Choices for bullseye shooter

[ohioshooter]

I apologies if this has been covered but I am still undecided.

I have narrowed my search to the following ( if this is wrong please let me know)

I currently shoot bullseye S&W M41 .44 and Pre 70 Clarke colt 1911, all year round , twice a week about 400 rounds a week.

I have set my heart on an S&W .357/.38 6 inch barrel revolver for competition.

So I am expecting to pay between $ 500 - $850 and have seen nice guns in this price range.

I do my own reloading.

I feel that I should already know the answer but they are all nice guns.

So Accuracy first then joy of ownership.

In no order I have a short list of 19 -3 or -4, 27 -2, 686 -3 or -4.


Thanks for you input,

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Of course, the only reason you would use an S&W revolver for centerfire bullseye competition is that you can get better scores with it than you can with your Clark 1911. Is there any way you can check this out BEFORE you buy?

P.S. Before the rules got weighted in favor of malfunctioning autoloaders, I believe that the top picks were K38, K32, and OMM. That is, they were once Charlie Askins' 6.35 Velo Dog Woodsman got nixed.

 

[ohioshooter]

I have a choice in our club league and matches of calibers and guns and would really like to remain competitive while shooting something different....I do love the older guns but do not want to be unduly handicapped....my shooting ability is a big enough handicap...G

 

[Spotteddog]

6" Model 14
Search over.

 

[dave b]

Or a 8 3/8 Mod 14

 

[ohioshooter]

Spotteddog....which is the most desirable dash number to go for?...thanks

 

[valkyriekl]

Something chambered for .38 Special only should give you the best mechanical accuracy--a S&W 14 would fit the bill here. If you wanted to top it the gun with a red-dot, the 686-4 would work better since it's factory drilled/tapped.

 

[scooter123]

On your short list I would go with the 686. They are easy to find and very good revolvers. With the 686 you get the additional strength of the L frame for shooting Magnums without much increase in bulk. However, I am not a fan of the full lug barrel, too much weight forward for me. The 27 would be a close second simply due to it's weight and higher price.

As for the model 19, it's a great gun and darned difficult to find in a 6 inch barrel, if you happen on one buy it whether you need it or not.

 

[mkk41]

For the last many years , I've used my Colt Python. But I recently bought a mint 4-screw K-38.

Teamed up with my S&W Mod.41 and a 1960 Colt National Match , all I need is competition.

 

[ohioshooter]

Do you think the older 14 an 19 guns are more accurate at say 50 yards

 

[K38]

A nice Model 14 should do very well for you. I have several and it is my favorite S&W revolver. The Colt Officer's Model Match is nice too, but they are harder to find and Colt double action revolver gunsmiths are scarce. I would also add that the Colt lock work is a bit more delicate than a S&W. I have a matched set of OMM in .22 and .38 and of course several Smith model 14's and a couple of 17's. The best way is to get one of everything
then you can make up your own mind or like me not make up your mind and enjoy them all!

DLB
FKWG

 

[sw44spl]

I say a 686 will give you a nice edge.

 

[Spotteddog]

You'll do just fine with anything mentioned.
Truth is, all the guns suggested are far more accurate with their favorite loads than any mere mortal will able to do with them!

 

[ohioshooter]

Well thank you all for your input...searching for the holy grail of revolvers is counter productive.....its practice that really counts.

Having had a look around I think I will end up with a 98% 19 -3 or -4 ...nice 14's seem harder to find.

 

[PPCSHOOTER]

The model 14 is the way to go. I shoot ppc (distinguished revolver) and have ransom rest tested k frame 38spl vs k frame .357 with several guns. I have found that the 38spl the mdl 14, 67,15 are app 10% more accurate at 50yds than the 66,19, models in .357. It must be the lenght of the longer cylinder that affects the accuracy. I also shoot bullseye (distinguished revolver badge # 34). A model 14 is very tough to beat. Jp

 

[Bullseye Smith]

I shoot a 32 long for center fire:

 

[SAA]

For target paper punching:
S&W Model 14 .38 special, with a 6" barrel, loaded with 148 grain wadcutters and 2.8 bullseye powder. One of the best combinations ever devised.....

 

[ohioshooter]

Just come back from the range...ever word hear is on the money.... a 14 or pre 14 as I plan st shoot 38 special.

Have been offered a pre 14 in nickel and one pre in blue both 98% for $800 each....

 

[HAWKEYE10]

Do you think you would lose points in timed and
rapid fire using a revolver? Don

 

[Mitch_D]

Bullseye Set

Here is the "Old School" Bullseye approach...
K-38 (Pre-14) S/N:K2789XX, 1956, 6"
K-22 (Pre-Model 17) S/N:K283XX, 1948, 6"
Matching front & rear sights.
Loaded, both guns are the exact same weight.
This cased set is for sale, if you're interested.
PM me, if you would like more photos or info.