Looking for a modern equivalent to a K38 Target

[kenneu]

I know it doesn't exist but please hear me out. My dad gave me a K38 Masterpiece Target 6". It has the deepest, bluest finish I have ever seen. It's truly like staring into water and seeing your reflection. It hasn't been fired much and is in near new condition. I hate to tear it up by continually shooting it but it is shooting ZEN. I've heard the "it shoots itself" comment before but the pistol feels like it has guided munitions when I shoot aluminum cans off hand at 75 yards...

So I need an alternative to shoot so I don't sully my dad's weapon and his memory. If he were still here, he'd tell me to shoot it. I just can't, though.

Is there such a beast that can be bought today under a grand? 586 6" maybe? I'm looking for that same butter-smooth sa/da, remarkable accuracy, and incredible balance of the K38.

 

[Cardboard_killer]

Buy a used K38 and shoot it while leaving your family heirloom in the safe except for special occasions. You can get a 40 year old model 14 for under $500 if you don't mind the finish showing wear. No need to buy a new gun when the marketplace is filled with classic older ones cheaper (and most people think better, too).

 

[Protocall_Design]

A 6" 586 would be a really good choice. You will probably need some action work to get the "butter smooth" action. Maybe a bit of forcing cone smoothing and a muzzle crown massage. Then it will be like your other one, maybe better.

 

[Tadeus67]

As cardboard Killer said, buy a used one. You can also get a used or new 6" 586/686 wich are excellent revolvers as well (L Frame) or look for a nice Model 19 (K frame) with the 6" configuration, more closer to your dad´s K-38 and with the plus of firing both 38 spl and 357 magnum.

Congratulations on your fine revolver.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Somewhat depends on your end goal.
If you want something VERY close to what you have (and cherish) then look for a used Model 14 (locally or on the gun auction sites). That will give you the closest experience to shooting your dads gun (at 1/2 your budget.)
If you want something that can take a beating and still look decent, then go with a stainless K /L frame like the model 66 or 686.

All that said, I'm sure your dad would want you to use and enjoy his gun to the fullest. You should take it out (at least now and then) and put a few rounds through it.
Otherwise it's like running around with cheap bimbo's while your fiancee sits waiting at home for the attention she deserves.

 

[StakeOut]

If you are OK with a 4" barrel then a Model 15 would be good

Any of the Model 14 dash numbers will also fit your needs.

If you don't mind stainless steel then look at the 4" Model 67.

You can also elect to shoot 38spl out of 357 magnum revolvers like the Model 19 and 66.

A good 357 on L frame would be a Model 686

On the N frame there's the Model 27,627 and Model 28.

Buying a previously owned revolver can save some big bucks but should be done after inspecting the revolver in person.

If not doing a face to face purchase ask the seller for a 3 day inspection period.

 

[22hipower]

+1 for go for a used original. Just so happens there's one for sale on the classified board:

FS: Some old smith's for sale

Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

So I need an alternative to shoot so I don't sully my dad's weapon and his memory. If he were still here, he'd tell me to shoot it. I just can't, though.

Is there such a beast that can be bought today under a grand? . . . I'm looking for that same butter-smooth sa/da, remarkable accuracy, and incredible balance of the K38.

Your Dad was right. However, I understand your outlook.

The closest you will get, both in performance and historical accuracy, is a used one. Waaaay under a grand. Probably easier to find used than new, and certainly less expensive. Don't wait ten years - the market will change. Whether it will get better or worse is what I don't know.

You do NOT have a problem. Just look around. They are there, and affordable.

 

[PALADIN85020]

I'd look for a used Model 67. The stainless steel finish can hardly be harmed with extensive use, and it will take any .38 special load, from target wadcutters to +P stompers. Although the 67 is still being made, I way prefer the older ones if only for their looks and careful hand-fitting. The one illustrated is a 67-1, shipped in April, 1978.

John

 

[elpac3]

Plenty of used K38's floating around out there - pick one up and if the trigger is not what you like, get a target tune action job.

Try looking at Simmons for some pricing and availability

 

[kenneu]

awesome, thanks for all the input! I'll go get a used one and shoot the heck out of it. LOL at the bimbo comment. Classic.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

I have a Model 14-3 with that same beautiful deep blue-black finish. I shoot it all the time and it still has the beautiful blue finish. I keep it in a gun rug and clean it after each use. But if you don't want to risk scratching or dropping your father's gun, I understand. Luckily, a shooter-grade Model 14 is under $500 and a really nice one similar to your Dad's is only about $700. Nothing wrong with having two of them.

 

[kthom]

By a used one in good mechanical condition (and also maybe in pretty decent finish condition) and shoot it to your heart's content. If you buy it right and treat it kindly, shooting it won't likely decrease it's value and you will be able to shoot the same revolver as your Dad's gun without concern. Nobody I know who owns two of 'em is willing to part with either one.

I don't blame you for wanting to keep your Dad's gun in it's present condition. It's value to you is significantly more than it probably would be to anyone else. There are lots of good shooters available if you are patient and look for them. With a good shooter, you'll have the best of both worlds!

 

[iPac]

Just shoot it!

Trust me, when you get old and not able to go shooting, you will be filled with regret for not enjoying your dad's S&W.

If you don't shoot it, who will when you're not there? Might as well be that guy.

I'm just of the school of thought that the only way to 100% enjoy a firearm is to shoot it. Buying "lesser" alternative has never satisfied me. After having the "awakening", I've had so much joy using high-end/collectible guns to do work.

Also, I think the honest wear guns get from use is even more special for a "family" hand me down piece. How many memories are going to follow a gun that sat in the safe the whole time?

 

[Nightowl]

Don't forget the 6 inch Model 19 or 66. They will shoot .38s as well and still have room for some boom if you want it.

 

[s-w bug]

They are out there. Just put a mod 14-3 on layaway under $500 with tax.

 

[rbmac52]

Looking for a modern equivalent to a K38 Target?

There isn't one, not even close...

Thankfully, there a many K38s out there.

 

[andy52]

Not sure what your budget is but I bought a really nice K38 pre-14 three weeks ago at a gun show for 625.00. This is at least a 95% gun if not better. I haven't shot it yet but I'm sure it will be at least as good as my 14-2 which is a awesome gun.

 

[Sevens]

This may not be a popular opinion but it is pure truth to me, seems worth adding. My first handgun was a K-frame (17-6) and my second was a 6-inch 686. I'm an absolute S&W revolver enthusiast.

For years, I knew it was my destiny to buy and LOVE a Model 14. This may still yet happen but a few years ago, that desire got completely re-written and forever altered.

Right now, we live in an interesting moment in time. Old, worn, very much used custom PPC revolvers are hitting the market. Quite simply, the competitors (mostly LE) that ran these gems every weekend are leaving us or finally moving out hardware they used years ago that they cannot use now.

These are absolute sleepers in this market. Most are built on K-frames. Most look quite wacky for those that aren't familiar, most are unbelievably heavy if you aren't expecting it and you know what else? Most of them have a double action trigger stroke that will make a Python owner weep or outright LIE about his weeping in private.

And many gun dealers see very little interest by the typical customer and they simply cannot price them anywhere near their true value as a shooter.

I've got one done by Bill Davis, one by Travis Strahan. I have a 3rd one that is the best of the three and it makes me sad because I have no idea who did the work. Two close buddies have one each, another Bill Davis and a Power Custom.

My experience is my own, I can't tell others it would be the same for them. But a single one of these revolvers are, to me, worth 2-3 times what I would spend on a Model 14.

Obviously, nothing matches or replaces sentimental value, and I would never suggest that. As a shooter, pick any one of the five revolvers I just mentioned and that's where I want to be.

I just put 158 rounds through my Bill Davis yesterday, and it was the only revolver I brought on this trip.

 

[Cardboard_killer]

This may not be a popular opinion but it is pure truth to me, seems worth adding. ...
And many gun dealers see very little interest by the typical customer and they simply cannot price them anywhere near their true value as a shooter. ... But a single one of these revolvers are, to me, worth 2-3 times what I would spend on a Model 14.

This is very much a personal response to the OP's question, and valid. . . . However, I've owned two PPC builds and I bought them for the very reasons posted, but once having them I was unsatisfied and ended up selling them. They are specialized guns, and simply do not give me the satisfaction of ownership that basic models 10-19 give me.

So, the OP should consider a PPC build, but just because they are better guns, doesn't mean you will enjoy owning them as much as a second model 14. I know I didn't, even though I recognize that some do and neither view is right or wrong.