I disagree about the 10s and CMs being the quintessential S&W .38 revolvers.
I'm a lifelong Colt fan and find the Smith K frames to be the quintessential .38 revolvers, PERIOD. Regardless of make.
For me, they are the perfect size and are perfectly balanced.

Hell, I'd go as far as to say the CM is the quintessential DA revolver.
It's just so perfect. It's equally at home as a duty gun or a target gun.
Usually, there are compromises. Better at one, not so great at another.
With the CM, there seem to be no compromises.

I got lucky. Somebody had traded what became my 15-3 in on a Glock (BARF).
I got a good deal on it.
I ain't letting it go.
Damn sure, not for a stinking Block.

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What would Jim Cirillo do?