S&W 36, 637 or 638?

2ndamd · April 14, 2006, 12:42 AM

I was looking at the aforementioned guns today and really want one.

I liked the 638 with the shrouded hammer the best but they want $450. Is that a little high? This dealar has been known to put man. sug reatil on the sticker. Then, when asked will shoot a lower price.

I really realy realy like a used model 36. It looks like finish is wearing off but it was TIGHT on all five cylinders. I followed most of the sticky notes posted here except the placing a pencil in the barrel and testing to see if the firing pin gave a good hit or not. I will have to do that when I return. When I say tight.....I mean it was tighter than 2-3 brand new taurus' I was looking at when in full lock-up. The serial number is 549415 and the firing pin is on the hammer not on the frame. Will this older model 36 take +p ammo?

Any help feedback or personal preferences amoung the 3 choices is welcome. Thank you!

Laserlips · April 14, 2006, 09:13 AM

I think the asking price for the 638 it TOO high. Check out the prices on www.GunsAmerica.com under the S&W current revolver lineup and you can get an accurate idea of what they really sell for.

I have a 638 w/Crimson Trace Lasergrips and it is an excellent snubby. I have other, older snubbys, but the target trigger on the 638 is light years an improvement over the older J-frames.

When you are looking at J-frames try and find one with the newer smooth, wider (target) trigger. The older J-frames have a narrower, serrated trigger which simply is more difficult to shoot easily,(for me).

Better yet, go to www.Smith&Wesson.com and post your question on that forum also. You will be dealing with folks who have the firearm you are interested in and there's a lot of valuable information to be had from those folks if you'll just ask.

Just a thought.

Best Wishes,

JP

Hey, how'd that Colt DS get in the picture?

Tamara · April 14, 2006, 10:49 AM

How do you intend to carry the gun? (...and yes, your guy is way high on the 638.)

pwelsh4hd · April 14, 2006, 01:54 PM

Call Buds Gun Shop (BudsGunShop.Com)
I bet they can get you NIB 638 for about $75 to $100 less than the price you posted....including transfer fees.

Good luck!

2ndamd · April 14, 2006, 09:31 PM

Thanks everyone. I will check out Bud's and goto the S&W forum too.

All great information. I appreciate it.

By the way NICE PICTURES! Some great looking guns in these pix.

Mastrogiacomo · April 14, 2006, 09:54 PM

Don't knock the 36. If the finish is the worst of it, it's a fantastic gun - you can always get a new finish.

pipoman · April 15, 2006, 12:23 AM

The 638 was is my first wheel gun. I love shooting it and carrying it. In fact I noticed some dust on my Kimber today.

Including the Ahrends Cocobolo Grips <$450 3 months ago.

grimjaw · April 15, 2006, 12:46 AM

Among the S&W snubbies, my favorites are the 640 (in .38 Special) and the 36. The Airweights are just too light for me.

jmm

April 14, 2006, 12:42 AM	#1
2ndamd Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2005 Posts: 594	S&W 36, 637 or 638? I was looking at the aforementioned guns today and really want one. I liked the 638 with the shrouded hammer the best but they want $450. Is that a little high? This dealar has been known to put man. sug reatil on the sticker. Then, when asked will shoot a lower price. I really realy realy like a used model 36. It looks like finish is wearing off but it was TIGHT on all five cylinders. I followed most of the sticky notes posted here except the placing a pencil in the barrel and testing to see if the firing pin gave a good hit or not. I will have to do that when I return. When I say tight.....I mean it was tighter than 2-3 brand new taurus' I was looking at when in full lock-up. The serial number is 549415 and the firing pin is on the hammer not on the frame. Will this older model 36 take +p ammo? Any help feedback or personal preferences amoung the 3 choices is welcome. Thank you! __________________ Molon Labe

April 14, 2006, 09:13 AM	#2
Laserlips Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2004 Location: Georgia Posts: 627	I think the asking price for the 638 it TOO high. Check out the prices on www.GunsAmerica.com under the S&W current revolver lineup and you can get an accurate idea of what they really sell for. I have a 638 w/Crimson Trace Lasergrips and it is an excellent snubby. I have other, older snubbys, but the target trigger on the 638 is light years an improvement over the older J-frames. When you are looking at J-frames try and find one with the newer smooth, wider (target) trigger. The older J-frames have a narrower, serrated trigger which simply is more difficult to shoot easily,(for me). Better yet, go to www.Smith&Wesson.com and post your question on that forum also. You will be dealing with folks who have the firearm you are interested in and there's a lot of valuable information to be had from those folks if you'll just ask. Just a thought. Best Wishes, JP Hey, how'd that Colt DS get in the picture? __________________ "Laus Deo"

April 14, 2006, 10:49 AM	#3
Tamara Moderator Emeritus Join Date: March 11, 2000 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 15,858	How do you intend to carry the gun? (...and yes, your guy is way high on the 638.) __________________ MOLON LABE! 2% Unobtainium, 98% Hypetanium. The Arms Room: An Online Museum.

April 14, 2006, 09:31 PM	#5
2ndamd Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2005 Posts: 594	Thanks everyone. I will check out Bud's and goto the S&W forum too. All great information. I appreciate it. By the way NICE PICTURES! Some great looking guns in these pix. __________________ Molon Labe

April 14, 2006, 01:54 PM	#4
pwelsh4hd Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2005 Location: Idaho Posts: 146	Call Buds Gun Shop (BudsGunShop.Com) I bet they can get you NIB 638 for about $75 to $100 less than the price you posted....including transfer fees. Good luck!

April 14, 2006, 09:54 PM	#6
Mastrogiacomo Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2002 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 893	Don't knock the 36. If the finish is the worst of it, it's a fantastic gun - you can always get a new finish.

April 15, 2006, 12:23 AM	#7
pipoman Senior Member Join Date: November 8, 2005 Posts: 897	The 638 was is my first wheel gun. I love shooting it and carrying it. In fact I noticed some dust on my Kimber today. Including the Ahrends Cocobolo Grips <$450 3 months ago.

April 15, 2006, 12:46 AM	#8
grimjaw Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2005 Location: Arkansas Posts: 359	Among the S&W snubbies, my favorites are the 640 (in .38 Special) and the 36. The Airweights are just too light for me. jmm