Heard this comment about the S&W M36/J frame...?

[David E]

It sounds like it's not so much a "learning to shoot a J frame well" issue for him as it is a "I have wrist issues and the J frame is beating up my wrists" issue.

I read it as a stocks/ammo issue.

With Pachmayers and factory 148 wadcutters (not unknown reloads in a 148 wadcutter box, or shooting more powerful ammo he was specifically advised against doing) and learning proper technique from 9mmEpiphany, this should resolve his wrist issues.

If not, THEN it's time to consider other guns, like a 2" or 4" Model 15, fitted with proper grips.

 

[trikster]

None of the people at the range thought my stance was bad at all (including the RO who said he was a retired NRA pistol instructor). My stance looks similar to the pics that M2 Carbine posted. My wrist is still tight, but no longer hurts like I had been hammering all day. I plan to make one more range trip before making a decision. I have seen two K-frames (10 with a 4" heavy barrel, and a 15 with a 5.5" or 6" pencil barrel (may be a heavy barrel, didn't get to look at it closely)) that I am interested in. I had an old Victory Model (wasn't .38 Spcl though) that I loved the feel of.

 

[just for fun]

First gun I owned and still have is model 36. Bought it new in 68. Paid $68 for it (half down rest due in 90 days! As a E-3 there wasn't alot of extra money laying around in those days and many a weekend was spent shooting reloads thru that little gun, to the point I'd bet my buddies I could hit anything they could out to 25 yds. Won more that I lost with that gun! (young eyes) Oh, my wife went shooting with me in those days and we split the box of reloads. Tampa police range $2 a box +$1 for the brass (refundable). On weekends I got paid from my part time job we'd get TWO boxes! The rest of the time just one please. There was an older guy that worked weekends, sometimes he would give us a FREE box! Always with the same advice- "you kids be careful" KIDS? I was in the Air Force and 21, she had a full time job and was 20! We were grown! Just ask us. Great memories and a great gun.

 

[David E]

I don't want to criticize other stances, but it would behoove you to take up 9mmEpiphany's generous offer. You'll save yourself a lot of time, aggravation and wrist pain if you did.

9mmE knows his stuff, so give him a PM and arrange it.

 

[trikster]

Will hit him up next time I have the opportunity to go out.

 

[Al Thompson]

9mmE knows his stuff, so give him a PM and arrange it.

Excellent advice.