Help me pick a 38 Special

[moewadle]

revolver. Heres the deal: I like revolvers. I have two western style 22s and a Ruger New Vaquero in .45. I like older things and history. It occurs to me that I would like a .38 special revolver that will shoot both double and single action that is like I saw law enforcement carrying when I was a kid in the 1940s-50s. It would have to be a SW or Colt. I would like a four inch barrel or perhaps longer. I do not want a snubnose. I want it blued with wood factory grips. I would hope not to pay more than $400. It does not need to be in a box or be like new as long as it is in excellent conditon. This is not for a carry weapon or home defense or for carrying in a holster at any time. It is simply something to keep in my home and take to the range in a box or other carrier for enjoying at the range and for owning a quality piece of recent history. Plus, it would be less expensive to shoot than my 45 LC. So, I am sure a lot of you would love to help me. Thanks in advance for all your ideas. I will not be buying this for a couple of months so you all have time to add to this thread. It is appreciated.

 

[ugaarguy]

Well, luckily your $400 price limit makes it easy. A S&W M&P - Military & Police .38 revolver. The M&P, also known as the Model of 1905 Hand Ejector, became the Model 10 in 1957 when S&W switched from names to model numbers. Post WWII models have heat treated cylinders, allowing moderate use of +P ammo, and the improved hammer block, developed during WWII, making them safer. I'll paraphrase what XavierBreath breath originally said 'there were so many M&Ps/Model 10s made, that their price will always be lower than the quality and craftsmanship of revolver you get. Depending on what part of the states you're in $200-$300 will you get you one in excellent condition. These are basic revolvers, but a beauty to hold and shoot. They have the basic fixed front blade, and notched top strap rear sights, with pencil bbls being most common on older guns, and heavy bbls being more common on newer M10s. If you want something similar, but with adjustable sights, there are the K-38s that S&W introduced in the early 50s to meet shooter and LE demand. The K-38 Target Masterpiece, later M14, has an adjustable rear with partride front sights, and heavy bbl, usually 6". The K-38 Combat Masterpiece, later M15, has the same adjustable rear sight, but uses a Baughman type ramped front sight for less chance of snagging holster or uniform; bbls were usually 4" heavy. K-38s of either type, from what I've seen, run abour $50 - $100 more than like M&Ps. The old M&P would be more the more common service revolver, but the K-38/M15 Combat Masterpiece was widely used and the adjustable rear sight might be more appropriate for your desired range use. The craftsman ship, fit, finish, and deep rich blue of these post WWII up late 60s/early 70s (someone else can give a more precise time cutoff) is unequaled.

Now however, I must warn you. I bought a 1947 vintage M&P as my first revolver early this year. I subsequently aquired a M66, the stainless 357 Mag vesion of the K-38; as well as a K-22 Target Masterpiece, the 22LR version of the K-38 Target Masterpiece. These old K-Frames tend to multiply in the gun colection. Have fun.

 

[Blue .45]

My father had one. Although, I'm not sure if it was an M&P or model 10. It had a trigger tension screw on the front of the trigger guard. Very smooth action. My brother has now since my father has past.

 

[RandomMan]

M10 is probably the best choice for you. However a Colt Police Positive (and Police Positive Special) would also fit your needs! Remember to read the Revolver Checkout thread and pick a good one!

Any medium framed .38 special shot with the average mild loads (round nose, FMJ, wadcutter, etc. non +P) should last a LIFETIME or maybe three for you!

-Rob

 

[Majic]

There is also the Colt Official Police.

 

[trainwreck100]

S&W Model 19? Or a stainless variant: S&W model 67 combat masterpiece? It's indestructible since it's stainless, and great fun to shoot. Never have to worry about sweating on it or jamming it either.

 

[Hutch]

If nostalgia and pride of ownership are your goals, then an M&P is a great choice. From that era, there are 10's of thousands out there for sale, in conditions from "like new" to "dragged behind the patrol car". 4 bills will get you a pristine one, imho. Check out the S&W forum, as well.

 

[moewadle]

To Hutch et al

thanks for the thought because that is what I like, nostalgia, history, pride of ownership, but not a safe queen. I want to shoot it. After posting my question and getting the suggestion of a SW10 I did my compulsive thing and sat on the computer and read a reference book studying the 10. As an example of the truth you are stating I saw, among others a 10 made in 1962 I believe with original box and papers and looked excellent...It was $309. So, I don't have the money right now but it is fun shopping and looking and learning. By the way I just tried to order the third edition of a standard SW reference from Amazon.com. They are selling it prepaid because it is not out yet but they will mail when it is. Does anyone know when it is expected to be out???

 

[ugaarguy]

I do not have acces to the S&W forum right now, but if go there you should be able to find an entire sub-forum with info on the SCS&W 3rd Edition. If I remember correctly they're shooting for a Nov/Dec shipping time frame, but that may have changed. www.smith-wessonforum.com

 

[moewadle]

Reporting back only three days later...

I can't believe how fast I did this. I know I am compulsive, but I am also careful. I said originally it would be a couple of months before I could buy one, as said, meaning a SW10. Well, I knew when I went to a small gun show today in Waterloo, IA that I would looking for nice 10s. However, the wierdest thing occurred. The very first table inside the entrance to the show was a guy who sharpens knives on the spot and has a few guns in cases. He had, yes, a SW10, unfired in box with papers and the brush was unopened. His story was that the gun had been sold to him by this elderly lady. Her husband had bought the gun new years ago and now has alzheimers so she wanted to get rid of it. The story sounds true and the gun appears to be unfired. Well, I had not even had time to read up on this firearm model a lot and told the guy I had to study the model more but it was interesting. Anyway, I went around and found one of the gun book dealers and bought the 2nd edition of the SW reference off him (Yes, I know the 3rd is due out soon but I couldn't wait.) so I could study this gun. It is a model 10-5 so made in 1962. I read up on the Model 10 and some other general information about examining a gun and how to check for possible reblueing, etc. Well, I became satisfied and made the guy a counter-offer and he accepted. I looked in someone's brand new edition of the blue book and that is what I essentially paid for this gun. If it was a bit too much...I don't care. It is gorgeous and I only wish I knew how to put my digital photos on this site so I could share it with you. In any event, from posting my question three days ago when I knew very little about typical police issue SWs of the mid-20th century to today I have learned a great deal about the 10 and now own a beautiful copy. I am going out and shoot it. That is what it was made for. Oh, blued, wood grips, 4" barrel. Thanks for your help all of you.

 

[Marshall]

I'm glad to see you made the decision you did, good move. You'll love the gun. Now borrow a digital camera and take some pics!

How much did you buy it for, if you don't mind telling?

 

[digi-shots]

Congratulations on your "new" S&W model 10 !

I've got a model 10-5 that I think is a 1962 vintage. It's got the thinner
tapered, pencil barrel.

I'm awaiting a letter from S&W for shipping dates, details, etc.

My serial number is in the C619,000 range.... just wondered how close yours was to mine?

If you open the cylinder, you should see the model number stamped in the yoke area... MOD 10-5 ?

Mine's a little worn and has seen use but I'm happy with it...

here's a pic:

 

[ugaarguy]

Moewadle, Congrats on your "new" S&W M10 "M&P". Sometimes things just fall into place. Talk about a classic that won't die. They don't make 'em like they used to, but the Model 10 is still being sold by S&W. It's spent more than 100 years in neat continuous production, in one form or another. Maybe we need to add the blued steel 38 Special K-Frame S&W Revolver to death and taxes as the only things certain in life.

 

[greener]

Best shooting hand gun I own is a circa 1930 S&W M&P (Police Special), my father bought used in 1932. Nickel plating is a bit battered. Once you figure out the sights, darned accurate. Trigger in DA is OK. The SA trigger is "don't put your finger there unless you are ready for a loud noise" light. Sweet shooting pistol. Asked on another forum what I could find now that came close to this one and the response was overwhelmingly "another M&P or maybe an older Model 10." Told my wife that I was thinking about passing the revolver on to our favorite son and her response was "this shoots too good. Tell the little $#T&&& he will have to wait until your executrix elects to parcel out the estate."

Don't know about this one being better than the new ones, but they would have to meet a pretty high standard.

 

[moewadle]

Guys thanks for the replies and

let me correct myself. As I study much more closely the reference book I bought today before I bought the gun I realize that the 10-5 was probably made in 1975. Now this does not disappoint me but originally in reading about the modifications I misunderstood something. Anyway, it is Model 10-5 without the diamond design around the grip screw and has a D prefix and the serial number combined with the mod # puts it at 1975 or very slight chance of 1976. Okay, here is what I paid. As I said I may have paid what some people call too much but I paid right at the brand new blue book for new in box. The blue book says 472 The guy had 595 on it and I said I would give him a hundred less and he took it, but I had to pay the sales tax of course. If you want to comment on that, fine, but I am happy with it. By the way, maybe that sounded defensive. Please give comments...maybe I didn't get the best deal in the world but, truly, I am content. Just because it is a beautiful, probably never fired, a product of great workmanship and history, and I will be the first to fire it. Guys, got to go back to my football game. Thanks again. PS, I do have a digital camera, do not need to borrow one but have to learn how to put photos on this site.

 

[Huddog]

Congratulations on the purchase, regardless of what you paid for it I'm sure you will enjoy it. My first duty weapon in 1980 was a police trade in Model 10-6, blue, with a heavy barrel. I added pacmyer grips and carried it for several years. I changed departments and was issued a handgun, the mdl 10 became my patrol car gun. It has plenty of holster wear and has had many, many rounds through it, yet it is still the weapon I reach for when my sons and I are going to the range just for fun. I have had to fight hard to keep one of them or my wife from claiming it, and have never felt underarmed when it was with me.

 

[Marshall]

I have seen them used but as NIB with only a few shot fired for $495.00. A brand spanking new one for that is price is one I would have bought. Enjoy!

 

[moewadle]

For digi shots and others

the serial number range on mine is the low D810xxx. Using that to reference the guide and the fact it is a 10-5 with a pencil barrel I figured out the probable issue date from other statements the reference book made.

 

[moewadle]

Just ecstatic with my Model 10

I was at the range today and had my SW 10 and another 38 Special revolver. I just love that 10. I am not much of a shot but man I can shoot respectably with that wonderful, wonderful revolver. I just wanted to tell you all thanks and I am enjoying the heck out of that gun.

 

[.41Dave]

An S&W model 15 might be just the ticket. They are classic revolvers, very accurate, and they can be had pretty cheap because most people want .357 magnums, not .38s.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

I am pretty fond of the heavy duty's. Sorry about the out of date picture. It is short a couple.

The lower left one is my working gun when I am in the field. I found most folks don't think much of a geologist with a revolver as when I carried a Glock 20 and a few mags. I got more grief when I had the glock then I ever did with the revolver.

 

[bakert]

Moewadle, you made a good choice. Here's another well worn model 10-5. This pic hides most of the nicks, dings and worn bluing but they're there. Thing is, it's still very tight and hits where I point it. Also regardless of what some of the auto fanciers might tell you it makes a fine carry gun for self defence.

 

[Trebor]

The Model 10 is a great gun. If you only own one revolver, that should be at the top of the list. I'm glad your enjoying your revolver.