What is the best all around .38 Special pistol?

[OIF2]

Seems like the Combat Masterpiece is winning hands-down...couldn't agree more, though I like others, too. My LAPD-issued M67 got me through a few years of life on the streets of LA until I "upgraded" to a Beretta. A set of Pachmayrs and a Hoyt holster completed the package. I even carried it concealed off-duty on probation in a DeSantis holster for awhile.
Bob

These two are pretty good, too. Fixed-sight heavy barreled K-frame S&Ws are still serious combat weapons.

 

[armsmaster270]

Model 15 hands down. Classy look, nostalgic heritage, Combat Masterpiece.

That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

I agree, mine saved my life..

 

[Squarebutt]

If I had to pick one, it would be my 64-1, a retired PD gun with its share of bumps and bruises. The trigger, single and double action, is as clean and light as you could want. The action is tight, and it's accurate. It hides pretty well in an old Bianchi pancake holster. Before I bought it I looked at some .357 K-frames of the same vintage, and some had flame cutting of the top strap, and the prices were higher.

 

[shep854]

A 2" Chief Special, no matter whether it's the model 36, 37, or 60 variety. Not easy to shoot well, but so handy you can always have it with you. "Don't leave home without it".

They are a challenge, but once you meet that challenge, a J-frame becomes one of the sweetest shooters around!

 

[sw282]

4'' RB K frame M&P pencil barrel. l prefer blue for a finish. These are sited for 158gr loads. A more reliable/accurate handgun has not been made

 

[jaymoore]

Well, I'll be the wise guy and opine that the best .38 S&W Special calibered pistol would be the Model 52-2.

Far better than a .38 Spl. 1911...which may be why there's so few!

A far as the best .38 Spl. weapon overall, the one that you shoot and can carry the best! And two revolvers of the exact same model and configuration can be quite different in their "personalities", so it is a horribly difficult question to answer.

 

[oldafsp]

The cornerstone of .38 caliber revolvers....it has protected more people and ended the careers of more bad guys than any other weapon in it's class......

The Model 10's history cannot be disputed.

 

[Quakertown]

What is the best all around .38 Special pistol?

Not quite sure why ppl are posting 357mag suggestions when question posed is for 38spl. Those weapons are designed for 357mag with ABILITY to shoot 38spl, not the other way around.

 

[Hapworth]

Not quite sure why ppl are posting 357mag suggestions when question posed is for 38spl. Those weapons are designed for 357mag with ABILITY to shoot 38spl, not the other way around.

I think you answered your own question: OP's interested in .38, which .357s can shoot; .357s are for the purposes of OP's question de facto .38.

 

[Quakertown]

I think you answered your own question: OP's interested in .38, which .357s can shoot; .357s are for the purposes of OP's question de facto .38.

No, I didn't answer my own question. He(assuming he) wasn't asking for 357. It's understood a 357 can shoot 38spl, otherwise question would be posed "which 357?", correct? His question posed was:

Fighting, shooting, defense, concealed carry, duty. One pistol that fits that.

Title was caliber specific, 38 special. If I was fighting or using a gun for defense and had a 357mag, I wouldn't load it up with 38 special. He is asking 38 special, specifically. Since you replied with 357mag weapons, perhaps you should read more carefully.

 

[kenjen]

my vote goes to the third gen. colt detective special.

 

[Hapworth]

No, I didn't answer my own question. He(assuming he) wasn't asking for 357. It's understood a 357 can shoot 38spl, otherwise question would be posed "which 357?", correct? His question posed was:



Title was caliber specific, 38 special. If I was fighting or using a gun for defense and had a 357mag, I wouldn't load it up with 38 special. He is asking 38 special, specifically. Since you replied with 357mag weapons, perhaps you should read more carefully.

No need for attitude, it's a casual discussion.

OP's looking to shoot .38 Special. .357s can handle them. Just because you wouldn't use .38s in a .357 doesn't mean others wouldn't; in fact, we had a poll here not long back and the vast majority of .357 owners who responded chose .38 for their .357 revolvers.

I take the question to be about the .38 Special round and the revolver that will shoot it -- not shoot it exclusively. If that's incorrect, OP will clarify.

In the meantime, more options trumps fewer.

 

[hotrod150]

The cornerstone of .38 caliber revolvers....it has protected more people and ended the careers of more bad guys than any other weapon in it's class......
The Model 10's history cannot be disputed.

Sure can't argue with that! Besides being the first of a long line of 38/357 k-frames, the model 10 is probably the best all-around gun for the first-time gun owner, or for someone who's not a handgun crank & so would not be taking advantage of dialing in adjustable sights for different loads.

 

[GF]

This is like asking which one is your favorite child...

Mod 10

GF

 

[Doug.38PR]

Hapsworth,
Quakertown is correct. I'm sorry for the misunderstanding (and you're right it is just a casual discussion for education purposes). I was specifically talking about .38 Special revolvers, not .357 Magnum revolvers.

The Model 15 does appears to be what's on most people's minds. I can't say I disagree as an overall all purpose weapon in the S&W universe. (though the model 10 comes close, the 15 has those adjustable sights which do well in target shooting....though with some practice a good man could do his own crackshots with even a 10)

 

[model70hunter]

My Nickel 19 has fired more 38's than 357's under direct order of Bill Jordan.

 

[Hapworth]

Hapsworth,
Quakertown is correct. I'm sorry for the misunderstanding (and you're right it is just a casual discussion for education purposes). I was specifically talking about .38 Special revolvers, not .357 Magnum revolvers.

Appreciate the clarification and no need to apologize.

In that case, refer to suggestion three from my original post: Models 10, 15 and 64 specifically. And I'd still recommend sub-4" versions for your purposes; makes a real difference in ease and comfort for carry, and coming onto target fast.

 

[silentflyer]

My vote a 19 or 66 4", you don't have to shoot .357's but if you want to, you have the option. 158 grain JSP or SWC's.

 

[feralmerril]

I have a lot of fancy revolvers but my old standby m&p gets taken the most. It just feels right. I bet more have been made in .38 special than any other revolver. Must be a reason for that.