Suggest pistol for 38 Spl 148gr HBWC

by GerhardG Fri Sep 25, 2020 3:39 pm

Greetings,

I feel I am a newbie after many decades but only the last three in bullseye competition. Lately, I discovered the 38 special 148 Gr HBWC and like this a lot. So I ordered my Dillon dies for the 550B and have a thousand of Precision Delta bullets ready to load. Assuming a few of you send me a donation of small pistol primers as I am 500 short.

I enjoy the sport and recently acquired an S&W 27-2 6 1/2 in. 357 mag. ($1175 if you need to know) Seems it is a bit of a collector piece and perhaps I should not shoot it too much. So I am looking to buy a nice shooter for the revolver in 38 SPL to shoot the 148 gr HBWC and hoping for suggestions as to what to buy. Please no model 52 suggestions.

In reading a few posts I know I am out of my normal element and am concerned about twist. So what would be a good pistol? Watching a few things on gunbroker but now realize I need help.

Thank you in advance. What a Face

by james r chapman Fri Sep 25, 2020 3:43 pm

27-2 will be fine. You can shoot that forever in .38 special.
.38 special, 148 hbwc ,
3.1 ww231,
2.7 WST
2.5 bullseye

Seat flush just like the factory wadcutters are.

by GerhardG Fri Sep 25, 2020 4:00 pm

Jim,
Thank you for the load advice.

by Al Fri Sep 25, 2020 5:04 pm

GerhardG wrote:Greetings,

I enjoy the sport and recently acquired an S&W 27-2 6 1/2 in. 357 mag. ($1175 if you need to know) Seems it is a bit of a collector piece and perhaps I should not shoot it too much. So I am looking to buy a nice shooter for the revolver in 38 SPL to shoot the 148 gr HBWC and hoping for suggestions as to what to buy. Please no model 52 suggestions.

Brings back memories. Sold a 3T pkg m27 to my kid brother 35 yrs ago for $200.
STUPID-STUPID-STUPID I know.

The good thing is he's still got it. The bad thing is it's his favorite revolver & won't sell it back to me, even tho I offered him a generous profit of $25 even without the presentation case. lol!

by Richard Ashmore Fri Sep 25, 2020 8:41 pm

GerhardG wrote:So I am looking to buy a nice shooter for the revolver in 38 SPL to shoot the 148 gr HBWC and hoping for suggestions as to what to buy.

I legged out with a 5 screw K38 Heavyweight Masterpiece (pre-model numbers). During my time as a volunteer at Camp Perry I saw a lot of folks doing well with the S&W Model 14 family.

by LenV Sat Sep 26, 2020 12:43 am

27-2 is a great choice. Shooting Bullseye won't hurt it.

Len

by john bickar Sat Sep 26, 2020 1:26 am

P240?

by LenV Sat Sep 26, 2020 1:54 am

S&W 586 another great choice. Pre lock

by rkittine Sat Sep 26, 2020 7:59 am

If you want to shoot a revolver rather than a .38 WC in an auto (Model 52 S&W, Benelli, Hammerli, etc.) than I would recommend a Model 14. The 27 and 19s are fine, but if I was competing with it I would want the chambers to be precisely for a .38 Special as compared to a longer .357 Magnum just in case there was any shaving or buildup of lead as the projectile leaves the chamber.

Bob

by GerhardG Sat Sep 26, 2020 12:28 pm

john bickar wrote:P240?

No not for me due to too many unnecessary safety concerns let alone chasing brass. I do that enough with my 45.
Thanks anyway.

by GerhardG Sat Sep 26, 2020 12:33 pm

I have two votes for using my 27-2 at 6 1/2 in. One interesting comment regarding its cylinder length hence the model 14 AKA K38 Masterpiece suggestion. I know nothing about the ideal barrel length in relation to twist in this matter. Does anyone have insight? Just curious! I think this matter can rest and feel comfortable with previous advice and load data by Jim Chapman.
Thank you

by GerhardG Sat Sep 26, 2020 12:54 pm

I did find this eleswhere and I think sheds a lot of light.

OK I'M A HIGH MASTER PPC SHOOTER. I HAVE PLENTY OF EXPERIENCE WITH 148GR HBWC.

1. A NON FACTORY BARREL IS ALLOWED FOR THE HARRY REEVES MATCH.

2. A FACTORY BARREL IS REQUIRED FOR NRA DISTINGUISHED REVOLVER( I HOLD
DISTINGUISHED REVOLVER BADGE # 37).

3. I WOULD NOT GET A CLARK PPC REVOLVER.

4 WHO WOULD I USE TO BUILD AN ACCURATE REVOLVER

a. JERRY KEEFER FROM VA (WHO IS ON THIS LIST FROM TIME TO TIME)
b. BOB JONES FROM JACKSON MISSISSIPPI
c. RANDY LEE FROM CALIFORNIA

BEST BET FOR THE MONEY IS A FACTORY FULL LUG S&W MODEL 14 AND USE IT FOR BOTH MATCHES. (THESE GUNS DO NOT HAVE THE BEST RIFLING FOR THE 148HBWC, THEY ARE DESIGNED FOR THE 158GR BULLET). THAT IS HOW I EARNED MY DISTINGUISHED REVOLVER BADGE. I SHOT BY DIST REVOLVER FOR THE ENTIRE CENTERFIRE MATCH AT A 2700.

BY DOING THIS I LEGGED OUT IN 5 MATCHES.

5. RATE OF TWIST FOR THE 148GR HBWC SHOULD BE 1/10,12 OR 14

6. BRAND OF BARREL ??
SCHILEN, DOUGLAS, APEX( IS YOU CAN FIND AN APEX)
THE APEX PPC BARREL HAD 10 LANDS AND GROOVES NARROW AND SHALLOW RIFILING IN THE APEX BARREL BY VERY ACCURATE

Last edited: Jun 23, 2009

by james r chapman Sat Sep 26, 2020 5:41 pm

FYI
Keefer passed several years ago.
Bob Jones no longer makes revolvers. (I’ve heard)
Joe Leinenger, Michigan, makes excellent revolvers for many venues.
But again, your 27 will not let you down.

by GerhardG Sat Sep 26, 2020 9:27 pm

I will count on it for sure. I like the balance and the load data you gave is very welcome.
Thank you Jim

by troystaten Sun Sep 27, 2020 2:14 pm

I have a 27-2 with a 5 inch barrel, the 27's are nice but heavy, if you want another pistol you can't go wrong with a model 14, If you like a muzzle heavy revolver look for one with the full barrel lug. You could also go with a new Python.

by Jack H Sun Sep 27, 2020 2:52 pm

Is there no love for the Colt OMM ?

by retfed Mon Sep 28, 2020 5:33 pm

I agree with LenV's suggestion of taking a look at the 6" 586/686 models. That full underlug, while nose heavy, made for a steady hold (once I built up my upper torso to handle the weight. As long as cleaned regularly, using a lead cleaning cloth cut to patch size, and or a Lewis Lead Remover with copper screen patches. That worked wonders if (when) I got lazy during the shooting season.
RETFED

by GerhardG Mon Sep 28, 2020 6:38 pm

Thank you for your help however, I am good with the 27-2 per LenV and Jim Chapman.
I count on the forum and fellow team members who all seem to agree.

by inthebeech Tue Sep 29, 2020 4:44 pm

[quote="Jack H"]Is there no love for the Colt OMM ?[/quote]

Lots here. Read Jerry K's shop manual and you will find out that this E frame is exactly the same as the Python, not just in design but in actual degree of hand fitting of things like hammer, trigger, bolt, hand, ratchet, crane and rebound lever. The only difference is a bit of polishing of internals which will only be felt in double action. So you get the same precise headspace, concentricity and smoothness for a third of the money (today as well as back then). They are Pythons with a plain finish; and they shoot every bit as well. Not many folks know this dirty little secret. Scary though if you need one of those parts replaced. It would also need to be hand fit. Pay the extra money to get a 98% gun that won't need anything done in your lifetime and you're all set.

by GerhardG Tue Sep 29, 2020 9:36 pm

Thank you for the advice. I will stand fast with the S&W 27-2. In order to make good decisions, one would need to be able to examine these in person and compare things side by side.
Thank you

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