Your Favorite .38 spcl

[GyMac]

I have several S&W .38's, including a Model 14, 15, and some Model 10's. I've given it a lot of thought but I can't decide which is my favorite. I think I lean toward a pencil barrel with a 4 inch barrel. Of all my guns though, the .38's are my favorites.

 

[srgvaz]

It's not easy choosing one...

 

[GF]

Prolly this M&P for my favorite shooter...

GF

 

[jimmyj]

Model 10 4" SB

 

[scooter123]

It's an easy answer for me, my 4 inch tapered barrel model 67-1. IMO you won't find a revolver with finer balance than a K frame 4 inch S&W with the tapered barrel.

 

[bmcgilvray]

I've owned a 1971 vintage 4-inch Model 10-6 Heavy Barrel since the mid 1970s and have done my best to wear it out. Despite heavy use, it shoots so well and has been so trouble free that it makes a mockery of Ruger revolvers and their "built like a tank" reputation. And, unlike Ruger DA revolvers, it has a elegantly smooth action.

 

[Stainz]

I, too, shoot .38's and very mild .357M's from my .357M revolvers, but this thread is about purpose built .38's. I have three - my first was a new/closeout 2" 10-11 bought from CDNN 9/03 for $279. Next was a pocket protector - a 642-2. Then - this monstrosity:

That's a now just a couple of years old 4" 64-8 resplendent in it's MIM parts, IL, and, yes, the two piece barrel! I bought it as an unissued security guard trade-in ~2.5 yr ago. Guess what... it's my favorite .38! Whether 125gr Montana Gold JHP 'poppers', 148gr target full wadcutters, or +P 158gr LHPSWC's, they pile on top of each other, stringing vertically due to speed variations, but dead on for windage. I term it an 'i' dotter. Super trigger - full strength Wolff hammer spring - it'll pop anyone's primers. My only regret - it was $309 - and they had another one - why didn't I buy it, too? Here it is in it's usual OEM grips for HD duties - it's forte:

Stainz

 

[DRYHEAT]

My Nov. 1947 .38 M&P

 

[ACP230]

My usual carry gun is a Smith M649-2 in .38 Special.
I liked it so much that I bought an M649 (no dash) so I'd have a pair.

Close second (some days in first place), is my M15-3 two-inch. Easier to shoot than the J-frames but not as easy to carry.

 

[Iggy]

Guess I would have to say one of my Mdl 14s.

 

[Larry from Bend]

It would have to be my Model 38. It fills a particular need perfectly.

 

[MacGuffin]

My Nov. 1947 .38 M&P

That is BEAUTIFUL!

 

[Black_Talon]

Without a nano-second's doubt, one of my K38's or Model 14's. Perhaps this '57 K38:

...or maybe this factory '72 Single Action:

...no, wait. How about my '77 Model 14 that I bought brand new in '79:

It's a difficult decision.

 

[stantheman86]

10's, 64's, my 581's......

I have and always will love Model 10's, meat and potato .38 service revolvers are about as good as it gets for me!

I also have a security trade in 64-7, it is the gun that changed my "no MIM and lock" attitude, I have since added 2 more IL and MIM S&W's and love them too.

Fixed sight .38 Specials have been getting it done since 1899, why fix what isn't broke?

 

[cb22]

My favorite.
It's a first run PC 640 in .38 Special.

 

[TAROMAN]

My Longtime Pocket Companion

Have several .38s, but my pocket pal for the past 36 years has to be my favorite:

Model 60 (no dash)

 

[Revolver King]

My Favorite 38 spl

This is the only 38 special I own these days, so I guess it is my favorite. 242

 

[Chuck Jones]

this one shoots amazingly well

and these are faves too

/c

 

[pharmer]

I'll go with the 14. When I saw this 14-5 in a "walkers" hand at a gunshow, I told him "L frames are not my thing." When he corrected me, "I'll take it" was the only thing i could say. Joe

 

[Smee78]

This is an easy one for me......10-6 4"heavy barrel w/tyler t grip. I do love my Smith 649 but for shooting all day nothing beats the big 10. I also forgot the Smith 242, but for alot of shooting I perfer steel.