Best "Classic" S&W .38 for hunting back-up carry?

If you want to carry snake cartridges in the first few cylinders and real bullets in the rest, then you have to have a means to rotate the cylinders. That effectively eliminates all the hammerless models.
 
In that there are a bunch of sub-$300 police trade-in Model 10s, if you get a decent one, they'd be pretty hard to beat for what you want.
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Those days are numbered. Decent ones are getting scarce at that price. If S&W reintroduced the model 10 today, wholesale would be well over $300, and it would be a pale replica of the original.

Everyone should have a good old M&P... or a dozen or more...
 
...IMHO another great choice for a woods gun would be a 5" M10 / .38 M&P (the middle gun in Elmer's picture).

These have almost the exact same balance as a M15/M67, coupled with a slightly longer sight radius, and no worries about the rear sight snagging on clothing or breaking off if the gun is dropped.

The 5" barrel was less popular than the 4" barrel because it's harder to wear in a holster while you're seated in a patrol car, so the guns are harder to find, but arguably worth it once you do.
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Lots of guys carried 6" guns back in those days. I think the biggest reason for the 5" being less popular was the lack of holsters available. Most of the production made ones weren't offered in 5".

But you're correct that the 5" is probably the best balance of the three.
 
My choice per your op would be a 4" Model 10 HB. My fixed sights are perfectly regulated with a 158gr lead SWC hand load (3.8gr Red Dot) that is listed in the Alliant manual as a +P.

No adjustable sights needed with this gun and load. Simple, dependable, accurate, and not too heavy.
 
Those days are numbered. Decent ones are getting scarce at that price.
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Bud's still has 'em. Buy today! :D
If S&W reintroduced the model 10 today, wholesale would be well over $300, and it would be a pale replica of the original.
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Reintroduced...? You can buy one today, SKU# 150786.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57769_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

Of course, MSRP is $719, and IIRC it has been quite a few years since S&W offered a flavor other than the 4" HB. However, from what I've heard and seen, quality of the recent-production M10s is quite good.
My choice per your op would be a 4" Model 10 HB. My fixed sights are perfectly regulated with a 158gr lead SWC hand load (3.8gr Red Dot) that is listed in the Alliant manual as a +P.
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This has been my experience with almost any fairly hot 158gr load.
 
When I'm hunting I just leave my 642 in my pocket same as I always carry.

Nothing different. I did back away from bird shot, just wasn't impressed. My LSWCs do what I need to do.

I don't like switching to different kinds of ammo in my carry revolver.
 
Reintroduced...? You can buy one today, SKU# 150786.

Of course, MSRP is $719, and IIRC it has been quite a few years since S&W offered a flavor other than the 4" HB. However, from what I've heard and seen, quality of the recent-production M10s is quite good.
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Since they're calling it a "classic" and listing it for "Collectors" I'm guessing that is a reintroduction. I don't remember seeing that listed in the past.

Regardless, it's round butt only and heavy barrel, (WTH??), has the lock, and I'm confident the action wouldn't hold a candle to any of my 50+ year old ones, which you can still buy in minty condition, for less than the price of the new one..
 
A quick search of Guns America turned up several EX-Los Angeles Sheriff Office Model 67s. Hard to beat a 4" adj sight stainless for packing in the woods. They were going for about $450. I would rather buy an older one then a new one.
 
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