Your Preference

[Altjaeger]

I'd like your first three preferences rank ordered of the following models. The presumptions are they are all priced in the $225-$300 range with 4"-5" barrels chambered in .38 Special. None are collectors quality, but mechanically sound shooters running between minor pitting or checking in grips to 90% finish.

The use would be as a carry gun on the river and general woods carry. The first two loads typically would be shot loads for snakes and the last 4 something along the lines of semi-wadcutters. It would secondarily also be a house gun.

Smith & Wesson
Model 64
K38
M&P
Model 10-5

Colt
Police Posititive
Colt Army
Officer's Model

If you could give me your first 3 choices and a short explanation I would appreciate it.

[Gil Martin]

I have most of those handguns and like them. My choices would be as follows:

Colt Officers Model- It has adjustable sights and a unique lock up that will not shoot loose. An old gunsmith explained it to me and said the Colt has a hand that stays tight despite a lot of use.

Smith & Wesson Model 10-5-Is just a good solid gun that is all steel and will handle Plus +P loads without a hitch. It has fixed sights, but I have learned to live with that.

Smith & Wesson K38-It is similar to the Model 10 and a lot of value for the money.

These are the idle thoughts of an idle fellow. All the best...
Gil

[Altjaeger]

Gil, sounds like you are saying it would be hard to screw up with those choices at those prices.

[Gil Martin]

It would be pretty hard to make a bad choice. I would pick the one that felt right and was in the best condition. All the best...
Gil

[billt]

I think a .38 from S&W in most any flavor would be a good choice. I prefer the S&W to the Colt. Colt makes a hell of a revolver, but the lock work tends to be slightly more delicate than a S&W. I have a older Colt Detective Special, (non shrouded barrel). It's as smooth as silk, but it has gone out of time on me. A easy job for any good gunsmith to fix, but you really shouldn't have to. I also have two S&W K-38's, a Model 15, and a Model 14 with a full underlug barrel. Both run like a Swiss clock and are insanely accurate. The K-Frame S&W's with shorter barrels make great carry guns. Bill T.

[Bwana416]

For HD and light target use: STI Trojan with Tritium sights, Robar NP-3 coating, Recoilmaster guide rod and Crimson Trace grips.:D

For CCW: Kimber Crimson Carry or Custom Covert II.:)

For SERIOUS comp: win Powerball and let Bill Wilson do his worst!!;)

[Scout]

For a general knock around gun with occasional CCW use....any flavor of Smith (64,65,66, etc.) or Ruger (SP 101 or GP 100) will work and keep on working. The .357 chambering gives the option of .38's and provides for a wide range of loadings (from snake shot to full house defense / big game loads).

Everybody needs a good knock around .357 revolver...:D

[Hi Ball]

ALT......The revolver is a very good idea for what fills your need in the woods and the river banks. I have come across a lot of snakes over the years, mosty copperheads, smaller rattlesnakes and cotton mouths. I used and liked my Smith & Wesson model 29, .44mag for this job.

I will say that the new JUDGE is the best thing out there for snakes in a handgun. Now using a 3inch 410 shotgun shell in #6 or #5 it will take care of any snake and even the two legged one's too within 10 ft. The first two shots are loaded for snakes and the others are jacketed hollow points in the 200 grain bullet weight.

Now when it comes to the CCW weapon, my choice is clear as a bell over all else on the market. I like the Glock pistol and you can pick your caliber!!!;)

[Altjaeger]

Thanks for everyones input. I ended up with a K38 and a 4" barrel. It is worn on the finish as I would expect from holster wear and handling, but no pitting or sign of abuse and the action is tight. Pachmayer rubber grips have replaced the factory grips also.

Gil, am I to read your post as to say the plus power loads are suitable?

P.S. Shhhhhhhhhh, don't tell the wife!:D

[Gil Martin]

I have shot +P loads in my S&W K-frame revolvers without a problem. All the best...
Gil

[MOGC]

A K-frame Smith like a Model 15 or 19 is a sweetheart for a woods pokin' river bank packing piece. A couple of shot loads followed by several 158 gr. +P LSWC-HP works for a lot of jobs along creekbanks in the lower parts of the country where big bears aren't a problem.

[Hi Ball]

MOGC......You should have mentioned the .460 Smith & Wesson!!!:eek::eek:

It will handle anything on 2 or 4 feet in the woods or inner-city!:)

You can miss a snake by a foot and still kill the critter from the ground shook waves of the bullet striking.:D :D :D

It sure takes both hands to handle the recoil but seldom does one need a second shot.;)

[billt]

Alt,

High pressure loads won't hurt your S&W. Just not a steady diet of them. Low power stuff for practice, the high power stuff for carry. I pretty much do that with all of my handguns. Bill T.

[Altjaeger]

Alt,

High pressure loads won't hurt your S&W. Just not a steady diet of them. Low power stuff for practice, the high power stuff for carry. I pretty much do that with all of my handguns. Bill T.

Bill, I am thinking in terms of a cylinder of plus power for the gun at home. Out on the river, camping on the islands and sandbars or out is the woods where I expect snakes, habituated coons that don't want to leave camp or at worse a wild hog rooting in the gear at 20' I think 2 loads of shot and 4loads of standard 158 gr SWC should be the ticket. I appreciate everyone input. :)

[Altjaeger]

I picked the gun up today. This is the 5th firearm I have bought at gunbroker.com in about 8 years. I have been pleased with every transaction.

The seller listed it at 50% finish but after looking it over the finish is in even better shape than the photos appeared. Some wear at the end of the barrel from what looks like holster wear and some missing from the forward edge of the fluting of the cylinder for the same reasopn and where the hand pushes the cylinder is evident. I would rate it at 90%original finish.. The 4" barrel balances well and seems ideal for my uses. The action is very tight and flawless in function. While I admit I prefer the looks of the wood scales that are traditional the Hogue grips fill the hand nicely aiding accuracy I suspect.

I picked up an Uncle Mikes belt holster, 20 rounds of CCI shotloads and a box of Winchester Plus Power 125 jacketed hollow points today. Those and Hornady ammo at $25 for 25 rounds was the only ammo available. My intention is to save the plus power loads for home loads after a dozen familiarization rounds and use 158 grain SWC for target shooting and camp use. I think will fit the bill for what I want and do so at a budget price near the bottom of the price range I indicated. Thanks again for everyones input.