I have a guy that wants to trade me for my S & W M65-3 4 inch .357mag. He has a M36 Chiefs Special that although has some blemishes is in great shape. I have been wanting a snubbie for pocket carry for sometime now. So what do you guys think?
The 36, in its standard trim, is not the best configuration for pocket carry. One issue is the weight of the steel gun vs the air-weight. The other issue is the spur on the hammer. I don't mind the weight and the Mod 36 that I have has a factory DAO bobbed hammer. It works for pocket carry, but I usually use my Mod 649 stainless bodyguard.
I like my Chief for all the above reasons: I hate light frame small revolvers. They are very difficult for me to shoot well, but my" heavy"
old fashioned steel frame 36 is very accurate and dependable for me.
I like the exposed hammer, even for carrying in a pocket holster (put your thumb over it when you draw-problem over)
Mine has survived nearly 30 years of carry and is still tight and accurate.
Ojectively speaking, there may be better choices for pocket carry than the Chief's Special. But it can certainly be used very well in that role.
I love mine, and I pocket carry it very often. I have very small hands and really like the factory grips (walnut, round butt)- - I can get my pinky up on it.
It's a great gun and I'd bet you'd be very happy with it.
Personally I'd hold out for a shrouded hammer humpback. The Holy Grail in 2" .38s for me are the old MSP M49s with stainless cylinders. In the 80s when MSP got rid of 'em they were a dime a dozen at all the gun shows. Haven't seen one since. :frown:
S&W recently re-introduced the Model 40 Centennial without the internal lock. It's all steel and a bit heavy for pocket carry, but still a better choice for that role than the M36.
Is that hope I see? Is there a light at the end of this internal lock tunnel? Now I really want a Model 40. That lock just has to go. If it does, they should also disable internal locks for anyone who sends in their death trap lock gun.
I don't mind the weight of the steel-framed Model 36 nor do I object to its hammer. I find that I prefer carrying and shooting it over my Model 642. I cover the hammer with my thumb when I draw it, whether from waistband or pocket and havn't had a problem with the spur snagging.
I carried one for years as my “bug” on duty and the primary off duty. Then in 1990 my wife took it away from me and I went to the model 60. I bobbed the hammer on both and never looked back. I put the Clip Draw belt clip on the model 60 and I love it. I would go for it. Hard to beat S&W model 36.
I would keep the 65. There are other 36s out there that are a whole lot less. The one in my pic cost me $250 and that was the upper end of what I would have paid for it. Keep looking, deals are out there.
Keep the M65 and go buy a 642 for pocket carry. Steve48
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