38

[Steelers252006]

What is a top 38. choice both quality-wise and price-wise? If you had a wad to blow, what would be the VERY top choice? My first revolver will be a 357., second 38.

[SIGSHR]

There are so many choices, and cheapskate that I am I always look for bargains. In "classic" or "vintage" guns, I would look at the S&W M-27 (pre-lock, of course) and the S&W M-28. In Colts, the Trooper and Trooper Mark III. The Ruger GP-100 and Security Six. The Dan Wesson M-15, especially if you find a pistol pack.

[madmag]

SIGSHR gave great choices. I own Smith, Colt, and Ruger in revolvers. But I have to say my all time favorite is my SS 2-3/4" .357 Ruger Speed Six, but they are only available on the used market.

Anyway, you can't go wrong with any of the choices mentioned.

[mikejonestkd]

SIGSHR is right on, also look at a smith model 19, or an older smith 38 target masterpiece.

[Bellevance]

Top choice for a first .38 would have to be a Smith Model 10. A standard in law enforcement for decades, the Model 10 is reliable, still plentiful, and, in used condition, often inexpensive. While you're looking, keep an eye out for a Smith Model 15, the Combat Masterpiece, for similar reasons.

[Chesster]

+1 for SIGSHR's choices. For a top quality super solid .38, I like the old Colt New Service. I got this refinished one for less than 500 but have seen mint originals in the four digit price ranges. The old Python was a bargain since it was parkerized and I use it primarily with .38s at the range. Still a great shooter, highly accurate.

[AcridSaint]

If I ever buy a .38 it will most likely be an old S&W or Colt service revolver. They can be had for a great price and are very serviceable. Anything else will just be a 357 loaded with 38s if I want to shoot them for some reason.

[carguychris]

For a pure target gun, I'd go with a 6" S&W Model 14 K-38 Masterpiece or a Colt Officer's Model Match.

For a compromise between range use, carry, and HD, my favorite is a 4" S&W Model 15 K-38 Combat Masterpiece; the Model 67 is the same thing with more durable stainless finish.

For pure carry and HD, a Model 10/64 or New Service is a good choice, but I greatly prefer an adjustable rear sight on a range gun.

[CajunBass]

Smith & Wesson Model 10. This one is a 10-5, with a 5" barrel.



But a 10-7 with a 4" barrel is a good choice too. And a bit handier to carry.



And if you like a prancing pony, a Colt Official Police is a good choice too. This one is old and battle scared, but shoots like a champ.

[Carlo]

Can you be more specific about the purpose of the .38 you want to buy? I'm guessing you are after a backup gun, but I'm not sure about that.

[aarondhgraham]

It's basically a Model 10 with adjustable sights,,,
It is certainly one of and arguably the finest .38 revolver ever made.

K-Frame with a 4" barrel,,,
IMHO, it doesn't get much better,,,
It's my "If I could only have one revolver" wheelgun.



.

[Bellevance]

If you can find a Model 15 in 95%+ shape, that's going to be a hard wheelgun to beat. Many shooters who are far more knowledgeable than I am consider it the finest all-around revolver--for balance, accuracy, durability, and economy.

See: http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2...-model-15.html

[brian45auto]

smith m&p 38, aka model 10.

[drummin_man627]

There's a bunch of used S&W #10s and #15s around. Here are some #15s and 64s.
They also have "parts kits" for model 10.
http://www.jgsales.com/index.php/smi...01bf1fda31f938
Good Luck

[MLeake]

... as opposed to a dedicated BUG...

I'd go with either a S&W Model 15, or a Colt Diamondback.

My first handgun was a K-frame, Model 18 .22LR, which is basically a .22 version of the Model 15. I shot Model 15's for initial handgun qualification with the Navy, back before the Navy completed its transition to the M9. I recently acquired another K-frame (Model 13-3 3"). It's hard to beat K-frames.

It's also hard to beat the fit and finish of a Diamondback. And the Colt DB has a certain cachet that's just hard to match. Plus, John Wayne carried one in "McQ."

[Tom Servo]

For .38 only, I heartily second the Model 10 and 15. Their stainless brethren are the 64 and 67. The K-Frame .38's have been around for over a century for many good reasons, including superb balance, accuracy, and reliability.

Also consider the Magnums (19/66 and 13/65) built on the same frame. Though the N-Frames are more durable overall and tend to have less recoil, the K-Frames tend to have a better trigger pull and can stand up better to rapid-fire DA shooting.

[stevieboy]

So many guns to choose from . . . Over the decades, .38s and their cousins, .357s have been by far the most popular revolver caliber and, consequently, the manufacturers have offered a vast and bewildering array of models in different sizes and barrel lengths, with and without adjustable sights. The good news is that one doesn't need to spend a huge amount of money to purchase a classic .38 or .357 in good condition.

If you want a classic model .38, I'd consider buying a used Smith & Wesson Model 10. It is the epitome of the fixed sight revolver and has been manufactured in one iteration or another for more than 100 years. Probably the most common version is in blued steel with a 4" barrel, but there are many variations on that theme. You can get a good one for anywhere between $250 and $500.

If you want a classic .357 I'd consider buying either a used Smith & Wesson Model 28, a/k/a "Highway Patrolman" or a used Model 19. The 28 is the large sized "N-frame" revolver and was produced as a plain jane version of the much more expensive Smith & Wesson Model 27. The 28s came in 4" and 6" versions, in blued steel, with adjustable sights. They are heavy, bulky guns, that handle magnum rounds -- even hot magnums -- without difficulty. They're also known for their accuracy. I have a 6" 28 and I'll never sell it, I love it that much.

The 19 was made in the smaller K-frame size. It's a much more compact gun, actually, the same size as the Model 10. It's a lot easier to handle than a 28, but, being lighter, it doesn't absorb the shock of recoil nearly as well. Most 19s were made in blued steel although there are nickel versions out there as well. There's also a stainless equivalent, the Model 66, which is identical to the 19 in all other respects. You can buy a good used 19 or 66 for anywhere between $350 (low end) to about $600.

Bear in mind one thing. All .357s are totally capable of firing .38s. In fact, many shooters only rarely put magnum rounds through their .357s, preferring to fire lighter recoiling and cheaper .38 ammo instead. .38s, on the other hand, will not chamber .357s.

If you do get a .357 and decide to fire mostly .38s with it, be sure to clean the chambers carefully between range sessions. Carbon buildup in the chambers of a .357 revolver resulting from firing the shorter .38 bullet in the elongated chambers, can adversely affect internal pressure when the shooter switches from .38s to .357s in the same gun. The solution is as simple as cleaning the gun thoroughly.

[Bellevance]

Agreed, Stevie. Excellent advice.

[T B Good]

I have a M19, M66 M10 and a K 38 Combat Masterpiece. I inherited the last 2.
Boy am I a lucky guy.