Best barrel length for 38 special

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  • Last Post 05 August 2024
Idahocaster posted this 13 July 2024

38 special revolvers have been made in all kinds of barrel lengths. I've seen 2", 3", 4", 5", and 6". Probably you could get them longer than that. What do you think is the best barrel length for a 38 special revolver and why? I'm leaning toward 4" or maybe 5". Shorter than 4" and you lose too much velocity. Longer and the guns start to get muzzle heavy. What do you think?

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Aaron posted this 13 July 2024

Well Tyler, I believe it all boils down to purpose.

 

When I want to run to the stop & rob for a tank of gasoline, I slip my wife’s 2” Ladysmith right into my front pocket. No holster to fuss with, and if anything suspicious develops, I can place my hand on the revolver while in my pocket and be ready to draw and use it if needed. It’s easily concealed in a pocket or ankle holster.

 

For duty carry when I was a DC Police Officer, we carried a 4” S&W Model 10. Practical in size and weight to lug around all day along with the other 40 pounds of duty gear on our Sam Brown rig. The 4” revolvers available offer the most viable barrel length for the cartridge ballistic capability I believe. Last night on my night table by the bed, rested a 4 5/8” Colt 1873 revolver. It is easy to manipulate, well balanced, and can offer 6 shots if needed.

 

For NRA Bullseye shooting as well a PPC competition, I used a 6” revolver to take advantage of the weight AND the longer sight radius offered in that length. There was no ballistic improvement since we shot wad cutter ammunition or standard velocity RN ammo.

 

Being designed as a handgun cartridge back when most of us were kids in the late 19th century, the general barrel length was 6” I believe. There were no “snub nose” revolvers except those whose barrels were cut down by users to meet ultimate concealment purposes. Having said that, we can today as handloaders, vary the ballistic capability of this cartridge to meet the available barrel lengths of firearms available to us. There are limits however to the ballistic capability of the cartridge imposed by its size and type (small caliber to length and straight-wall design).

 

So, in the end I suggest the best barrel length is picked by intended use. Shorter for concealment, medium for multi-purpose, and longer for target work.

 

 

With rifle in hand, I confidently go forth into the darkness.

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delmarskid posted this 13 July 2024

I can’t add much to what Aaron mentioned. I guess handle and hold as many as you can and decide.

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Ed Harris posted this 13 July 2024

I agree that a 4-inch gun is the best compromise offering reasonable concealability in a proper holster, with useful ballistics and adequate sight radius. A 4-inch S&W Model 10 or Colt OP set the standard, but a Ruger Service Six is also a fine choice.

73 de KE4SKY In Home Mix We Trust From the Home of Ed's Red in "Almost Heaven" West Virginia

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Tom Acheson posted this 13 July 2024

Having recently bought a S&W Model 10 with a 4" barrel and fixed sights, and shooting it several times, convinces me that for my use, short distance target shooting, this revolver is a good fit.

Tom

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pat i posted this 13 July 2024

My favorite revolver and barrel length is a 3 inch Model 13. For aestetics and hauling around I don't think a 3 inch revolver can be beat if you're a revolver fan. If it was good enough for the FBI, before the FBI became the fbi, its good enough for me. Not a .38 but close enough for horse shoes and hand grenades

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Tom Acheson posted this 13 July 2024

Not a  .38 but one of those I've been "itching" for. A S&W Model 625 of 1989 with a 5" barrel. Had a chance to shoot one in Jan. Using full moon clips with .45 ACP cases and round nose bullets, it was quick to reload, and a joy to shoot double action. I have a blue 6 1/2" Model 25 but now think I "need" the 5" 625 ...despite it being a stainless "thing"!

Tom

 

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Carl Pegg posted this 13 July 2024

It's hard to pick a "best" barrel length. Like Aaron said, a 2" j frame or Ruger LCR is really hard to beat for pocket holster carry. For me, if I can use a belt holster a 3 or 4 inch barrel hands down. If I were to go hunting I would use something with a 6.5" barrel or longer just for the sight radius. It's really a hoot to try to ring a 12" gong at 50-100 yards with a long barreled 38!

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oscarflytyer posted this 14 July 2024

4" for everyday and fun (Taffin Perfect Packing size!).  2" (maybe 3" if I am conceal carrying)

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Eutectic posted this 15 July 2024

When I worked for a security company I had the choice from over a dozen 38 revolvers in the armory. there were Colts and Smiths all 4 inch or 6 inch of various vintages. Six inch barrels mean a longer holster which is too long for sitting or riding in a car. I tried all the 4 inch and I shot best with a Smith Model 10 with the 4 inch heavy barrel. I claimed it for my own.  

Later I purchased a Chiefs Special with the 2 inch barrel for everyday. Lately I have gone to the Smith 642 for lighter weight and no hammer to snag in the pocket. Wadcutter ammo is fine stuff for short barrels.

The house gun is a Ruger SP101 with a 3 inch barrel. It is a 357 and is loaded with +P 38s. In a pinch it will fit in your pants pocket.

Choose the length that fits your use.

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Bud Hyett posted this 15 July 2024

Model 19 S&W with four inch barrel works well for outside waistband carry and target shooting. This is a good length for a person owning one .38 Special/.357 Magnum. 

Not a .38 Special, but a .44 Special. I now have a S&W 696 after owning two Charter Arms Bulldogs, all with a three inch barrel. This barrel length is the best compromise as it fit in my front jeans pocket or my vest pocket. I also carry it in a holster with shot loads for rattlesnakes. 

Farm boy from Illinois, living in the magical Pacific Northwest

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sluggo posted this 15 July 2024

I have owned a dan wesson .357 revolver which came with 2,4,6 and 8 inch barrels for about 40 years. The 2,6 and 8 inch barrels are pretty much like new. The 4 inch barrel could use a rebluing.

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beemer posted this 16 July 2024

When I was younger I thought long barrels pistols were the thing. I guess I had watched Wyatt Earp on the tube too much. I have a couple 6 inch 38/357 handguns but I prefer shorter barrels. A 2 inch for CC and a 4 inch for belt carry. I do not hunt or compete and as previously stated it all boils down to purpose and my purpose demands shorter barrels.

I have been asked by non gun people what they needed because they did see the need for a handgun. The answer is a 4 inch barrel 38/357 of good quality. Then shoot it some and LEARN how to clean it. They usually pay me no attention.

 

Sluggo , that 4 inch barrel doesn't need a reblue, It's just It's hair starting to turn gray, adds character. I have a 4 inch Security Six that I've owned for 45 years. It looks a little rough but It has earned it.big_grin

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Rich/WIS posted this 16 July 2024

Have owned and shot S&W M-14 and M-15 revolvers quite a bit over the years, as well both a 4" and 6" S&W 686.  Only revolver I still have is an S&W M-15 that is my walking the wood gun carried in a Uncle Mike's holster and belt with a double pouch and two HK speed loaders.  Its reasonably light, accurate and has more than adequate power for anything I'm likely to encounter.  

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RicinYakima posted this 17 July 2024

In 1970, as an undercover narc, I favored the 2" and still have my Colt Agent. When transferred to Uniform, I picked a pre-War  Military and Police Target, just for the trigger pull. When the Squad Sargent saw it he about died and took me down to the Police Supply store and let me pick out a new 6" Model 10. 

Today, a 4" S&W 1948 Masterpiece is shot more than anything else, but the Agent is in the nightstand. 

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SkinnerD posted this 17 July 2024

Handsome young fella that man! Lol

John - New Zealand

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wimilkman posted this 22 July 2024

6 inch is my favorite but I use it for competition in the Nevada/Mesquite Senior Games a S&W 14-2 

Fred H.

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Aaron posted this 22 July 2024

 Love that photo Richard. I still have my Sam Browne from the 80's. Unfortunately it fits like a C-Clip around me. Only goes 2/3 of the way around now! Did you ever try the Bill Jordan holster? I loved mine. Best "cruiser" holster I ever had.

With rifle in hand, I confidently go forth into the darkness.

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RicinYakima posted this 22 July 2024

Thanks Aaron, wife took that picture the first day I went from undercover to uniform duty.

Yes, the belt and all the other stuff was Don Hume, and that is a Jordan River Holster. In those days I wore "Winchester" pants (30/30); today I were "Krag" pants (40/30). 

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shjoe posted this 01 August 2024

great photo. still have my 4" model 10 and drop pouches...

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sghart3578 posted this 03 August 2024

For me it is a S&W model 10 with a 4" barrel and Tyler T grip adapters.  The blue is rubbing off in places but it still locks up tight after thousands of rounds.

Was my constant companion in my working days and now sits on my nightstand.

Love that gun. 

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