Opinions!

[mrpendleton]

The local gun shop has a pinned barrel model 36 and a pinned barrel model 15 for sale. Both guns are blue, and they both appear to be in great shape. The 36 is priced at $614 and the 15 is priced at $619. I can only get one, which one should I buy?

 

[murphydog]

Unless they are both NIB with contents the prices are $100-150 high; if you are willing to shop online you can find nice examples of both in the $400 range. If you are bound and determined to get one of these, the model 15 is less high than the 36. Good luck in your decision.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

If the M15 is NIB and a 2" barrel GRAB IT!!!!!!!!

 

[Ray1970]

I agree. Both are priced too high. The last 36 I bought was really in mint condition (although no original box or anything) and I gave $425 for it.

 

[1angrycat]

I would not pay more than 500 apiece and that would be for minty ones with box etc.

 

[Fessor]

Obviously, they both would be worthy shooters however to me they seem to be designed for different purposes. The 36 is more a undercover, self defense weapon whereas the 15 is more a recreational shooter. I would get the one more satisfactorily meets my desires. FWIW, I feel both are somewhat overpriced but not excessively if you are looking for one of these.

 

[EricR]

I would LOVE to have a 15. The 36 would be a distant second. I can't tell you about price. Prices for the 15 don't seem too far off what I see on GI.

 

[Babysitr]

Love my 15-3.. mine came with s&w presentation grips, super shooter! sounds like its close and easy....you'll love the gun!

 

[ken158]

Buy neither - too $$$

 

[VaTom]

Model 15 would be my choice. I have one I bought at a local auction 2 years ago for about the same price. It was 98% on finish and grips numbered to gun. For our area the price for the M15 is probably about right. I know a local shop that has a nickel Model 15 for about the same price.

 

[JH1951]

Opinion: Offer about $150. less for either one and accept a counter offer of $100.00 off of either one..... Condition would have to be high at that.

 

[mrpendleton]

Thanks for the responses! I will offer less for the 15 and see what happens!

 

[Texas Star]

What a question...

Get the one that best suits your needs and lifestyle.

If you want a basic service and all-round .38, get the M-15. If you want a small concealed carry piece, get the M-36.

But I agree with others that prices are far too high.

If you're new to guns and want to cover a lot of ground and have a basic two-gun "battery", a snub Model 60, preferably M-60-7, and add a M-66 for the home defense and general duty gun. This will give you Magnum power when wanted and stainless construction.

Now, I have a question for you: a car dealer has both a sports car and a SUV. Both look good. Which should I get? See the principle?

 

[shakyshoot]

Buy neither - too $$$

This is neither here nor there, but my local Cabela's seriously put a price of $1149 on a Mdl 36. a nice one, but....

 

[mrpendleton]

I've seen several 15's priced similarly. I have not seen that many 36's. I have a small collection of S&W pinned barrel revolvers, and I want to add to my collection. I'm not looking for a particular model, I saw these two for sale, and was wondering which one would be the better buy.

 

[CajunBass]

I'd get the Model 15 if I wanted one of them. Personally I just don't care for the J-frames at all. Personal quirk, I know.

Are they priced high? I suppose. So make a lower offer. What's the worst thing that will happen? They'll say no? I like to start about 20% off and see where things go.

Generally speaking the longer a gun has been in the case, the more open a dealer may be to negotiating. If he just got it in, why should he drop the price? The next guy through the door may pay the sticker. A few weeks, a month or so down the road...dropping the price might seem to be a better idea.

 

[Muss Muggins]

I don't know what pistols go for in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but around here, that's a little high. I'd take the 15 before the 36 if the prices are that equal, but I wouldn't offer more than about $425 or so, unless like others have said they're NIB with all the original stuff . . .

 

[UncleEd]

MrPendleton,

Opt for the Model 15.

If it's near minty, pay the $619 but see if the dealer will
absorb at least the sales tax into that figure.

From the enjoyment you'll get, and whether you ever have
another good chance at that model in your area, you'll never
miss what might be considered the extra $100 or so
in a month.

Naturally, if money is real tight, then wait.

P.S.: With new revolvers going for $600 or more, the "higher"
prices now being asked on used ones is usually not out
of line. I've yet to see a gun forum where everyone has
not paid a lot less than what a stated price is. As for
having LNIB with box, docs, tools etc.....that's pretty
much a fantasy these days.

 

[Jersey Doug]

Gunbroker.com lots of each of those, haven't found a gun shop yet that comes even close.