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Old 04-18-2018, 11:36 PM
SmithSwede SmithSwede is offline
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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Default Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel? Or K-38

There are lots of folks who like a 6” barrel for target shooting or range duty. But I’m wondering who else likes a long barrel for more “serious” stuff?

I favor a 6” barrel .38 around the house. For years I’ve packed a 6” K-38 in my motorcycle saddlebag “just in case.”

I suppose this makes me a geezer, but when I was younger it was not uncommon for the “all around gun” to have a 6 or 6 1/2” barrel. I found the long barrel guns surprisingly easy to carry compared to shorter barrel guns.

And frankly, I suppose one reason I prefer revolvers to semi-autos is that you basically don’t see semi-autos with a sight radius and barrel length comparable to such revolvers.

Similar question about a 6” K-38. Most regard this as a premier center-fire target revolver. It is that, but I tend to consider it a super duper “Combat Masterpiece.”
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Old 04-18-2018, 11:59 PM
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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Nothing wrong with a K38. It was the issue revolver on the LAPD for many years. Most dept issue ones I've seen had a target hammer and a narrow trigger.
Bob
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Old 04-19-2018, 12:03 AM
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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...6" targets...or 2" snubbys...

...except if it's a 13 or 58....
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Old 04-19-2018, 01:57 AM
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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While it's not a primary defensive handgun for me, I love my 14-2.

For a going away get together for a friend, several of us went to the 600 yard rifle range a couple of us belonged to in order to duplicate the extreme long range event a Louisville revolver club held back during the WWI era, shooting at 100+ yards.

With the junk 130gr GI ball equivalent ammunition (I couldn't find any 158gr. LRN in local stores), I was able to stay on the target at 200 yards after walking on using bullet splashes in the dirt.


Last edited by cmort666; 04-19-2018 at 06:21 AM.
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Old 04-19-2018, 05:53 AM
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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Must have some pictures! My 14-3. It shoots quite well. Bob
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Old 04-19-2018, 06:59 AM
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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Quote:
Must have some pictures!
...my 1905 Target from 1925...



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Old 04-19-2018, 07:34 AM
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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Six inch good shooting but hard on car seat and uncomfortable if carried as holstered sidearm in duty type holster unless you are in passenger seat.

I love a six for targets and hunting but four inch packs better if you are driiving.
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Old 04-19-2018, 07:45 AM
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My 14-3 is one of my favorites. So elegant.




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Old 04-19-2018, 08:58 AM
Al W. Al W. is offline
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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I have a M14 6" and a K38 CM in 4"
Both are excellent .
I was thinking that the 4" wouldn't be much use at the range, but its such a tight gun that it scores well at 25 yards.
Takes a bit more concentration than the 6", but its right up there.
Both were LE trade ins.
The 4" wasn't fired much.
59" and 54" year of manufacture.
Pretty bulky, not pocket guns thats for sure .
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Old 04-19-2018, 09:58 AM
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ParadiseRoad View Post
...my 1905 Target from 1925...



The long range revolver shooting done at the club in Louisville was done for the most part with these revolvers.
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Old 04-19-2018, 10:07 AM
Drm50 Drm50 is online now
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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Not only M14s, every S&W in my keepers are 6"-61/2", except
for 4 Ns in 83/8" & m34. I use to go for the 83/8" until. I found
6" were just as good. 4" I can't shoot as well and not legal in
Ohio for hunting.
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Old 04-19-2018, 01:06 PM
Al W. Al W. is offline
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Drm50 View Post
Not only M14s, every S&W in my keepers are 6"-61/2", except
for 4 Ns in 83/8" & m34. I use to go for the 83/8" until. I found
6" were just as good. 4" I can't shoot as well and not legal in
Ohio for hunting.
Interesting that the 4" isn't Ohio legal for hunting.
Whats their rational ?
I would like a 586 6" for targets.
The added weight should make it a good target gun when loaded with .38 cal HBWC.
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Old 04-19-2018, 01:13 PM
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Trooper224 Trooper224 is offline
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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Old 04-19-2018, 01:50 PM
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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I like my K38s a lot they are some of the best shooting guns I own.
If I intended to carry one it would most likely be my model 15.
from oldest to youngest.

1- 1949 pre 14
2- 1953 pre 14
3- 1959 15 no dash
4- 14-2 1966 (my personal favorite)
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Old 04-19-2018, 02:01 PM
spad124 spad124 is offline
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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I’ll take walks around our property with my 6” 686-1. I carry it in an old Uncle Mike’s full flap holster on a good leather belt. Having a good belt is the key to distributing the weight and a full flap holster keeps the 686 secure while walking through brush, woods, and while working.
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Old 04-19-2018, 03:04 PM
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cmort666 View Post
The long range revolver shooting done at the club in Louisville was done for the most part with these revolvers.
...they're the Great Grand Daddy of the K38 and the Model 14...that's why I decided that the Grand Old Target M&P was the one I wanted...
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Old 04-19-2018, 04:45 PM
Drm50 Drm50 is online now
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Al W. View Post
Interesting that the 4" isn't Ohio legal for hunting.
Whats their rational ?
I would like a 586 6" for targets.
The added weight should make it a good target gun when loaded with .38 cal HBWC.
Ohio 5" minimum law has no rational that I can figure. Just like
our recently new laws on legal calibres for deer hunting. 38 cal
min. Straight cased. This allows 44/70-444-375W ect but not
traditional 30/30-32sp-35Rem, ect. The problem is Beauracrats
pulling Regs out of a hat.

586 is a nice revolver but to new for my taste. I shoot cast in all
my S&Ws. WCs in all but a 25-5 with 83/8" tube, which I shoot
traditional 250gr RnFP. I have a Ruger SBH that I use with 240g
JHPs.
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Old 04-19-2018, 04:47 PM
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Horseless Trooper Horseless Trooper is offline
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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I just gave up carrying my 14-2 and Python 6 inchers as duty weapons a couple of years ago, switched depts. I have a Roy's pancake I use when I carry my 629 under a coat in the winter but that is a lot of iron to carry around. Lately I have been looking around for a high ride concealment holster for the 14 or the Python but haven't decided on anything yet. The 14 shoots like a double action dream on a combat course.
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Old 04-19-2018, 05:22 PM
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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I have a 6" 14-3 and a 19-2. I ♥ the 19-2.
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Old 04-19-2018, 05:56 PM
Dirtman Dirtman is offline
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by spad124 View Post
I’ll take walks around our property with my 6” 686-1. I carry it in an old Uncle Mike’s full flap holster on a good leather belt. Having a good belt is the key to distributing the weight and a full flap holster keeps the 686 secure while walking through brush, woods, and while working.
I have a 6" PP 686 that I love! I bought it on a whim just because I liked the way it looked in a dealer gun case. I paid $599.00 plus state tax (.0825%) in 2001 and have never regretted it!
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Old 04-19-2018, 06:08 PM
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Mack_C85 Mack_C85 is offline
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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My 6"ers.......

Model 19 .357 cal.



Model 17 .22 cal.



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Old 04-19-2018, 11:44 PM
kdrake kdrake is offline
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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I have not posted a reply before, but this thread I can relate to.
I have a 686 with 6" barrel and a 15-3 with a 4" barrel.
Love them both and both are great shooters.
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Old 04-20-2018, 11:25 PM
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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Cut my teeth on an early 14-3 back in the seventies, so the six inchers have always been with me. Cut an awful lot of paper with the gun and still am amazed at the accuracy of the gun.
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Old 04-21-2018, 08:27 AM
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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First, I consider CAS matches serious shooting. The 6 or 6 1/2 Smith or Colt martial revolvers balance the best for me. The New Service, 1917 or Smith N frames actually fit my big mits. My 625 .45 is the most accurate revolver I've got. I have a few K frames and OPs but prefer the big frame guns. My edc is a J frame or k frame snubby.
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Old 04-22-2018, 08:26 PM
Pequod Pequod is offline
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Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38 Who else appreciates a 6 inch barrel?  Or K-38  
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I like a 6" barrel, and though I have a K-38 6", my nightstand gun is a 686 plus with a 6" barrel, and it is accurate, and so nice to shoot, with .38s or .357 magnums. They K-38 would be up to the task for sure, but the full lug L frame really is solid under stress!
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