S&W Model 36 vs. LCR

I would choose the 36. I've fired the LCR before and its a nice shooting gun but it isn't my cup of tea. I don't have a 36 but I do have a 37 and I think I'd like it better if it was all steel.
 
I had a LCR and never warmed up to it. It's about as soulless a firearm as you'll find. I didn't like the transfer bar rattle. Who wants a gun that rattles?
 
Ammo at Walmart

I went to a Walmart to purchase soap and wondered by the ammo case and Wow, they had 9mm and 38 spl in stock. I saw that hollow point was available on the 38 and didn't realize it was +P -100 count and picked it up. Was wondering if it was okay to shoot it in my 36 and was hesident to try it. I guess I will wait to shoot that ammo in my .357 SW pistol and stick with the regular 38 Spl in my 36.
I will say the Model 36 is a joy to carry and conceal but it was like shooting a small cannon until I got use to it. Single action is just a short pull and very accurate to hit the bullseye. I guess I am more use to Glock 26 but I love carrying the 36.
J
 
As a shooter and carry gun, the Ruger by a small margin.

From a pride of ownership perspective, and what I would will to my kids, the S&W by a wide margin.
 
I have owned 2 Airweights and 2 LCR's, one in each caliber. Of the LCRs I STRONGLY recommend getting the .357 as it is much more pleasant to shoot than either an LCR .38 or an Airweight. I only shoot .38s out of it, but any .38 load short of Buffalo Bore should feel pretty good.

Apparently the Model 36 you are thinking of is a steel one, not an Airweight. This makes a big difference as it will be just about as pleasant to shoot as any LCR, even the .357.

An earlier poster made the point that the 36 is not made any more. This would make a difference to me. If you sell it later, it will be harder to find another.

The fact that the Model 36 is an out-of-production steel model would tip the balance for me. Go with that one. You can get an LCR later, if you feel like it.
 
Went by the local Gander Mt. yesterday and saw a Model 36 for $799 which I thought was a bit high. Asked for a discount but the clerk wouldn't budge. What interested me, the barrel has .38 spl +P on it which tells me that a new 36 allows +P to be used in it. Passed on the high price and I will look around for a better price.
J
 
As with most everyone else here, I would go with the 36. I've got 2 right now (mine and wifes). Now I don't shoot +P ammo out of it since I figured the extra noise and muzzle blast would not be worth the few fps in velocity. Now both are loaded up right with Hornady Critical Defense std pressure loads and we practice with a ton of cast loads. My theory with these older Smiths was always pretty simple, a quality older Smiths value would not drop to the point that you could not get your money back if the need arose.
 
I too have a Model 60 from the mid 1980's. It's all steel and weighs 19 oz. I looked in the owners manual regarding ammo, and the only warning was not to use +P+ ammo, which I never really considered using. At the range, I'd usually shoot a box of 50 standard pressure .38 specials and 5 to 10 rounds of .38 +P. I always carried +P rounds.

I had the gun professionally cleaned and inspected by a gunsmith 3 years ago and it's still functioning like it did 30 years earlier. I have recently retired it to the safe in favor of a lighter, less bulky .380 acp, but my S&W snub is still one of my favorite guns of all time.
 
Last edited:
Having handled and shot both (I own a M36 and my dad owns a .357 LCR), I have to say that both are good guns and it's mainly a matter of personal preference. While the LCR's trigger is considerably lighter, it is also noticeably longer and has a very long reset. I personally find the M36 trigger, while heavier, to be smoother and, having primarily owned and shot S&W revolvers, much easier for me to get used to. I find the recoil with .38 +P ammo to be pretty comparable between the two, but the M36 would probably be more pleasant if I swapped out the factory stocks for something more hand filling (and the LCR would probably be much worse without its excellent Hogue Tamer grips).

While the LCR is lighter, I've not found the weight of the M36 to be a hindrance and I regularly pocket carry it (I've never even bothered to try any other method with this revolver.

As far as +P ammo is concerned, it can be safely fired in a vintage M36 but I would only do so in moderation. I personally only shoot 50-100 rounds of +P per year through my M36 and restrict the majority of my practice to standard pressure ammo. As has been mentioned, +P ammo won't cause a KB in a M36 (unless the ammo is grossly overpressure) but it will cause accelerated wear with regular use. Also, my M36's sights seem to be regulated for 158gr bullets while Dad's LCR seems to shoot to POA with lighter 125gr bullets.

Personally, I prefer the M36 but then again I've always been a S&W man. Both are fine revolvers and you cannot go wrong either way. I would suggest, if you decide on the LCR, that you get the .357 Magnum version. Not only does that version offer you more choices in ammunition, but the extra weight will also help to dampen the recoil of .38 Special ammunition.
 
Another recommendation for the model 36 chief special. I bought mine new in 1970 one of the best snub revolvers ever made. I have shot countless rounds through it without a problem. (with standard-pressure ammo) I also have a model 60 The same as the 36 except in stainless
 
Last edited:
Went by the local Gander Mt. yesterday and saw a Model 36 for $799 which I thought was a bit high. Asked for a discount but the clerk wouldn't budge. What interested me, the barrel has .38 spl +P on it which tells me that a new 36 allows +P to be used in it. Passed on the high price and I will look around for a better price.

As much as I love a j frame smith. I have found gander mountains pricing on used is no cheaper than their price on new. If you decide on a 36 look around at local shops as well as local forums.
 
I carry a Model 36 daily. I would get the 36. The Ruger is nice and they are still being made, you can get one later. I actually have plans on getting a .357 LCR in the near future.
 
Looks like this will be a moot point/thread. The guy backed out of selling his S&W for now. I went to a gun show last weekend and was looking at the LCRs and some S&Ws (637, 642). After holding them, I found that I liked the feel of the Smiths in my hand better. Now, I just have to decide if I want the hammer, or no hammer. The shrouded hammer didn't feel as good in my hand, either. The 637 still has the classic look of the M36. Now I'm wondering if $420 is a good price for a 637.
 
I've been looking for a pocket snub recently as well. I'm right there with you in preferring the feel of the Smiths over the LCR. I had my heart set on an LCR for awhile... until I actually handled one. I'm not knocking it. Just wasn't a good fit for me. And IDK, it just felt "cheaper" than the Smiths, for lack of a better word. Again, I'm not knocking the gun as it has a pretty excellent reputation. Just my opinion.

I don't think you can go wrong with the 637 or the 642. Me personally, I'd go with the 642. Solely because I prefer hammerless in a revolver this size.
 
Bodyguard

Now, I just have to decide if I want the hammer, or no hammer. The shrouded hammer didn't feel as good in my hand, either. The 637 still has the classic look of the M36.
Click to expand...

The Bodyguard is a compromise you might like. The tip of the hammer is exposed in a "track", but the rest of the hammer is within the frame. Centennial is completely enclosed hammer. Bodyguard is shrouded hammer. Bodyguard has a rounded, hump appearance in hammer area.
 
Smith is a classic 'old school' design

The 36 is a well proven, fantastic design.. The LCR isn't pretty and probably won't be all that collectible. It does get high marks for a pocket revolver.
The choice is what works best for you. What do you need?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top