Lets talk about my Model 36 for CC

[lookin4deer]

Ok I have been researching my EDC and after lots and lots of reading, researching and shooting I have decided on a J frame. This is where my dilemma starts about 10 years ago I bought a new never fired Model 36 with the box and all the paper work this gun is in mint condtion (I paid $250.00) the SN dates this gun to 1973-74. It has been sitting in my safe and now that I need a CCW I thought I wanted/needed a new gun a 442/642 is what I want with a laser. Then I got thinking about my Model 36. Its 22oz loaded and has a hammer and doesnt shoot +P. I guess my question is will I be sorry if I go with the 36 an EDC or should I buy a 4/642 and go with that. Also I am assuming any laser for a J frame will work for my 36. My plan for now is to pocket carry (this may change when I actually start carrying regulary) Any other things I have overlooked. Thanks for any help or advice to help me out

 

[hsmith9491]

Lookin4deer, I pocket carry my 36 everyday. I feel any conflict will be within 7 yards no need for a laser. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[bluegrassrules]

Boy I wish I had a model 36 from 1973...I carry a 637 but would carry the '73 36 if I had one.
Cheers

 

[photoman]

I prefer the Centennial design for CC and would get one of those. Leave the virgin Model 36 at home in the safe or sell it to a collector if you don't want it any longer.

 

[snubbyfan]

For pocket carry I'd prefer the 442/642. The 36 is a great little snubby but in a stress situation you could snag a hammer spur while drawing from a pocket. I'd be tempted to carry the 36 in a strong side owb holster and the 442/642 in an off side front pocket as a "reload" or a backup. You also gotta keep in mind the 36 and 442 are blued and require more care than the stainless 642.
The Laserlyte sidemount laser should fit any of these guns without having to change the grips.

 

[Mickey D]

Like many said, go with a 4/642 for EDC.
There aren't too many virgin '73 model 36s

 

[blujax01]

Oh pish-tosh! Shoot the gun, son!

What earthly good does a tool do if it's forever left in the tool box?

And as far as '73 J-frames - they only made a gazillion of them. So you sell it for $500 and spend $500 for a new one. Same-same.

And even though the barrel may not be marked +P, you can safely shoot it until your heart's content. S&W will back that statement if you care to check.

The M36 is one of the classic carry guns for a damn good reason. It's the perfect size and weight and is effective in close quarters.

In my opinion...

 

[ogilvyspecial]

Even though I have a Model 38, 638, 642, 649 & 649-3,
the Model 36 is still one of my main carry guns........

 

[Steve in Vermont]

I have a 36 I bought new in 1970 and carried it for years. I recently updated to a 640-1 but have no qualms about carrying the 36. I practice with regular loads but wouldn't hesitate to load +P for cc. Two other aspects of these old 36's, the bluing is of a quality you won't see today and the trigger pull has become as smooth as butter. Keep it clean, use SB +P ammo, and carry with confidence.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

I make holsters for 139 different handguns, but about 30% of all orders are for J-frame S&W revolvers. No doubt about it, the J-frames are the most commonly carried defensive handguns in North America.

I have several including Model 36, 37, 34, 642, 649. I would not feel unarmed with any of them.

 

[Old cop]

Nothing wrong with carrying your M36 but you may find it a bit heavy for pocket carry (ankle, IWB & OWB are fine). I use my M36 for the range and pocket carry my 442. As others have indicated your gun will handle +P, but not a steady diet. Shoot a cylinder full to see where it hits then practice w/standard pressure loads.

 

[TACC1]

I prefer the Airweight for pocket-carry, the 36 swings a little
due to its weight, and makes you tighten your belt a little
more than is comfortable.
No hammer means you only have to think about one thing during draw; Get The Gun Out!.
J-frames are natural pointers; practice with DAO will show you
that it's as easy to shoot as a 36, when you're in a hurry. In fact,
you will impress yourself with how well you shoot.
Stock boot grips on an Airweight handle recoil as well as the
stock wood grips on the heavier M36, and provide a little bit
more control for pointability.
I'd keep the 36. it's a gem, but I'd carry an Aiweight.
JMHO, TACC1.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I have a 36 and my brother has a 37 we each like ours better. On pocket carry,the hammer may get snagged on the way out of your back pocket(the pants are probably too tight) I front pocket carry a 49 (aka Bodyguard or Humpback) and own the same thing in a modern airweight, but carry the all steel gun. On ankle carry the Airweights are a plus. Buy some more J-frames and enjoy.Ivan

 

[kennyb]

i have carried a M36 both in an ankle holster as well as pocket carry for at least 25 years...they digest +p ammo just fine and make for a great concealed weapon...

 

[cmort666]

Lookin4deer, I pocket carry my 36 everyday. I feel any conflict will be within 7 yards no need for a laser. Just my 2 cents worth.

I work at (and park inside of) a CPZ, but when I do carry after work, I almost always carry my 36-no dash in a leather pocket holster of my own design.

 

[redlevel]

A good pocket holster will alleviate most of the concerns about snagging the hammer, but I prefer mine to be bobbed. You can have the hammer bobbed (I do mine myself) or probably you can find one already bobbed and save your original. It ain't rocket surgery. As somebody already said, everyone needs a bunch of j-frames. I have one in my pocket right now, a Model 37 from the early 70s, three inch. I regularly carry a Model 60 in one of those Lobo belt holsters he talked about, and sometimes a Model 36 3-inch in another Lobo belt holster I bought from a member here. If I were you, I would carry that vintage Model 36. That is what it was made for, and there just ain't nothing better since it was made. I carry the Buffalo Bore 158 grain heavy +p in all my steel j-frames. At 1000+fps, they move the j-frame into serious self-defense territory.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

Anybody can carry a 642. The steel J-frames are a fat notch above the alloys in shoot-ability, and have a classic style that speaks for itself.

 

[tops]

Grind the hammer spur off if you are worried about it catching. I carry a 1955 Centenial or a M36 flat latch that I ground the hammer spur off with the hammer still in the gun. I don't see the need for a laser on a pocket gun. If you ever really need to use a pocket gun you had better be pulling the trigger instead of trying to turn on lights. Larry

 

[Granddad]

Not much to add, but when I picked up my flat-latch 36, I did contact S&W re: +p ammo and they said on a limited diet it would be fine. CT laser grips for the j-frame are universal, I believe. Finally, I got an OWB holster from Lobo and would highly recommend it if you don't always pocket carry (personally I prefer a belt holster).

 

[mbliss57]

Your Model 36 will shoot +P ammo without any problem Call or write S&W if you want an official answer (Actually, I would really urge you do this for your peace of mind) I was shooting +P in my 1960 Model 36 this weekend. I don't even give it a 2nd thought.
As far as air weight vs a steel frame..I like how light the air weight feels in pocket carry but I really feel I shoot better with a heavier steel frame. I carry both depending on my mood. The 36 I like in an ankle holster.
As far as a DAO vs a hammer..I prefer the hammer because it gives me single action capability if I have the time to cock it. I practice almost exclusively in DA. On the other hand I like the simplicity of the DAO 642 I own. Nothing to think about except aim and fire.
Basically there are pros and cons to each. Do what feels right to you. As far a a laser.. I had one on my 340PD. I took it off and put it on the Model 36 and it is dead on.
I practice and am proficient and confident with the sights. But the laser is a nice feature, especially if you find your self in a position where you cannot aim properly, like around a corner or lying on the ground. It can have some distinct advantages if you are ever in a defensive situation requires it. But I would never count on it as a primary aiming tool.
JMO
Mike