Hey all,

 

For probably my next gun purchase (4th), I think I'm going to go with a .38 Special. Any recommendations? I was looking into the S&W Model 10's. I was also looking into the Colt Officer's Model...both seem a bit older but Gunbroker has some decently priced used ones that are in good condition.

 

Any opinions on these two? Are there any others that you would recommend?

 

Thanks.

 

Edit: Just to clear things up, I'm looking to spend about $400.

S&W 10, or 15. Get the model 15, perfect gun.

Here's one that caught my eye:

 

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=276146262

Model 14, K38 target masterpiece

 

Bull barrel, target trigger, target sights, target hammer, target stocks. All win. The groove rear blows on model 10s etc. Picked up my 14-3 for $399 and it appeared unfired. Your welcome to come give it a whirl at SCFGPA

 

Model 15 S&W if you want a 38 only

 

686 or gp100 for 357/38

or 14 or 67. If you insist on a model 10, at least get a model 10HB. Robertsons Trading Post in TN has a lot of police and corrections trade-ins. Most are fixed-sight, but you may find a 67 or similar there.

 

That 10 you looked at GB was no bargain and it certainly wasn't "unfired - near mint". You can do better.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

S&W 10, or 15. Get the model 15, perfect gun.

 

I got the 15 recently. We all grew up around them. We saw them on the hips and in the hands of Dads and Uncles during our childhood. It was the first handgun I fired. They are iconic.

 

Really nice shooters, too.

consider getting a .357 mag, since it can shoot .38 spl.

consider getting a .357 mag, since it can shoot .38 spl.

 

It's something to consider for certain.

 

It's also certainly not the same.

I got the 15 recently. We all grew up around them. We saw them on the hips and in the hands of Dads and Uncles during our childhood. It was the first handgun I fired. They are iconic.

 

Really nice shooters, too.

 

It was the handgun I learned to shoot on, I'll get one soon enough.

Model 15 S&W if you want a 38 only

 

686 or gp100 for 357/38

 

The model 14 is basically the same gun but with a 6" barrel. Much better sight radius and IMHO balance

Yeah, I agree that a .357 is a great first handgun. You can shoot inexpensive .38 Specials all day long and impress yourself with more potent .357's when you feel like spending some money.

The model 14 is basically the same gun but with a 6" barrel. Much better sight radius and IMHO balance

 

4 inch has more uses. 6 inch (and up) is for hunting.

4 inch has more uses. 6 inch (and up) is for hunting.

 

Not for a target pistol....

 

Anybody who uses a .38 special only target masterpiece for hunting is an idiot

Not for a target pistol....

 

Anybody who uses a .38 special only target masterpiece for hunting is an idiot

 

talkin bout a 357.

 

4inch 38 is as good as it gets. CCW, HD, gun games (), plinking

Still, if its for target only use, you cant beat a 6"

 

Not every single one of my handguns needs to be able to be used for HD/carry lol

Still, if its for target only use, you cant beat a 6"

 

Not every single one of my handguns needs to be able to be used for HD/carry lol

 

mine does, or at least I think that way. Is that bad?

Nope.

 

Everybody has different guns for different reasons. I was speaking for myself, I dont need 40 guns for HD.... It depends what the OP wants to do with his gun, if he has no intention of ever using for anything but target work then my input on the 6" barrel is good. Adding some thought provoking content

 

Yes, a 4" is more "rounded" as far as what it can do, but the 6" excels at the range

I bought an 8" 686 for range use since my eyes suck!

Nope.

 

Everybody has different guns for different reasons. I was speaking for myself, I dont need 40 guns for HD.... It depends what the OP wants to do with his gun, if he has no intention of ever using for anything but target work then my input on the 6" barrel is good. Adding some thought provoking content

 

Yes, a 4" is more "rounded" as far as what it can do, but the 6" excels at the range

 

agreed

How about springing for a 5" and getting the best of both worlds?

I just bought a used Dan Wesson Model 15-2 Pistol Pac in .357. It includes 2.5, 4, 6 and 8" barrels. Gives you lots of options. DW has a great rep for reliability, accuracy and build quality. Might be worth considering.

 

The Smith and Wesson .38's are great guns (models 10,15,67 and such). Look up Bud's Gun Shop on the internet, they recently had model 10 police trade in guns in very good condition for $269.00. The Colt Official Police and Police Positive are good choices also, but will be more difficult to find and more expensive, probably looking in the $400-500 range for a nice one.

I just bought a used Dan Wesson Model 15-2 Pistol Pac (used) in .357. It includes 2.5, 4, 6 and 8" barrels.

 

That's really cool! Just found one on gunbroker with SEVEN barrels!!

 

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=275973964

 

2 1/2", 4", 6", 8", 10", 12", 15" - wow that looks fun!

That's really cool! Just found one on gunbroker with SEVEN barrels!!

 

http://www.gunbroker...?Item=275973964

 

2 1/2", 4", 6", 8", 10", 12", 15" - wow that looks fun!

 

And it only uses up one of your super-rare and hard to get NJ Pistol Permits!

consider getting a .357 mag, since it can shoot .38 spl.

 

I did actually, but generally the decent quality .357's I was looking at were closer to $600. Considering some ranged restrict .357, and the ammo is more expensive, it's just comes down to whether I want to actually fire .357. I've fired .357's before, but outside of a bigger bang, you get the same experience with the same weapon. Just thinking of overall enjoyment, I don't think I'd fire the .357's all too often. Personal preference.

mine does, or at least I think that way. Is that bad?

 

If you're not a cop (someone that is allowed to conceal carry), then I kind of lean toward yes lol. But you're entitled to your opinion. If I ever, through the grace of God, was allowed conceal carry in the state of NJ, I'd probably use my Glock 19 anyway. So for me, I'm buying guns for fun.

 

I've fired a 2", 4", and 6" barrel and kind of agree with Glenn. The 6" barrel felt like a better balance, and the recoil seemed to increase from the few shots I fired as the barrel increased. I'd be fine with a 4" barrel though.

 

I saw a Colt Officer's Model 4" at Efinger's recently, used. Guy there said the previous owner was the only owner and won 3 competitions with it. Of course he may have just been hyping it up, as any good salesperson would.

How about an .88 Magnum?

 

http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/(Johnny_Dangerously)_-_.88_Magnum

 

 

 

(kidding)

If you're not a cop (someone that is allowed to conceal carry), then I kind of lean toward yes lol. But you're entitled to your opinion.

 

I'm allowed to conceal carry, in other states. And I'm not a cop. So, does that mean cops can only buy guns for defensive use?

I just bought a used Dan Wesson Model 15-2 Pistol Pac in .357. It includes 2.5, 4, 6 and 8" barrels. Gives you lots of options. DW has a great rep for reliability, accuracy and build quality. Might be worth considering.

 

 

This looks awesome, just looks kind of expensive. Although one on Gunbroker is going for $875. Not bad considering it has a 2", 4", 6", and 8" barrel. Like buying 4 guns for the rough price of 2.

 

That's really cool! Just found one on gunbroker with SEVEN barrels!!

 

http://www.gunbroker...?Item=275973964

 

2 1/2", 4", 6", 8", 10", 12", 15" - wow that looks fun!

 

Wow, the 15" barrel is similar to the picture i posted.