Think I need a .38 Special.

R

Rinspeed

New member
Never owned or even shot a K frame S&W so I'm thinking maybe it's time to look at picking up another classic S&W. Only problem is there are so many model numbers I know nothing about I'm looking for suggestions. I already have three or four .357s and I'm such a huge fan of the .38 Special I think the idea is a good one.

The model 15 is pretty much what I think I'm looking for but what others should I consider. Are the -2 15s pinned and recessed like the other S&Ws of the era and did they stop both features with the -3. I'm pretty sure I want an adjustable rear sight and red ramped front. Also I believe the early ones were called the combat masterpiece, when did they stop calling them this. Any opinions are welcome other than buying a newer S&W because they just have no soul at all in my opinion.
 
I got my first K-frame earlier this year. Absolutely love it. It's a sweet gun to shoot - point-n-click - bullseye. It's a M67. Got it new. 4" bbl.

Basically, there are 4 models - but there are many more less common ones too.

Model 10. Your basic fixed sight, blue. Very common police issue for decades.
Model 15. A model 10 with adjustable sights, basically.

Model 64. A stainless steel model 10 basically.
Model 67. A stainless steel model 15 basically.

All are good. Hard to go wrong. Just really fun guns to shoot.
 
I just picked up this Model 64 a few weeks ago:

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Already I am endeared to this revolver. Why I waited so long to get a K-frame .38 I'll never know! OP... without a doubt, you need a K-frame.

I got this one from J&G Sales. It's a police/security trade in gun, in near perfect condition with just minor holster wear from it's previous life. It locks up and shoots very well. I added the Pachmayr presentations and painted the front sight orange.

These were on sale last month for $299 though I think the sale is over on that website. I'm so very glad I got it when I did! As a matter of fact this gun is on my hip right now with a couple speedloaders full of 158 grain LSWCHP +Ps. :)
 
If you are not planning to compete with it, or hunt with it, consider changing your mind about the adjustable rear/red ramp front sights. If you arelooking to pick up another "classic", why not the quintessential K frame...Model 10 4" heavy barrel?
Great shooters, and the standard of law enforcement for decades!
I've had this one for over 40 years. :D

 
I had one and loved it, still don't know why I sold it. It was a "10" and was a Georgia Highway Patrol issued weapon from the 60's. It was a tack driver at 25yds even with the fixed sights. I am a Ruger fan/owner but S&W makes a fine revolver.
 
I have a thing for the k-frames and own a drawer full in 22LR, 38spl and 357. They're all very fine pieces. When you find that Model 15 you want, you're going to be a happy guy.
 
K-frames

I own two. A 4" 65 and 2-1/2 66. Its primary diet consists of 95% mid range 38 special. Both are boringly accurate. I would love to have a 64 like above. The combat magnums are probably my favorite revolvers. I love my k frames. Now I just need a 6" to round out my collection. That excludes the 3" because they are way up there. Edited to say I know you're looking for an exclusive 38 but just thought I'd share my experience with K-frames and the cartridge.
 
Like others have mentioned, you will be pleased with a 15.

The 'Combat Masterpiece' was re-named the Model 15 when S&W went to numbers in the late 50s.
However, ask owners of a -1, 2, or 3 (like myself) and they'll tell you it is still the Combat Masterpiece.
These 1950s and 60s guns were built to last a lifetime with actions that did not feel like a bucket of sand had been dumped in them.
They were built by folks that actually cared about the quality of their work and it shows.
This was back in a time when Smith&Wesson had guns sent to them for refinish or re-building, not for warranty work.

Away from my Smith reference books. Maybe others will be along with changeover dates and dashes.

The -2 and -3 Models 15s are pinned barrel guns.
They were never made with recessed cylinders. Makes for easy visual of the pistols chambers.
I always figured the center-fire recessed chambers thing for the Magnums was a marketing ploy
(as balloon head cases were pretty much out of use by then),
but there is some merit to headspacing off of the back of the case rim as opposed to the front of it.

I do not recall offhand if the red ramp was ever a standard on a 15.
I don't recall ever seeing one so sighted anyway.

My 2" 15-3 outshoots my 4" -2 off the bench and is the most trusted (for working every time) gun I own.

JT
 
There are many variations of K frame 38s and all are good. If you want just one to own and use the 15 (or Combat Masterpiece before 1957) is an excellent choice. I have an early CM in blue and a 15-3 in nickel (I like the shiny guns). The 15 has polished stags.

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BTW- The Model 10 (Military & Police before 1957) was also offered in nickel. This one wears ivory.

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Technically the 32-20 was a separate model from the Military & Police but they are identical except for caliber. This is my oldest K frame. Shoots fine.

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PS: May want to keep an open mind about a Colt.

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I have a Combat Masterpiece (pre 15) and a M & P 5" - comparing the two - CM has the adjustable sight and the M & P doesn't - both are excellent revolvers but I still find myself grabbing the M & P 5" as I prefer it over most of my DA revolvers. Once you "learn" your revolver (as in the M & P or Model 10) you'll know where it hits with the load you develop for it (I reload) and it all becomes "second nature".

Lots of good 38s out there and lots of models - just try 'em and see what "fits" you. I carry a Model 36 snub and love it. I recently picked up a Model 36 with a 3" barrel and am really enjoying shooting it. A J frame versus a K frame and 5 shots versus 6 shots. I don't have "large hands" and I find the K frame to be an ideal size to shoot.

Good luck in your search . . you'll find something that you really like and then you'll wonder how you ever got along without it. I think everyone should have at least one good 38 spl. :)
 
My Model 15-3 does have red insert/white outline sights.
I was looking for a Model 10 when I found it...for $175. It had been reblued, so it looks good, even though the S & W stamp on the frame got polished down.
It shoots like a dream, and is definitely a Combat Masterpiece.
 
One thing to remember about pre-1957 Smiths -- they are not generally rated for +P ammo. The change by SW in 1957 to model numbers coincided with some changes in metallurgy which strengthened the guns. Some argue that +P is still ok to use in the in the pre-57 guns but, IMO, there's no reason to stress these guns.

I own a number of .38 K-frames. My favorite post-57 revolver is my Model 15.
 
Think I need a .38 Special.
Click to expand...

Don't be silly. Of course you do.

These look a little rough around the edges, but then so do I.

Model 15-3.



Model 10-7. Unlike a lot of people I prefer the tapered barrel Model 10 to the heavy.

 
There is absolutely no difference in metal or design between the last S&W made without a model and the first one made with a model number so why is that the deciding factor? The +P ammo wasn't offered until 1973 so how did they know in 1957 to change the guns? Factory +P is not loaded to dangerous pressures so if it says 38 Special on the barrel it's OK with +P* (for the 10,000th time).


* Might draw the line in the late teens before they tempered the cylinders.
 
Wow, you guys are awesome and I appreciate the very cool pics. I had thought about a 10 but I really think I'm pretty set on a rear sight.
 
It happens to be the "current deciding factor" as Smith & Wesson is still the current source for this information. Not a well-intentioned gentleman with a burr under his saddle, one who might be reminded that YES, not only has he taken his firm soapbox stance "10,000 times" but typically, every 12th time or so he assures us (falsely) that he "gives up" and won't continue to beat his chest over it... and yet... :rolleyes:

Smith & Wesson, for better or worse, says that any revolvers made with model numbers are okay to shoot with +P ammo.

Some may argue this point, passionately and perhaps even factually, but that does not change the official statement from the manufacturer.
 
I have five .38's. I'm not sure I "need" any more, but if I happen onto a deal on another, I'll wind up owning six.

The oldest: M1899 Hand ejector target, mfg 1901
IMG_3562-XL.jpg


The good, the bad and the ugly, unfired 15-3, pre 15 CM and a 15-2
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1950 K38 masterpiece,
IMG_3573-XL.jpg
 
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