choosing a smith and wesson revolver for a private detective

[mg357]

Dear Smith and Wesson Forum i have decided to come out of retirement and return to my writing hobby. my current writing project is a love story about a private detective and a waitress
An i need help in choosing the detective characters service revolver i have a small list but i still need help in choosing a gun from the list for the story. here is the list
1. s&w model 36 2 inch barrel
2.s&w model 10 4 inch barrel
3.s&w model 60 3 inch barrel
4.s&w model 686 4 inch barrel
5.s&w model 617 4 inch barrel
any and all help with writing project would be greatly appreciated sincerely and respectfully mg357 a proud member of the Smith and Wesson Forum.

 

[watchmanjimg]

Not sure what era your story will be set in, but of the choices you mention I'd say the M36 2-inch is the clear winner. The 3-inch 60 is kind of an oddball and a 4-inch would typically be carried on a duty belt by a uniformed LEO. Private or otherwise, in my opinion the classic detective look definitely calls for a snubby, be it a Smith or (dare I say) a Colt.

 

[HAWKEYE10]

I think the model 10 would be the best choice. Don

 

[Dregg]

I'm going with this: s&w model 36 2 inch barrel

 

[Landric]

I think I'd actually go with the M49 Bodyguard, its got a catchy name and its a good concealed carry piece. Of the choices you listed though, I'd go with the 2" M36.

 

[Combat_Diver]

3.s&w model 60 3 inch barrel

CD

 

[CWO USN]

I'd go with the Model 10. It has been Smith & Wesson's longest lived production design revolver dating back to 1899. Engineering changes through the last century resulted in its longevity as a premier duty gun for both government and citizen use. Although the Model 10 designation didn't come to being until approximately 53 years ago, it has evolved and carried lesson-learned from the battlefields of Spanish-American War, well into WW II. A true classic cop gun. A few examples: John Wayne in McQ (1974), Harrison Ford in Witness (snubby), Andy Garcia and Sean Connery in The Untouchables (1987), Roy Schneider in The French Connection, and even the bad guys; Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway in Bonnie & Clyde. Good luck with the book.

 

[jpwhel]

A gun that someone in a wheelchair can conceal, I would also go with the 2" Mod 36, but make it with the nickel finish.

 

[18DAI]

I'd go with the model 10, but I'd make it a snubby. Regards 18DAI.

 

[Iggy]

How's about a nickel plated, aluminum frame, 2" K frame, same size as a Model 10, AKA Model 12?

Light as a feather and carries six rounds. You could hang it some place handy on wheel chair or in a shoulder holster just dandy.

 

[jimmyj]

Your character sounds like the old TV series "Ironside". He used a S&W Model 36 ".
Jimmy

 

[ColdBlueSteel]

Your character sounds like the old TV series "Ironside". He used a S&W Model 36 ".
Jimmy

That was my first thought as well.

 

[TAROMAN]

Another vote for the Model 36. He carried it back in the day when he was working undercover on the force.

 

[The Big D]

Contingent, of course, on the era in which you set the story, the 36, 2" would be best for a private detective.

PLEASE, THOUGH, DO NOT REFER TO IT AS A SERVICE REVOLVER.

Those are carried only by LEO's.

Be safe.

 

[WILDPIG]

I vote model 10. I don't know why....... There should be plenty of room to stash it on the chair.

WILDPIG

 

[one eye joe]

IGGY, THAT IS A BEAUTY ! !

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I'd go with a 10 or a 12, 2", or even a 2" 15, and perhaps explain the choice. Makes your character more thoughtful and more set in his well thought-out ways. The only problem with the 15 is catching the sights on something, but, for me at least, the slightly higher sights of the 15 work out a little better, at least with the Safariland/Rogers grips. Should be someplace in the wheelchair to conceal a gun, and the weight should probably not be an issue. Even a larger gun might be acceptable.

 

[DRYHEAT]

.38 M&P (later: Mod. 10) with 2" barrel.

 

[pj151]

Go with a 44Mag or a 500. You can work in the added details about the flash and recoil in a surprising twist in the story.

 

[Iggy]

Go with a 44Mag or a 500. You can work in the added details about the flash and recoil in a surprising twist in the story.

Yeh, like forgetting to set the brakes and propelling himself out the back door or down the stairs!!!