Brand new member here. I'd really like to have a Model 10 snub as a carry gun. I have a Model 10-5 4" chrome for my nightstand gun and it makes sense to me to have a basically identical gun for my carry- just a shorter barrel. However...
The Model 10 snubs are super expensive. I want something I'm not afraid to scratch. I see that Model 36s and 60s look similar to the Model 10 but they are 5 shot, yet appear to be very similar to the K frame. The 36 and 60 snubs are much less expensive, even new ones, than the Model 10 snubs.

So, I would like your thoughts on this. Would a 36 or 60 make a decent carry substitute for a model 10 snubby? I saw that one 36 was engraved "Lady Smith." Are they all labeled that way. I like the gun but wouldn't want to have to turn in my Man card if I carried one.

I appreciate your guidance. (hope this is in the right forum.)

Cheers,

Ken

I might suggest a Model 12 snubby. Still a k frame like the model 10, however the 12 has an aluminum frame and is MUCH lighter. Also they seem to be a little cheaper than the 10s. Check over on gunbroker there are a few model 12s for $400-500. To your original question the j frame model 36s and 60s are great carry guns that a lot of people use (including myself) but they feel very different from a K frame. With practice you can become proficient with both a j and k frame. In fact my daily carry is a model 19 (K frame) with a 649 (J frame) as back up.

Hi:
I have CCW "J" and "K" Frames.
I prefer the "K" Frame. Six shot versus five.shot plus more gun to fill your hand.

The attached picture is of a Model 64. It is the stainless steel version of the Model 10. The stainless finish is very sturdy and not prone to scratches. Unfortunately, they no longer make M64's so if you find one it will be used. I carry mine every day. I also own a Model 36 and they are completely different animals. Think of the M36 as a mid-sized Dodge Dakota vs the M64 full-sized Dodge Ram.

A lot depends on how you want to carry concealed, and that decision needs to consider how you dress, your build, hand size, etc. A pocket-carried J-frame is what works for me, but might be a poor choice for you.

Lots to consider.

__________________
Oh well, what the hell.

My experience owning and carrying both a 2" Model 10 and a 2" Model 640 (J frame) is that if you carry every day, you need both. But if I had to choose one it would be the J frame.

Stainless steel is going to be a lot easier to maintain than blue steel. But both can corrode if left in contact with perspiration long enough.

For concealed carry you might want to consider a gun like the Centennial series that has the concealed hammer. The concealed hammer will allow you to shoot from inside a coat pocket and is less likely to snag on clothing when drawing from a holster.

Bill

Go shoot a model 60. Rent one, or find a buddy willing to let you tag along at the range and try it out. I rented a model 60 in the 3" barrel. After about 20 or 30 rounds of .38 spl my hand was complaining. I don't get that with my model 10 4" with 4 times the rounds. Only you will know whether or not it will work for you. I found there is a big difference between the J frames and the K frames.

The other issue is that some may be willing to carry a weapon they can only comfortably shoot a couple dozen rounds through at the range. I want to carry a gun I will shoot a decent amount. I don't want my practice to be a chore. Others may feel differently.

A Model 10 or 64 with a 2" barrel is still primarily a belt gun. I tried to use my 64 snub as a pocket gun and it was dragging me down, literally. It definitely works in a pinch but it's not something you want to do all day long.

My advice is since you like your 4" Model 10 just carry it on your hip. There isn't much difference in how you conceal a 4" vs. 2" K Frame on the hip. Get a 2" J Frame for pocket carry. The K is meant to be carried on the hip, while the J is meant to be carried in the pocket.

Dave Sinko

David, I can't fathom using an IWB holster with a 4" K Frame revolver. Or my 3" J-Frame come to think of it.

I was issued a two inch Model 10 during part of my LEO career and carried it in a belt holster 10 - 12 hrs. a day. By the time I got home my hip was sore. The alloy J frame in my pocket was a welcome relief and is carried that way to this day.

Just my two cents for whatever it's worth.

__________________
Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

The 4" Model 10 especially the ones with the standard tapered barrel can be carried and concealed using an inside the waistband holster. I have been experimenting with carrying one in a Milt Sparks holster designed for a 2.75" barreled gun. The holster holds the gun with about 15 degrees of forward cant. The gun doesn't weigh much more than the 2" barrel guns and with some practice it draws reasonably well. We are talking about an all steel gun that weighs less than 30 ounces.

In my opinion the only real appeal of the 4" for concealed carry is the higher velocity that can be obtained from the longer barrel. Another point to consider is that the 4" guns have become much cheaper than the 2" and especially the 3". For the person who wants one gun to do everything the 4" is really not a bad choice.

Bill

I own a 2" M-12. It weighs more (or at least loaded) than my all steel M-37, and the bulk is not acceptable. My EDC is an old 49 no dash, after the first week, I forget it is even there. I have a Colt Cobra and it feels a little bulky also, but carry it backpacking. Ivan

I just googled "s&w K-frame snubbies for sale" and found a 2" model 10-5 in what looks like nice shooter condition for $375. It took a few seconds.

I don't know what your budget is, but this price seems fair to me (I bought one very much like this a couple of years ago for $350 plus shipping).

Good luck.

Ken