Current Revolvers - Which to Buy

[Slyk54]

I own an old Colt, built in the early 1900's. The gun is chambered in 38 special, with a solidly locking action, and it is a good shooter. I acquired this gun in an attempt to get a good quality revolver that I could shoot and enjoy at the range, pack outdoors, use if necessary as a home defense gun, and possibly use it to harvest small game. Now, I am not really fearful of catastrophic failure, but given the age of the gun, metal fatigue, and the need to service Colt's at certain intervals, I am starting to think about a replacement or addition to my collection.

I am old enough to want to own an older gun, because I like the quality of workmanship in them among other things (hence, the Colt currently in hand). But, I have some concerns about long-term durability of these older guns. I am thinking of buying an older model 10 Smith to either replace the Colt or add to the collection; maybe one built in the 50's or 60's.

This has all got me thinking; in the current production of new guns, what 38 special Smith revolver would I buy to replace the old Colt as a range gun; this gun would be shot, and I would want it to last for my lifetime and be handed down to my son...it really should be at least as good a quality as the old Colt, no polymer or alloy, no locks...I know, fat chance...

Thanks!

 

[bamabiker]

Well I'm a little confused. You say a gun made in the 50s or 60s but then you say something about the new production guns.If you want a new gun without the lock the choices are very limited.
If you want an older gun in great shape you have many more choices. If you want to stay with the 38 I'd suggest a M14 or M15. Both these have reputations as being some fine shooting guns. You can find them for sale and even some in like new condition. You mentioned a M10 and that certainly would be a fine choice as they are rock solid and there is still many of them out there in great shape.
Then you could also look at the stainless steel versions. So many fine guns still around. Happy hunting.

 

[HAWKEYE10]

I would think about buying a M19. For a range gun I would choose a 4" or 6" barrel. It will shoot 38's or 357 mag. and has adj. sights. Don


M19-3

 

[three-five-seven]

Re: What new .38s to buy?

Smith and Wesson currently has the Model 14 Classic and the Model 67 (4 inch stainless). The Classic has a 6 inch barrel and is blue. Yes they both have the dreaded lock that so many are worried about or offended by. I wouldnt worry about the lock just get what you want and can afford. The Model 19 is no longer made having been replaced? by the models 619 and 620.

PS The Model 14 is probably more old school or at least as close as you can get in a new revolver. I do have a Model 67 and I shoot the heck out of it. It get used in double action mode 90% of the time. I also had a patridge front sight put on. I may get a nickel 14. Nickel is what stainless is now. Live it up!!!!

 

[sheriffoconee]

I think a pre lock Smith and Wesson Model 10, or if you like stainless, a Model 64 would meet all your requirements. My dad is still with us, but he has already given me his Model 10 he bought new to carry as an FBI agent in 1964...and my son will get it one day..
a little searching will give you a revolver you will be proud to own and shoot, and your son will cherish...

 

[murphydog]

As mentioned, you could buy a new production model 10, 14 or 67, but there are plenty of new or near-new examples of these models available at a fraction of the retail cost of current guns. As long as you buy one that is stamped with a model number (i.e., built after 1957), the factory has the parts to repair it, will refinish it, and rates it ok for +P ammo.

 

[slowburninsteve]

From the personal experience I've had over the last several months, and I hate to say this, but the days of getting an affordable S&W or Colt pre-lock revolver are gone! Not only are there very few mint to near mint examples out there, but the ones that are are astronomical in price!!!!! Model 19s are running $600 to $700 for a really nice example, model 15's in peak condition $450+, 64s running $400+, 65s at 450+, etc. and very, very few of these by the way. I first thought I was going crazy, but after calling, checking, calling, checking, and calling some more I have found that available K frames in Southwest Virginia all the way to Richmond are rare!!! It has become a seller's market, and let the market beware! A friend of mine bought a super nice model 19-4 and later discovered it had a bulged barrel. A trained eye pointed it out to him and it was confirmed. The seller was long gone. He sold it to a dealer as a parts gun.

IMO, the bottom line is if you find a nice k frame for a reasonable price, BUY IT FAST, BUT CHECK IT OVER GOOD!!!!!!

Other than that, I'm going to say something I thought I never would. If you want a revolver to carry that has a good track record, buy a Taurus .38 Special. Some of their higher calibers have had horror stories about them, but their little model 85s appear to take a lickin' but keep on tickin'.

I honestly hope that I am proven wrong over the next several months, but this is the way I have found it here in Virginia lately.

Good luck in your search!!!!!

Steve

 

[slowburninsteve]

Request for auto-updates.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

What bamabiker said. Also, unless you just end up liking the S&W better, I would regard it as an addition, not a replacement. You have given no evidence that there is anything wrong with the Colt. Age alone is not an issue. However, it is certainly not wrong to want [at least] a second gun, and the 14, 15 and 10 are all great choices.

 

[Loy Loyola]

get a 686.

"new" enough, ammo is cheap and compatible with your Colt and you can use 357's for HD (goodbye, hearing!)

very reliable and some models do not have the IL (if that matters to you).

 

[sheriffoconee]

This board is the best place to shop for the Model 10/Smith of your dreams.
Most things listed for sale here seem to be priced reasonably. In fact, there are three M10's for sale here now...longer tubes than what I would want personally, but they look like solid, lifetime and beyond revolvers...

 

[one eye joe]

Whatever you do, DON'T buy a Taurus ! !

 

[DON1937]

My first choice would be a used 686. These are very strong reliable revolvers and every one I've shot had more accuracy than I could use. The 64,65.10 are all very good revolvers and can be found for less than some of the more popular 14,15,19s. If you buy another brand take a look at the Rugers. The Security Six and Speed Six can be found in excellent condition for a reasonable price. The GP100 and the SP101 are exceptionally strong but a bit heavier than Smiths. For a shooter/range gun I usually prefer stainless. They're easier for me to clean without being concerned about damaging the finish and with just a little work the finish can easily be restored to like new.

 

[mikeruns]

I also would look at a model 10 or 15. I also saw a comment about some Ruger revolvers and agree that they are a great choice. I attached a couple of my favorites.... a 4" model 15 found used a couple years ago for about $175, and a 2-3/4" Ruger Speed-Six 357 paid about the same for it. Good luck

 

[Stainz]

If money wasn't an option, I'd suggest a 627 Pro, a current 4" N-frame 8-shooter. Mine is a keeper, it's ~$700 (Nearing $900 now!) price two years ago enabled by selling some Rugers. I also bought a security guard trade-in - a recent production 4" 64, LNIB:

Yeah, a 64-8 - resplendent in it's IL and two-piece barrel. Unissued, it needed lighter springs and some break-in - fantastic plinker. Sadly, after a year of going on every range trip, I relegated it to it's intended functio - a home defender (above). I wish I had bought two of them!

You can still find earlier 64's, the SS version of the 10, in decent shape if you check around. J&G Sales still has some DAO 64's and 67's, the adjustable rear sight version of the 64, in stock for <$300 - pre-IL, too. They still had a few DA/SA 64's, too. Folks have reported favorably on them here - do a 'Search'.

My 64, again, current production, is a keeper. Inherently +P capable, those 'FBI loads', +P 158gr LSWCHPs, hit POA at 12-20 yd. It's easy to determine the elevation needed for 125gr plinkers, 148gr wadcutters/target loads, and 158gr LSWCs alike - windage is dead on. The 'standard' Wolff hammer spring/reduced trigger rebound spring combo insures 100% reliability with any primer, too, while giving a great trigger.

My 64 was bought to be a home defender - my 627 Pro is fun! It has an even lighter trigger - from a reduced power Wolff hammer spring - marrying it to my Federal-primed reloads. But - that's okay - I only use Federals! The 627 Pro came with many extras, including the springloaded front sight, which allowed the HiViz to be swapped without tools in seconds. Moonclip-ready, too. The Ahrends 'retro-target' cocobolo grips help, too. My old JM 5" PC627 V-Comp has been growing cobwebs since the 627 Pro's arrival.

As it could be protection as well as fun, I'd likely keep the 627 pro if one had to go. I am glad that isn't the case - the 64 is a great revolver, new or old.

Stainz