vintage S&W .38 snub nose suggestions

[rollcage]

i'd like to find my father-in-law a nice old smith 38 snub for a gift. i'm not exactly familiar with all the model numbers and wondered if anybody could suggest any. oh and it has to be hammerless, because he'll probably carry it.

i know people are gonna say get a 642, but i'd prefer to find something a lil different.

Thanks!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If you want a really nice old .38 Special Snub Nose for your Father-in-law I would suggest a K frame Model 10. That is the revolver you will see in a lot of old movies. It's a Classic IMO and he would appreciate it a lot. If you are looking for something smaller in a J frame then a Model 36 is the way to go.

Here's a Model 10 in Blue that is very nice and will show you what a nice old Classic revolver should look like! (IMO of course) You might not want to spend this much or you might want a Blue revolver rather than one in Nickel but this is what the snub nose Model 10 looks like in Nickel. (very nice indeed) Here's a nice Model 36. As you can see it looks similar to the Model 10 but it's smaller, lighter and holds 5 rounds rather than 6 like the K frame. It would make a Classic carry revolver IMO.

Of course you will have to bob the hammer if he wants a hammerless revolver but those are very nice revolvers.

Good luck finding something nice for him...

 

[mgregg85]

Could spend the big bucks and get him one of the new "classic" model 40's. Thats the hammerless .38 special snub nose with the grip safety.

 

[Jim K]

Depends on a number of factors. For a Classic 40 or a 642, the person's hand has to be strong enough to use a DAO revolver. Also, those little guns are nice, but short range, and recoil enough that practice becomes a real pain, literally.

Also, is a used gun acceptable as a gift? If so, there are some police trade in Model 10 2" barrel around at very good prices. Most show outside wear, so even if the inside is good, it might not be acceptable as a gift.

Most of the larger gun shops and gun shows have nice, used but like new, J frames and M&P revolvers, some in the boxes. If there is no hurry (like an approaching birthday) look around and take your time. Something nice will turn up.

Jim

 

[spwenger]

And Another Thing...

Could spend the big bucks and get him one of the new "classic" model 40's. Thats the hammerless .38 special snub nose with the grip safety.

Apparently S&W's attorneys gave them permission to sell this revolver without a key lock since it incorporates a grip safety. I've not been able to find out if it also includes the old-style lockwork or the newer, cheaper system.

 

[gopguy]

If you hang out at the gunshows occasionally you will find a Colt Detective with the hammer shroud. I have a pair and love how they balance out in a jacket pocket.

 

[moph759fl]

Try to find a S&W Chiefs Special, Model 36 made anytime after 1958. Mine was made 1970s, and since the Specifications that came with it states it is ok to shoot .38SPL+P in a Model 36, small frame (Model J) in it if it was manufactured after 1958.

 

[nero45acp]

S&W model 49

Not quite hammerless, but excellent for carry and has a unique profile/look. This one looks to be in excellent condition, and has a pretty fair "Buy It Now" price:


http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=97820085



nero

 

[rcmodel]

oh and it has to be hammerless, because he'll probably carry it.

Contrary to popular Internet opinion, it is entirely possible to carry a J-Frame S&W with a hammer.
The Chiefs Special model 36 & 60 and Colt Detective Special come to mind.

Some, myself included, even prefer them!

Some, myself included, like the enhanced long range accuracy possible with SA fire.

Some even like the fact the hammer spur gives a holster strap something to hang on to to secure the gun.

It takes all of 30 seconds or so to learn to shield the hammer spur with your thumbnail when drawing from a pocket.

rcmodel

 

[ATAShooter]

Contrary to popular Internet opinion, it is entirely possible to carry a J-Frame S&W with a hammer.

Oh my goodness !!! isn't that against all morality ??!! hahahaha

I've carried a hammered J for 30 years, no problems. My father carried one, and so did Grandad. We never had any holes in us from it.

 

[Gator]

I've not been able to find out if it also includes the old-style lockwork or the newer,.....

If you mean MIM parts, yes the new model 40s have MIM parts. They don't look as good, but they work fine.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

I think your father in law would be happy with any decent revolver. You're a good son in law.

Normally I'd sugguest on of the "hammerless" ones, but it's been my observation that the exposed hammer revolvers have smoother actions as there is less friction on the hammer (generally speaking).

 

[rollcage]

thanks guys i'll look into all of your suggestions. as far as the used vs. new thing, it being used doesn't matter to much to me, because i'd plan on buying some nice grips/addressing the finish etc.

think of it as me making changes to make it a personal gift. he'd like anything that i gave him. but i think it would be cool to find an older harder to find sort of vintage firearm that he would love, but wouldn't buy for himself. something he could say "my son-in-law gave this to me blah blah blah" you get the idea.

 

[rollcage]

this would be right up my alley. what model/vintage is this?

posted in another thread

 

[Oro]

Rollcage, like mentioned above, the absolute "Classic" s&w snubbie is the 36 or 60 (blue or stainless) - blue or stainless. The external hammer is NOT an impediment to concealed carry - thumbshield for pocket draw is simple and effective. A model 37 (airweight model) is also acceptable, though less pleasant to shoot because of the light weight (I do not find the weight difference important for belt carry or pocket carry. maybe for ankle carry).

 

[Cocked & Locked]

...oh and it has to be hammerless, because he'll probably carry it.

Keeping that in mind along with your "vintage" statement, you could get him a vintage Model 40 Centennial or a 49 Bodyguard.

S&W model 40 Centennial



S&W model 49 Bodyguard (shrouded hammer)

 

[madcratebuilder]

I'll add a M640 to the list.

 

[wnycollector]

I am the proud owner of a 1964 vintage model 36. I like it so much, my 638 has sits in the safe now! I vote for a M36...but ArchAngelCD had an interesting suggestion...snubbie K frame. hmmm maybe a model 12 2" with the round butt? Not much bigger than a model 36 AND the same weight, plus 6 shots!

 

[Moonclip]

C&L, I'm jealous, hard to make me do! Bodyguards are sweet though they seem to be a love them or hate them sort of thing. I may have to acquire one of those grip safety S&W snubs one day too.