I'm thinking of getting a dedicated .38.

C

chaim

New member
I finally have all my main catagories (as I see them) of guns. I am thinking of adding extras now. I have several guns on my list but a dedicated .38 is now on my short list (along with a couple more CZs- the 97 and a 75 SA or an 85 Combat, a SAA type gun and/or Ruger Vaquero, a Taurus PT 911, a Kahr, a .22 target gun, probably a revolver, and a .22lr or .22mag snub). Any one of the guns on that list could end up my next purchase (depending on my mood at the time).

I have a K-frame .357 but I do want a dedicated .38 service pistol. I sold my Taurus 82 when I got the .357 because my philosophy was different at the time (I figured they fit the same niche and I preferred a .357). Now I want to fix the situation and the hole in my collection.

I may get another Taurus 82 (it is a good gun and a great value at under $300 new). I am also looking at used S&W model 10s (a classic). However, I am open to suggestions and I'm not ruling anything out or definately in so I'd love to hear everyone's advice.

What do some of you think of the Taurus 82? I think mine was a good gun but to me it seems the Ford or Chevy of the gun world, boring and unimpressive (no offense Ford and Chevy fans, I'm a Ford fan myself) but functional, reliable, and generally a good value.

Would you get a S&W model 10? I do like stainless revolvers too, often better than blue revolvers, so I may consider a model 64 but the 10 is such a classic that the 10 is much more likely.

I am also considering a Ruger KGPF-840 (the stainless, 4"barrel, .38spl version of the GP 100). Anyone have experience with this gun? I know that Ruger's triggers usually aren't as nice as S&W or Taurus triggers and Ruger's great strength (its strength and durability) isn't going to be as big a deal with the .38 but it is still an option. I also may consider a used Ruger security six or speed six in .38.

The last option I am considering is getting two in one. I may get a SAA type gun in .38spl. The one drawback is that while this will be a dedicated .38, I probably won't be fully satisfied since it isn't a service revolver so I'd probably go on the same search again later. Also, I may not be fully satisfied on the SAA type gun front since I'll probably want one in .45lc.

So, you can see that I am looking at all my options and the field is wide open. What are your suggestions, and most importantly, why?
 
See if you can find a Smith & Wesson model 14. This was a target wadcutter gun, I have 2, and boy do they shoot. They came in 6" and 8 3/8", get the six;) You won't find a better shooting dedicated .38:D
 
M14nut,

That is a nice looking gun! I'll keep an eye out for it. You say that it was designed as a target wadcutter gun, I assume it can be shot with any .38spl ammo like any other .38spl gun. Would that assumption be correct or is there some reason that it should only be shot with wadcutters and/or mild loads? Oh, and what kind of price range is typical? Actually, since prices vary depending upon locality (and tend to be high here) a better question would be how do prices compare against M10s or Ruger Security/Speed Sixes?
 
I was also going to suggest the Model 14. I have the 8 3/8". Yes you can shoot any .38 Special ammo out there. You said service revolver, so lets talk service revolver. I have a Model 10 HB, which are readily available, usually cheap. My shoots to the left and since it has fixed sights, there is nothing I can do about it. So, I never shoot it even though it would be a really fun gun otherwise. For that reason, I like adjustable sights. How about the Model 15 ? Isn't that the 4" Combat Masterpiece in .38 Special with adjustable sights ? Colt has made several classics; The Police Positive and the Offical Police. I saw a number of both of them at the gun show yesterday. They are reasonably priced. A .38 Special version of the GP-100 sounds like terrible overkill, but you would be getting a terrific gun that would hold it's own with anthing else out there. As for the Taurus, you know a lot more about it than me; you actually owned one, so you should be experienced with it. How about a belly gun in .38 ? Colt Detective Special, Smith Model 36 or Model 60..................... They are a lot of fun. .38 Special is one of the greatest developments in the history of firearms. Take advantage of it.

"I sold my Taurus 82 when I got the .357 because my philosophy was different at the time (I figured they fit the same niche and I preferred a .357). "
Let that be a lesson to you. Never sell guns, just buy more. You will almost always regret sellling a gun. You may never be able to replace it for any number of reasons. Odds are, you will want to.
 
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14 or.......
23. .38/44 Outdoorsman Target N (large)frame. Takes .38special and cares not about the strength of load.

Sam
 
The model 14 will shoot any .38, but a steady diet of +P won't help much. As far as pricing, I stole mine for $175.00, but they run from $200.00 to about $350.00 for an unused NIB specimen. You should find one for about $275.00-300:cool:
 
Picked up an ex-PD Mdl 10-5 pencil barrel last year for $175. Saw a variety of Mdl 10 HB's ($225), Mdl 15's ($250), Mdl 65's ($260+)
All of this in Metro Philadelphia. Went to the Allentown gun show Saturday and all I can say is add $25+ to the above prices. IMHO if you can find a tight #&#, Ruger Service6, or Colt OP for under $200 OTD jump on it. Since this sounds like a "fun" gun addition you might want to look into Cavim 38Spl ammo. $100 a case from gunsnammo.com. If it's a real target piece you want then you have either the #&# Mdl 14 or Colt Officers Model Match (Refer to previous responses). Good shooting.
SgtMaj13
Semper Fi
 
My choices along this line would be the fixed sight Model 10 or the model 15 (4 " adjustable sight service version of the 14). If powerful loads were a consideration, you have the 357 for that. You can shoot standard ball all day with the 10 & 15.
 
Chaim, I have a couple of dedicated .38s, and am particularly fond of the skinny-barreled Model 10. The Model 15 is probably the best for pure shooting pleasure. I came across a used but pristine GP-100 in .38 not too long ago and had to have it. It is, indeed overkill for the .38 but one should be hard pressed to wear it out with any loads. I think I would recommend adjustable sights, however, unless you just particularly like fixed sights. Be careful, they are kinda addictive. Cheap and pleasant to shoot, accurate, not too noisy, and lotsa history. Just think, the Model 10 has been around, little changed, for over 100 years. Just amazing. There were some real good buys recently on new Heritage series Model 15s as long as you wanted them in nickel. The case-hardened ones weren't discounted at all. Don't know if there are any deals still out there, or how you feel about buying from the "new" Smith and Wesson. Good luck to you. I'm sure you'll be pleased with whatever you choose.
 
I have seen many police trade-in revolvers for sale: M10, M13, M15, M19, M64, M65, M66, M67.

I got a M10 in good condition for $160 and my friend got a M64 in nice shape for less than $200.
These are good guns. The fixed sights are usually right-on for windage, and elevation can be adjusted by hold or load.
The 158 grainers are perfect for elevation.

These guns have seen some use, and they are broken-in.
The trigger and the action are much better than the new S&W revolvers.

Take along Jim March's Revolver Checklist, http://www.thefiringline.com/Misc/library/Revolver-check.html
and enjoy shopping!
 
Don't know if there are any deals still out there, or how you feel about buying from the "new" Smith and Wesson
Click to expand...

I saw some nickel M10s and M15s and a case hardened M10 from the performance center on Gun Broker for about what the regular new M10 goes for around here so I guess there are some deals still.

As far as buying new that would be an essay in itself. I intend to eventually write one but haven't yet. My feelings are mixed, I won't buy right now but don't fault anyone who does. Here is a "short" version.

The new management is better than the old. When buying a company you buy their contracts too. They have made some of the right moves but need to do so very loudly. They also need to try to get it officially ended instead of sitting back and saying that they don't need to since the current administration isn't enforcing it. It is true that it is as good as dead now but instead of saying the new administration means they don't need to bother getting it killed, they should use the new pro-gun rights administration to help get it officially killed more easily. As soon as someone new comes in it could easily be brought back as it is.

Of course when you buy a company you buy their contracts. IMO they are listening more to their lawyers who are afraid the cities or our nation and other interested parties would have a field day with law suits if they publically and loudly ended the agreement (probably true). They are saying some of the right things. I think they are 80-90% there but they need to finish it off for me to be totally happy with them. However, again, it is up to the individual and their conscience and I have no problem with anyone else who chooses to buy a new S&W.
 
Chaim,

Is there any particular reason that you would not buy a K-frame 357 and designate that one as your "38 gun?" I own a model 15 that is a 38 Special only gun. It is a great old gun -- very smooth. I think I would trade it on a model 19, however, and never look back if a good deal came along. I already have a fair number of .357's, and I have no issues with firing .38's in them.

What are your reasons for wanting a ".38-only" gun?

Clemson
 
For a great .38 Special here are a few picks:

M14 is a classic - I've had mine for 32 years, and carried as my duty gun long ago. Used in lots of competition. Best gun I've ever owned, period; had a nice action job done by S&W. (You can also get the K-22 , the rimfire version, M17, to match.)

M15 is the "combat" version with a sloped front sight and 4" barrel.

M19 is a great choice, will take .357 too (not on a steady diet!). Better choice if you want to shoot a few more +p loads.

For fixed sights, get an M10, M13 or the stainless versions.

Don't forget Colts,either - I have a Police Positive which has a 5-inch barrel and fixed sights. Just like a Detective Special with a long barrel. Only problem is it is too old to be approved for +p. Used to have an old Official Police which had a sweet, sweet DA. But Smith owns the SA world in SA/DA revolvers.
 
Is there any particular reason that you would not buy a K-frame 357 and designate that one as your "38 gun?" I own a model 15 that is a 38 Special only gun. It is a great old gun -- very smooth. I think I would trade it on a model 19, however, and never look back if a good deal came along. I already have a fair number of .357's, and I have no issues with firing .38's in them.
Click to expand...

I do have two .357s now, one is a 3" S&W 65LS (K-frame) and one is a 2" Taurus 605 (J-frame equivelent). I shoot .38s in them all the time. It is just that these guns seem to prefer .357s for accuracy and I think that a dedicated .38 may be more accurate with .38s in them. Also, they are cheaper to pick up. They tend to be just a tad lighter (not really that big a deal). All that and I just want one.

I do plan to buy more .357s in the future. I am always on the lookout for a 3" M13 to compliment my 65, I'd like the 686plus, Taurus Tracker in .357 and a Ruger GP 100.
 
Want unique?

If you want something that stands out and is a little different than the run of the mill Ford or Chevy of the gun world, try and find a nice used Colt Police Positive. I think of it as the Chrysler 300D of the gun world. A real class act.
 
You might also consider a Ruger Security/Speed Six in 38 Special. They're usually very inexpensive, $200-250 and make excellent Specials.
 
I favor the old Colt and S&W revolvers I think .38s in a .38 makes sense because it has been my experience to find that .38 Specials lose accuracy and velocity when fired from the larger chambers of the magnum revolvers. Also means more strenuous cleaning of the magnum to avoid build-up in the chambers from using the shorter round. Besides, there are so many great .38s out there everyone should have at least a couple.

I bought a M15 in nickel (I like the shiny guns) from a dealer at a show two years ago for $185. On an auction site I picked up a 2" M10 in blue for $150. That same week I was high bidder on a Police Positive Special in nickel at $85. My best deal recently was a 4" Victory Model (pre-M10) with a bulged barrel. Hard to sell broken guns and the dealer let me have it for $60. I had a 5" commercial barrel in a drawer that I bought on ebay for $5 AND a nice Bianchi holster for a 5" K frame also from ebay and also $5.

Took gun out to garage and clamped barrel in bench vise after drifting out barrel pin. Unscrewed like lid off pickle-jar. Replacement barrel went on and tightened with front sight right at 12:00 position. Pin was a bear, but after polishing and some swearing it finally went in. Everything up to pin took 10 minutes. Pin took 30 minutes. Oh well. Barrel/cylinder gap gauged at .007. Spec is usually .003-.008 so close enough for gov't work. For $70 total cash I have a 5" .38 Special M&P with a nice holster. Oh, I also threw on a vintage set of old "diamond" grips that I picked up at a show for $5. Pretty cool rig for $75.

I see lots of good deals on .38 revolvers becaue most shooters don't want them. Fools. Got an M20 Heavy Duty from FFL at show for $199. Lots of medium frame Colt and S&W .38s up for auction and selling for under $200.

The M14 and the Colt Officer's Model Target/Match revolvers are probably the Cadillacs of service revolvers. Look and can find at $250 +/- and will serve you and your kids and your gandkids.
 
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