Great write up on the 38Spec. I've owned a couple over the yrs. My Mod 36 was stolen 20 yrs ago but still have my Colt detective special. I shoot more with a couple of Mod 19's and use the Mod 28 and my Ruger blackhawks for the stout 357 loads. One I've carried when out doing volunteer work on wildlife drinkers yrs back was my Mod 10 WWII Victory model. That's one tough old work horse that carries nice and still shoots well.
I have a beautiful model 14 that has the finest trigger on it of any of the S&W revolvers I've owned over the years. A very accurate and easy to shoot gun, and fine companion to my model 17 K22.
I’m glad you’ve got one. I’ve been using mine a lot recently. They are a wonderful example of how good a 38 cal S&W revolver can be. Look good, handle great and shoot great. It’s easy accuracy. I never got a Model 17, but I should.
You really should. I'll often take them both to the range to shoot. They just fit. And yes, the Model 14 is wonderful. The only revolver I iwn with a factory trigger that is smoother is a 1984 Colt Python I have. Notice I said smoother, not necessarily better. They are different animals. Both excellent.
My Model 27-2 is comparable but not quite as refined as the Model 14
My N Frame prewar Heavy Duty with Underwood +p ( probably +p+) Keith hard cast is a potent stopper. The gun loves it. They're the closest equivalent to the old HiSpeed rounds the gun was made for.
No good with either of those instances! I started handloading and shooting the 44 Magnum back in the mid 1980's. Here we are in the mid 2020's and I recently shot a wild hog with my single action Ruger 44 mag, a one-shot kill and delicious meat. Also have a S&W 5" 629 that I've shot rather a lot. I've got an earlier 44 Substack covering more reasonable, easier shooting 44 loads. Can get their either with the 44 Special or the 44 Magnum. With the Special, the current load guideline have to be disregarded, so I recommend downloading the 44 magnum. It's worked for me for a few decades.
Guy, if you like the .38 snubs, you should check out the Kimber K6. Comes with your choice of exposed or internal hammer, like the S&W J-frames, and holds six rounds, like the Colt Detective Special. And it's in .357, which I admit I've never fired in mine. .38s are plenty good enough.
That’s one I’ve never tried - which surprises me as I was an early fan of Kimber. Bought their 45 1911 in 1997, the first year of production from the Yonkers NY plant. I’ll take a look at the K6. Have been meaning to for some time. Thank you.
Great write up on the 38Spec. I've owned a couple over the yrs. My Mod 36 was stolen 20 yrs ago but still have my Colt detective special. I shoot more with a couple of Mod 19's and use the Mod 28 and my Ruger blackhawks for the stout 357 loads. One I've carried when out doing volunteer work on wildlife drinkers yrs back was my Mod 10 WWII Victory model. That's one tough old work horse that carries nice and still shoots well.
I have a beautiful model 14 that has the finest trigger on it of any of the S&W revolvers I've owned over the years. A very accurate and easy to shoot gun, and fine companion to my model 17 K22.
I’m glad you’ve got one. I’ve been using mine a lot recently. They are a wonderful example of how good a 38 cal S&W revolver can be. Look good, handle great and shoot great. It’s easy accuracy. I never got a Model 17, but I should.
You really should. I'll often take them both to the range to shoot. They just fit. And yes, the Model 14 is wonderful. The only revolver I iwn with a factory trigger that is smoother is a 1984 Colt Python I have. Notice I said smoother, not necessarily better. They are different animals. Both excellent.
My Model 27-2 is comparable but not quite as refined as the Model 14
One of my favorite handguns is my model 15. It fits the niche between carry and target gun well.
Yes! That’s a good one as well. S&W has made some great revolvers over the years for sure.
My N Frame prewar Heavy Duty with Underwood +p ( probably +p+) Keith hard cast is a potent stopper. The gun loves it. They're the closest equivalent to the old HiSpeed rounds the gun was made for.
I’ve got to try some of that Underwood ammo… Haven’t yet.
Good stuff. As good as Buffalo Bore and much more reasonably priced. 😁
A 44 is better
Oh, I have a couple of those as well, and a 40 year history of handloading for them. They are great!
I had a Model 29 stolen and now only 44 I have is a hog leg TC that ruined my wrist shoting it with one hand
No good with either of those instances! I started handloading and shooting the 44 Magnum back in the mid 1980's. Here we are in the mid 2020's and I recently shot a wild hog with my single action Ruger 44 mag, a one-shot kill and delicious meat. Also have a S&W 5" 629 that I've shot rather a lot. I've got an earlier 44 Substack covering more reasonable, easier shooting 44 loads. Can get their either with the 44 Special or the 44 Magnum. With the Special, the current load guideline have to be disregarded, so I recommend downloading the 44 magnum. It's worked for me for a few decades.
Better for what? Horses for courses sir, horses for courses.
I could carry my X-Frame 460V all the time, might develop a list to the left though.
Guy, if you like the .38 snubs, you should check out the Kimber K6. Comes with your choice of exposed or internal hammer, like the S&W J-frames, and holds six rounds, like the Colt Detective Special. And it's in .357, which I admit I've never fired in mine. .38s are plenty good enough.
That’s one I’ve never tried - which surprises me as I was an early fan of Kimber. Bought their 45 1911 in 1997, the first year of production from the Yonkers NY plant. I’ll take a look at the K6. Have been meaning to for some time. Thank you.