recommendation for reveolver?

[Cypress43]

Hi,

I'm new to S&W revolvers - having inherited a mid '20's m&p .38 special revolver from my dad, I've fell in love. Now I'm looking for an inexpensive S&W revolver (.38 - it needs to shoot the same ammo as my inherited one), that I can use a lot. I'm not looking for anything special, just a S&W revolver similar in fashion to the one I inherited.

Does anyone have any recommendations? About the only must haves would be that it be a .38 revolver, preferably a six shot, and not too expensive. Whether it's blued, chrome, special grips, etc. are all just "frills" to me.

This forum has been very nice to me Thanks for all the previous help. Now I've become addicted to S&W's smooth action of the revolver and want another.

Any and all opinions are welcome!

Thank you in advance!

[mike from st pete]

The model 10 S&W revolver would be a good choice. Many were turned in from police and security agencies in the mad rush to adopt semi-autos. The finish may be worn thin but it is a good bet many were never shot all that much.
If you are using it as a range and home defense gun the K/L framed revolvers are good to go.

[G-Mac]

Originally Posted by Cypress43

Does anyone have any recommendations?

A Model 15 would fit the bill...

[HOUSTON RICK]

On this forum, you will get as many opinions as there are respondents, but that is a good thing. As 357 magnum revolvers (and rifles) also shoot 38 special, firing 38 special from a 357 revolver is a popular experience. The S&W Model 28 (Highway Patrolman) is a relatively inexpensive 357 revolver when you can find them.

[NYlakesider]

Both a 10 or 15 would fit your requirements quite well

OPs quote of "preferably a six shot, and not too expensive" sort of describes the 10 better.

FYI the 10 has fixed sights and the 15 has adjustable!

Of course as you look around you might find a good deal.

[Cypress43]

Originally Posted by HOUSTON RICK

On this forum, you will get as many opinions as there are respondents, but that is a good thing. As 357 magnum revolvers (and rifles) also shoot 38 special, firing 38 special from a 357 revolver is a popular experience. The S&W Model 28 (Highway Patrolman) is a relatively inexpensive 357 revolver when you can find them.

Ok, this is great! I actually didn't now the .357 magnum would fire .38 special ammo. Great info, as well as the suggestion on .38 models. Thanks!

[sac-gunslinger]

The very first answer from mike_from_st_pete tells it all, Model 10 (or a Model 64, the stainless version of the same gun). You cannot go wrong with one. And you will find it very similar to the M&P you inherited.

Check back with us in six months and tell us how many additional revolvers you have added, collecting them is addicting.

[7shooter]

There are some inexpensive Model 10s on the J&G website. I have a couple from there and they showed holster wear but were mechanically excellent. If I remember correctly they start at $349.

[robert1804]

Consider a model 67. Same thing as a model 10 except it is stainless steel and has adjustable sights.

[Inusuit]

Originally Posted by robert1804

Consider a model 67. Same thing as a model 10 except it is stainless steel and has adjustable sights.

Actually, it's the same thing as the blued model 15 except in stainless steel. Just nitpicking. Models 10, 15, 64 or 67 would be a good choice in .38 Special. Usually revolvers chambered in .357 such as the Model 19 (blued) or 66 (stainless) are more expensive on the used market because many prefer the flexibility of shooting either .38 or .357. Both the 19 and 66 have adjustable sights.

Good luck in your search.

[murphydog]

It depends on what your primary intended use would be for your second .38/.357.

If it needs to be smaller (for carry/defense use), a 2 to 3" model 10 or 64, or a 2.5" model 19 or 66 would be good choices.

If a bigger, likely easier to shoot gun, a 6" model 14, 19 or 66 (with a easier to see Target rear sight) would be nice. All would be the same frame size and have about the same feel as your current gun. Good luck in your search.

[BB57]

As noted, the Model 10 is probably your best bet and it'll be very similar to your M&P as the M&P went on to become the Pre-Model 10 and Model 10. In total, about 6 million of them have been made, so they are fairly common, which means you can find a nice example and not have too pay an arm and a leg for it.

I paid $350 for this 4" pre-Model 10 with it's original grips, and added a set of used Pacymayrs for $15: It's a great shooter. Below it is a Ruger Police Service Six that also cost me about $350 a few years ago (and I again added Pachmayr grips to make it more enjoyable to shoot). It's a little heaver and is chambered in .357 Mag, letting you shoot either .357 or .38 Special.
Both of them can still be had in the $400 range.



You can find a nice Model 15 like this 4" Model 15-4 for around $470-$500:



The K-38 became the Model 14 is basically a Model 15 without the target sights or the wider target hammer and trigger. They would make a great choice as well and are probably affordable in the 6" and 8 3/8" barrel lengths. They are much less common in 4" and 5" lengths, so those won't meet your low cost criteria.

Model 19s are very similar to the Model 15, but chambered in .357 Magnum - and they generally cost a lot more - but they offer the option of .357 and .38 and are generally as accurate as the Model 15 when shooting .38s As I recall, I paid about $650 for this 6" Model 19-4:




Another low cost option is one of the .38 Special converted Victory models. They were originally chamber in the .38-200 / .38 S&W round and but many of them were converted to the more common .38 Special after WWII and were re-imported to the US.

The chambers are a little oversized and will have a slight step in them, which shortens brass life slightly, and the bore is a little bigger with can have a negative impact on accuracy - but not enough for most revolver shooters to notice.

You can find these in very good condition for around $300-$350 in excellent condition, given that they have little collector value, but they still make good shooters.

[Old cop]

In my opinion the Model 19 was the best revolver S&W ever made, but you'll pay a premium for them.

[Cypress43]

Thank you all for the suggestions! I appreciate the time and opinions very much. Although I like the .357's and .38's, I don't really like the snub nose look of the short barrels. I don't see me carrying one, so it seems a medium length barrel would be the best option. I'm really considering getting a .357 in really good shape to pass along to my son when it's time. I've been looking at the "for sale" sections, and the .38's and .357' seem a good value for the pistol. Again, thanks for the help!

[shouldazagged]

A four-inch Model 10 is the nearest thing to a reasonably-priced all-purpose revolver you'll find. If in good mechanical condition they are as nearly 100% reliable as a handgun can be. With today's greatly improved ammunition, the .38 Special will do anything you are likely to want it to do. The stainless version of the same gun, the Model 64, has the same virtues and you won't have to worry about fingerprints on a blue finish.

[Toblerra]

Go with a 686 4" or a model 19 4" you can pick them up used to save $$.
BTW this won't be your last S&W revolver, you got the bug now!

[SilentKnight]

I agree with the Model 19 or 66. Because you can shoot 38+P forever in them and never worry about abusing them. They hold up, they're accurate, and are a pleasure to shoot. Hard to beat. They come in square or round butt (2.5 inch barrel) and if you have a pinned barrel you can modify a round butt to a 4 inch. Add a Tyler grip adaptor and you are in business. Have fun!

[Chukar60]

There are so many choices and so many opinions, that you would be well served if you have any friends with Smith revolvers, to ask if you could try theirs and see what you like best.
Or you could do like the rest of us here do, buy them try them and buy more that you think would be better for whatever reason.
Great way to start and build a nice collection.

[Officerblue]

Careful, that how "it" starts... Have one, buy one and the next thing you know you have a room dedicated to your gun collection!!! Enjoy.

[Cardboard_killer]

Look around your area's gun stores and pawn shops. S&W revolvers were made in large quantities, so they appear often on the used shelves.

If I had only one S&W 38/357 it would be a model 27, but they are very high priced. The model 28 mentioned up stream was the "cheap" version of the model 27--basically the same gun but with a satin blue finish instead of the high polish of a 27, and no checkering on the top of the barrel/frame.

Up until a few years ago, model 28s usually went for less than $500. Prices have gone up, but they are still available for less than $600, and if you keep your eyes open you will eventually find one for less than $500. My own favorite I got for $320 with the target trigger and hammer about five years ago.

All of the k-frame 38s are great guns too. One of the local shops got a huge shipment of prison guard trade in model 15s last year and sold them at $270 for awhile, then blew them out at $230. They had lots of holster wear and number etched into them, but mechanically sound. If I had only one 38, the model 15 would be it, although the model 14 would be a very close second.

I'm not the biggest fan of k-frame 357s (models 13, 19, 65, & 66). I don't like shooting 357 from them, and you pay a premium over the 38 k-frames. They are great guns, but as I only shoot 38s from them, I think the premium isn't worth it. Others strongly disagree (see upstream).

[Wee Hooker]

Based on your description, I'd say you should just start scouring the local gun shops, clubs, pawnshops and classifieds for a good deal on any .357 or 38 spl revolver. Keep an open mind but my bet is you'll find a great deal on a mode 64, 15, 10 or such. (These were often carried allot but shot little) It won't take long for you to fall in love with something.
p.s.Search here for tips on checking the condition of a revolver before you go.

[dmar]

For .38, I'd look for a nice 4" Model 15. A 4" barrel is a very good all-around sized barrel. For .357, lot's of great choices, but I'd look at the m19/m66 K frames, or a nice m586/m686 in an L frame. N Frames are great too, but I wouldn't start there personally...

[DD357]

Since price is a concern I'd recommend a model 10 as well.

[mg357]

S&W Model 10

[AlHunt]

6" 686 is a real recoil tamer, with the full underlug. Dash-4 or up are pre-drilled for a scope, in case you ever get the urge to do long range shooting or want to handgun hunt. Stainless steel is much easier to care for than blue.

To me, it's the sweet spot in a 38/357 revolver not intended for SD carry.

[Dave Workman]

Like others here, I'd suggest a Model 10 or 15. Or, and this is just for the sake of broadening your gun's versatility, a Model 13 chambered for .357 Mag. You can use all the .38 Specials in there you want and never hurt it, while also allowing you the additional benefit of being able to stoke up withm magnums if the necessity arises.