newbie question

[Bandman]

Hi everybody,

I am all new to this, and have settled on .38 caliber being the best caliber for me to shoot. I know that you can shoot the .38 special in a .357. My question is does anyone know if S&W makes or made a .38 with a 6" barrel? I have shot my friends 686, but quite frankly, I was looking for something just a bit cheaper and I will never shoot the .357. I am looking for a wheelgun, but everything I have seen has the 3" or 2" barrel. Thanks in advance for the help. I currently have a Ruger GP100, but it is not a S&W....Bandman

[LEO918]

Bandman: You are looking for a K-38 Masterpiece, after 1957 it is called the Model 14. You should be able to find one pretty easy. They run from about $350 to $650 depending on age and condition. Good luck.

Leo

[oldafsp]

Your choice is to be commended.

The .38 Special is discounted by so many shooters. It has survived over 100 years of duty in civilian and law enforcement/military duties. And it is a versatile caliber for target shooting, plinking and defensive purposes.

There are several .38 special chambered revolvers with 6 inch barrels.

These are K frame guns, some of the best ones that come to mind are:

6 inch barreled guns
K-38 Target Masterpiece
Model 14

M&P Pre Model 10 or Model 10
These were available in 2,4,5 and 6 inch barrels

Please don't rule out the 4 inch versions. These are amazingly accurate with
the right loads and skill level. And are great shooters and defense revolvers.

Fixed sight models:

Model 10 standard and heavy barrel
Model 64 (stainless version of the 10)

Adjustable sight models:

Model 15 Combat Masterpiece
Model 67 (stainless version)

If I forgot any, I am sure someone else will chime in with additions to the list.

These come to mind as dependable, afforable high quality revolvers that you can enjoy for years.

Good luck in your search.

[oberon]

The .38 special is probably the most shot and reloaded caliber in the culture. It can be adapted to any application short of magnum performance.
There are many choices in your preferece. You might check around and see if there isn't a decent, reasonably inexpensive model 10.
I have a 4" and a 6" and they are 2 of my best shooters.
As long as you're in, you might check into handloading the .38 special.
It is a heads-up operation, but very easy. And cheap. Your results might surprise you.

[Bandman]

Thanks to all for the replies. I have started to handload the .38 I also forgot to mention I did want adjustable sights and possibly stainless steel, but you have given me some guns to look for..........Bandman

[M3Stuart]

Welcome to the forum!

+1 on what they said. Especially about the 4" K frames.

A couple of ideas;
* the allure of adjustable sights wore off for me pretty quick. I shoot my 4" 64 or 10 as well as my 4" 686 now out to 50'.
* You can get a decent 4" M10 from Bud's for $269 all day long. You can get a nice 64 SB with hammer spur from Bud's for $309 all day long. You can get a decent 4" 64 DAO RB from J&G all day for about $300 ish. The other models with AS will cost at least $100-$200 more and are somewhat harder to find - although still fairly common. So the 4 inchers are all over the place. As somebody said; it was THE gun of law enforcement for over 100 years.
* Rent or borrow guns first! Shoot them. You may not like what you thought you'd like NEARLY as much as you thought. Especially not for the added $$$.
* I really like the .38 Special - it's basically all I shoot anymore besides .22lr. So join the .38 club!
* I prefer stainless as well. I recommend them.

[bananaman]

A L frame 581, 586, 681, or 686, will do the .38 job, and you will be able to shoot .357's if you ever desire. My 586 no dash is my 2nd. favorite right after my 28. Also have a 67 no dash. I have $450 into my 586. There are some good deals out there. Good luck on your search! Bob

[A10]

Welcome to the forum! You might consider a 6" Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman as well. They are a bit heavier, but they are about the strongest .357 you'll ever come across. It will last several lifetimes. They can still be had for less than 500 in most areas, particularly if you find a used law enforcement gun. And, once you get an Nframe, you won't be able to stop! it's a wonderful addiction.....

[fyimo]

There are a lot of good suggestions up here and my favorites are the Model 14 and the Model 15 or 67. If you don't want to shoot 357 magnum rounds then these are designed for the 38 special round with the Model 14 usually having a 6 inch barrel and the Model 15 and 67 usually having 4 inch barrels. The Model 14 was used a lot in shooting competitions back in the 50's and 60's and they were some of S&W most accurate revolvers. The K22 and Model 17 in 22LR are the identical revolver to the Model 14 in weight and balance and many competition shooters used them to practice with because of the cheaper ammo costs. As others have stated the models I mentioned have fixed sights which I feel is important to a range revolver because it's easy to adjust the point of aim based on the load you prefer.

Model 14-3

Model 15-4

Model 67 no dash

[Lobster Picnic]

I believe the Model 67 will fill your needs perfectly. It's only 4", but has adjustable sights and stainless finish. The one pictured above is a beautiful specimen of this revolver.

There is a stainless steel J-frame .38 Special with adjustable sights, the Model 60 was available with a 3" barrel and adjustable sights. It's a bit smaller and lighter than the K-frames but very shootable at 25-oz.