Should I carry a S&W Model 36?

[Master Blaster]

I know this sounds dumb, but I much rather like the look of a exposed hammer and I would like the option to shoot the gun single action if needed. Have you had any issue snagging the hammer on a piece of clothing while drawing IWB? I plan to carry it IWB.

I carried one just like it in a pocket holster for 12 years. The hammer is not an issue, if you have a good holster, and you put your thumb on the hammer when you draw the gun. I like the sa capability. Eventually I bought a 642 and carried that.

 

[JohnKSa]

...the vast majority of CCW'ers, who we all know don't train like the "experts" say they should; would be ill equipped against one threat... let alone two or three.

I don't disagree, but I don't think that's a good rationale for ignoring the possibility of more than one attacker when choosing a carry gun.

You have a good point--having more rounds on tap doesn't help if one can't get one's gun out in time to make use of them, if one can't get on target while moving and shooting at a moving target, or if one shoots so slowly that the gunfight is over before one gets off more than a couple of rounds. On the other hand, turn it around and look at it from the other perspective. Even if a defender can get the gun out in a hurry, rapidly put rounds on target while moving and being shot at, if the defender's gun runs dry before the job is done, all that skill is not doing the defender as much good as it could.

Both sides of the problem need to be addressed.

 

[Mr. Mosin]

I don't disagree, but I don't think that's a good rationale for ignoring the possibility of more than one attacker when choosing a carry gun.

You have a good point--having more rounds on tap doesn't help if one can't get one's gun out in time to make use of them, if one can't get on target while moving and shooting at a moving target, or if one shoots so slowly that the gunfight is over before one gets off more than a couple of rounds. On the other hand, turn it around and look at it from the other perspective. Even if a defender can get the gun out in a hurry, rapidly put rounds on target while moving and being shot at, if the defender's gun runs dry before the job is done, all that skill is not doing the defender as much good as it could.

Both sides of the problem need to be addressed.

You have a good point, one that bears due consideration. I believe though, that carry (in general, not just concealed) warrants some trade-offs in certain areas.

 

[OrangePwrx9]

If the OP hasn't purchased the M36 yet, the Charter Undercover is a less expensive alternative and is more readily available. They come with stainless (16oz.) and aluminium (12oz.) frames, hold 5 shots, and are rated +P. Aluminium framed versions come in different colours and patterns if you're into that. They also have a Police Undercover that holds 6 shots and weighs 19oz.

I have an older Smith M37 Airweight (12oz.). It's the aluminum frame version of the M36. It's quite accurate at 50' but the recoil is wicked even with relatively tame wadcutters. I'm kind of wary about using anything too stout in the AL frame.

Also have a stainless Undercover and a Police Undercover purchased new in 2019. Recoil is reduced with both, no worries about +P, and they shoot as well as the Smith. The little 5 shot Undercover has a fantastic trigger. You do notice the difference when carrying the heavier Police Undercover.

Having had problems with Smith QC on new guns and reading about the problems others have had with Smith Customer Service lately, I no longer consider Charter a second tier manufacturer. The reports I've read are that Charter returns firearms to their owners quickly and they are fixed. However, Charter's recent attempt with the .327 has been an exception to this rule.

 

[Pat Riot]

For a time I carried my model 442 in an ankle holster and either my model 36 or my 60 Pro in an OWB holster or the 36 in my jacket pocket in a “Sticky” pocket holster. My thinking was I had a readily available 5 shot .38 Spl revolver and a 5 shot revolver in the ankle holster as backup or as they call it “a New York reload”.
I liked the ankle holster for access seated in a car or on a chair. When standing or walking the OWB holstered gun would be primary.

 

[JohnKSa]

I believe though, that carry (in general, not just concealed) warrants some trade-offs in certain areas.

'Tis true. In fact, virtually all real-world decisions involve some kind of trade-off. The issue is that people often either don't realize what the trade-off is, or they rationalize it away, or dismiss it without giving it the consideration it deserves.

That's one big problem with topics like this one. The other is that people find it hard to understand that not everyone draws the line at the same place they do when it comes to making the trade-off decision.

 

[Sistema1927]

We can "what if" all day long, imagining all the very worst things that can happen.

One person whose opinions I respect, is Grant Cunningham. This is just one article from him on plausibility and likelihood. He has similar information is some of his books.
https://www.grantcunningham.com/2018/05/a-new-way-of-looking-at-likelihood-and-plausbility/

 

[JohnKSa]

Yes, it happens both ways--some imagine the worst and try to prepare for that, some imagine a very basic scenario and prepare for that. Neither is a good approach. Looking at what happens in the real world is better. Cunningham is a pretty good source for common sense.