Good Modern .38 Special Target Revolver

[lagerratrobe]

While I would LOVE to own a Colt Officer's Model, or S&W Model 14, I simply cannot afford the $800+ that is being asked for them on the used market now. Can anyone here recommend a currently produced revolver in .38 Special that they recommend for target shooting? I recently purchased a Ruger Blackhawk, thinking that it would be suitable for this, but the sights are not to my liking (front post too thick) and I don't care for the grip at all. It's a great gun, but not for this purpose.

Would love to hear what people think.

 

[kscharlie]

There are several model 14s on GunBroker that are $500 or less. Not sure what your budget is, but you won't get much in the way of a new gun for less than that. You did not mention what kind of target shooting you plan on doing. If you are planning on formal shooting like bullseye, my recommendation would be to save a few more dollars and get a 14. Another good option might be a S&W model 15, also known as the "Combat Masterpiece". They can be readily obtained in the $400 - $500 range, and other than the 4" barrel, are the same gun as the 14.

Maybe someone else will come along with more suggestions. Good luck on your search.

 

[lagerratrobe]

I've never used GunBroker, is it legit? That price range is much more to my liking.

Thanks.

 

[kscharlie]

Yes, GB is legit. My advice would be to stick with a seller that has more than just a few reviews/feedbacks. Obviously a seller with over 1000 items sold with all ratings of A+ would be a better risk than a seller with 3 items and all ratings of C. I have only purchased a few guns from GB and have never had a problem. Do your homework, ask the seller any questions you may have and proceed accordingly.

 

[cal44mag]

A Ruger GP-100 might be an option.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Charter Arms had a target model .38 Special but it's no longer in their catalog. They still have a target .22LR and .22 Magnum. Sorry, I can't think of any other good target revolver that's not expensive.

 

[Walkalong]

I've never used GunBroker, is it legit?

Yes, just keep looking, be patient, only buy from sellers who post quality pics and have excellent feedback. Ignore all the over priced stuff that doesn't sell.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Revolvers/BI.aspx?Keywords=14+.38

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I've bought several guns on GB. It's a great resource to find what you want if you're patient. Check for credit card fees, shipping fees, and remember the FFL fee you'll need to pay your local shop to receive it.

If you bid assertively when you see what you want, you may end up very happy.

 

[PO2Hammer]

S&W model 67

 

[jmace57]

A really nice Model 14 shouldn't cost more than about $500. I sold a friend one in 99% condition (from 1974) for $550 last year - although that was a pretty good price I think.

 

[Haxby]

As far as the thick front sight goes, the blade on my super blackhawk is the same thickness as the one on my S&W 66.
The grips on the blackhawk are easily replaceable.

 

[Jim Watson]

A sound K38 will be hard to beat and you don't have to pay $800 for one.
If you think 1/8" is too thick for the front sight, either you do not understand the Patridge sight principle or you are shooting at some unusual target.

 

[Kendal Black]

The Blackhawk you've got is astonishingly capable for a hunting design. I think it has a slower lock time than some revolvers but the sights are good. Try holding under the black of the target in what some call the six o'clock hold. Then the sights aren't so much in the way.

The cool thing about revolver grips is that you can throw them away and put on anything you like. I've enjoyed using Hogue and Pachmayr grips on the Blackhawk.

I'm not discouraging you from buying something better suited, but you can do a whole lot of fine shooting while you are looking.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

Around these parts Model 14s priced at $500 are not falling out of tress. I did only pay $500 for this Model 14-3 a couple of years ago, and it was in pristine condition. However at $500 it was a steal. They usually go for considerably more in these parts. But do keep your eyes open, there is nothing to compare to a Model 14 as far as a terrific 38 caliber target revolver is concerned.

Except maybe the Model 14's predecessor, the K-38. The one at the top of the photo, with the funky fake stag grips left the factory in 1957. The other one left the factory in 1950. I don't remember exactly, but I'm pretty sure I paid less than $500 for each of them.

Then there's always the K-38's predecessor, the 38 M&P Target Model. These did not have the same micrometer adjustable rear sight as the K-38 and the Model 14, but they were just as accurate. This one left the factory in 1917.

There were lots of all these models made, and there are still plenty of them out there. You just have to be patient and they will turn up.

 

[cfullgraf]

In my parts, I've recently seen Model 14s that were rode hard and put up wet in the $500 range. Nicer examples run higher. I got an average 4" Model 15 several years ago for $500.

There is always something special shooting 38 Special in a gun chambered for 38 Special.

 

[zb338]

I have shot bullseye just about all my life. My last K-38 was purchased a while back for
about 200 dollars. The throat of the barrel was pretty shot out when I bought it. The
accuracy was poor at best. I switched to hollow base full wadcutters and with them
the gun will shoot clusters at 25 yards. The S&W K-38 is the best bullseye gun you
can buy. I know there are people with wonderful Pythons who will argue. The Python
is a wonderful gun but it gets heavy after long strings of shooting.
Z

 

[WestKentucky]

Taurus 82 or a used S&W.

 

[red rick]

The two 14's in my avatar came from gunbroker 14-3 with magna grip and box ( not that a box means anything to me ) I paid $480 plus shipping & FFL and 14-4 with the 3 T's , LN maybe only factory fired and box , manual and sight tool , $650 plus shipping & FFL , about 5 years ago .

If I wanted a target .38 I would look for a 14 at a reasonable price . I would rather pay $700 for an old S&W without the lock in EX condition than buying a new S&W .

 

[MedWheeler]

PO2Hammer suggests

S&W model 67

I shot quite a few law enforcement drills and a few competitions with a department-issued one back in the day, and did very well with it. Good suggestion.

 

[Tallball]

Try other grips for your Blackhawk? I have a dozen or so 38's and 357's. I shoot the Blackhawk the best.

 

[Manny]

I've always passed on blued S&W revolvers because I dislike the glossy glue finish and the Magna target grips intensely. That being said, I regret more than a little not grabbing an 8 & 3/8's model K38 I think it was that was virtually new for $375 OTD. Dumb move on my part and one of the few guns I regret not buying.

 

[RealGun]

I've never used GunBroker, is it legit? That price range is much more to my liking.

Thanks.

Don't be too quick to lock onto the number you like. A quick review of GB shows guns worth buying offered BuyItnow in the $800 and up range. Exceptions show "Reserve not met".

 

[bullseye308]

Definitely get a Smith 67 if you can find one. You won't be disappointed.

 

[bikemutt]

I picked up a mint condition S&W model 14 last year, with box for $550 if memory serves. The magna grips had been swapped for target grips which suited me just fine. As expected, it's a tack driver.

 

[Jim NE]

Some people will ask a lot for their nice model 14's on GB, but may not get it. Asking price doesn't necessarily mean value. I have a pretty nice 14 from the 70's I picked up for $450 from Simpson's LTD a few years ago. I also have a less nice (but still good ) model 14, a 4 screw from 1959, that I got from them for $405. As I said, though, this was a few years ago, so the prices may have risen.

I'd suggest looking at model 15's, instead. These are the "combat masterpieces" that were just the "service revolver" version of the same thing. Great target revolvers as well. I bought a 1953 vintage K-38 Combat Masterpiece (the early name for the model 15) for $349 on GunsAmerica a couple of years ago, and it may be the best shooting handgun I own. Some cosmetic patina, but mechanically perfect. I believe they are on par with the 14. I have a couple of other old 15's that are great shooters as well. I mention the model 15 because I've recently seen some on GB for in the 300's price range. Not as old as mine are, but they should be good guns. Spend 4 or 5 bills, and you might find an older one.