[dan in va]

It's unusual for me not to have a 686 holstered when varminting. Sadly, i traded off a very accurate model 14-3 (it would print 1" groups @ 25 yards) with boot for an XP-100 FB many years ago. There may be an opportunity to buy it back, but depending on the 14's condition, i may go with the model 67 (ss, medium frame, adj rear sight, 4"bbl), which is about the closest thing they're making to the model 14.

i'm not interested in putting .38 wadcutters thru a .357. The true blue .38 Spec is just my favorite paper puncher and it's time to have one again. It would be wonderful if S&W would add a target K38 or model 14 to their Classic series but i doubt it will happen.

So i'm hoping the board can bring me up to speed on the accurace of S&W's current production wheel guns.

 

[Trapper6L]

You're fishing in a very small barrel. Most of the 38 Special Smiths are gut guns now. The 67 and 64 are the only decent 38 Specials they make. I bought a 64 a few years back as I couldn't find a 67. Surprisingly the thing is as accurate as my Pythons. Since the 67 is the same gun with adjustable sights, I would expect it to be the same in accuracy. For me, the best Smith out there is the Model 19-3 357 mag. But they sure command a premium price these days. If a 357 will do, look at the Ruger wheel guns like the GP-100. You'll think yer shooting a much higher dollar pistol than it costs.

 

[TinMan]

I like my S&Ws. My most recent purchase was a 6" M686 bought new when a local shop had a promotion by S&W for 20% off a couple of years ago. It shoots great, the trigger is wearing in nicely, but not as nice as my Python. All my other S&Ws were bought used. Already had a 8-3/8 M586, but always wanted SS 6", hoping to avoid abuse/wear on my Python. I agree that a true K frame in 38Spl is a fun gun without beating you up.

 

[damonkeydobad]

What is not to Love with a S&W K and L frame guns.For me after retirement I retired my plastic wounder gun went back to what I started with K frame on hip and a J in the pocket and dont feel the least under gunned.

 

[dan in va]

Much to my disappointment, the 14-3 had suffered some damage from the new owner who had painted the front sight, chipped the rear sight from a drop, lost the original grips and never cleaned it. Not meant to be.

A real dealer brought a 67-5 for me to look at and took my offer. Grip is more K than L and sans the ejector rod shroud. It followed me home and on the way out the door i noticed a really nice looking model 15 target model, just like the old 14, and reasonably priced. The walk back to the car was a little longer, but wisdom prevailed in the end. Maybe the 15 will be at the next show, which will give me a long time to think about it.

All the posts are appreciated.

A son has a 27 Classic, which purrs with full house .357 loads. i'll have to call S&W to ask about adding a 15 Target to the Classic line. No disrespect intended to other makers, but S&W is pretty much the only revolver maker that suits me.

Looking forward to loading up some wadcutters. Gotta love those crisp holes on real target paper. However, there seem to be fewer 148gr true wadcutter offerings out there now. Thinking to try the Bayou 138gr coated numbers this time out.

 

[Kevin Gullette]

Gotta agree......

....with TinMan, about the S&W 686. I once had one with silhouette sights on a 6" barrel.

As for shooting the 38 wadcutters......I have to go with my S&W 52, that I fitted with custom(for my hand) Herritt grips and S&W frame weight.....many years ago.

Yeah....it's not a wheel gun.....but you'll be hard-pressed to find a finer 38 Special shooter.

Kevin

 

[TinMan]

Dan and all. An Uncle used to have a M15/Combat masterpiece and a M18, both 4". When he died years ago, the M15 disappeared, and it is rumored his girlfriend to it. I do have the M18, with an incredibly light trigger. For years I looked for the right deal on another M15, but finally found one about 5 or 6 years ago. It is nice, with honest wear but not abused. It only has the standard trigger and hammer unlike the M18 which has target trigger and hammer. I also have a Winchester M62A pump 22 that was my Uncle's. When the weather improves, I will get them out for some exercise.

I don't shoot many WC loads today, but have loaded some years ago. I usually use 150gr hard cast SWC for 357s, and 125gr JHP for handloads with normal power in the snubbies.

 

[Trapper6L]

I've been running the Missouri Coated 148gr DEWCBB out of mine. I'm burning 231 powder and the bullets all but go to a hole at 25 yds from bags. Can't ask any more from a plinker round and gun than that. I get them at Graf and Sons. Shipping is $7.95 no matter what you put on the order and that makes a huge difference in the bottom line cost. Grafs also carries different weights and non-coated as well. Might give them a look.
https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/category/categoryId/555?

 

[TinMan]

+1 on the Missouri Cast Bullets. I use a lot in 9mm and 45 Colt.