Is there a reason to own a discrete .38 Special if you already have a .357?

[WRH]

I love my 586, and I want to add more revolvers to the stable, but I'm not sure if it's worth buying a .38. After shooting some hot-loaded .357s, the .38s feel like a gnat's sneeze. (Can gnats sneeze?). I am given to wonder if a "K" frame is more appropriate for a .38.

So, if we ignore the unalienable fact that more guns are better than less guns, is there a good reason to own a purpose-built .38 Special?

 

[jeff270]

The .38's shorter cylinder might be more accurate.

 

[alpining]

The K Frame has a feel that you will not experience anywhere else.

 

[lejarretnoir]

The L Frame was designed for the .357 and fits the bill if that's what you like.
I prefer the K Frame in .38 Special and .22LR because that's what they were designed for.

 

[OldDude]

Why not?
I'm sort of, half watching for a S&W K38 with an 8 3/8 barrel, even though I have a 357 Mag revolver already. The first revolver I ever bought, BTW...

One potential downside might be using 38+P loads in a revolver not rated for such loads.

 

[cote_b]

I currently have a Colt .357 but would get a .38spl only wheelgun in a heartbeat if I had the free funds for it. Maybe a S&W model 10,14 or 15.

 

[Shooter1of38]

No matter the question, More guns is always the answer

 

[Armored Metal]

I love revolvers and the Smith & Wesson "k" frames are my favorite. I find them to have the perfect balance of size and weight. Get one! You won't regret it.

 

[skoal]

Of course theres a reason to get one.......you dont have one

 

[kennymo]

No matter the question, More guns is always the answer

You sir, have hit the nail on the head. Please explain this to my wife.

 

[mmateri]

are you teaching anyone younger or any women to shoot your firearms? anyone who might be slightly re-coil shy?, .38spl is a perfect walk up after .22lr to something with real stopping power.....not enough said for baby steps when teaching new shooters

 

[WRH]

Okay, looks like I need to start hunting one down. What model combines affordability and quality?

 

[#1bcshooter]

I like my J frame mod 60 for 38 . K frame mod 66 for 38+p & light 357 & L frame mod 686 for full house 357
But then there are times I feel the urge to bring out the 629

 

[BCRider]

A model 19 is a fantastic gun. But for .38Spl only the classic is the Model 14.

Mind you as long as you don't mind loading your own ammo and make up 158gn regular power loads or make up 148 wadcutter loads a fixed sight Model 10 with the tapered "pencil barrel" is an Icon among fixed sight guns.

 

[paisley70]

Sometimes we ask questions on CGN when we already know the answers.

It is very hard to say no to any quality wheelgun, unless it is impossible to find ammo like with a .41 Magnum.

 

[WRH]

I like my J frame mod 60 for 38 . K frame mod 66 for 38+p & light 357 & L frame mod 686 for full house 357
But then there are times I feel the urge to bring out the 629

Don't mention 'J' Frames to me, sir. I want a snub-nose more than anything.

 

[577/450]

Justy got a Taurus in .38spl and it is a clone of the s&w. They are lighter so felt recoil is similar to the .357mag. JMHO

 

[age]

You sir, have hit the nail on the head. Please explain this to my wife.

Same problem. That is why only you have the key to th safe.

 

[nntw]

No matter the question, More guns is always the answer

You sir, have hit the nail on the head. Please explain this to my wife.

Just explain it by analogy, using the word 'shoes' instead...

 

[Kirk1701]

Okay, looks like I need to start hunting one down. What model combines affordability and quality?

If you like older pieces, you can't go wrong with Colt Police Positives, or pre and post model 10s. Classic revolvers. But the Model 14/K38 is the gold standard .38 target revolver.