Help replacing my K-38 with a 357

[Lunker]

I am starting to get into reloading and I realized that it makes sense to consolidate calibers if I can. It's easier to simply download 357 bullets than it is to have extra brass to make 38 special rounds. I have great old K-38 (in excellent condition too) that is an awesome shooter. I will be getting rid of it and want to replace it with a 357 that is equally as nice, has as good of a trigger, is as accurate, etc. I have an N frame Model 28-2 already. I don't love the trigger, but it's a tank and is my house gun. I could always go for a Model 27 but am thinking about K and L frame guns. Does anyone have any suggestions? Even better, any pics to go with that suggestion? Thanks.

 

[Lunker]

I am starting to get into reloading and I realized that it makes sense to consolidate calibers if I can. It's easier to simply download 357 bullets than it is to have extra brass to make 38 special rounds. I have great old K-38 (in excellent condition too) that is an awesome shooter. I will be getting rid of it and want to replace it with a 357 that is equally as nice, has as good of a trigger, is as accurate, etc. I have an N frame Model 28-2 already. I don't love the trigger, but it's a tank and is my house gun. I could always go for a Model 27 but am thinking about K and L frame guns. Does anyone have any suggestions? Even better, any pics to go with that suggestion? Thanks.

 

[bamabiker]

I would not sell the k-38. I would save up and buy a 357.

 

[stevieboy]

Hang on to the K-38. If you want a K- or an L-frame .357, there are several models to choose from, all of them great. Personally, I'm partial to 686s, but don't necessarily limit yourself to that model when you look.

 

[max]

Don't sell it. Reloading for two calibers is not that big of a deal.

 

[jspick]

I wouldn't sell the K-38, unless it is to me

, I'd save up and buy a 357. I shoot 38's in my 357's all the time. I see no reason to stop reloading 38's.

John

 

[carguychris]

Originally posted by Lunker:
I am starting to get into reloading and I realized that it makes sense to consolidate calibers if I can. It's easier to simply download 357 bullets than it is to have extra brass to make 38 special rounds.

What's so hard about keeping the brass separate? You can take separate dirty-brass bags to the range, then dump them into separate containers when you get home.

Even if you mix them, it's smart to inspect your brass prior to reloading it, and I find it really easy to separate calibers while doing this. It's not the most exciting thing to do, but neither is sorting and folding socks, and I've managed to live through that once or twice.

BTW you can never have "extra" brass.

 

[epj]

Agree with the other posters, but if you must, get a 19 in the same configuration. It will be near identical to the K38.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

A 586 or 686 is the way to go, some love the "N" frame and some love the "K" frame. I collect those two, but for around shooting is a "L" frame. I do use the k for Bullseye, but thats not all around

.

 

[dsf]

Buy one of these - as close as you can get to a K 38 in 357 Magnum. There are others listed in 6" blued.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=116513049

But personally I'd never sell my K 38.

 

[Poohgyrr]

I like them all. And a K frame should be the closest to your sweet K-38. Here is a blued K frame, a 4" M19-3 that I found used and local. This is more accurate than I am, and has been as reliable as a rock.

 

[arfmel]

Why not have the trigger on that Model 28 improved bya qualified pistolsmith? I have seen some darn nice trigger jobs put on the Highway Patrolman.

 

[Kevin Gibson]

Let's see, you already have a .357 in a model 28 and I think few would argue that you're likely to find a "better" .357 than the one you have. And you have a K38 which is king of the accuracy department. I really don't see why you would want to change a thing? Use that K38 as a "shooter development tool" and use the 28 for most anything else.

 

[cmort666]

I have both .38s and .357s, including a Model 14. I load .38 Specials for all of them. No muss, no fuss.

 

[boatbum101]

I'd keep the K38.For a 357 K frame I'd go with a 19 or 66.Personally I prefer the L frame 586/686.I also like a good trigger,which on a S&W is a rather simple task for someone who's knowledgable.The N frame for me is too large for every day use/carry.If you plan to feed a 357 a steady diet of full presure loads the L frames are hard to beat.If your mainly going to use 38+P loads & ocasionally full pressure 357's the K frames are smaller & lighter to carry.I'd say botom line it's what feels right in YOUR hand.
Andy Brunt

 

[H Richard]

I wouldn't sell the K38 either. For combination use, I also suggest the 686. Stainless is easier to clean and care for. Has great balance, and is very accurate. I've had mine since 1984, and would the last revolver I would part with.

 

[wraco]

I would agree on keeping the K-38. Save up and buy a K frame S&W 357 when you can. The M28 may just need a good clean and some lubrication.

Regards:
Rod

 

[smousefam5]

Please don't get rid of the K38. You will regret it like I still do.

 

[bloo]

p

Don't sell the K-38. Give it to me and buy a model 19 to take it's place. Loading for 2 guns isn't so bad. You will wish you still had that K-38 someday. Bet in a year you have other guns to load for. I started years ago with a .38sp. Now I load 45Colt, 44 Magnum 44 special 357 magnum and 38 special.

 

[Lunker]

Hi all,

Thanks for all the advice and recommendations.
The K-38 is in the classifieds now. Let me know if you are interested