough to get a carry license, I'll give her my Model 642-2 because a K-frame is too big. That said, a K-frame fits 90% of people.

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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

Couldn't agree more with your assertion of the 2" Model 15. Far and away the most fun and accurate snubnose revolver I have ever shot. I absolutely love my 15!

So many great advices!! Here’s the 15-4 i am looking at. Supposed to be 1982, very low round count.

Welcome to the FORUM! I tried a 2", 36, & a 3", 36. Not impressive to me. (remember, we are not all the same) I have a 2" Model 10, round butt. I shoot it much better than the 36's. After that, got a 66-2, 2.5". It is a keeper also. Bob

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Although I do not shoot my 67 often, they are a good choice. This early no dash is my wife's favorite. Bob

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I will look into the model 67 for sure. What is the feedback in regard to a revolver in 9mm? Too much recoil? Any negative?

So much good advise. I won't join the fray regarding model 36's or 15's (get the 15!) but I will say this-

If you want to learn to shoot, and or teach your daughter to shoot-

GET A 22LR!

Good advise right there!

First, while I agree that a Model 36 can be a challenge, I would NOT turn my back on one. That said, I would pass on any gun that is ceracoated, you don't know what the coating is hiding.

As a first purchase, I would recommend a Model 15/67. The size should be adequate and the weight should handle the recoil. If you want the versatility of a Magnum, go with a 686+ 3" . I have picked up a 686+ 3" for when I carry a revolver. I have a Model 36-6 (looks like a J framed 686). I find that the 3" barrel carries easily.

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Judge control not gun control!