.38 Spec ONLY, Stainless, 3" barrel

[M3Stuart]

I prefer to shoot only .38 Special.

I prefer the J or K frame.

I prefer stainless guns and have a 60 (magnum frame) 2", 66 2.5", 64 4" (blued: I also have a 36, 10-4 3" and a 10-5 (tapered, not HB) 4" for .38 spec. only).

My issues with shooting .38s out of a .357 cylinder: the cylinder gap gunks up, the weight of the longer .357 cylinder feels unbalanced to me - it feels like a big lump of steel directly 'over center' instead of the great balance I prefer on the 36, 10s and 64.

I would definitely buy a 64 or 67 with a 3" barrel or a 60 in .38 only (shorter cylinder and frame) with either a 2" or 3" barrel.

I'm not big on the 2" K frames. I've shot them but have no interest in buying one because the balance doesn't feel right.

I'd sell or trade my 686, 66, and magnum J frame to buy such a gun. I prefer the shorter barrels (2" in J's, 3" in K's) over the 4" - that's the only reason I haven't traded one of my .357's for a Model 67.

If the K frame is going to be relegated to .38 special only, then, hey - that's fine with me! I love .38 Spec. Just give us more options in the stainless K frames!



That's my 2 cents.

 

[nipster]

See: 3" model 64's (K) and 3" model 60's (J)

But honestly, I dont understand all the fascination with the "38 only" thing. If you dont want to use 357 magnum in your revolver, dont. It's that simple.

 

[Texas Star]

M3Stuart-

I don't find the balance issues that you do, but we all perceive matters differently. My M-66-3 with four-inch barrel is about the perfect open wear holster gun, with Magnum capability when needed. I shoot only about 10-15% .357 loads in K-Mags, as was intended. I spoke to Bill Jordan personallly about that, and that is what he told me. Bill would know what he wanted when he proposed the gun to S&W. Most with .357's do shoot mainly .38 ammo. My house guns are all loaded with .38 Plus P ammo. I dread firing a .357 round indoors without ear protection! I was twice present when .45 autos were fired in buildings, and that was loud enough! I clean my guns, and have NEVER had a problem in chambering .357 ammo in a gun shot mainly with .38's.

I presume that you are aware that S&W has made both snub and three-inch J-frames in the Model 60 line and the M-60-4 was in .38-only, with full-lug barrel and target sights. It is probably the ultimate small revolver, well able to take small game and snakes and double as a defense gun. These do not have The Lock, either! They're around, if you look hard. I certainly think the J-Mags are too much of a good thing in a gun that size. The Ruger SP-101 is better designed for use of .357 loads, although not many will enjoy shooting them in a gun that small.

I note your board name. Have you read a book, "Brazen Chariots", by Major Robert Crisp, DSO and MC? Bob Crisp was a top cricket player for South Africa, who was in the Royal Tank Regiment in the North African battles against Rommel's Afrika Korps.
He tested the then-new Stuart tank, being sent to the British as Lend-Lease aid. He pronounced it a "honey", and the name caught on. They called the Stuart the Honey thereafter.

Crisp received both the Distinguished Service Order (just beneath the Victoria Cross!) and the Military Cross (equivalent to our Silver Star) for his gallantry in battle, and was severely wounded by a heavier German tank in an incident in which his best friend was killed. His account of a few months in the desert is well worth seeking out. It is a Ballantine Books paperback. If not still in print, E-Bay or Amazon may have it.

Crisp mentioned his .38 revolver several times, but never told the make. So, I don't know if he had a S&W.

 

[M3Stuart]

TS; I will definitely check out that book and thanks for the info.

On the J's and K's; we are definitely splitting hairs here. I do wish I could find a M60-4 and will soon have a new 3" 60. Maybe the Pro. The SP101, 2", in .357 epitomizes what I refer to as the 'big lump of steel directly over center'.

Hey, it's called "the wish list". And I wish for some new 3" K frame '.38 onlys' like a 64 or 67. Nobody said it had to make sense