S&W Model 36 LadySmith

[Websquirrel]

Hi guys,

So I went into my local gun store fully intending to walk out with a NiB Model 60in .357 with the intent on using it for home defense and occasional carry while camping. When i got there I saw a pre-lock Model 36ls that the proprietor gave me a great deal on. Well I ended up buying it. What do you guys think?

Looks like this, only mine is blued.



Should I have gone with the 60 instead, or did I do good? I couldn't resist is classic beauty, and I know most people revere the pre-lock designs. I have to admit I'm a little concerned about .38 spl doing the job for HD, especially given the fact that the gun isn't even rated for +p's... Am I just being paranoid and over analytical??

Please... help assuage my doubts!

 

[DennyF]

Carry it with +Ps if it makes you feel better, practice with "regular" 38 special ammo. Problem solved. At self defense distances, no appreciable difference between practicing with "normal" 38 special ammo and carrying +P ammo.

I've carried an old M36 for many years. It is loaded with Hornady 125gr "self defense" ammo at the moment, but I have carried it with fiercer loads in the past.

Don't feed it a steady diet of the zestier stuff when shooting it, but something with a bit more pep will never hurt it, if and when you actually need to use it while carrying.

Just my opinion. Mine hasn't fallen apart yet, doubt it ever will?

The newer LS version has much nicer grips than my old M36. Have a blue LS in the safe that belongs to a daughter-in-law, with similar grips as in the pic. It's a joy to shoot, compared to my little pistol. She may never get it back.

 

[18DAI]

Congrats! You did well. Beautiful revolver, enjoy it!

 

[RonC133]

I recently bought an older Model 60LS in 38 Spec. I think it is the same gun in stainless. No regrets. It is a very nice piece.

If a 38 at self defense distances won't do the job for ya, then maybe more time at the range?

(PS. For home defense, I really like a shotgun. Maybe not the panache of a handgun but way more effective.)

 

[JFrame]

Pre-lock S&W at a great price?

Ya done good!!!

 

[earlthegoat2]

A limited amount of +Ps arent going to hurt any steel framed revolver.

Anyway I think the standard 38s will do it.

 

[Pistol Toter]

Standard Velocity .38 spl. 158 gr. LSWC will get the job done if you do yours. Some advocate using +P's in those little guns and probably true enough unless you shoot them everyday with them you'll be OK. Practice with Std. Vel. and load the Speer 135 gr. short barrel loading for social occasions, if it makes you feel better. I just wouldn't practice with them.
If it were me I'd use the 158 gr LSWC and feel confident. The odds are you'll never have to use it.

 

[smee781]

She is a sexy looking girl. I would have done the same thing.