Askins says in his biography that he was at least partially responsible for the Border Patrol getting 4” Colt New Service revolvers in 38 Special. He talked of having a tool made up to bend the front sights and zeroed all of them before they were issued.
Probably a driving factor in Jordan’s quest for the K frame Combat Magnum. I think the New Service is at least as heavy if not heavier than the Heavy Duty S&W.
I don’t know if Askins was inclined to one brand in particular. He wrote of using Colt, S&W, and High Standard guns for both target and business purposes.
