Old School 38 Revolver Question

[43BMWR75]

I am considering a 38 Smith revolver and need some advice. I like the idea of a 1930's-50's 6 shot revolver. This would be a home protection, and rarely carry piece.
When were 6 shot 38's made and what price range are we looking at?

Thanks all.

[11011500a]

S&W 6shot 38spl M&P/ model 10 blued /64 stainless been around forever(100+yrs) Price runs $300-700.Good luck

[cannon]

They have been making them for ever. Actually a pretty cool pistol system and usually very accurate. They also have the advantage of being very intuitive to use. Just point and click as it were. No levers, buttons etc.

Prices range from really affordable to sell the house for collector ones. Hit the for sales here, pawn shops and the used section of your local gun store. Personally I'd look for a Smith and Wesson or a Colt for that old school reliability and cool factor.

Hit up the antique and curio section and those guys will tell you how to check a revolver for problems.

Good luck and have fun.

[Twiki357]

When you’re dealing with some of the older 38 caliber S&W revolvers, The older ones may be in 38 S&W, NOT 38 S&W Special. You would probably have a lot better luck if you widen your range to include 1960/70 models, and there are a lot of different models to pick from.

[ironhorse1]

There are a lot to choose from and the prices are going up.

A basic model ten with fixed sights is a very common gun and sounds like what you are looking to buy. Depending on condition $300 - $450.

If you prefer adjustable sights the S&W model 14 Target Master piece is a great choice. $450 - $700.

The model 15 the Combat Masterpiece about the same as the model 14.

Now if you want stainless the 66 or 67 model will work as well.

These are all K frame revolvers.

Then there are the I frame Smiths and the J frame Smiths to consider as well. The model 36 and 60 come to mind or also known as Chiefs special.

JG sales in Arizona has these at reasonable prices but you will have to find a consigned piece to acquire and older Smith in Ca.

Now it is possible to find a gun other than the S&W which will work well and fill your needs at a reasonable cost.

I have Rossi 88 stainless steel .38 Special It is a clone of the S&W model 60 a J frame revolver imported by Interarms. However these are five shot guns.

It functions perfectly and fills the need for a drawer gun at a reasonable price.

They also make a blued model I think it is the 85.

Do some research and find a few to handle to see what suits you the best.

irh

[Sutcliffe]

Smith Revolvers are fantastic

It will be hard to find a bargain. Expect to pay a premium for them.
The .38 is plenty enough for home defense.
There are cheaper handguns out there that are decent enough and will still give a lifetime of service.
Charter Arms, Rossi, Taurus are all well known makers of revolvers. You ought to check them out as well.

[Beelzy]

Just make sure if you get an older Smith, do not shoot +P ammo through it.

[nadodave]

Yea, if you want a 38 for self defense, make sure you can shoot +p in it. I have a police issue 1954 smith and weason 38. It's just a range gun as I won't shoot +p in it.

[Huntsprig]

Just make sure if you get an older Smith, do not shoot +P ammo through it.

Yea, if you want a 38 for self defense, make sure you can shoot +p in it. I have a police issue 1954 smith and weason 38. It's just a range gun as I won't shoot +p in it.

[nastyhabts26]

I would look for a .357, not much heavier and you can use +P all day long.

[shooting4life]

I would get a 38/44 heavy duty with a 4 inch barrel and a long action

[Trenchfoot]

I went with a 4" S&W Model 27, that way you can shoot .38, .38+P and .357. You can either go with a used one, or you can get one from S&W's Classic series like I did.

[RedFord150]

I own a Ruger Speed Six (S6) in .38 special. Mine is stainless with a 2 3/4" barrel. I added Hogue Monogrip.
The S6 was originally designed as a .357 mag. Ruger changed the cylinder and sold it as a .38 special back in the 70's and 80's to satisfy some LE agencies that would not authorize .357 mag for carry.
If you can find it, this is a great choice. I doubt you can find or load anything in .38 special that will hurt it.
Good luck.

[BigL]

Dont limit yourself also consider a .357

[CrippledPidgeon]

I am considering a 38 Smith revolver and need some advice. I like the idea of a 1930's-50's 6 shot revolver. This would be a home protection, and rarely carry piece.
When were 6 shot 38's made and what price range are we looking at?

Thanks all.

Just for clarification, do you want any 6-shot .38 revolver, or do you want a vintage '30's-50's revolver?