Deanimator
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38 Caliber K frames
- Thread starter Jonesy814
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Zendude
Member
Just recently got a new 67-5. Never shot a K (or L) frame before. Now I know what all the fuss is about.
ThomasT
Member
If you think K frames are overlooked and forgotten try bidding on some of them listed on Gunbroker. They go for stupid expensive prices now and usually have several bids on them. The model 10 and 15 and their SS counterparts are just some of the best basic guns you can own. A model 15 from the Ft Worth PD has been my HD weapon for at least the last 25 years. I have several autos in the safe but see no reason why my trusted model 15 needs to be retired.
I have a model 65 but pretty much just shoot mid range 357s in it. I would love to have another skinny barrel model 10 with a 4" barrel to go with the skinny barrel 6" version I have. Old duty guns never go out of style.
I have a model 65 but pretty much just shoot mid range 357s in it. I would love to have another skinny barrel model 10 with a 4" barrel to go with the skinny barrel 6" version I have. Old duty guns never go out of style.
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Hoppes Love Potion
Member
K-frame .38 Specials are handgun perfection. I have several K-38s. Would like to add a fixed-sight snub.
J-Bar
Member
ThomasT
Member
One of the great things about the 38 special is that it will do some of its best work with simple, inexpensive lead bullets. There is no real need for $1 per round ammo. That makes it cheap to practice with. Accuracy is more important than whatever fad bullet you are using this week. An all lead hollow point or even the simple SWC lead or a solid lead wadcutter that is loaded to 850~900fps will give good service.
2ndamd
Member
Thank you for the thread.
The k frame 38 ate my favorite as well.
Currently I have a 4 inch 64 that was well priced and like new. Very accurate shooter.
I also have two 2 inch 64s. One pinned and no dash the other is a 64-4 that is my beside handgun and it is a serious shooter.
I am looking to adding a 3 inch a 6 inch and in time a model 64 357 mag.
Dang k frames are addicting!
And don't get started on my j frame addiction
The k frame 38 ate my favorite as well.
Currently I have a 4 inch 64 that was well priced and like new. Very accurate shooter.
I also have two 2 inch 64s. One pinned and no dash the other is a 64-4 that is my beside handgun and it is a serious shooter.
I am looking to adding a 3 inch a 6 inch and in time a model 64 357 mag.
Dang k frames are addicting!
And don't get started on my j frame addiction
SwampWolf
Member
One of my favorite revolvers to carry concealed is my Model 12 snub with a round butt. Almost as convenient to carry comfortably as my vintage Colt Cobra. Almost.
Reeferman
Member
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2013
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It’s not as old as some but it’s the first K frame I bought and it is a tack driver.
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?attachments/b587e949-32b4-415a-9ecf-fb8cd6d64472-jpeg.768620/
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?attachments/b587e949-32b4-415a-9ecf-fb8cd6d64472-jpeg.768620/
NMPOPS
Member
I only have two K frames right now a 64-4 and a 65-2
2ndamd
Member
Very nice k frames!
I think I need another model 64.
Looking for a three inch or six inch this time.
I think I need another model 64.
Looking for a three inch or six inch this time.
dbmjr1
Member
GunnyUSMC
Member
No.
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The K-frames make great range guns and adequate (with at least a 4 inch barrel) defense guns. I think that S&W got the grip just right in size and putting a pair of HOGUE rubber grips makes it a perfect fit for me. I do not own a .357 K-frame, but was issued a 3 inch barreled, model 13 many years ago. Great to carry, not so good to shoot. Also, the quality control of our guns was spotty.
I picked up a battered, but otherwise tight model 15 about 3 years ago and it became a favorite range gun. I shoot either the 130 Air Force load or WINCHESTER Defend 130 grain load plus qualify with the REMINGTON 125 grain +P sjhp which I use as a defense load. It is quite pleasant to shoot and should do the job.
Skip the 2 inch models for defense. The barrel is just too short and the velocity too low for me to choose it over something else this size (K frame). I like the Security and Service SIX with 110 grain .357 magnum loads in this size gun with a 4 inch barrel. Like I said, I do not like snub barrels.
I also have owned and shot a 9m.m. S&W 547 and became disenchanted with it. It shot very well, more accurately than any .38 I have show, but did not hold up as well.
I will pass on a K-frame .357 magnum. I have shot at least 3 different guns and was not satisfied with any of them. I eventually purchased a S&W 681 (L frame) as a carry gun till I could switch to a GLOCK.
Jim
I picked up a battered, but otherwise tight model 15 about 3 years ago and it became a favorite range gun. I shoot either the 130 Air Force load or WINCHESTER Defend 130 grain load plus qualify with the REMINGTON 125 grain +P sjhp which I use as a defense load. It is quite pleasant to shoot and should do the job.
Skip the 2 inch models for defense. The barrel is just too short and the velocity too low for me to choose it over something else this size (K frame). I like the Security and Service SIX with 110 grain .357 magnum loads in this size gun with a 4 inch barrel. Like I said, I do not like snub barrels.
I also have owned and shot a 9m.m. S&W 547 and became disenchanted with it. It shot very well, more accurately than any .38 I have show, but did not hold up as well.
I will pass on a K-frame .357 magnum. I have shot at least 3 different guns and was not satisfied with any of them. I eventually purchased a S&W 681 (L frame) as a carry gun till I could switch to a GLOCK.
Jim
Gladius
Member
The only K-frame .38 I have is this vintage pre-model 10. I just love the old pencil-barrels, there's an old-fashioned quaintness about them... I would LOVE to find a 64 with a pencil-barrel, but those are scarcer than hen's teeth....
Hondo 60
Member
I think the 38 cal K-frames made S&W.
(not the other way around)
(my 1966-67 10-5)
(not the other way around)
(my 1966-67 10-5)
SwampWolf
Member
I'm not sure what you mean by this. You don't have to shoot Magnum ammunition in a .357 revolver if you're worried about "pressure stresses"; you can still use .38 Specials in a .357 K frame. I'm sure you must know that so what am I missing?
Swampwolf,
But why buy a .357 in the first place? My recent experience with RUGER Service Six and Security Six plus my poor experience with the issued model13 lead me to believe that anything smaller than an L frame or GP 100 size gun, is to small for a 6 shot .357.
Jim
But why buy a .357 in the first place? My recent experience with RUGER Service Six and Security Six plus my poor experience with the issued model13 lead me to believe that anything smaller than an L frame or GP 100 size gun, is to small for a 6 shot .357.
Jim
In the interest of sustaining this most pleasant thread , here is my 1942 DSC. The neatly done backstrap stamping indicates that it was unit #97 of the security detail at the Arkansas Ordinance Plant - where , by the way , the staff apparently
took very good care of their firearms.
took very good care of their firearms.SwampWolf
Member
I guess my answer is "why not"? Usually for virtually the same price, you can buy a .357 Magnum-chambered revolver in the same exact size and configuration as in almost every .38 Special-chambered revolver made but having the added advantage of shooting more powerful loads if so desired. Again, you don't have to shoot Magnum ammunition if you prefer to shoot only .38 Special loads for your own reasons but you can if you ever want to.
I have nothing against .38 Special handguns and I have several myself. But I see no downside to opting for a .357 Magnum revolver over a .38 Special revolver but plenty of potential "upsides".
Panzerschwein
member
Sorry, but I'll take "The King of the Street" (.357 Magnum) over "The Widomaker" (.38 SPL) any day of the week!!
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