Pls check my thinking on a starter problem

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A 72 Chev BB here spins and starts like a champ about 95% of the time. Occasionally and intermittently, whether cold or hot, the turn of the key results in NOTHING except an ammeter pegged to total discharge. A few more turns of the key and it spins and starts. No "clicking", or slow turning or any other odd sound when it does not spin - just dead. The battery is fully charged and when the starter spins, it is fast and strong.

At first I thought maybe bad ignition switch, but the total discharge on the meter seems to say that it is more than a matter of no contact at the switch. Could it be intermittent short at the switch?

Thinking solenoid malfunction, I remember that problem in the past seemingly accompanied by some clicking, or slow grinding etc., and usually the bad solenoid acted up almost every time it was started. Ever had one act dead intermittently, and be great the rest of the time?

I also have heard that a starter (rotor/field coil) can have a dead spot somewhere in its rotation and, if it lands there when it stops spinning, will act in this manner on the next start.

Anybody agree or disagree with any of the above - or have other insights? Thanks in advance.