Talk me out of it please.

Dillyp

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So I normally don't buy frames, unless they are super rare or super cheap. However, I'm considering retiring my old me and getting 442, 340, or 437 (don't know if they're even made). There's nothing wrong with the 36, it's been my edc since I was 21, I'm just considering having it engraved and refinished, and getting a new j frame. Opinions?
 
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I'll try. Don't do it. Your 36 has been with you through a lot of good times, and some tough times. It always has and will continue to serve you faithfully for many years to come. It's like an old loyal dog, you just can't replace that.

Instead of buying a new j frame, go out and treat yourself to a fancy new N frame. That's what you should do.

Not the j frame.
 
A 36 is a stalwart. It's your Chiefs. Man's best friend (other than the canine variety). How could you?

Yes, you need to buy another Smith. Put it in the safe. Put it under your pillow. In your sock drawer. T-shirts? Unmentionables?

How could you?

Hope this helps,

Bob
 
Your cry for help is actually a plea for permission...Permission Granted...go get it.
 
Since you asked, I suggest you look at one of the new Kimber K6s 6 shot snubbies. It is 23 ounces (same as a S&W 640), has the best factory trigger I have ever felt on a J-frame sized gun (similar to the Ruger LCR trigger but stageable), and fits in many holsters designed for J-frames. They are pricey but worth the bucks. I won't sell any of my J-frames, but I won't buy another unless S&W plays some catch-up.
 
Get the 442....Like you I have a 36 that's dear to me...it's the perfect carry gun. But I want it to last forever....that's where the 442 comes in. It's new, a great gun ....don't mind it getting dirty and beat up...it's just a tool....

The M36 is FAMILY!;)
 
My 36 was originally my fathers carry gun and now is one of my primaries. I probably shoot more out of a snubbie than most people and can't imagine ever wearing it out. It has scrapes scuffs and finish wear out on it by both my father and me and refinishing would essentially erase history which I won't stand for.
I look to eventually get a spare 38 airweight j.
Also if I were you see if you can find a factory engraved steel j to keep the other two company.
 
You came here to get talked down?!

BAWHAHAHA!

He should have gone to the Glock Forum...... they would have "poo pooed" the 5 shot Smith J-frame and urged him to get a 26 or 27 so he could have lots of "boolets".....he might have been convinced not to get another J-frame..... but no way would a S&W fan be talked into buying a "Block".

Then he could have returned here; to maybe get a 3913 or hicap 6906........

or a pair of J-frames!!!!!!!

:D
 
I'll take a shot at this.

Don't do it. If J-frames are really your thing (I can't shoot them, hands are too big) then get a real one. By that I mean a older one made when Smith wasn't all about cutting corners (apologies to those who think today's Smiths are the cat's PJs).

As for your 36, you've been carrying it for years. It has character and proof of its loyal service. Don't wipe that out refinishing it. If you plan to carry the new gun (what ever you buy) instead of your current gun, keep it as a cherished memento. If you engrave it and refinish it it will probably just set in the safe anyway. No reason it can't set there as it is now, reminding you of its glory days.

My $.02 with. YMMV,
Dave
 
Actually, everything you said you wanted to do sounds right to me. I say, DO IT!!! :D
 
Sorry, I do not see what it is you are asking us to talk you out of

You can not have enough J-frames.

J-frames2s.jpg

The real question is what type of engraving do you like and how much coverage are you going to get?

Saturday my Walther PPK will be picked up at the engraver. I was thinking of having a 640 engraved for carry as the next project.
 
My 36 was originally my fathers carry gun and now is one of my primaries. I probably shoot more out of a snubbie than most people and can't imagine ever wearing it out. It has scrapes scuffs and finish wear out on it by both my father and me and refinishing would essentially erase history which I won't stand for.
I look to eventually get a spare 38 airweight j.
Also if I were you see if you can find a factory engraved steel j to keep the other two company.

You know you're being a tease if you don't post pics of said gun.

You too DillyP. I need to see these ones with character. I've not been carrying mine long enough for it to have character. However, I have been carrying it a couple of years and I think you would like a 442. You can get them without the lock. However, I think if I were to pick a new one it would be a 38 or 49. The humpback is growing on me. And going from steel to an Airweight might be irritating. My guess is recoil will be worse. I want to go opposite and get a steel framed J frame.

3lil3uc.jpg
 
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You mentioned the 437. I'm a big fan of the 37 and 437. Recent experience with a new 437 resulted in cat Hong the S&W bug again. Best NIB trigger I've felt in a long time.

442/642 is probably perfect J frame for carry IMO.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
 
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