Kp321
Member
I know you are referencing revolvers, but the ultimate 38 Special to me is a Smith M-52.
If I must choose a revolver, Smith M-15.
If I must choose a revolver, Smith M-15.
Ultimate .38 Spl To Own (If You Could Only Have One)
- Thread starter Mr. Mosin
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UncleEd
Member
The Model 52 is certainly a very fine pistol but
it is limited to a small range of .38 wadcutter
power levels.
I had a specimen that loved Remington factory
wadcutters but it choked on Winchester factory.
Or maybe it was the other way around. I don't
really remember.
Good topic, but one that many afflicted with 'Magnumitis' will over look. The .38 Special, (aptly named I'd opine) has always been a boon to the world's revolver shooters. It's well balanced volume allows for precision target work, with enough space to handle +P level loads with a variety of powders.
For me the former is a Lyman 35891 button nosed full wadcutter pushed along by a 3.0 grain charge of current production Bullseye. I've yet to run across a Smith, Colt, or Ruger .38 or .357 that wouldn't drop six into 2" or less from the 25 yd line. My own guns, admittedly all but one Magnums will beat that number by 1/2" if I'm having a good eyes day. This is a .38 Special cased load and my alloy is 50-50 Pb to Wheel Weights, sized 0.358"
The latter, (in my use, one of the 'FBI' loads) is comprised of Lyman's 358156 GC backed by 4.4 grains of Bullseye for 950 fps from a 4" tubed Smith. This is a top end load in the +P category so be advised. Again, this is a .38 Special cased load and one that I regularly use in my .357's for everyday carry here on the farm. It's a bit much, IMHO, for a J frame Smith and I tone it down to 4.0 grains of Bullseye for my wife's Model 36 with its full length lugged 3" bbl. It and the more robust +P load will do sub-2" gps. at 25 yds when called upon, from any well cared for Smith.
But the OP was interested in the guns we'd choose...and for me it'd probably shake out to a Smith Model 67 or its blued steel twin, the Model 15. Both are K frames, fit my hands well (and my wife's too), and their 4" bbl's will give me the sighting radius and easy carry characteristics I've loved for over 50 years. Great guns, both, and worthy of careful loading for accuracy potential and stopping power. You'd be hard pressed to find a more pleasant revolver to carry. Best Regards, Rod
For me the former is a Lyman 35891 button nosed full wadcutter pushed along by a 3.0 grain charge of current production Bullseye. I've yet to run across a Smith, Colt, or Ruger .38 or .357 that wouldn't drop six into 2" or less from the 25 yd line. My own guns, admittedly all but one Magnums will beat that number by 1/2" if I'm having a good eyes day. This is a .38 Special cased load and my alloy is 50-50 Pb to Wheel Weights, sized 0.358"
The latter, (in my use, one of the 'FBI' loads) is comprised of Lyman's 358156 GC backed by 4.4 grains of Bullseye for 950 fps from a 4" tubed Smith. This is a top end load in the +P category so be advised. Again, this is a .38 Special cased load and one that I regularly use in my .357's for everyday carry here on the farm. It's a bit much, IMHO, for a J frame Smith and I tone it down to 4.0 grains of Bullseye for my wife's Model 36 with its full length lugged 3" bbl. It and the more robust +P load will do sub-2" gps. at 25 yds when called upon, from any well cared for Smith.
But the OP was interested in the guns we'd choose...and for me it'd probably shake out to a Smith Model 67 or its blued steel twin, the Model 15. Both are K frames, fit my hands well (and my wife's too), and their 4" bbl's will give me the sighting radius and easy carry characteristics I've loved for over 50 years. Great guns, both, and worthy of careful loading for accuracy potential and stopping power. You'd be hard pressed to find a more pleasant revolver to carry. Best Regards, Rod
velocette
Member
Aaaand the votes are in! The Smith & Wesson model 15, Combat Masterpiece wins!
Accurate, reliable, not to big, not too small, just right. Mine is well worn and a worthy revolver.
Accurate, reliable, not to big, not too small, just right. Mine is well worn and a worthy revolver.
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