I'm looking for suggestions on .38 specials revolvers. What for? Well, I know this is weird, but what would be the Glock 19 of .38 specials? Kind of an all purpose gun. Not to big, not too small. Big enough to be pleasant to shoot, but small enough to carry, if necessary.

Uses? Mostly plinking, target shooting, but also home defense, yard defense. As I say, all purpose.

Preferably, a current model. I wouldn't be averse to a used one, but used Smith's in good condition are hard to come by around here.

Boy, are you going to get a diversity of opinions. I'll start off with the model 67 K frame .38 (medium) and the model 60 J frame .357/.38(small). Both are stainless steel current models, not the lightest weight available but very sturdy. The 67 is more suited for range use and OWB carry.

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Science plus Art

I really like my S&W K38 Combat Masterpiece in 38 special , with a 4" barrel, the S&W quality and craftsmanship is unbelieveable. I like it so much I purchased a S&W K38 Target Masterpiece in 38 special with s 6" barrel to go with it. I think these two S&W revolvers are the best in quality that S&W has ever offered. I just don't see any 38 special revolver being any better.

I would focus on the K frame's with 4' barrel. Lots of model numbers 10, 12, 15.

These are all older, but fit exactly what you want. They are widely available - brouse Gunbroker over a period of time to see the variety and availability.

I think these older revolvers are far superior to current models.

I recall that Bud' gunshop had some police trade in model 10's that would fit. I don't know if they still have any

Just my opinion.

Model 10, get a couple, a snub and a 4"

I would suggest looking at a 3" Model 60-10 or 60-15. It's my "general purpose" handgun. While I have a handguns that do individual things better, the 60 can do it all (for my needs), and pretty well.

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Because of the metric system?

As stated above, a 4" K frame is a good choice. I chose a Model 67. If you like Blue, go with the 15.

A K-Frame was built for the .38 Special. A S&W M&P / Model 10 4" with a tapered barrel is light, accurate, easy to shoot and not too hard to conceal . They were the go-to law enforcement gun for nearly 100 years, they are fairly inexpensive and parts are plentiful. If you want the Combat Masterpiece / Model 15 has adjustable sights though these present a few minor issues with concealment but they are not detrimental.

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Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

Nice. Tell ya what. How 'bout I borrow yours for a few weeks to see if I like it. I'll split the shipping and FFL fees with you.

Model 10's are still being produced -- at least they are on the current web site.

Older pre-lock versions might be better as RPG says.

I recently bought a 3" M60 with adjustable sights and think it's a great gun -- but it is a 357 mag so perhaps not strictly what you asked for.

3 inch ROUND BUTT Model 10 or 64. Or, three Model 642s. LOL

S&W Model 10

S&W Model 64

model 64 top left or model 10's rightside

Don't pass up a good .357 Magnum if you happen to find one. It can shoot .38 Specials all day long. You'll have to clean the chambers of the .38 residue before you can load the longer .357 ammo, but that's not a big deal.

A few years back I said the Glock 19 is the Model 10 of the present day. Hope that helps.

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Now go make God proud...

A Model 10 or 64 with a four-inch or three-inch barrel--the fours usually are easier to find--is everythng you need in a .38 Special and nothing you don't.

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Oh well, what the hell.

A better suggestion you will not find (the M64 is just an M10 in stainless). Your preference on barrel length, 2", 3", 4".

I prefer the 3". That said, I currently do not own any. M10s with 3" barrels from Buds Gunshop have been discussed at length on the forum, reaonable prices of older quality guns, some with "character." Yes, older = better quality IMHO.

Give me a well-worn unsightly carry-gun with a great trigger over a pristine new and pretty gun any day.

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"Sacramento" Bruce Conklin

How about a pristine and pretty old gun that is pinned and recessed? My 67 (1st year production) appears barely used. Great deals exist, but you have to look!

I love an old model 10 straight six shooter with target grips and trigger.

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Rob

How about the S&W model 19?

Bill

Model 686 or 586 is a good choice... .357 that you can shoot 38's in.

A pretty good list.

About any K or L Frame with a 4" barrel whould be in the ball park with a G19.

Model 10
Model 13
Model 15
Model 19
Model 64
Model 65
Model 66
Model 67
Model 581
Model 586
Model 681
Model 686

I probably missed a few that come in a 4" barrel. Do not worry about it being a 357 Magnum, it will still shoot 38 Special just fine. Adjustable Sights or Fixed Sights, not a really big deal for Defensive Shooting.

I would not have a problem with a GP100 Ruger either. I have several S&W Revolvers, but I also have a few Rugers. They work just fine.

A couple suggested J Frames above. I would skip a J Frame for your purposes. A larger and heavier revolver is easier to shoot.

Bob

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ICORE MO2908

I couldn't live without a .38 special Moderate recoil, superb accuracy, almost as good as a .44 special. :-)

Attached Images

family of .38's 006.jpg (113.4 KB, 30 views)

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JIM
NRA Pistol Instr

That would be perfect. My comment about wanting an unsightly old gun was that I would expect the action to have been used so much that the trigger pull is now perfection. I wish I still had my old M67.

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"Sacramento" Bruce Conklin

Model 10 or it's stainless equivelent. NUFF SAID!

Another vote for the Model 10. But be advised, once you start down the Model 10 path, there's no turning back! That's my story and I'm sticking to it.



"Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything." ---- Wyatt Earp

I'd get a model 10 hands down. It can be carried, but there are some better for that purpose. I had a model 10 but (very unfortunately) had to trade it in. I'm in the market for one to replace it. Get one with a 4" barrel and it will be a good range gun unless you like shooting snubs. Beautifully made, especially the older ones. Tried and true design (100+ years)