The 38 sp is specal to me

S

sheepman

New member
Recently traded a Charter arms Bulldog 44 SP for a S&W 15 4" , the bulldog was like new 3" early model and the S&W 15 was a police trade in with target hammer and trigger and a lot of holster ware but mechanically like new. While I am a fan of big and slow I shoot the S&W better, the 44 hurt my hands to shoot, though it shot to point of aim. Now at nearly 70 years old I am better off with a gun that I shoot well, even if it is not 40+ caliber. Over the years have owned and shot a lot of magnum handguns but now with arthritic hands the non magnum guns are the best for me.

For me the 38 sp in a K frame gun just works. This may not be the best for some one else but it works for me. My other handgun of choice is a 1911 in 45 acp, it also does not hurt my hands to shoot.

By the way the light weight 38 sp j frames don't work either, have owned several. :)
 
The same here, on both counts.
Enjoy your new/old Smith.
Let us know if you digress to .22s only.
I think about it sometimes. :o
 
The 38 Special is THE classic revolver cartridge. During the 1980s and 1990s as police departments switched to semi auto pistols cheap, police trade in 38 revolver were everywhere. I did my part to take in as many as possible.

A fella on another forum just talked me out of one of my 38s, but I still have 18 of them hanging around the house...and another 3 in 38 S&W.
 
Heh, I was just thinking along the same lines today:

How recoil does little to excite me at my 53 years of age. Knocking the center out of my target after just a few wadcutter rounds through my Smith M67 suits me just fine these days. Thirty years ago, my 44 Magnum was probably my most shot gun. Things change.

I am starting to get arthritic hands too. Most notably, the index finger of my support hand; my thumb on my shooting hand - they ache after every range trip. Nothing debilitating, but enough to know my time is coming.

My K-frame 38 Special is far and away my favorite gun to shoot these days too.
 
Hi Sheepman,
Just a couple yrs. behind you. Sold or Traded my Semi's for the same reason.
Switch to 357's and practice firing 38P+and 357's about 5 to 1 times per range practice. Same reason as you.
Let you guys know when I get to "Spit Balls" at 20 paces.

Doc
 
No pictures, yet? Here's an oldie...

standard.jpg
 
You cannot go far wrong choosing a .38 Special revolver for a carry piece.

I'm still partial to my S&W .44 Special, but the .38 Special still gets taken out for walks now and then.
 
Maybe, just maybe, as we get older we realize there are three types of cartridges: .38 SPL, larger, and smaller.
 
Howdy

Yup, the 38 Special is certainly special. I have so many K frame Smiths I keep swearing I'm not going to buy any more.

Couldn't pass up this like new in the box 14-3 last year.

model14-3box01_zps11bcad92.jpg
 
Couldn't agree more. I started with the 38 special, when I first got into hand guns. After messing with lots of different designs and calibres....and dropping wheelguns the cartridge for a while....I've now come full circle back to 38 special (and revolvers). Never intend to stray again.
 
Count me in as another who appreciates the .38 special. I load and shoot more .38's than all my other calibers combined. Aside from it being pleasant to shoot, accurate, and sufficiently powerful, I like not having to chase brass.
 
Add me to the list. While my 357 gun outnumber pure 38's, I very seldom shoot 357 ammo in them.

And my favorite gun, of any kind, is a Model 15-2, with TH, TT, and diamond target stocks.





I can't think of a more delightful way to spend an hour or so than at the range with 100 or so reloads.

Because I like "old school" stuff, this became my carry gun after it's first trip to the range. It just looks and feels right to me.

1961 Colt Cobra.



 
38 spl

I personally think the 38 spl is making a comeback of sorts.I hear of lots of people opting for one instead of autos or more powerful chambered guns.As you know it is a capable SD round and the newer better designed ammo has many folks giving it a second look.It got an undeserved reputation as not being able to put a bad guy down,and I think that was due more to the use of LRN loads at modest velocities even for 38's.Some people still want to bring up the fact that the military went to a 45 because 38's didn't cut it,not realizing that it was the 38 S&W not the special that was at fault.I don't find any fault with your choice it is a good one I think.Newer powders have upped velocities and new bullet designs are making it a much more potent round.It has always had a reputation for good accuracy and almost anyone can handle the recoil with practice.I have reloaded thousands of them and 357's so it has become a good friend to me.Mostly I cast a 125 rnfp for it and load them with a near max load of Red Dot, Unique,Herco or HP-38 which ever I have at the time.It really works well with a variety of powders which is another one of its merrits.
 
I also like the 38spl. I got a Ruger Sp101 in 357 magnum for a house gun for the wife. I down load it to 38spl/38spl+p for her. I do still like to shoot the 357 magnum in it but the 38spl gets lots of time in it. What weight in 38spl to you guys like the best? 125gr,158gr?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top