S&W 36 or Colt Detective Special?

[modelflyer2003]

I've been looking for a S&W model 36 Chief Special casually. I saw a Colt snub nosed Colt Detective for $500, which I passed on, because it wasn't quite what I was looking for.

The Colt is a 6 shot, and the Smith is a 5 shot. The Colt is heavier and the grip is a little bigger. I am considering it for concealed carry as a back up gun, so that can make a difference. I know there are better concealed carry options and I usually use my Glock 26 and/or the LCP.

Anyone have a preference between the S&W Chief Special and the Colt Detective Special?

 

[meyer4589]

Both classic guns. I prefer the 36 and some of the other J-Frames over the Colt just because I would be too afraid to carry the colt since they don't make them any more and they are harder to find in good shape.

 

[Colt556]

The Chief would be easier to conceal but the Detective Special has 1 more round and is a little easier to shoot well, for me at least.

 

[Erich]

Man, there's a tough one. If you're comparing the newer Detective Specials to the J-frames, they're virtually the same size. The D-frame has a longer length-of-pull (which is a good thing - they're easier to hit with for men with regular sized hands) and has a barrel that's 2 1/8" long vs. the J-frame's 1 7/8" barrel. The D-frame cylinder is a tiny bit thicker than the J's, but it's really not a big issue, even IWB or in the pocket.

As to strength, both have offset bolt cuts in the cylinder - they should both be perfectly adequate for a lifetime of +P use (assuming a steel frame).

Now, I've never felt comfortable messing inside a D-frame, and the number of good Colt 'smiths is dwindling. A J-frame, however, I can handle - I've changed out parts and done light 'smithing on them without worry.

What's better? You decide.

 

[Six Forty-Two]

Is the Colt more comparable in size to the Smith K frame, like a 2 inch model 64? Cylinder width would be about the same.

Then you are comparing 6 rounds vs 6 rounds. I have a 2 in J frame and was considering a 2 in K frame.

 

[Erich]

The K-frame is notably larger than the D-frame, but the Colt (1 3/8" diameter) does sort of split the difference while feeling more like a J-frame (1 5/16" diameter - that's 1/16" difference, folks). Sorry to lay more pics on you, but these might be illustrative (tho they were taken to show how a Rhino fits into the scheme of things):

Colt Detective Special D-frame .38 Spl, Chiappa Rhino .357, S&W 65-5 K-frame .357

S&W 3" K-frame 65-5, Chiappa Rhino 2", Colt DS 2 1/8", S&W 37-2 1 7/8"