38Sp revolver selection

[Iggy]

I gave a couple of guys the classic "barrel bonk" on the head with this one 40 years ago, and didn't hurt the ejector rod any.

It's still as sweet and smooth as any gun I have ever owned.

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

Go with the Smith. I've had this one for almost 25 years. Shot lots of Plus P, and it still locks up like a bank vault. And where the ejector rod is located is very well protected from hard contact. Shrouds just add extra weight. Action on mine feels like oiled glass.

 

[jad0110]

Keep lookin' at that 67 above. You may prefer the full lug barrel now, as I did, but the grace and class of the bull barreled or partial lug Smiths will grow on you .

Now I like both!

Unfortunately, the largest caliber they will approve down here now (St. Lucia) is .38

Though the restriction is certainly vile, don't feel underarmed with a 38. With the right ammo (ie, 38+P Remington Led Semiwadcutter Hollowpoint), a 38 is nothing to sneeze at.

 

[michael_aos]

Another vote for the M67.

 

[Tropical Buzz]

Thanks a bunch, guys. I really appreciate all the advice and pictures. I called S&W again today and spoke to someone in the Performance Center who was quite interested and helpful. He then passed me on to a very nice and well informed lady in international marketing who will look into options for caliber challenged countries like mine as well as see if anything can be done for me in the short term. The feedback here has pretty much sold me on the M67 but it would also be nice to have a full lug for the option of mounting an accessory rail for a tactical light/laser combo. The gun will primarily be for home and personal defence. It will be carried at night as well since one of my recent investments is a very popular bar and grill that I am relatively hands on with (as in things like closing down and taking the cash out). I faced a robbery attempt in October when two guys in a small car tried to block me in a driveway roundabout at 3:00 in the morning. I drive a 4runner with a big solid push bar and I had no trouble punting their rear end aside and driving away. I was unarmed at the time. Their vehicle was stolen and they were never caught. I do have a 12 gauge at home and access to other guns but nothing that I can carry with me on a regular basis. My father is a WW2 vet and he taught me to handle, shoot and clean a revolver when I was too small to pull the DA trigger without cocking. I also own some estate land and I've had some run ins with squatters and interlopers, one of which turned real nasty. I'm familiar with a variety of weapons of all (pre-ban) calibers and most of my friends and associates carry .380 Glocks and (no longer available) 9mm Glocks or Berettas. The 15 round .380 is readily available but I just love a good revolver. I don't think I will ever be in a protracted firefight and 6 well placed 38+P's will suit me just fine - with a speedloader or two for backup, of course. Sorry for the long winded post but since you guys have been so helpful and accommodating to a stranger, I thought I should fill you in on the circumstances.

 

[ugaarguy]

Sorry for the long winded post but since you guys have been so helpful and accommodating to a stranger, I thought I should fill you in on the circumstances.

Tropical Buzz, it's all good. THR is all about helping your fellow man to be self reliant and excercise his right to ber arms. You just happen to have a little tougher set of rules to follow in St. Lucia.

Many of us here at THR, myself included, are also interested to learn about gun laws in other countries. Hearing firsthand what's allowed, what isn't, and what guns that fit within the limitations that are popular choices is always very interesting.

It's also very good to hear that S&W performance center and international marketing dept. were helpful. After reading about your initial call to S&W I was a bit disappointed. Now I suppose S&W is like any other business, you've got to go beyonnd the initial person on the phone sometimes to get someone who can help out. Glad to hear that you did some knowledgeable folks the second time around.

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

I know how you can cheat the system. You can have a .38 that shoots like a .357 Magnum, assuming you reload. All you do is buy a used (I don't think they make them anymore) .38/44 Outdoorsman or Heavy Duty. It's basically an N-Frame .38 Special, but it is strong enough to load the .38 Special up to .357 Magnum levels of power. Plenty of space in the case for powder, since the .38 Special was originally a black powder round, which was more voluminous for the same power level.

Short of that, get the hottest plus p loads you can find. Try Cor Bon. They load the .38 to near magnum levels, while just staying inside of the SAAMI specs for .38 Special. Good luck.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Nothing wrong with a 4" Model 64 or 67 but I have a soft spot in my heart for the Model 10. I know you said you want a chrome revolver but there is something that just screams out "old school greatness" with the Model 10. Any one of the three would be a great choice IMO...

 

[cookekdjr]

Get a S&W. End of story.
-David

 

[sfhogman]

And after you make your purchase, let us know! And then keep right on posting. What you have to say is very interesting, and it's fun to learn how folk live in countries other than the ol' USofA.

Jeff

 

[wildburp]

Bent ejector rod?

Dropped from what altitude? The only problem with ejector rods I have experienced is coming unscrewed, which tends to freeze the action, which is, to say the least, unsettling. So, be sure to keep it screwed in tight, and don't drop the gun, anyway - keep your powder dry, and watch out for kangaroos.

 

[Waywatcher]

I traded my Smith & Wesson for a Ruger. I'm very happy with the swap.

Much more robust, Much easier to take apart and clean.