What a champagne headache!
Both are fine firearms.
IN PRAISE OF THE M10 . . .
--It is a "K frame," the medium sized frame that Smith has based most of its defensive revolvers on that are for two-legged BGs. The frame is bigger and fits most hands really well, with a full grip possible! This means it is easier to fire double action and multiple shots!
--The sights are better. Easier sights make it easier to get a good sight picture, and acquire that sight picture faster!
--Although most all gunfights are over in three rounds or less, the M10 gives you the extra round. This is reassuring, especially to novice shooters not yet having confidence in their abilities on that firearm.
--It weights more, lessening the felt recoil, torque on the wrist, and cutting down on muzzle flip. This translates into more fun to shoot, and accurate follow up shots in a faster amount of time.
--If you are going to primarily holster carry, the M10 2" will give you the better trigger that comes on all Smiths except the J frames. Great trigger control is the necessary mark of all accurate shooters!
IN PRAISE OF THE M36 . . .
--It is truly a great pocket revolver!!! Slip it into a $12 Uncle Mikes Size 3 pocket holster and slide it into your pocket. You are good to go immediately as you stroll confidently into Wal-Mart, a restaurant or where ever!!! I do it ALL THE TIME, and I've never been noticed!
It can truly be said that the best gun in the world is no good if you don't have it with you and instantly accessible when it is needed! I'D RATHER HAVE FIVE SHOTS ON ME . . . THAN SIX LEFT IN THE CAR!!!
The M10 WILL require a holster, and it IS too heavy to go in a pocket. The times when I can wear a holster and carry concealed are not too often. When I can, I'm gonna tote my 23 oz. Kimber compact .45ACP on my belt . . . backed by the M37 in the pocket!
--The M36 IS light enough to go in a pocket. I've got a nice IWB holster for my M36 but have never worn it.
--With practice, the M36 CAN be shot accurately . . . but one must practice AND really pay attention to sight alignment. Here's a 10 yard, 1" black square target, shot standing and unsupported:
THE COLT OPTION . . .
The Colt Detective Special and the aluminum-framed "Agent" and "Cobra" versions are six shooters and not too much bigger. HOWEVER . . . their cylinder diameters are about the same as the K-framed M10 . . . and my Colt Agent can use the same speed loaders as my K-frames!
Heck, if I'm gonna carry a cylinder that wide, it is in my belt holster . . . and I'm gonna carry a 3" Model 65 K-frame in .357 magnum! That 3" barrel makes it a tackdriver vs. a snubbie!!!
Also, the Colt DS/Agent/Cobra snubbies ARE bigger. Here's my M36 next to my '61 Colt Agent for comparison. The Agent has the optional hammer shroud installed:
ANOTHER GREAT OPTION FOR CONCEALED CARRY . . .
Go with a Model 37 instead of a Model 36! The M37 is an aluminum-framed lightweight version, and is sooooo light in the pocket!
After my M36 did such a great job in the pocket, I decided to get a M37 to make it even easier to tote and conceal! It should arrive in a couple or three days. I can't wait to wring it out at the range!
HECK . . . GET 'EM ALL!
The wonderful thing about wheelguns . . . is that you can never be satisfied with just one! Sooner or later . . . another one winks at you in the counter display and whispers, "hey big guy, take me home!"
Hope this helps,
Tom