[shortchineesekid]

Well, I am looking to buy a 4" .38 only (cant be a .357) revolver for a security job. I was wondering which revolver you think is best.
A used (Like New) Colt Diamondback for 500.
A new Smith and Wesson model 64 for 475.
A new Smith and Wesson model 67 for 525.
I would really appreciate your oppinions.
thanks.

[RonE]

If the choice is only those three, I like the Colt.

[W.E.G.]

Definitely the Colt, as any of the NEW Smith and Wesson guns are going to have that godawful lock crap on them.

[Bearhands]

Seems like there are many more/and/or better choices...... how bout a S&W mod 15? But then it all depends upon what you intend to do with it?

[RevolvingCylinder]

Why new S&W's? They're quality is far inferior to older models and they're more expensive. It's a no-brainer.

[savit260]

I'd take that Colt Diamondback over any new Smith any day. That's a total no brainer,and a fine revolver.

I'm sure you could get a sweetheart of a pre lock Smith for a fair amount less too. I don't consider any new S&W revolver to be up for consideration. There are far too many good used ones on the market, particularly in .38 Special IMO.

[Evil Dog]

If those are the ONLY choices I'd go for the Diamondback. There are plenty of good used S&W's out there though which would cost a heck of a lot less. A Model 10 or Model 15 immediately comes to mind, either with the heavier barrel. No lock and forged parts... you just can't beat it.

[351 WINCHESTER]

The new smiths that I've handled were just so-so at best. Try and find a used one made about 20 years ago, K frame. Most of the revolvers smith is turning out today would never left the factory 20 years ago, unless someone screwed up. Sad, but true.

[michael_aos]

I have 2 Model 67's and a Model 64.

For just general-purpose, do-everything, fun-to-shoot the Model 67 wins.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/images/firearms/162802_large.jpg

[.41Dave]

Go with a used S&W model 10, 15, 64, or 67. They will cost less and be better guns than the new ones, sad as that is to say.

[ArchAngelCD]

If you are going to stick to the 3 listed choices buy the Colt.

Welcome to the forum....

[The Lone Haranguer]

Where is this $500 Diamondback? :what:

Unless it is worn out or damaged and would take an excessive amount of money to repair, I would get that.

[earplug]

Depending on what your intend to do with the revolver. S&W if you are going to shoot it much. Colt if you just going to safe it.
If your only going to target shoot it as A .38 I would get the S&W.
Let A colector, safe queen the Colt.
Box wine creeps up.

[ArchAngelCD]

earplug,
While I know many people buy guns just to look at them I have to disagree with you. IMO a gun was made to be shot. Since the Diamondback is "like new" and not NIB it should be shot like the craftsman who built it intended. A fine handgun should be enjoyed, but by shooting it, not looking at it. I don't think someone who chooses to put a gun away and not shoot it is wrong to do so. They have that right since it's their gun and should do as they please with it. I just don't agree with them and wouldn't do it because of the above reasons.

[earplug]

No offence intended to anyone to buy A Colt or any other firearm to shoot and enjoy.
But! offered the firearms described I would shoot the S&W and safe queen the Colts.
I have owned several Colt Pythons. Nice firearms. IMHO if they were great shooters instead of great lookers, the would still be in production.
Most firearms perform much better then I do.
You did not see may Colts in the of Revolver PPC matches.

[ArchAngelCD]

I guess we will have to agree to disagree LOL.

I have to agree with one thing though, you don't see many Colts in PPC matches.

shortchineesekid,
I will make one more suggestion. I would get a revolver with adjustable sights so you can use any ammo you like while at the range. If you intend upon carrying it concealed all the time you might want to get a revolver with fixed sights. (so the sights won't hang up on clothing when the gun us drawn)

[RON in PA]

Do not buy the Colt, buy a revolver that is backed up by a company that can repair its products and will be able to do so in the future. That means a Ruger or a Smith.

Since you specified the S&W models 64 or 67 let me say that either gun is excellent, the major difference being the adjustable sights on the 67. My experience with many K frames is that the fixed sights work very well with 158 grain ammo.

While it is very common to read that new Smiths are trash, don't compare to the good old days, etc. etc., my experience with five post 2000 Smiths, 4 with the dreaded lock, is that they are well built, finished, reliable and accurate. There is nothing wrong with MIM parts except the aesthetics and while I don't like the lock, mostly because of the looks, they have never failed in thousands of rounds. I also have approximately 30 non-MIM, non lock Smiths dating back to 1918, some may be prettier, but it isn't night and day like some would claim.

Yes I have some Colts, an OP from 1943 and a PPS from 1962. The workmanship is nice, but they are not the shooting gun that a Smith is, I'm a DA shooter and Colts suck in this department. That's my MHO. That only Colts I'll recommend are the NRM 1911 and the various AR-15 variants. Bet some of you boys still drive Model Ts cause they don't make tham like they used to.

[Ala Dan]

Colt Diamondback :scrutiny:;)

[Walkalong]

Colt.

ROLL TIDE

[Sistema1927]

The fact that you specified ".38 only" makes me question the specific task(s) to which this revolver is going to be used. Is this for a security job? Some other application? Unless we know these things it would be difficult to make a sound reccommendation.

[shortchineesekid]

thanks everyone and it is for a security job

[billhilly66]

I"d try to find a model 10 for $200 or so.

[dbarale]

If you can find a Ruger Service Six in .38Spl that would be ideal. I recently saw one at a gun show for 250$ in great shape.

[doc2rn]

I would get a new S&W Model 10. Alot cheaper than the diamondback and the longest running 6-shot .38 on the market.

[Elm Creek Smith]

I'd get the Diamondback for $500.00. They are shooters, and the reason Colt isn't making them anymore doesn't have anything to do with the guns. I'd use the Colt for security work just long enough to earn enough money to buy a good used S&W Model 10 or Colt Police Positive Special as a carry gun. The Diamondback can then be your "barbeque gun."

ECS

[SlamFire1]

Well, I am looking to buy a 4" .38 only (cant be a .357) revolver for a security job. I was wondering which revolver you think is best.
A used (Like New) Colt Diamondback for 500.
A new Smith and Wesson model 64 for 475.
A new Smith and Wesson model 67 for 525.
I would really appreciate your oppinions.

The reason so many people have voted Colt Diamondback, is that they want one. For $500.00 that is a deal for a like new Diamondback revolver. However it you buy it, and carry it, you will scratch it up and put wear on the bluing. If you drop it, which happens, and require gunsmithing to get it back in order, you will pay a premium finding someone who still works on Colts. It is my considered opinion that using a Diamondback as a daily carry gun is in the same category as having as a daily driver some classic sportscar. Fun at first. But at the first $2000 tire change, you find out you are really paying real money for the privilege.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colt_Diamondback


A fixed sight revolver like a M64 is basically fool proof. I have always liked the concept of fixed sight revolvers for self defense, they are about the most rugged package around. No sight blades or sight screws to come loose. As a self defense gun, a used one of these would be far better deal. http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/images/firearms/162506_thumb.jpg

While a M67 allows you to adjust the sights, you will find that the extra you pay for, will be difficult to recoup on resale. 30 years ago the 38 was considered a good self defense round, and the revolvers were not hard to sell. Today, the high caps are the rage, and it is harder to find someone who wants a 38/357. http://www.gunshopfinder.com/smithandwesson/model67.jpg

In my opinion, and as you have read some others here to, if you have a friend who can help you select out a used M10, get that. The price will probably be $150 to $200 less than the M64 or M67, and if you wish to sell it in the future, resale will be closer to what you paid for it. I have gone through a bunch of M10’s, most were carried by security guards, they often show holster wear, but mechanically, most were fine. Find one with about 90% or better bluing, check the timing, the crane fit, the barrel, and the trigger. Also make sure the sights are not dinged up. If it is good, then the pistol is good.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v479/SlamFire/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20Pistols/ReducedSWM10-5serialnumberD483395le.jpg

[dbarale]

I just saw a nearly new 10-6 4" heavy barrel today for 275$.
They are out there, this one barely had a turn line on the cylinder...

[dodging230grainers]

I'd go with a 4" Model 10.

~100 years of faithful military/LEO service is hard to top.

[def4pos8]

I'd go with a USED Model 64 with a Model 67 as alternative.

Unless you know how to "tune" a Smith (Not hard -- you just have to know the techniques.) and break it in (ceaseless dry-fire) find a used example. I found a 1974-production, "new in box", Model 67 within the past year for $425.

I respect Colt revolvers but now that they are out of production, finding service and parts support will become more entertaining as time goes by.

All Colts are not created equal. A Colt fanatic buddy of mine was "somewhat dismayed" to discover that my well-used Redhawk felt better, single- or double-action, than his Python. I'd like to think that his example was a "friday afternoon" or "monday morning" gun. Smith or Ruger might skunk you too but they're not expected to walk on water.

[Boulder]

If I were in your situation I would probably pick the 64.

[Ala Dan]

Well, from your list I would also vote for the Diamondback; but then again,
they are gett'in scarce my friend. If you can swing the transaction, buy
the Colt as an investment; then look for a less expensive (used but not
abused) S&W model 15 for your security job; as the m-15 will also have
the adjustable sights. We just sold one, in 'bout 98% NRA condition for
$225~! :uhoh:;)

[ironvic]

I like the new S&Ws just fine. I bet my life on a new 686 Plus and it shoots very well, the trigger job is one of the best Smith has ever made. Hate the lock, but it doesn't bother me really, just useless extra parts--I guess lawyers gotta eat too! I have owned many S&Ws over the past 30 years as well as Colts. I like both brands, but lean toward the S&W.

BTW--if it was me, I'd look for an old S&W Model-15 in 4" for security work if I was limited to .38 Special. A model 10 or any of the stainless variants of the above in 4" would be just fine as well.

For a really versatile piece, will your job allow a .357 loaded with .38 Specials for duty?

Ironvic

[ironvic]

Just another thought. If you have a dealer near you that sells to law enforcement, you can get very good guns at bargain prices. I tend to collect "law enforcement trade-ins" as they call them and the ones I have bought tended to have moderate to heavy holster wear, but pristine innards. You can also be pretty much assured that they were professionally serviced throughout their careers. Revolvers are getting harder to find as LE trade-ins, but you'll still see a few.

My most recent buy was a Sig P-226 (9MM) with 90% finish, bright bore, almost no wear on the frame rails with the original hicap 15 rd. mag and super accurate for only $400. I love that gun, it's action is buttery smooth and it hasn't malfunctioned once! A bonus is that I know it was once used by a federal agent in the performance of his duties and he staked his life on it.

Ironvic

[sixgunner455]

If I'm collecting guns, I'm getting that Colt. In fact, I wouldn't be posting asking if I should, I'd have posted pics saying "ain't she purty!"

But since you are buying a gun for a security job, I would suggest in as strong as possible terms that I can that you get a used Smith and Wesson model 10 or 15 or a Ruger Speed Six and don't look back. This is a work gun. Therefore, function is primary. You can get a fine gun for a lot less money. You may even find a former cop's gun that hit the bricks in a scuffle or three, but that is still mechanically perfect for a comparative steal.

That's what I would buy, if I were working security and was limited to a .38 Special revolver. I'd expect to be able to get one for less than $300 dollars. If I got a really good deal, down around $200 or so, I would then promptly spend the rest of my "work gun" fund, which looks like it's about $500 dollars, on a Smith and Wesson 642 for a pocket or ankle gun to back up the belt gun.