Looking for a non-snub nose 38

[mtheo]

i suggest a s&w model 60 revolver with a 3 inch barrel even though its a .357 magnum you can shoot .38 special ammunition in its cylinder chambers.

What he said.......

I have a 3" bbl adjustable sight model 60 chambered for .38 spcl only. It is a joy to shoot and easy to shoot accurately. I would also suggest a "J" frame twenty two. Shooting the .22 "J" and the 3" model 60 will make you more proficient with your .38 snubby "j"

 

[dunndealin]

A model 14 or 15 is just about the perfect .38 range queen. 3-400 for a shooter more for a collector.

I stopped at a local pawn shop on Friday afternoon, and they had a like new(98%) model 14 there with what seemed to be a heavy barrel for $359+ tax.... It was about 15 minutes before they closed for the weekend so I decided to think it over, well i thought for a bit and I will be picking her up Monday morning when they open... I don't think I have felt a sweeter trigger than the model 10 variety!

 

[CigarGuy]

Not to be an buttinsky, and apologize if covered before, but is a 3" a snubby or not?

 

[M1Lover]

Not to be an buttinsky, and apologize if covered before, but is a 3" a snubby or not?

Hmmmm. Not sure if there's an engraved-in-stone definition, as the term "Snubby" is slang and I'm guessing "Snub-nosed" is as well. My thinking is that, no, a 3" barrel does not qualify as a Snubby. 2" or less...(?). The experts will be here shortly. H.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Methinks snubby or snubbie = snub nosed = "short barrels" because the manufacturers don't use slang; you are correct = 2" or 2.5" with respect to revolver barrels. Personally, I use the term for my 2" and 2.5" barreled guns but if I had a 3" I might use it for that, too. Maybe. But I'd probably call it a 3 inch.

To echo many thoughts above, either a used, 4" barreled Model 10 or Model 64 are ideal choices for the shooter looking for an easy to operate, virtually fail safe, full-sized revolver and both can be found in prices that don't wreck your purse to the same magnitude that a new gun does.

Not buying a Smith & Wesson is not a mortal sin, either, BTW; we just don't talk about those things here. I won't say it's not done but it's done in hushed tones....

***GRJ***

 

[shouldazagged]

While many (maybe most) people prefer the heavy-barreled 10's, I'm partial to the ones with the tapered standard barrel. If you find one available, you might want to heft it side-by-side with a heavy barrel and see which one feels and points better for you.