[huckleberg]

Looking for a small, concealable 6rd .38+P ... not having much luck, found a Taurus and a Charter Arms (plus a few clearly inferior models).

Would like a 2 to 3 inch barrel, a front sight that can be replaced with a night sight. There are some great options in .327 Fed Mag but I am pretty locked into .38 as I reload it and have 2 others that I shoot regularly.

Have been thinking about getting a used model 10 and having some serious work put into it ... Opinions appreciated!

(also, I am new to THR, hello from NoVA, where I shoot at NRAHQ range ...

[9mmepiphany]

Welcome to the forum.

It sounds like you are describing the Colt 2.5" Diamondback. It is a great gun, but a bit pricey if you can find one

[TMann]

My Colt Detective Special fits the bill, except for the front night sight requirement. Unfortunately, there's not much out there that fits your requirements.

TMann

[skt239]

Welcome fellow Novinian!

Buds has used 3inch model 10 for under $300 if I remember correctly. As usual, they probably have cosmetic flaws but should be mechanically sound.

[sidheshooter]

To scratch much the same itch, I went with a used model 10 worked over by cylinder and slide, including a dovetailed front sight. The dovetail currently sports a gold bead, but you could have them put a night sight in, FWIW.

I also have a stock model 12, which is excellent; those could be similarly massaged, though I can't bring myself to chop up mine.

[JERRY]

Colt made the smallest 6 shot d/a .38 special.

[Texan Scott]

I have an old Colt Cobra. It's older than I am, nice and lightweight... i have it in a pocket holster right now. Thing still locks up as tight as any Taurus i've handled brand new. I really wish they'd start making these again, i want a new one.

[ArchAngelCD]

The Colt Detective and Colt Agent are the 2 small 6 round revolvers perfect for carry. Unfortunately they are out of production and have been for a long while.

Some may disagree but I think the Charter Arms Police Undercover (http://www.charterfirearms.com/products/Charter_Undercover_73840.asp) is a good choice if you're looking for a small current 6 round snub-nose revolver.

Like said Taurus also has one but I'm not a fan and so does Rossi but in a .357 Magnum form. I don't care for the Rossi either. If you want a current revolver I think the Charter Arms is the only real choice available.

[ColtPythonElite]

I'd rather have one used Colt Agent/Cobra/Detective Special/Diamondback, than two of the brand new current offerings made by the other guys.

[PRM]

I like my Colts - but, find myself carrying a five shot Model 60 S&W pretty regular. I really like the stainless for carry. Easy to keep and touch up if needed. Mine is a Model 60-9 which could have the front sights changed out pretty easy. The new S&W Model 60 Pro-Series comes with night sights.


Mine was hand polished with Mother's Mag Polish to get the high gloss finish.

[jimbo555]

Ruger speed six is another option,not the smallest but probably the strongest and available in 357magnum!

[huckleberg]

thanks for the ideas ... was hoping maybe there was some model i had missed in all my research ... would like a 3" model 10 all customized-up, but will prolly just wind up with a 5-shot J-frame ... :(

[Radagast]

You'll probably have more luck finding a 3 inch Model 13 or Model 65, basically the model 10 but in .357 magnum.
There were also some small runs of 3 inch Model 66s with adjustable sights, including a couple of runs with a removable front sight and ported barrel.

[Taroman]

While I have several J-Frames in 38 Special, two of the classic S&W K Frames fill the bill quite nicely
First is the Model 64. No problem using +P in this one.
http://www.hverovhe.com/64-2.jpg
Next up is the Airweight model 12. Not sure about +P in this one, though I read it's been done with no harm.
http://www.hverovhe.com/12-3.jpg
Another advantage of the K-frames is a much better DA trigger than is reasonably possible with the smaller guns.
This is due to the better geometry of their working parts.