Most accurate .38 revolver ?

A

adler58

Inactive
What is the most accurate revolver for range shooting, assuming to use the same .38 wadcutter ammunition?

I am planning to buy a S&W 686P 6" (7 shots).

Any more accurate rev among actual production?
Or any old model to buy used?
 
The most accurate revolver is a Smith & Wesson 'K' Frame Model 14. Since the 1960's the World Centerfire record has been held by one of these (maybe the shooter had something to do with it too.)
If you want to buy a good revolver now - get a S&W 686 6in barrel. The Universal Soldier - none better, and never likely to be. Oh yes, and get a six shot revolver, anything else is an abberation. A sixgun is a sixgun, not a 7, not an 8. Matches are shot with sixguns not strange orphans with an unnecessary hunchback stuck on them.
 
A sixgun is a sixgun, not a 7, not an 8. Matches are shot with sixguns not strange orphans with an unnecessary hunchback stuck on them.
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While I can admire BH's sincere depth of feeling ;) , don't let 7 shots be an issue for you unless you plan to shoot in revolver competition--where the seventh hole MIGHT in fact be an issue (only in some competitions, however; not, e.g., in ICORE). The seventh shot is not a problem in any sense other than its deviation from tradition, and obviously is an advantage in that you have to reload 16.666% less frequently.

Buy a 686 and spend a few years trying to outshoot it (and failing). Or, unless you want to shoot a pile of .357's, buy a 6" 66 and try the same project.
 
For many years, Dan Wesson claimed their revolvers were the most accurate. I tried an unscientific test pitting 6 different .38spec.revolvers against one another and found that the DW was indeed the most accurate. I shot off a bench rest at 25yards on a no wind day. The DW always JUST seemed to eke out smaller groups and higher scores by a hair. One of the revolvers was NOT a model 14 however. The DW I used was one from a pistol pack that was bought new around 1970 (when Dan Wesson was still around). Quantrill
 
The S&W (686) will outshoot you for many years, but any revolver chambered for the .38 Special (rather than the .357 Magnum) will usually group wadcutters better. The K-38 or Model 14 is/was the standard in DA revolvers.

I suppose the Freedom Arms 97 .357 Magnum with the .38 Special cylinder installed might be the most accurate I've owned, shipped with a test target at 25 yards that is sub 1" (matter of fact I've seen none measuring over 1"). Most can manage sub .5" groups with wadcutter ammo at that distance.
 
You may want to shop around and try to find a used S&W Model 14 or 15.

14_4r.jpg


All the ones I own and everyone I've ever shot, have been quite accurate. They can usually be found at very reasonable prices.

Good Luck...

Joe
 
It is Single Action Only, but my Ruger Blackhawk (old flattop) can be a real 'tack driver' if I aim it right and squeeze the trigger smoothly. :D
 
Since the 38 special is noted to be highly accurate in any gun for me would be a hard choice would have to say if pressed my S&W model 10 or my Colt Trooper III but then again my S&W model 66 or ??????????????
 
Guy I used to work with had a S&W mod. 27 6". It had been worked over some, but damn, was that a sweet shooter! He won many a PPC match with that one.
 
Smith model 14 (K-38)
Colt officers model match (Good luck trying to fnd one) :D
Smith 15 and 67 as well.

My stainless model 67 will put them all in the same hole.
 
Another vote for the K-38/Model 14. :D
However, the 686 will work just fine. Most of us aren't good enough to really notice the small difference in accuracy between the two. ;)
 
I bought my S&W model 14 for $120 dollars in 1973. I have had numerous other handguns since then, several of them Smith & Wessons, but none shot any better. I still have it and still shoot it and it still puts them right in there.
Steve.
 
2-nice-3844s.jpg


I do pretty good with these guys. The top one is a nice 1939 38/44 Heavy Duty that has been converted over to target shooting. The bottom one is a 1930 38/44 heavy duty. It was one of the first few hundred made and shipped in the first month of production.

Very accurate when I can use the sights well.
 
Colt Python Target , 8 inch barrel chambered for 38 special. But the truth is my Model 14 S&W is nearly as accurate and much cheaper. I'm the variable thats most likely to be off then either of the revolvers! :eek:
 
I've always been told that the Colt Python had the most accurate box stock barrel. I had good luck with a 6" model back when I shot in matches.
 
THE most accurate revolver I have had the pleasure of shooting was a SmiWesColt. The owner started with a K framed Model of 1905. He had a Colt Officers Model Target 6" barrel installed, Kings sights, trigger, offset hammer and a top rib installed. It had a smooth action and was most accurate. I like my M15 4" S&W.
 
I agree with my friend from "down under", Blue Heeler! :D

Use to be a day when the S&W model 14 ruled all kind's matches~

But buy todays standards, its really hard to beat the new kid on the block,
the six-shot 6" S&W model 686. :D
 
Thank you all, friends,

I will go for a new 686 - 6" barrel - 6 shots (more classic, who wrote such thing is right)

It is a very accurate revolver, its price is ok, I can use it both for range shooting (with 38 WC) and home defence (with 357), last but not least I can mount on it my beautiful wooden grips I've got for my S&W 17, round butt version for K or L frame is the same

http://community.webshots.com/photo/338968761/338971923EmaDIk

http://community.webshots.com/photo/338968761/338971992OqETVy
 
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