What would be a good choice for a .38 special revolver?
- Thread starter UCSPanther
- Start date
Ruger GP 100 6". Total workhorse. The stainless version is also very pretty on the eyes and just that much more durable. Best bang for your buck to boot.
If you want the right to be a condescending #######, get a S&W 686 and don't forget to tell us why it is better than the GP100.
If you want the right to be a condescending #######, get a S&W 686 and don't forget to tell us why it is better than the GP100.
K Frame S&W..........there is no substitute!
My first modern revolver was a Ruger GP-100. Sold it as soon as I could.
I now have 20 S&W revolvers (9 x K Frames, 2 x J Frames, 2 x L Frames and 7 x N Frames!)
Thank you Messers Smith & Wesson!
My first modern revolver was a Ruger GP-100. Sold it as soon as I could.
I now have 20 S&W revolvers (9 x K Frames, 2 x J Frames, 2 x L Frames and 7 x N Frames!)
Thank you Messers Smith & Wesson!
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Ruger and S&W
I owned a SW19-4, a Ruger GP160, and a SW686. They are all good guns. Won't sell them for the rest of my life. Interestingly, I found the GP160 fits better in my hand, and it can be easily striped down to clean and oiled. Ruger is a bit cheaper, so, what do you think?
I owned a SW19-4, a Ruger GP160, and a SW686. They are all good guns. Won't sell them for the rest of my life. Interestingly, I found the GP160 fits better in my hand, and it can be easily striped down to clean and oiled. Ruger is a bit cheaper, so, what do you think?
Here's my axiom: Colt semi-autos..... S&W wheelguns..... 
Love the "K" frames but you'd have it nailed if you pick up an "L" frame, like a S&W 586 [blued] or 686 [stainless].... gives you the option of both .357 Mag + / or .38 Special.........
Personally, I prefer the "patridge" over the red ramp front site....and of course, Pachmayr gripper grips:
UCSPanther said:
Love the "K" frames but you'd have it nailed if you pick up an "L" frame, like a S&W 586 [blued] or 686 [stainless].... gives you the option of both .357 Mag + / or .38 Special.........
Personally, I prefer the "patridge" over the red ramp front site....and of course, Pachmayr gripper grips:
Some K Frames are capable of shooting both .357 Mag and .38 Spl. as well. Model 13, Model 19, Model 65 and Model 66 all come to mind. And the smaller mass of K Frame cylinders make fast double action shots (ie: in action shooting games) much easier.
K Frame S&W..........there is no substitute!
My first modern revolver was a Ruger GP-100. Sold it as soon as I could.
I now have 20 S&W revolvers (9 x K Frames, 2 x J Frames, 2 x L Frames and 7 x N Frames!)
Thank you Messers Smith & Wesson!
Twenty Smith and Wessons already?...and you still couldn't find a good one?...Get one GP100 and your search is over!...
PS S&W are really great guns and I love mine.....
If you really meant it about a .38 then I'm going to guess that you're looking at used since I don't think I've seen any modern .38's that are not Mag's. And if you're thinking of older then I'm going to go out on a limb and assume as well that you're after the old short lugged barrels rather than the heavy looking modern styles.
In that light there's the S&W Models 17, 27, 28 that all come in 6 inch as well as some shorter lengths. The 28 being a slightly simplified 27 to sell at a slightly lower price. These three all being .357 Magnums first with the built in ability to shoot .38 special. I've shot a 17 with .38 Spl and man, what a sweet shooter. Mild kick but enough to be interesting and dead to nuts accurate.
There's other options in the S&W lineup that came in .38 spl only and they can be gotten with a smaller frame but the 17 and 27 are already fairly compact.
Or if you don't mind giving up the double action and swing out cylinder there's the various cowboy Wild West replicas that come in single action format. Again these are in .357 but you can easily shoot 38.spl from them since the bullets are the same size.
One of the Rugers that caught my eye is the old Security Six. WIth the short 1/2 lug it's another one that looks "right" to my eyes far more than the modern fully lower lugged and fat straight barrel offereings of these days. Can't commment more other than on the looks since I haven't fired any other than the two S&W's. I'd love to though. The Security Six in blue looks mighty fine with a nicer looking grip setup that'll fit a grown man's hands better.
You didn't mention what sort of shooting you want to do with your new revolver. Care to say a bit more? It would likely help the folks point you in a more narrow direction.
In that light there's the S&W Models 17, 27, 28 that all come in 6 inch as well as some shorter lengths. The 28 being a slightly simplified 27 to sell at a slightly lower price. These three all being .357 Magnums first with the built in ability to shoot .38 special. I've shot a 17 with .38 Spl and man, what a sweet shooter. Mild kick but enough to be interesting and dead to nuts accurate.
There's other options in the S&W lineup that came in .38 spl only and they can be gotten with a smaller frame but the 17 and 27 are already fairly compact.
Or if you don't mind giving up the double action and swing out cylinder there's the various cowboy Wild West replicas that come in single action format. Again these are in .357 but you can easily shoot 38.spl from them since the bullets are the same size.
One of the Rugers that caught my eye is the old Security Six. WIth the short 1/2 lug it's another one that looks "right" to my eyes far more than the modern fully lower lugged and fat straight barrel offereings of these days. Can't commment more other than on the looks since I haven't fired any other than the two S&W's. I'd love to though. The Security Six in blue looks mighty fine with a nicer looking grip setup that'll fit a grown man's hands better.
You didn't mention what sort of shooting you want to do with your new revolver. Care to say a bit more? It would likely help the folks point you in a more narrow direction.
Twenty Smith and Wessons already?...and you still couldn't find a good one?...Get one GP100 and your search is over!...
Read my post again.
I started with a GP100. Got rid of it in favour of S&Ws and have never looked back. 
How about the all time classic 38 Special target gun - there are quite a few very nice S&W Model 14's out there, every one I've seen has been in excellent condition. I should add that the prices some of these beauties get sold for is shockingly low for what you get. These pistols are heirloom quality and will last several lifetimes with reasonable care.
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