Two gun shop finds

[minutemen1776]

I went to a LGS today with revolvers in mind. I found a Ruger SP101 in .38 Special (NOT .357 Magnum) with a 3-inch barrel. It was about 95% and priced at $399. I also spied a nice 2-inch S&W 36-7 with a square butt. It was 99% (very pristine) and had the original box. The S&W was $400. So revolver experts, which is the better deal here? How are the prices generally? Thanks.

 

[Brian Williams]

As much as I like my S&WS, I would pick the SP as I don't like square butt model 36s

 

[tahoe2]

S&W, their triggers are so nice!!

 

[Walkalong]

I would be tempted by the 3" SP101 in .38 Spl. $400 is top dollar in my opinion. The Smith is the better "deal" IMHO.

 

[Guillermo]

neither

 

[19-3Ben]

As much as I like my S&WS, I would pick the SP as I don't like square butt model 36s

Agreed. I never really understood a square butt on a j-frame. As walkalong mentioned, though, $400 is on the high side. the .357 models carry a premium over .38 and i'd expect a used SP101 around $400.

 

[Checkman]

Well to be honest I would get the S&W because I collect S&W revolvers and a square butt M36 would be a great addition to my collection. It has nothing to do with real world considerations. Sorry.

 

[bannockburn]

Checkman

Over the years I have had several square butt J frames, though most of them had 3" barrels. I remember I use to get them for a fairly decent price since most buyers were typically looking for the shorter barrel and the round butt frame.

So to answer your question, I would get the square butt S&W Model 36.

 

[minutemen1776]

Thanks for the input. I had thought these prices were decent, but it sounds as if they are barely so. Perhaps there is some room for negotiating on either or both. I guess what surprised me the most is that the shop even had models like this in the case. It has been ages since I've seen a 3-inch SP101 anywhere, and I also don't often see an older S&W revolver that doesn't have significant wear on it. As for the square butt on the 36, I am ambivalent. I thought the gun felt really good in my hand, perhaps even more so than the Ruger.

 

[bannockburn]

The one problem I had with the square butt J frames was finding any sort of aftermarket grips for it. Usually I simply added a Tyler T-Grip adapter to it and felt the grip was improved enough for CCW.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Ruger > S&W.

 

[Guillermo]

Minuteman,

Sorry I did a drive by earlier.

SP..what is the point of a 38?
J Frame..with the square butt makes it hard to conceal

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I wouldn't give more than about 250 bucks for a .38 SP and then I would have to be hard up for a gun.

 

[snooperman]

The S&W is the better deal. That said ,only you can determine which one fits you best.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Ruger > S&W.

If you prefer overweight guns with gritty actions, sharp edges and the owners manual stamped into the barrel, then yeah.

I used to like Ruger DA revolvers, and then I got a S&W.

I used to like Ruger SA revolvers, and then I got a Uberti

I am down to my SP-101 .32 Mag, Single Six .32 Mag and SRH .454. If S&W made something between the N & X frame that competed with the SRH or a .32 mag that was between J & K frame that competed with the SP-101, those would be gone. If Uberti made a 3/4 scale .32 H&R, I'd trade the Single six for it.

 

[scaatylobo]

to each their own

I own a SP101 in .357 and would not be tempted to get a .38.

And YES to the 3" barrel as that is a fun gun to shoot and if you get the 'stacking' method down - you can shoot the Ruger as well as the S&W,leastwise I taught my self AFTER many years of trying them both for a while and selling the Rugers off [ and then buying another ].

But the S&W is a very well made revolver but square butt - not for me as a carry gun.

If not for concealed carry,like trail gun/house/car = yes to the S&W.

But the Ruger with real magnums is a joy to carry and shoot,even used as a bear gun in Alaska by women who dont like a large,heavy gun.

I have more S&W's than Rugers,but I also have a Ruger Security Six with a 2 3/4" barrel that is too much fun to shoot all day with magnums.

I also have a S&W 386 ,7 shot 'L' frame scandium that is not near as much fun with magnums.

BUT it gets carried more as it weighs half the Ruger S.S. gun.

 

[Jaymo]

Every J frame I've shot had a horribly gritty trigger pull, unless it had a trigger job.
Even Rossis have better triggers.
I've never had a gritty trigger on a Ruger revolver.

 

[minutemen1776]

I went back yesterday and looked at the revolvers again. I had already decided that I did not want the SP101; if I'm going that route, the .357 chambering seems the way to go. The S&W, though, really spoke to me. Upon closer inspection, it appears totally new. Except for a very faint turn line, there is no indication it's seen any use at all. The box and papers look brand new, too, including a small bore brush that is still sealed in plastic. Anyhow, I worked a nice trade with a 9mm semiauto that I was looking to sell, and I'm now the happy owner of a S&W Model 36! Hopefully I can post some pics later on.