[rec.guns] .38 spl revolvers; .357 carbines

lizard@emx.utexas.edu (Tom Linsley) (06/28/91)

Hi, gang.  Just returned to the net after a long absence, happy to be able
to read rec.guns once again.

Re .38 special revolvers:  It hadn't occurred to me that they were in short
supply, I guess relative to .357's they are, for reasons already given.
I believe Ruger may make a GP-100 in .38 special, know that they make a
small 5-shot SP-101.  Rugers are fine, strong revolvers, and really the
most modern in design of the wheelgun breed.  I have to admit a personal
preference for Smiths, however, and S&W have made some real beauties
over the years.  One that comes to mind is the model 14/15 (this distinction
used to mean something, but don't think it does any more).  I have one,
in nickel, 4" barrel, adjustable sights;  I replaced the original "magna"
grips with a pair of the new finger-grooved K-frame grips, which I'm not
normally partial to but work extremely well here.  It's reasonably light
and compact, but plenty strong enough for +P's (the K-frame steel guns
are), and fun to shoot.  I've found that if you're looking for something
that's not an off-the-shelf item, it helps to make frequent rounds of the
gun shops, since many guns in the "can't hardly get them no more" category
often disappear quickly from the display counter.  I've also bought dozens
of used revolvers over the years, and had no real disappointments;  the
external condition of the gun is usually a pretty good indicator of how
well the gun has been treated.

On another subject, my boss is looking for a .357 rifle (carbine) to
go with his .357 revolver.  Anybody have any experience with these,
recommendations?

Tom

dionj@netcom.com (Dion Johnson) (06/28/91)

#From article <36037@mimsy.umd.edu>, by ut-emx!lizard@emx.utexas.edu (Tom Linsley):
# [...] 
# On another subject, my boss is looking for a .357 rifle (carbine) to
# go with his .357 revolver.  Anybody have any experience with these,
# recommendations?
# Tom

I have a Marlin model 1894 in .357.  It's serviceable, but sometimes
misfeeds (nearly new, probably a minor defect in finish. I suppose
the older ones are better, as usual).  The finish and feel is not
smooth and tight.  If you really want a nice .357, try to find 
a Browning lever - they made a few in .357, but they're scarce.
-Dion
-- 
Dion L. Johnson  --  dionj@netcom.com
The material above is my personal opinion, and has no official sanction
and little relevance to any corporate position or policies of
The Santa Cruz Operation, Inc.