What to buy? Input sought

[Spieler]

Okay guys and gals, I have a few dollars to spend so give me your input.
Nothing high-dollar mind you, just got an 'extra' $250 to spend on toys.

So here are my choices.

#1 A co-worker has a Smith & Wesson M36 snubby w/nickel finish that he's willing to sell me for $225. The folks over on the revolver page tell me this is a pretty good deal. I always wanted a snubby Smith but I'm not crazy about a nickel finish. But at this price, can I pass it up?

#2 Or...get a Star BM from AIM for $129. I have a bevvy of 9mms already and again, at this price, can I afford to pass it up? A good solid gun, but I'm not crazy about single action 1911-types, but still a great value.

So, it may just come down to the flip of a coin for me, but any constructive input from those of you that have experience with either model would be appreciated and taken into consideration.

Neither or these would be primary CCW or home defense guns, but primarily 'fun' guns with some possible use as a backup piece.

Thanks.

 

[dairycreek]

IMHO the Smith "snubby" is a good choice. They are rugged and reliable. I am also not crazy about nickel finishes but at that price............... I have owned Star pistols in the past and grew both tired and wary of them. So, I would avoid the Star FWIW. Have you thought about a Makarov? Well in the price range you mention and a fun, reliable pistol. Good shooting

 

[Ala Dan]

I would also have too go with the Smith M36, as these little
J-frames are worthy of every dime spent. And as I replied
over on the revolver forum; $225 isn't a bad price for a 36
with nickel finish, and LNIB. Jump on it before its too late!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Black Majik]

Definitely go for the S&W model 36. Definitely a cool little .38. I actually like the nickel finishes on the older smith's.

<~~~ You'll need a set of these to look at em'

 

[JoeHatley]

That's a good price on either, but I'd go with the S&W and pass on the Star. The S&W will appreciate in value and the Star's quality can be pretty questionable.

Good Luck...

Joe

 

[Nick96]

Take the S&W M-36. $225 for a good S&W M-36 is a steal (and I'll bet you grow to appreciate that nickel finish in time).

The Star may be okay - but the S&W M-36 is a proven performer - and is a viable self defence weapon if needed. The Star should be considered just a toy. After all, you have other auto loaders - so why just get a variation of what you already have?

 

[R.H. Lee]

It's a no brainer for me-the Model 36

 

[Marshall]

The Model 36! It's a good price and a better choice.

Uh, hey, could you tell me his phone number?

There is a very nicely blued Model 36 at a local gun shop, firing pin on the hammer and all. The man is asking $375.00 for it. I have been watching it sit there now for 9 weeks. It comes with OWB leather and a set of wood grips in addition to the Pachmayr's riding on it and a set of black pearlite grips also. I have no idea why it hasn't sold yet but if it sits there another week or so, I may make an offer and snatch it.

 

[jrpeterman]

I'd jump on buying the Smith Mod. 36. The nickle finish is a plus if you live in a humid environment.

 

[Jiml3]

Get the S&W model 36. What are you waiting for? If you don't like it,
you can always post it here at the same price and have no problem selling it.
It' a no brainer/

 

[halvey]

What's the problem with the Stars? A guy at my range had one last week and it looked interesting if anything. I didn't handle it a lot, but looked cool. I think he said it was 9mm Largo, which he said is 9x23, but not the "new" 9x23 we all know.

 

[lee n. field]

I'm not a big revolver guy, but I think I'd go for the Smith. The one S&W wheelgun I have, I don't intend to ever get rid of.

 

[OEF_VET]

Go for the S&W, or PM me with the sellers info and I'll buy it. I promise to let you visit it anytime you're in the Nashville area.

 

[Berg01]

Yeah, I'd also opt for the M36