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I think I have 5 J frames. They all have a job. One in my pocket, one at front door, one in wife’s car and another in her purse. Have a spare. I shoot all of them. But as others have said I have several K frames. They are a lot more fun to shoot. Hasbeen

Thanks everyone.


When looking at used revolvers, other than overall condition, what to look for?

Is timing of the cylinder a thing?

I'd check for solid lock up, cylinder motion side to side, front to back.

And, of course proper cycling, DA and SA.

Cock hammer and see if you can push it forward off sear engagement.

To me, generally, the way they look is a pretty good reflection on how they'll function. But, that's not always 100%.

DF

Check YouTube for demonstrations on how to check out a used S&W K-Frame revolver. You should check for timing and end shake. Also check that the ejector rod is straight. Test out the feel of both the double and single action trigger pull for all six chambers.

This is a good tutorial.

Get a 4” S&W .357 (any model you like) if you want a DA. Get a 4 5/8” Ruger Blackhawk .357 if you want SA.

Blackhawk comes in 2 sizes. Most are the larger frame, which are stout but a bit larger than needed. The reintroduced ‘flattop’ is still stout, but in a smaller frame. Both will do fine work.

Yeah, for your needs, a .357 Magnum Ruger Blackhawk would be just fine, too.

I like that looks of that.

On GB, how to tell deference between “regular” and “flattop” versions?

Ruger

Lipsey’s Flattops are at the bottom of this page. They may be hard to find right now. A regular Blackhawk works very well too. You can get a convertible that has an extra 9mm cylinder. Handy during normal times if you don’t reload. Now, .38/.357 is probably easier to find than 9mm.

The Blackhawk is a great option too for a general use revolver. I have an old 4 5/8” New Model that looks like garbage I bought for $125. It may look rough but it shoots like a rifle and has never hiccuped with anything from midrange wadcutters to fire breathing 357 loads. I shot it last night after not having had it out in a year or so. 5 of the first 6 shots rang the 14”x14” steel plate I have hanging at the 100 yard line.

Newbie question....

38 special can be shot in the 357/9mm convertible Blackhawk?

.38 Special can be fired from the .357 Magnum cylinder. To shoot 9mm requires a cylinder swap.

Of course. You’d use the Magnum cylinder.

Thanks! 👍

For added excitement, Long and Short 38 Colt are ok in the magnum cylinder. Starline stocks the brass. I have to admit I've not done this myself. It's perfectly safe, just kind of one of those do it just to do it ideas.

I tried that too in this one. Accuracy was not very good, though.
Bob

As mentioned by "trplem", the 38 Long Colt is a low-recoil round that works in the 38 or 357 cylinders. The brass is readily available from Starline or Midway, etc. and there are some published loads (Hodgdon) that are good for plinking, short range egg-stealers and such. I load my wife's 642 with 105 gr or 125 gr lead truncated cone bullets, usually from Colorado Cast (125) or Missouri Bullet Co. (105) for her practice shooting. The +P duty rounds live in the gun the remainder of the time.

Otherwise, the 38 Special is my go-to round in double or single action revolvers. It can be mild or wild, depending on your particular loading preference and can be very economical to load. Good factory ammunition is available for CCW and the +P versions are substantial but still controllable by smaller hands. 357 capability is a nice alternative, since it shoots the 38 Long Colt, regular 38 Special, 38 +P and 357 without fuss.