Hey about an L-frame 38 Special?

[three-five-seven]

I love the L-frame. Its just right. How about a 6inch 38 special chambered revolver. A patridge front sight or even a 5 inch barrel. Maybe a interchangeable front sight? Im still demanding the return of the .44 Special too. But a .38 L-frame? Yahoo! but make the 696 first .. Oops the 38 too.

 

[Centenniel]

I also love L-Frame revolvers. You are aware that you can shoot 38 Special ammunition in your L-Frames, aren't you? I'm not trying to be a smart A, some folks don't know. I shoot mine a lot, and well over 90% of the ammo is the good old 38 Special. Since no real size or weight reduction would come from chambering one in 38 Special only, I really see no compelling reason to do so.

 

[three-five-seven]

Why an L-frame in .38 ?

Centennial I see that you too appreciate the wonderful design and feel of the L-frame. I used to shoot .38s in my .357s but quit after I got sick of cleaning the crud ring. I cleaned that crud for about 20 years or so. I enjoy the .38 special cartridge too and like my model 67 alot but an L-frame feels just a bit better to me. Anyway I have lots of .357 cases and with low power loads they eliminate the crud ring. I also have a 629 that only gets magnum cases and for lighter loads I have 2 .44 Specials. Anyway I do see your point but what the heck an L-frame would be neat anyway. Smith has made lighter calibers on heavier frames in the past. Its just part of the hobby.

Thanks for you reply its always nice to know someone reads a post and thinks enough to reply.

 

[Combat_Diver]

I remember Smith chambering the L frame for 38 SPL only when I was in Germany from 88-90. These were made for the European market. So there's a few out there. Have you called Smith to see about fitting a .38 SPL cyclinder to your revolver?

CD

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

A Smith & Wesson Model 242 is a L Frame 7 shot 38 special with a Titainium Cylinder..
The M242 & 296 were the only L Frame Centennials..
It would be neat to have a 38spl only cylinder for a 686 for sure..

 

[WC145]

A Smith & Wesson Model 242 is a L Frame 7 shot 38 special with a Titainium Cylinder..
The M242 & 296 were the only L Frame Centennials..
It would be neat to have a 38spl only cylinder for a 686 for sure..

Looks like Numrich still has Titanium 242 cyls for cheap - $60!! Make your own .38spl only L-frame!

Cylinder w/ Extractor, Titanium .38 Special, 7 Shot, Factory Original, New

 

[amd6547]

This idea really interests me....what exactly is required to fit this cylinder to my 686?

 

[cp1969]

If it's a seven shot cylinder, I would think it would take a fair amount of work.

 

[amd6547]

The little bit of research I did makes it sound like a new hand would need fitted...

 

[three-five-seven]

The L-frame idea has taken off to somewhere!

Hey everyone this idea has really taken off. I simply thought a ready to go .38 Special L- frame was neat. Yes I guess there are ways to get this. I have a revolver for each caliber I am interested in. I did own in the past Ruger Convertibles but one cartridge always got a lot more use than the other.

Personally convertibles dont grab me. yes there is some utility to one. A convertible with the top down and a good looking blonde is a better option. Especially if she shoots.

Id rather buy one from the Smith dealer but they better bring back the 696 .44 first! Lets keep Americans working in America!

 

[cp1969]

A convertible with the top down and a good looking blonde is a better option.

Other way around is better.

 

[three-five-seven]

Convertibles

Yeah I think you are absolutely correct!

 

[WC145]

This idea really interests me....what exactly is required to fit this cylinder to my 686?

Not much at all, in some cases they fit without any mods. I believe the most you'd be looking at is fitting a new hand. Do a search in the 1980 to present section, there are some threads there on converting from 6 to 7 shot cylinders and vice versa.

 

[shawn mccarver]

They have made L frames in 2 1/2, 4 and 6 inch barrels already in 38 Special. They are made for foreign markets, and overruns are sold here through the normal distributor channels. Look around and you can find them in new condition.

 

[zercool]

Did someone say 242?

With my 642 for comparison.

Or a family shot: two N's, an L, a K, and a J.