NEED ADVICE -- S&W MODEL 36 OR 640 FOR WIFE

[jsmosby]

My wife is interested in getting a CCW permit, and wants to get a .38 Special. I plan to get her one, and get a clip attached to the gun so that she can carry it in her waistband at the small of her back, without a holster.

With a S&W Model 36, the advantages are:

1) The smallest, lightest, and most concealable "J-frame" steel gun.
2) Blueing enhances concealability.
3) Combat wood grip with finger grooves is included in the price.

The disadvantages are:

1) Higher risk of rust due to blueing.
2) Greater recoil due to light weight.
3) Gunsmithing required to bob hammer spur in order to avoid snagging.

With the S&W Model 640 ("Centennial"), the advantages are:

1) No gunsmithing on hammer spur required.
2) Marginally better recoil control due to larger size and weight.
3) DA only so choice is simple.

The disadvantages are:

1) Less concealable due to shiny surface.
2) Somewhat larger size than Model 36 for purposes of concealability.
3) Combat wood grip with finger grooves must be purchased separately.

What are your thoughts?

 

[Ala Dan]

My Vote Goes Too-

the S&W model 36. And, I would not even consider bobbing the hammer.
Blued firearms will last just as long as stainless ones, provided they get a
lot of T-L-C. NEVER-EVER leave a blued (or nickel) firearm in a leather
holster; as leather attracts moisture, and will result a rust plagued firearm.

 

[loplop]

First piece of advice: let her pick. She may pick based upon "color" and that's fine. Just take care of whatever she picks and you'll be good.

Second: I picked up a New-Old-Stock blued Mod 36 w/wood grips (unfired, made in ~1969) last week and the second my wife saw the gun it became "hers."

Have fun!

 

[Trebor]

What does she like? What is her experience level? What training has she had? Those little "J" frames are some of the hardest guns to shoot. How much experience does she have with similiar guns.

You both should read Pax's website. www.corneredcat.com

Lot's of great info there. It's designed for women who need info on CCW issues, but more men should read it as well.

Btw, I'm not a fan of the "hip clip" or similiar modes of carry. They really don't work as well as keeping the gun in a good holster. A nice Alessi Talon or similiar quality clip-on IWB holster works better in most circumstances.

 

[Iggy]

I had a 36 until my wife swiped it. I went to a local gun shop and he had a take off hammer with the spur removed.. $15.00. So I (the wife) has two hammers for her 36.

Since she swiped my J-frame I had to go find a replacement. I wound up with a 640-1 and we're both happy.

I would echo the other's advice.. Let her make the decision.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I agree, let her decide.
The gun should be something that she will practice with.

Wipe the gun down at the end of the day and a gun finish will usually last longer than the owner.

The little J Frames are very accurate but the shooter must do their job.

I'm not a fan of the clip. Almost guaranteed the gun will be dropped on the floor one day.

And for grips I'd get her Crimson Trace Laser grips.
With only five shots you want every one to count.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Another vote for let her choose. How would you like it if she picked out the gun you were going to carry? Most people wouldn't like someone else picking the gun they were going to carry and I'm sure your wife is no different.

Now, if she has already narrowed it down to those two choices then giving your opinion is a totally different thing.

If she's looking for opinions on which of the two to purchase I would pick the M640 because it's upkeep is easier and won't be as effected by sweat as the Blue M36.

Also, a holster is always better than a clip IMO. There are many very small holsters that are no more than a band of leather that will work very well.

 

[Leanwolf]

I would advise against a "small-of-the-back" carry.... unless your wife stands up all day. Even so, while sitting, driving, etc., it is very, very hard to get to if needed.

Also, if she were to take a fall on it, it could do some serious damage to her.

My wife carries a 3" bbl. S&W 36, in a Coronado Leather purse. That's the way she likes it, so that is fine with me. She is also very alert to her surroundings.

FWIW.

L.W.