S&W Model 36 vs. LCR

B

bruno diaz

New member
So, I've been debating getting a snubnose CCW in .38 or .357 for a while. I also recently came into a little bit of money. I mentioned this to someone I work with and he tells me he has his dad's old police BUG. It's a Model 36 Chief's special. I looked up values and saw that they can go up to $400. I can get a new LCR .38 for $399 and a new LCR .357 for $465 ($495 after taxes and background check) at my LGS.
Now, the 36 is classic gun that I've wanted since I was little. I like the look and the function of the exposed hammer, but understand the complications and the possibility of it snagging on clothing. I've also heard that you don't want to shoot too many +P rounds through the Model 36. Has anybody actually heard/read about a documented case of a damaged 36 due to the overuse of +P rounds?
I'm a Ruger man at heart, but if he asks $300 or less, this will be moot point. I'm just wondering how much you guys think the 36 is truly worth (yes, I know it will depend on the condition). If I'm going to drop $350-400, I can't imagine the LCR .38 isn't a better choice based on a supposedly better trigger, lighter weight and shrouded hammer. Unless, you guys convince me otherwise. I have a S&W 629 and love it. And I don't want to drop the money on an SP101 or a GP100. Just wondering if I should save my money for the LCR, I guess. Opinions?
 
It sounds from your post that you prefer the Model 36. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I have one myself and it's like a jewel. While I'm sure the Ruger LCRs are fine weapons, I've never handled or fired one so can't comment. But I can say that the 36 is one excellent snub.
 
The 36 is truly a classic revolver. I would get a price and look the gun over carefully, if everything looks good I think you're decision is made.
 
I carried a Smith M36 for many years, as did my wife, and one of our sons, in civilian use. I also carried one while serving two tours in Vietnam. It's a fine choice for CCW, but, because of its weight, is at its best when carried in a good waist band holster. OWB or IWB (if you can get to it when the chips are down).

For pocket carry, one of the Airweight's with a 1-7/8" barrel would be a better choice, and hammerless makes more sense than one with an exposed hammer. For pocket carry, the light weight of the LCR can't be beat. For real pocket carry, the lighter the better, and I'd opine that a good waist band holster is a better choice if you can adjust your wardrobe around it's extra bulk.

In real world use, on the street, there is virtually no difference in bulk: 5-shot revolver vs. palm sized auto. The revolver will offer you a better choice of ammunition and its simple manual of arms is a real help when the adrenaline is flowing. (No safeties, no slide to rack, no magazine button to inadvertently depress etc.). If you're a novice shooter, just entering the arena, a revolver might be a better choice.

Both Smith and Ruger stand behind their products if you need maintenance.

HTH's Rod
 
If I was getting one form my "collection" occasional range use. Model 36

If I was getting one for CCW, the LCR.
 
^ My thoughts exactly. Neither is a bad option. 36 is prettier and more of a "collection piece". But the LCR might be better for carry, particularly pocket carry. FWIW I'd prefer the S&W but I'd be glad to have either one in my collection.
 
I guess I am leaning more towards the 36. Again, it's a classic look and a good revolver. I currently pocket carry an LCP, and I might use that as a BUG and carry the .38 on my hip! I just keep hearing so much good stuff about the LCR. If I get the 36, I'm not getting the LCR, too. I don't want to end up kicking myself for committing on an older gun.
 
I just keep hearing so much good stuff about the LCR. If I get the 36, I'm not getting the LCR, too. I don't want to end up kicking myself for committing on an older gun.
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It sounds like you're having a legitimately tough time deciding. I know how you feel. I'm the same way when it comes to buying a new gun. IMO in situations like this it's best to just go with your gut. Even if the deciding factor is something some people might consider silly, e.g. the 36 "looks prettier" or the LCR "is newer". At the end of the day you're the one who is going to own/shoot/carry the gun so your opinion is the only one that matters.
 
I own a few revolvers, both S&W and Ruger. I keep looking at the LCR, but something about it just turns me off.

Between the two you mention, for CCW, I would go with the LCR 357.

My choice, based on everything that's out there, is a S&W 642.
 
I have a model 60 (the stainless 36) from 1984. She's a darling little beauty. I haven't shot it much - but a few hundred rounds (owned since 5/22/84), but it sure is a nice little gun.
 
Presuming it checks out, and he's selling it for a decent price, I'd go with the 36.
If you wind up regretting it, you can sell it and buy the LCR. Or, you can save up and buy the LCR as well.
They make more LCRs every day, and if you're buying new, the price isn't likely to change drastically any time soon. On the other hand, a classic like the Smith you'll have to do a little more work to find again.
 
I had an LCR .357 - got the .357 for the option of 38/57 but I love the 38 cartridge and am very confident with it. That said . . .

The LCR was light and an easy carry - I found the trigger fairly easy to get accustomed to and mine was a good shooter - I had no complaints or problems with it . . . advantage - no hammer to snag. I really can't say anything bad about it - I have a number of Rugers and they are great.

BUT . . . while if felt OK to hold and shoot, there was just something about it that I didn't care for. I'm 61 and pretty old fashioned - I like steel guns. I like S & Ws. A few months ago, I ran across a Model 36 - pristine condition - obviously had been unfired and a sock drawer gun. I snatched ut up at $400.00. For me, it is perfect -a little smaller than the LCR - it tucks in tight on my belt and is also an easy carry.

End result . . . I traded off the LCR on a couple of Smiths I'd been wanting - a Pre 10 and a Pre 15 Combat Masterpiece . . and I haven't looked back . . no regrets. Again, the LCR is a good gun and nothing wrong with Rugers . . . I just love the 36 a whole lot more and for the way I carry, it is just what I was looking for.

Good 36s are out there and you should be able to snag one at a reasonable price. S & W still makes the 36 - I was shown one of the new ones at the LGS a week or so ago - very nice but a price tag of $700 +. I wouldn't pay that for one of the new ones when there are good used, older ones out there that are just as good but at a much cheaper price. From what I'm seeing, good used ones with good finish are running around the $400 mark - at least the ones I've seen in my area.

Good luck and let us know - either way you go, you'll have a good handgun.
 
I'd buy an older, good condition, model 36 over the LCR any day of the week.

Have you ever handled or fired an LCR? In my opinion, not pleasent at all to shoot. Maybe its me, but I find them to be too light and the result is not fun. When I first picked one up, I couldn't beleive how light it was. I took the option of "10-for-10" at my LGS (10 shots for $10 at the range to try out a gun). I was shooting .38's. I didn't like it at all.

God bless those guys that shoot .357's out of a LCR.. I don't know how they do it. :eek:

I have nothing against Ruger and my every day carry is a 2.25" SP101. But, for me, the LCR is a no-go.

There is something about those old model 36's that make them so popular. Timeless. Metal. A gun, that when you say "snub-nose", everyone can picture in thier mind's eye.

That's me though. But, I would highly recommend getting to a range and renting a LCR before you commit. I don't think they are for everyone... me especially.
 
Another vote for the Model 36
I picked up the model 36 for $275.00 and the model 37 for $350.00
Both in your price range.
I carry them in a OWB holster,and a LCP in my back pocket.
 

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I've also heard that you don't want to shoot too many +P rounds through the Model 36. Has anybody actually heard/read about a documented case of a damaged 36 due to the overuse of +P rounds?
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No. :) However, most M36 owners don't shoot really high round counts, and most .38Spl revolvers in general are used mostly with standard-pressure ammo. That said, I would not hesitate to repeatedly shoot a M36 loaded with +P; the general consensus among Smith fans is that it's more of a premature-wear issue than a potentially catastrophic gun-destroying kB! issue.

Two disclaimers:
  • This does not apply to older non +P rated "Airweight" J frame models with alloy frames. There ARE documented cases of frame failures when these guns are repeatedly fired with +P. (K frame Airweights are a different story, but I digress.)
  • I would not personally fire +P+ through any J frame that's not chambered in .357Mag, even if I were using one of the purportedly "only slightly warm" +P+ loadings. Just not worth the risk IMHO; YMMV.
 
Model 36 hands down! Fine steel to steel fit fine wood to steel fit, amooth action and onsistant letoff the sane every shot! The steel revolver is just srurdier than a composite! The only point in favor of the Ruger is it's light to carry and small.
JMHO
BPDave
 
sw36 vs LCR

From www.chuckhawks.com: "Guns and Shooting Online's Gunsmithing Editor Rocky Hays, after his initial inspection of the LCR said, "This is the first successful attempt I have seen to improve the revolver in 100 years." That pretty well sums up our collective opinion. If you are thinking about a new DAO revolver for concealed carry, our advice is simple: buy a Ruger LCR."

The Smith 36 is unquestionably a classic, so perhaps more fun to own. It is definitely more fun to shoot. At 21 oz, it can tame 38Spec recoil and do OK with 38Spec+P (I do shoot these in mind). I think 15 rounds out of a 14 oz LCR and you will be done with it -- some get the 357mg LCR (17oz) just to get a little more recoil reducing weight... but then you are half way back to the SW-36...
 
I have never heard of an actual problem with a steel (M36) revolver and +p ammo, and I would not worry about damaging an M36.
I have heard of some anecdotal problems with alloy framed (M12, M37) revolvers, but they are few and far between.
I have owned an M37 and shot limited +p through it, but probably did not need to worry.
The 637/638 and (especially) 642 are also alloy framed, and there are only about three quadrillion of those out there. Lots of +p rounds and no problems that I have heard.

Bottom line--if you like the M36, grab it and enjoy.

If you want something lighter, the 642 and LCR are in the same class, and you will figure out which you like better.
 
For what it's worth.....fired one p+ factory load through my pristine Model 36 (1984 vintage) and bulged a cylinder chamber (charge hole). No BS. It happened. It took me a year to fined another pristine cylinder. The gun had to be retimed by a smith. Total cost for repair was $225 for a gun that cost me $185 when I purchased it new. It was worth it.
 
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