The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Best "Classic" S&W .38 for hunting back-up carry?

FLChinook · October 28, 2012, 08:52 PM

I just got my first S&W revolver and am looking to expand my collection with another "classic". My "need" (as explained to my wife) is for something to carry when I'm deer hunting and may confront snakes and other critters (which I often do...). That seems to me to be a .38 Special that can have snake cartridges in 2 or 3 chambers and regular loads in the others.

I turned with hopeful expectation to my new S&W book which lists practically every S&W ever made but it does not have sections for calibers; just models (OK, calibers go with models but the format of the book seems to be geared for information on a gun and not for considering guns cross-model).

According to Supica & Nahas, the S&W models in .38 Special are:
10, 12, 13, 14,15, 20, 23, 32, 33, 36, 36LS, 37, 38, 40, 42, 042, 49, 50, 56, 60, 60LS, 64, 67, 68, 242, 337, 337PD, 337KG, 342, 342PD, 442, 460, 637, 638, 640, 642, 649. Whew!!! You have to be a glutten for punishment to want to collect S&Ws.

The 66 was almost my first S&W revolver but I ended up with a pre-27.

I suspect some will recommend the 66 for my new task (the .357 will handle .38 Special) but what about others such as the 36 or 60? How would one choose between the 36 and 60 (both Chiefs Specials)?

Does the smaller J-frame jump uncomfortably with 38 Special loads?

Thanks

October 28, 2012, 08:52 PM	#1
FLChinook Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 378	Best "Classic" S&W .38 for hunting back-up carry? I just got my first S&W revolver and am looking to expand my collection with another "classic". My "need" (as explained to my wife) is for something to carry when I'm deer hunting and may confront snakes and other critters (which I often do...). That seems to me to be a .38 Special that can have snake cartridges in 2 or 3 chambers and regular loads in the others. I turned with hopeful expectation to my new S&W book which lists practically every S&W ever made but it does not have sections for calibers; just models (OK, calibers go with models but the format of the book seems to be geared for information on a gun and not for considering guns cross-model). According to Supica & Nahas, the S&W models in .38 Special are: 10, 12, 13, 14,15, 20, 23, 32, 33, 36, 36LS, 37, 38, 40, 42, 042, 49, 50, 56, 60, 60LS, 64, 67, 68, 242, 337, 337PD, 337KG, 342, 342PD, 442, 460, 637, 638, 640, 642, 649. Whew!!! You have to be a glutten for punishment to want to collect S&Ws. The 66 was almost my first S&W revolver but I ended up with a pre-27. I suspect some will recommend the 66 for my new task (the .357 will handle .38 Special) but what about others such as the 36 or 60? How would one choose between the 36 and 60 (both Chiefs Specials)? Does the smaller J-frame jump uncomfortably with 38 Special loads? Thanks