Should I....

[chupacabrah]

trade my model 36 (with Mika pocket holster) for a Kel-Tec P3AT + cash?




I don't really shoot the 36 all that great, and when in my pocket the butt generally hangs out a little bit. those are really my only complaints.
I guess I don't mind it, but I don't love it either.

Friend has the P3AT...and I could probably put the cash towards a used model 10 or something like that.

Here's my smith:
It's a 1983 production date, locks up tight, minimal scratching and mechanically is in terrific condition. Cosmetically...maybe 80-90% due to a little holster wear on the cylinder.





What do you think?
And if I SHOULD do it, what amount of cash is reasonable?

 

[M2 Carbine]

I'm a fan of (pre lock) short barrel Smiths and shoot mine a lot.
Personally I would not let that gun go.
Even though I have a bunch of Smiths I still complain about trading off a Model 36 about 20 years ago.

 

[Tirod]

If it's a cash flow challenge, the P3AT will give better concealability, and be with you more. If you can afford it, buy the Keltec on it's own, and enjoy both. Then you can compare what works for you best.

Most of us would say we've always regretted selling something. It may be years, but having it later down the road is always nice.

Don't ask if I would like my '66 Mustang back, or my HK91 from the '70's, or the Detonics 9mm Pocket Pal, or . . .

 

[The Bushmaster]

Last time I checked your M 36 is paid for and cost you nothing to keep. So don't sell something that will not gain you that much finacial progress. Selling it will not pay any bills. Keeping it will garnish much pleasure. If not now...Later...Through hard times and good times I have never sold any of my firearms and have the first one I ever bought and the last one I just bought. Once sold it is hard to replace if you find you have made a mistake. KEEP IT!!

 

[HoosierQ]

Keep it. Work on a better way to conceal it.

 

[Purple95]

chupacabrah,

If you will allow me two observations:

All "post transactions remorse" aside,

1.
You mention you don't shoot the M36 "all that great" but don't elaborate. Just wait until you try to shoot the Kel-Tec. I think most will agree the M36 is much easier to shoot than the little Kel-Tec.

2.
You would be trading a revolver which is most likely 100% reliable for a small pocket pistol which is most likely not.

I know there will be a post forthcoming from someone who says they have 500,000 rounds through their Kel-Tec without a malfunction and can hit a bottle cap at 300 yards every time. Those are the exceptions, not the rule.

I would keep the Smith and find a better way to dress around the gun as mentioned above. The Kel-Tec would make a nice backup gun to the Smith.

Cheers,
dan

 

[dairycreek]

I would absolutely keep the Smith & Wesson and would, most certainly, NOT trade it for the Kel-Tec.

 

[chupacabrah]

You guys' insight is invaluable!



I agree, I think I may not regret it right now...but later I may miss having a smith in good condition.

and it almost definitely shoots better than a p3at. Which, if I buy the p3at, I could safe the smith and let it (maybe?) gain value.

 

[blackcash88]

Yeah, but how RELIABLE is that P3AT? A great many of them are not and they are hugely infamous for this.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Should I ... ?

Only if you're getting cash as part of the trade.

 

[lee n. field]

trade my model 36 (with Mika pocket holster) for a Kel-Tec P3AT + cash?

No..

 

[cerberus65]

+100 what Purple95 said!

I have a NAA Guardian .380 which is probably twice the weight of the P3AT and it has taken me quite a lot of effort to shoot it decently. A S&W revolver is a walk in the park by comparison.

If the m36 is your only gun you may not appreciate just how good the trigger is on a Smith. You'll definitely regret selling it some day - prob. sooner rather than later.

Reliability in a carry piece is paramount. You can bet your life on a Smith.

I notice you have the stock grip on it. That is likely hurting your ability to shoot it well. I have a m34 with that same grip and it just doesn't work well for my hand. I've ordered a Tyler T-grip to give me more grip circumference to hold on to. My m60 has Hogue grips on it and it's very comfortable to shoot.

And how many holsters have you tried? Do you have a box of "didn't quite work" holsters yet? If not, keep trying. Holsters are cheaper than guns.

I recommend keeping the m36. Change the grip and keep looking for a holster that works.

Long term you won't be sorry. You might get lucky and get a Kel-Tec that goes boom every time and you might shoot it perfectly from the get-go. But I think the odds are against you based on everything that I've read.

 

[Blue .45]

I notice you have the stock grip on it. That is likely hurting your ability to shoot it well.

My thoughts exactly. Those little wooden slivers are hard to hold onto. I put a set of Pachmayrs's on mine. However, the Tyler T-grip might be better for concealment, because it doesn't add any bulk. BTW, mine is a square butt too.

 

[chupacabrah]

hmm that's true about the grips, it is quite hard to get a good hold of it w/ the stock ones. ...I hadn't really thought of that before. I'll have to look into getting some

I have a Mika Pocket holster, which works fine.... i think most of the pants (shorts) I have the pockets are cut at such an angle to expose 1" or so of the butt... most of the time i wear cargo khakis, or jeans.

 

[Gator]

If you do get new grips, keep those old ones; they are worth 50-75 bucks!

 

[meef]

Try it with a Tyler T-Grip adapter.

 

[jad0110]

Nothing against the Kel-Tec (other than I can't shoot 'em worth a snot), but don't let that M36 go. Though they may be common, they are a classic that will never be produced again. Kel-Tecs are still being churned out by the tens-of-thousands.

 

[rainbowbob]

I carry an M36 daily (round butt).

My suggestions:

Don't trade it or sell it.

Don't remove those beautiful old wood stocks.

Do put on the Tyler T-Grip (you will be amazed at the difference). http://www.t-grips.com/

Do try an inexpensive IWB holster if pocket carry isn't working for you. Galco sells one for the j-frame for about $40 that works well...be sure it has a rigid opening for re-holstering).

 

[Snowdog]

I would have more faith in the S&W sending off a slug when I pull the trigger, but I believe I'd carry the tiny Keltec more often during short jaunts.

I would value the M36 as a superior monetary investment without a doubt. I'm also quite aware they're more of a pleasure at the range as well.
However, if this choice of yours boils down to which handgun will reside in your pocket more often, then your question holds greater merit IMO; I carry my P32 everywhere and I'd imagine I'd carry the P3AT the same.

I'm glad I'm not having to make that decision myself.