I need advice. I want an older .38 for informal target shooting, but don't know what the best S&W model would be that I should be looking for.. I would want adjustable sights and a 4 to 6" barrel. Already have 2 .357's so I want this one to be strictly chambered in .38spl. Any suggestions?

You can't go wrong with a Model 14. My pre-Model 14 pictured:

In 6" it would be hard to go wrong with a K-38 Target Masterpiece designated as the Model 14 after 1957, or in 4" a K-38 Combat Masterpiece designated as the Model 15 after 1957. Another good choice is the stainless steel version of the Combat Masterpiece known as the Model 67. As posted by 824tsv some people refer to pre-1957 versions of the Models 14 and 15 as pre-Model 14 or pre-Model 15.

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Scoundrel & Ne'er-Do-Well

My model 67 serves my needs. It's a model 66 in .38 special.

The 6-inch is perfect for the range and likely the superior choice all-around.

Nothing wrong with the 4-inch Model 15 though if you find one at the right price.


The Model 14 also came in the long 8 3/8-inch barrel length. A little .38 Special "rifle."

Anything with adjustable sights will the best S&W offered. But an older Model 14 (K38 Masterpiece) or Model 15 (4" Combat Masterpiece) would serve your purpose and not break the bank for a shooter grade example.

I think the 4" Combat Masterpiece is a classic design. I have a pre model example (along with a K22 companion) and an M15-3 in nickel.

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No life story has happy end.

If you're looking for a shooter and a good value in 38 special, a 4" model 15 should probably be at the top of your list. They have the features you're looking for and S&W made tons of them over period of many years. So they are fairly common, and that makes them pretty affordable.

These two are top of mind: Model 15 (left) and Model 14 (right)

Right now there are a fair number of LE trade-in or surplus model 15s (-5 to -7, later versions), 4" heavy barrels, in the $300-400 range. As noted above you also can't go wrong with a 6" model 14. Good luck in your decision and please post photos!

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

My #1 choice would be a Model 14. They are just fine looking & shooting guns. There are some good deals out there if you hunt! Mine was 1 of the best deals that I've gotten. $410 shipped and insured. (August, 2014) Second choice would be a Model 67. I have a no dash from 1973. Of course there are other good choices too. Bob

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Do what I did and get one of each (or more )

It is an almost universal 100% recommendation for a 6" K38 Masterpiece/ Mod 14, or the K38 Combat Masterpiece/Mod 15, and I will agree with that also. For target the 6" gets just a little bigger nod.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Oh, how I wish Smith still made the Models 14 and 15, even with the internal lock.

True, the Model 67 still exists but with a bullish barrel rather than the more sculpted one.

The Models 17 and 48 are still cataloged as Classics so the frame and cylinders are readily available for the .38 versions.

It'd be nice if Smith made periodic runs of those models in the Classic category. (It never did make sense to me that Smith
continued the Model 10 in the Classic series considering it
was the most produced .38 and those are readily available
nearly everywhere.)

I don't know how far marketing can go in drumming up demands for the Classics in Models 14 and 15 but it'd sure be nice if Smith tried.

On the other hand, Smith probably figures that in terms of sales it's a loss cost market. How sad.

The M-14/K-38 was the purpose- made item for your needs.
Anything else is just an alternative.

It and the Colt Officer's Model were THE target revolvers.
The Smith was also quite popular among police in such depts. as that of Los Angeles. When they wanted shorter barrels, they went to the M-15 and later, I think, the stainless form, M-67. But target revolvers remained the M-14 Masterpiece.

It's also a very good small game handgun or defense piece. Needless to say, it'll also deal with dangerous snakes, too, and animals to even cougar size, with good ammo choice and bullet placement.

You might consider the .357 option, either Model 19 or M-66 if you want an all-round handgun with more power. In your place, I'd probably get a M-66 with six-inch barrel and just fire .38 ammo unless I needed more power for a specific need. I suggest a good used Bianchi M-5 BHL or old Safariland M-29 holster if you'll carry it outdoors. El Paso Saddlery still makes their Model 2, a virtual dead ringer for the Safariland M-29. My M-29 has basketweave stamping and green suede lining. The gun's finish has been virtually unworn from carrying. That applies to two examples, one for a four-inch barrel M-66 that I carried at work for over 20 years.

All good advice, I have 2 K-38 Masterpieces (6" and 8 3/8") and love shooting them both. The model 15 is also a very good choice, it was our sidearm in the Air Force when I was a Small Arms Technician back in the 60s and our training pieces saw a lot of use and never let us down.

6 inch model 14 and the Colt Officer's Target or Match were the ones that went head to head in competition shooting for decades.
They are "death ray" accurate.

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Can't go wrong with the Model 15 Combat Masterpiece. I have two - one's my shooter and the other is a NIB, un-fired collector's dream.

...and, although I haven't had a chance to set up a new thread for it, I'm considering taking offers on the NIB

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Could someone explain to me why you would want a .38 when you can shoot .38s in your .357? Thanks.

If you are shooting .38 exclusively it saves you having to clean the rings in your chambers.

^^^^^Also a model 14 will sell for about $200 less than a model 19.

I have two M14s - a pretty one that looks brand new and has an "out of the box" trigger and a beater that shoots "like buttah". I wouldn't trade either for a new Glock.

I vote for a model 14.

Here's my M14-3 with a target. 12 rounds fired at 25 yards.



This group was shot from a rest in 2005 using 1979 reloads - 110 JHP and 5 gr. Bullseye.

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Lorin

Another vote for the K-38 Masterpieces.

One of these should work.mdl.15 or mdl.67.
Dick

Another vote for the Model 15.

I would suggest that you consider a Model 14/K38 Masterpiece. I have two, a Model 14-1 (service trigger and hammer) and a Model 14-4 with the 3Ts for bullseye. I use my 14-1 that I have used for PPC.

I prefer a 38 Special only revolver, because it tends to reduce bullet jump which can affect accuracy. If I need the services of a Magnum, I have a Model 27, a Model 57, or a Trooper MKIII that I can turn to.

With my 14-4, I have only put 148gr wadcutters and 160gr hard cast SWC through it. These are a pure joy to shoot.

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Judge control not gun control!

I can shoot .38's in my .357's, but it has been my experience in the past that a 'good' quality .38spl will outshoot most any .357 when it comes to putting wadcutters into paper targets. I have never seen any .357 that would do better than a good .38spl when it comes to strictly paper punching between 25 and 50 yds. There's a reason bullseye shooters don't use .357's and .38's rule the day. This is why I want a .38spl. target revolver.