Good Modern .38 Special Target Revolver

[Jim NE]

Just found an unpinned model 15 used (surplus, I believe) with non-original grips (Pachmayrs) on Gun Broker with a $375 buy it now price. Probably exactly what the OP is looking for. I was going to post a link, but I seem to remember THR doesn't like links to auctions. No prob...just go to gb and search "model 15 S&W" and scroll down a bit. You'll see several good $500-ish guns, too, before you get to it. And of course the pricey ones, as well.

 

[lagerratrobe]

Just found an unpinned model 15 used (surplus, I believe) with non-original grips (Pachmayrs) on Gun Broker with a $375 buy it now price. Probably exactly what the OP is looking for. I was going to post a link, but I seem to remember THR doesn't like links to auctions. No prob...just go to gb and search "model 15 S&W" and scroll down a bit.

Thanks Jim, will go take a look.

 

[Shed]

I would grab something chambered in .357 mag so you can run both .38 & .357 if you want. I had a S&W 686 plus that I shot well but that also has a front ramp sight.

You can also check out Buds gun shop; I've had good experiences with them--prices are good and you usually get free shipping:
https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/mobile/

Good luck! I always find that shopping around is the fun part.

 

[Waveski]

I own several model fifteens and a 586. In my opinion the medium K frame and partial lug makes for a well-balanced shooter. I much prefer the feeling and balance of the K frame over the larger frame with full lug.
I just don't think you can find a better all around shooter than a good old model 15.

 

[natman]

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.

+1.

If you're going to buy a revolver specifically for target shooting, you might as well buy a revolver designed for target shooting, and that's exactly what the Model 14 / K38 Target Masterpiece is. Most of them come with target goodies, target sights, target grips, target hammer, target trigger, overtravel stop, etc. And they are very accurate.

 

[blue32]

Definitely SW 67

 

[Rio Laxas]

There is a Model 14 on glock talk classifieds for $425 shipped right now. https://www.glocktalk.com/threads/reduced-s-w-target-masterpieces.1657671/

 

[BCRider]

If you're after a double action revolver for target work then my own feeling is that you are best off with sucking it up and paying the going rate for a nice S&W or buy a Ruger GP100. Although the Blackhawk you don't like the grip feel is another good gun if you just can't tolerate the grips then you won't be happy.

If it helps just consider it as a life long investment and how little it will cost per week after 20 years. And if you're getting up to where you may not think you have 20 more years then consider what you'll miss by not buying one of the better options and enjoying it now while you can. Either way I say go for teh quality. Buy once, cry once then smile each time you feel that lovely trigger break and how well the gun functions and lasts year after year.

The Ruger is a close second on the quality and enjoyment scale. The rest are all well down lower on the scale for a variety of reasons IMO.

 

[reddog81]

There is a Model 14 on glock talk classifieds for $425 shipped right now. https://www.glocktalk.com/threads/reduced-s-w-target-masterpieces.1657671/

That one looks like a pretty good deal. If I didn't have one in better condition already i'd be all over it

 

[Hanshi]

I agree, the M14 masterpiece rules. Got to say, though, that my nearly 35 year old 686 is a jewel. It will put .38spl wad cutters into the same size hole as my M14. That can also be said for the Python. And a 6" M19 is about as good a stand-in for a 14 as can be had. That old 686 of mine has killed lots of deer, too.

 

[red rick]

My 686 is also a tack driver with .38 wadcutters .

 

[dickydalton]

 

[earplug]

Buy once, cry once. I paid $600.00 each for two Model 14 the past three years. Make sure the rear sight is working, don't worry to much about some missing finish. Plan on replacing the stocks if they don't fit your hands. Shooting wadcutters for bullseye they are hard to beat for enjoyment. If your planning on shooting Timed and Rapid fire in DA. don't pay extra for a target trigger or hammer. You might get lucky and find a smooth polished trigger that some shooter modified ruining the collector value!

 

[Hoppes Love Potion]

I agree its better to pay a little extra for the K-38 or Model 14. Once you get one you can stop looking for an accurate .38 handgun and begin the lifelong quest to be as accurate as the gun is.