Old model 36 vs new model 649

[slimjim9]

I have a model 36-2 with bobbed hammer I bought used several years ago just "to have something". Shot it a couple times and put it in a closet. Now I'm looking to get off my complacent butt, really learn to shoot, and basically become a good citizen.

Anyway, I will have my CCW in a couple or three months and I'm looking at options. This would seem to be a decent pocket carry option, maybe ankle, but I'm also thinking about a 649 for the SA option and .357 option (not while carrying though, I'm sure I would use .38 hollow points for carry), and just to have a more "modern" platform (or is it really?).

I'm sticking with steel as I hated an LCR at the range so I can't imagine I'd like an airweight either. I have a Pachmayr grip on the 36 now so it doesn't hurt to shoot and I think I can get used to it with practice.

What difference could I expect with a new 649 vs my 1988 36? It's a few ounces heavier so maybe a little easier shooting in general? SA and .357 would be good for 4 legged but not so much 2 legged. Overall worth bothering with?

 

[slimjim9]

Here it is:

 

[69HEMI-R/T]

Nice looking Model 36 but, the Model 649 is the humpback model of the J-frame and, as such, is made for the pocket.

However, if you want all steel and a pocket-carry size gun with .357mag capability, I would choose a pre-lock Model 640-1. All stainless and pocket-friendly Centennial configuration. Great guns and fairly easy to find!

If you feel you need the trigger to have single action capability, a Model 649 would be hard to beat. Again, my preference would be pre-lock!

 

[CoMF]

I own both a M36 and a M649-3. The latter feels more muzzle heavy and a bit bulkier in the pocket, but you're correct in that the added weight makes for somewhat easier shooting in a J-frame.

My opinion? The Magnum J's are better suited for belt than pocket/ankle carry. but if it "works" for you then by all means go for it.

 

[slimjim9]

My opinion? The Magnum J's are better suited for belt than pocket/ankle carry. but if it "works" for you then by all means go for it.

Yeah, therein lies the conundrum. Being brand new to carry, it could be quite expensive to find out everything that doesn't work. I also have a Glock 19 that I know doesn't work for pocket, so it will start life as an IWB carry. Would be nice to have pocket and/or ankle option for BUG, different dress, etc. I know my choices will be limited since I don't subscribe to the "carry light as you won't feel the pain when you have to use it" philosophy. If I can't comfortably train with it, I ain't carrying it. I'll get there. Every newbie has to work through these issues somehow.

 

[5Wire]

...However, if you want all steel and a pocket-carry size gun with .357mag capability, I would choose a pre-lock Model 640-1. All stainless and pocket-friendly Centennial configuration. Great guns and fairly easy to find!

The 649 is All Steel, 38 special and 357 Mag at 649-3, too.

 

[palmetto99]

I have a bobbed hammer model 60 (no dash) and model 60-9 (magnum J-frame). So I kind of have been through this issue. I agree that the magnum J-frames are a little better for belt carry. Smaller grips on your model 36 would make it better for pocket carry. The .38 spl J-frames are a pretty good handgun to get started carrying with.

 

[iwanna]

It looks like the takedown screw is sticking up on your 36-2. Wrong screw? I'd get that fixed.

I like a J-frame for carry. I learned to shoot my Model 60 with the rubber grip and switched to the small grip once I was ready. Now I have an early sixties Model 36 2" round butt. Very comfortable (and safe) to carry.

 

[slimjim9]

Smaller grips on your model 36 would make it better for pocket carry.

That's true but I couldn't stand shooting it with the stock skinny wood grips and got the Pachmayr since it got rave reviews over at The Firing Line. I love it, but you're right I might have to look for something a bit smaller.

 

[slimjim9]

It looks like the takedown screw is sticking up on your 36-2. Wrong screw? I'd get that fixed

Thanks! Somebody else just noticed that over at The Firing Line. It was quite loose - now snugged back down.

 

[srsmyth]

I have a nickel 49 ( steel ) that fits nicely in a pocket holster, it might be a bit lighter than the 649 to carry but I want the stainless one anyway. Usually the advice you get here is to get both.
I have never carried my 36 because it is older and mint.
Steve

 

[slimjim9]

Usually the advice you get here is to get both.
I have never carried my 36 because it is older and mint.

Right. I've done that with so many other pursuits, I'm trying to keep the guns to just a few. As you see, my 36 is older and far from mint.

 

[iwanna]

One problem I have with rubber stocks is that they make for a considerably larger gun. Somewhat defeats the purpose of a CCW.

 

[slimjim9]

One problem I have with rubber stocks is that they make for a considerably larger gun. Somewhat defeats the purpose of a CCW.

Sure, there's always a tradeoff. Do you have a recommendation for a grip that is recoil reducing while still good for carry? I'm sure that's come up before. I guess I'll go search the CC/SD forum before asking there.

 

[iwanna]

No, my answer has been to practice with the rubber, but rely on the slim grip for carry (and show-n-tell).

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

First off welcome to the Forum!

You have a great little carry gun there.

I'd just keep the model 36 as I don't want SA on a SD revolver, but the 649 or 640 being stainless are less prone to rust.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Hi Slimjim9:

My welcome to the forum to you as well. In my experience, a lot of what you are asking about can only be learned from your own experience. When I first started carrying concealed, I thought I would carry either a full sized, or compact semiauto pistol, or a 4.0 inch barreled .357 Magnum revolver. I thought cover garments would be a part of my daily dress to properly conceal my handguns and accoutrements.

I was very surprised to learn that my needs were met with a J-frame revolver (initially, a Model 642-1) using pocket carry. I eventually settled on my current EDC - a Model 38-0 in one pant's pocket, and a Model 638-1 in a different pant's pocket (aka "The New York Reload"). I like the Crimson Trace LG-405 laser grips for the Air Weight revolvers, and the older, LG-105 grips for the all stainless steel Model 649-0.

The Model 649-0 sees use as a range gun, and in the winter, it is frequently carried in a coat or jacket pocket. I always use a pocket holster, and my favorite is the DeSantis Nemesis.

Here's a link to a previous post with photos of my Humpback collection:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...38-no-dash-vs-model-38-2-a.html#post138201473

Good luck,

Dave

 

[Helderberg]

I have owned a 640-3 and currently have a 642 and 638. I carry cc with a pocket carry Galco. I found the 640 to be an exceptional gun for iwb but too heavy, for me, to pocket carry. I foolishly moved the 640 but now carry the 642 for most of my cc duties. I use the stock boot grips as they are rubber for a better grip, for me, and small enough to hide well in my pocket. I have the Pacy compact grips that I keep on my 638 as a house gun as the extra size is not as easy to pocket carry. You might want to read up as to the benefit of .357 in a snub as opposed to .38+p. It might change your mind about what gun you might want to carry.
Good luck and let us know, Frank.

 

[CoMF]

slimjim9,

First off, I owe you an apology; I didn't realize you were new. So allow me to welcome you to the forum!

I was going to say that any holsters you buy for your M36 or M649 will work with either revolver, so you don't have to worry about wasted money. I wish I had experience with ankle carry to share, but alas, I have none. I almost exclusively belt carry or, when I'm at home in PJs (don't laugh), pocket carry.

The hardest part of mastering a J-frame is the trigger, IMO, followed by recoil management. The former can be aided by dry-fire practice, while the latter benefits from range time. Having the right grips certainly helps with both, and you're also correct in that the steel J's are more pleasant to shoot than their aluminum-framed bretheren.

The J-frame has a lot to offer for those willing to devote time to mastering them. I actually gave up a G19 for my M36. They're fine pistols but I deemed the Glock to be "too much gun" for my perceived threat level, plus it was a pain for me to dress around.

 

[slimjim9]

No need to apologize CoMF. Thanks to all for the welcomes. I appreciate all the comments so far and they will aid me greatly in my journey. I appreciate the "must learn from your own experience" comment, but I also know that life is too short to make all your own mistakes. It's good to know what has/hasn't worked for others, so I can try to make new mistakes and not repeat old ones.