Pick a 'Classic' Snubbie - Colt vs. S&W

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D-Man

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I'm looking to add a classic snubbie to my collection, and right now I seem to be focused on either the Colt Detective Special and the S&W 36 flat latch model.

Any others from these companies that I should look at?

My preferences are for it to be blued, steel (no lightweight models), and be something that could be shot on a semi-regular basis (i.e. this will be a shooter, not a safe-queen).
 
I think the coolest looking snubby is a post war M&P/pre-Model 10 with the half moon front sight - but I think the best carry gun is a 3" M65 RB.
 
If you're a hard core snubbie man you will want to eventually get both. Buy first whichever you can find in nice condition at an acceptable price. I just bought this to replace a model 36 I let go last year becuse of financial difficulty.
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If you are really hard core you will begin to want to collect varriations on a theme. Colts :1st issue Detective Special, Second issue, 3" models, Agents, Cobras. S&W's : M37 Airweights ( 2" and 3"), 3" 36-1's, 60's in more than several configurations.....Bodyguards...gotta have at least one Bodyguard. That's just the tip of the J frame family...we haven't even discussed K Frames.

It's a life time of pleasure collecting the snubs....we all love the whole process !

-regards
 
Diamondback - Did you get that from the S&W Forum Classifieds? Looks like a great pick.

I was watching your post (if that was you), and might go ahead and either piggyback on it to ask the other guys what else they have, or put a new one in.
At this point I just don't know what to get.

And of course now I'm looking at Model 10 snubs too.......

It's never easy, isnt' it?

Edited to add that I currently do have a 642, but with no CCW license (and not sure if I plan to get one), I'm thinking for a heavier piece to enjoy (or somewhat enjoy) shooting at the range along with my forthcoming S&W 19-3.
 
Carried a blue smith 36 2 inch for 18 years.
Gave it to a friend,replaced with flat auto.

Picked up a detective special,first issue.
Felt just right,barely larger than the 36.
I now have two cobras,very easy to conceal and carry.

If you can,do a side by side.I would choose what fits and feels right.

Enjoy.:D
 
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I am a self confessed S&W snob, so I'b buy a 36 but I wouldn't turn down a Dick Special if a good deal fell into my lap. The Model 10 and other K frame variants are my favorite just fun to shoot guns.
 
Diamondback - Did you get that from the S&W Forum Classifieds? Looks like a great pick.

I was watching your post (if that was you), and might go ahead and either piggyback on it to ask the other guys what else they have, or put a new one in.
At this point I just don't know what to get.

And of course now I'm looking at Model 10 snubs too.......

It's never easy, isnt' it?
Click to expand...

There are lots of options...that's for certain. However, they are all good options, so you can't go wrong in whichever direction you turn first !

Yes I did ! Everyone who contacted me was wonderful to deal with and within 24 hours I had plenty of nice options. I ended up spending a bit more that I had planned...don't we always ? ...but I am very happy with my choice and appreciate having found someone "stand up" to do business with. Please feel free to use my posting over there in any way that might be helpful. I am wishing you the best of luck !

-regards
 
^ Diamondback - thanks....though think I'll try to figure out my options over the next few days so will just go ahead and post a new thread.

The S&W 19 I am getting was from a forum member on those boards, and agree that the ones I've dealt with have been great.

The only thing scaring me away from the Colts are the talk of the potential work they may require to keep running.....seems like the S&W models are much more common and simpler to repair if needed.
 
I am a self confessed Smith and Wesson snob. However, every snubbie collection needs to have at least 1 Detective Special and 1 SP-101.
 
The only thing scaring me away from the Colts are the talk of the potential work they may require to keep running.....seems like the S&W models are much more common and simpler to repair if needed
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This may be true if you are going to fire thousands and thousands of +p rounds through your snub. However, a standard pressure target wadcutter/round nose is benign. Save the "brisk" ammo for the "occasion". Yet I will admit, generally speaking, a Colt will experience timing issues quicker than a S&W...but not necessarily. I wouldn't let that fact deter me from going in that direction if so inclined. Remember....the Dick Special has been around for EVER.....and not because it is temperamental ! They do not need to be babied....just looked after.

-regards
 
I like the S&Ws, but I wouldn't turn down a Colt. It seems that the 36s are a lot more plentiful and affordable. This is my pre 36

picture.jpg
 
Both are great. If its a collection, gotta have one of each. If you can have only one, I would say the Colt. They don't make em anymore and are not as easy to find, especially with a thin barrel. So if you got a really nice one it is a keeper. My favorite is the Model 38 in S&W and the Agent for a Colt.
 
The Colt Detec. Special or short barrel PPS will be a lot more collectible right now, and their prices are going up and up. The M36 are all post war and don't have nearly as much collectable value, so their prices are still reasonable though they're also going up.

So if you get a chance at a DS, BUY IT NOW.
 
Everyone needs at least one DIC Special. The old debate of the Colt over the Smith for the +1 cylinder capacity still holds true. How many guys do you KNOW wore out a .38 Spec Colt DA System because they shot it too much? Me neither.
 
I have a 4th series Colt DS that I purchased NIB in late 1993 and have owned several S&W Model 36's over the years. Both are excellent revolvers but the Colt is a six shooter opposed to 5 in the M36 and the 4th series DS will handle +P .38Spl per the manual that comes with it. The extra round in the Colt DS is the tie breaker for me. :)


:evil:
 
colt vs. smith

i have a colt ds and a model 36 i'm more partial to the colt i also have a smith model 19-5 2 3/4 inch i carry alot also
 
Gotta love the classic Det Spc.

ColtDetSpl.jpg
 
I certainly like my post war(1946 vintage)"Transitional", pre-Model 10(.38 special)snubbie, pictured as follows:
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