Great post. My first handgun was a Model 10-5, and it’s a keeper.
Backbone of Smith & Wesson: the .38 Special Revolver
- Thread starter PALADIN85020
- Start date
tacreload
Member
Thank you so much for the education.Splendid post.I think I learned more from your post than I have from all others combined.
Donald Paul
Member
Well done, John.
A real eye-opener.
Thanks - Don.
A real eye-opener.
Thanks - Don.
Sealevel
US Veteran
Great historical perspective of my favorite caliber; thanks John for putting that post together.
A year ago, in my mid sixties, I purchased my first revolver a S&W 15-3 4" "shooter". I loved the way it looked and shot so much I bought thirteen more .38 Special (some masquerading as .357s) shooters in various models, finishes and barrel lengths. My favorites are the heavy barrel 10's, 13's and 65s. The 8 & 3/8 K38 Masterpiece is fun to shoot if not a favorite. My CCW is a bobbed 37.
Posts such as John's fuel the collecting fire that's for sure! I have to constantly remind myself - I am a "shooter" and not a "collector."
A year ago, in my mid sixties, I purchased my first revolver a S&W 15-3 4" "shooter". I loved the way it looked and shot so much I bought thirteen more .38 Special (some masquerading as .357s) shooters in various models, finishes and barrel lengths. My favorites are the heavy barrel 10's, 13's and 65s. The 8 & 3/8 K38 Masterpiece is fun to shoot if not a favorite. My CCW is a bobbed 37.
Posts such as John's fuel the collecting fire that's for sure! I have to constantly remind myself - I am a "shooter" and not a "collector."
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Thanks
John:
Great write up and presentation to take us on an historical walk down "38th Street".
Thanks for taking the time to share.
John:
Great write up and presentation to take us on an historical walk down "38th Street".
Thanks for taking the time to share.
Since this was a thread more about the caliber and older guns. I have recently began to appreciate older 38 specials. I found a dirty Colt Police Positive that was in 38 special. It was made in 1920 and after a hard cleaning it is as tight and mechanically sound as most of my modern guns. They knew what they were doing and it has stood the test of time. Beautiful collection and great presentation thank you very much.
Old Corp
Member
Great post, thanks - enjoyed it.
There is what I consider a 'sad' chapter in the .38 Special's life and that is the evolved lack of availability of ammo, especially affordable ammo.
And that USED to be one of the big selling points for the gun/cartridge combo.
Recall the high points? 'Available everywhere, from inexpensive .38 Wadcutters, to LSWC's to 110. 125, 140, 158 gr. JHP/JSP's, and your choice of +P or not....'
Remember that?
Well recall working in a GS in the 70's and like nearly every other GS in existence we carried local commercial reloaded .38 WC's and LSWC's.
$5.99, IIRC. Even gave .50 cents for brass return.
Now, try to find ANY real variety of .38 ammo. The 'econo' round is now the 130 gr. FMJ ~$14.00 or so. Used to rarely see that one unless you fell on some military surplus stuff.
Yep, I hate change.
There is what I consider a 'sad' chapter in the .38 Special's life and that is the evolved lack of availability of ammo, especially affordable ammo.
And that USED to be one of the big selling points for the gun/cartridge combo.
Recall the high points? 'Available everywhere, from inexpensive .38 Wadcutters, to LSWC's to 110. 125, 140, 158 gr. JHP/JSP's, and your choice of +P or not....'
Remember that?
Well recall working in a GS in the 70's and like nearly every other GS in existence we carried local commercial reloaded .38 WC's and LSWC's.
$5.99, IIRC. Even gave .50 cents for brass return.
Now, try to find ANY real variety of .38 ammo. The 'econo' round is now the 130 gr. FMJ ~$14.00 or so. Used to rarely see that one unless you fell on some military surplus stuff.
Yep, I hate change.
Avery11
US Veteran
My carry piece is a 642 with the hole that my Father-in-Law didn't care for. I just love it.
My first revolver was a LNIB 15-3. That thing is 6 shots of instant ego boost. I've never seen anyone shoot it poorly.
I have a reblued old 1905 that I can't stop looking at. All those sexy curves - like an old car.
By the end of the week, I will be looking at a transitional HD - I may just go for it after this.
Gotta post a photo...
My first revolver was a LNIB 15-3. That thing is 6 shots of instant ego boost. I've never seen anyone shoot it poorly.
I have a reblued old 1905 that I can't stop looking at. All those sexy curves - like an old car.
By the end of the week, I will be looking at a transitional HD - I may just go for it after this.
Gotta post a photo...
Attachments
BigBill
Absent Comrade
Before my first 22cal & 38 special revolvers, I been a 44mag, 357mag & 45acp guy for most of my gun life. If we think about the 38 special as a CCW gun we must factor in the accuracy. I think that accuracy wise the 38 special has an edge. Its not always the bigger dog that wins the fight. The 38 special can hold its ground for sure.
I do find myself wanting the S&W and Colt 38 specials with different barrel lengths from the same era now. We can own, touch and shoot a piece of history.
I do find myself wanting the S&W and Colt 38 specials with different barrel lengths from the same era now. We can own, touch and shoot a piece of history.
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dscampbell
Member
Excellent thread. I also have come to appreciate the .38 special. My favorite Smith & Wesson is a 10-5 3" ex Austrialian police revolver.
Dave T
Member
I'm going to play contrarian only because you guys have left out the ultimate 38 Special (in my opinion), the 38/44. I just love the old Heavy Duty I have and have a modern version in a couple of those "Brazilian" 38 Special chambered L-frames. I'll take either the N-frame or the L-frame loaded with 38/44s over the K any day. (smile)
Dave
Dave
pilgrim6a
Member
These things tend to sneak up on you.
It all started with a cheep 'Truck Gun'.
Then you find out just how much fun they are to shoot.
Then it's a round butt beater that shoots like a dream.
And another HB at a great price.
The K38 that was to good to be true, but was.
And last week it was a 13-2 .
With my luck, Miss Joan will call and tell me she wants to sell her 2" model 10. And I'm broke.
From the top .
.38 M&P ('50)
10-8
10-8
13-2
It all started with a cheep 'Truck Gun'.
Then you find out just how much fun they are to shoot.
Then it's a round butt beater that shoots like a dream.
And another HB at a great price.
The K38 that was to good to be true, but was.
And last week it was a 13-2 .
With my luck, Miss Joan will call and tell me she wants to sell her 2" model 10. And I'm broke.
From the top .
.38 M&P ('50)
10-8
10-8
13-2
Attachments
Vulcan Bob
Member
This sorta reminds me of a car conversation I had a few years ago. I was talking to a "car guy" and sheepishly confessesed that my wifes car was a Chevrolet Cobalt an entry level car. He said dont be ashamed of your Cobalt, without those kinds of cars there would be no Corvettes made! The .38 Special is the same, without the bread and butter guns there can be no top of the line flagship models made. At last count I have thirtyone revolvers chambered in .38 Special, guess I sorta like em.
We need a gun show. Pictures please!
Vulcan Bob
Member
Oh good gosh, gotta dig em out of four safes and lug em down stairs for the pic! See what I can do, may take a day to get my rear outa gear.
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Paladin, excellent post and great pic's!
I actually just got around to framing the exact same B&W Poster you first show on your post. I have had it for many years but just hung it in the gun room last month.
Chief38
I actually just got around to framing the exact same B&W Poster you first show on your post. I have had it for many years but just hung it in the gun room last month.
Chief38
No offense to your wife, but I think a 38 S&W is a LOT cooler than a Chevy Cobalt.........
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