S&W model 10 or 36?

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TnShooter83

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The model 10-6 has a 2" barrel.
Will both hold up fine with factory loads, and which will more likely retain more value.
 
Both will hold up fine shooting .38 specials, and if the 36 is newer it will be +p rated. The 36 will probably be a better investment - but what condition are they in, and what is the vintage of the 36? Does the 10 have a RB or SB? If you are debating on buying between the two, what is the asking price on each and we can be more specific. Also, do they both have the original grips with them?
 
For concealed carry, the S&W model 36 (with its 5-shot capacity) would
be my choice. However, a six-shot 2" S&W model 10 might be easier too
learn with~? :scrutiny: In both cases, there are many models like 'em on the
streets; so long term value would really be irrelavant, unless of course
it was a very rare weapon. ;) :D
 
I'd say 2" 10's are rarer than most mod 36's out there. Also easier to shoot and an extra shot and somewhat more durable.
 
The 36 will always have value as a carry gun with less emphasis on the condition of the finish compared to the Mod 10. They should both hold up with occasional +P use.
 
Good point, I forgot to mention that J frames have a different action that generally is'nt quite as nice as what can be had in the larger frame S&W's.
 
Both are in GREAT shape.
The 10 is a square butt, the 36 is a round.

As for the 36, I'm not sure on the age.
 
round butt
square butt
this is referring to the shape of the rear of the gripframe- the Mod 10 and 36 were both made in RB and SB
Personally, I don't see the advantage to the SB on any gun though it looks nice in some instances.
 
"Neither is a pocket gun. I'd get the 10"

I have to disagree. The J-frames absolutely are pocket guns. That's why I'd take the 36. Both are excellent but I'd prefer a 3, 4 or 5" barrel on a model10, and a snub for my pocket!
 
I have a S&W 36 and really like it, but I would like to find a S&W 10, 3" RB.
 
I always wanted a 2" M10 and have several J frames so I would buy the M10. Both are fine revolvers so in the end you will have to decide which will serve your needs better.
 
I have a 2" Model 10-8 from the mid-80s. It's the gun I've owned the longest and has the nicest trigger of any handgun I own (stock). Mine has a round-butt which I think makes it slightly easier to conceal than a square-butt, but it's still way too big and heavy for pocket carry (even coat pocket, unless you're talking about a very heavy coat). S&W says it's good for +P ammo, even though it's marked ".38 Special", which isn't surprising considering how stout the frame is. Even the bluing is pretty.

Come to think of it, the 10-8 is probably my nicest-shooting (because of trigger, heft and overall ergonomics), best-looking handgun.
 
I own three mod 10's...One with 2" and two with 4". All +P rated and an excellent choice in a carry revolver though I carry a mod 19 2 1/2" I would not feel under gunned carrying a mod 10 and using the modern +P ammunition...
 
The Model 10 RB was my first choice. I shot my friends M36 and found it just fine as well, just one less round. If you're concerned about the size difference between a M10 and M36, maybe consider a Colt Det. Spec. as it fits somewhere in between. I've posted a picture of my two. They're both earlier models.

ccw002-1.gif

coltsnub-2.gif

Regards:
Rod

.
 
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:
2216021M36at10yds.b.jpg



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:

22584992snubs.jpg



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
 
The Model 10 RB was my first choice. I shot my friends M36 and found it just fine as well, just one less round. If you're concerned about the size difference between a M10 and M36, maybe consider a Colt Det. Spec. as it fits somewhere in between.
Click to expand...
I like the way the Colt D frame "Dick Special" fills the niche between S&W's J's and K's, and one often finds it's way into my front pocket or on to my belt. This is not to say I do not think the M36 and M10 are fine revolvers.....but for my purposes, for EDC, I like the mid-size Colt best. I will however, also carry a J frame on occasion. My square butt, 2" S&W model 10 doesn't get carried very often, but finds duty on the night stand. Yet it certainly would make a fine concealed piece too......just not for pocket carry.

So to sum it up : I recommend the model 36 for it's diminutive proportions, which affords a variety of carry options, the model 10 for it's fine "shoot-ability", and the Colt Detective Special for possessing both qualities.

I like the advice above to buy both the M36 and M10, if you can afford it. These S&W's are classics......and you can NOT go wrong with either !!

- regards
 
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