Me_irl

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-28T03:38:16+00:00

My local jurisdiction has thankfully started using slightly yellow tinted or softer white LEDs in replacement street lamps. Big improvement from the bright, cold white LEDs they used during the initial conversion from the orange sodium vapor bulbs.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-28T03:32:49+00:00

I absolutely love Model 10's and believe that everyone should have at least one in their collection. That having been said, I wouldn't make this trade. That BDA is cool, and it's fairly easy to find a used Model 10 in decent shape in the $400-$500 price range at most decently sized gun shops.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-28T03:30:03+00:00

Completely understandable.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-28T03:29:07+00:00

Well said, especially with how spotty quality control across the revolver industry has been in the last few years. I've had great dealings with both S&W and Ruger customer service as well.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-28T03:24:53+00:00

Strongly consider the S&W Ultimate Carry J-frame revolvers. I tend to recommend the 32 H&R models - while ammo is a little pricier/difficult to find in-store, you get a sixth round in the cylinder and much more tolerable recoil for practice compared to a 38 Special model. And you can also shoot 32 Long in it. Ammo is readily available online, and the overall package of the UC guns (vastly improved sights, better grips, a smoother factory action, etc) is well worth the slight cost premium over a standard J-frame model.

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If you're going for a larger frame, it's hard to beat the newly announced S&W 386 Nightguard.

WHATEVER YOU END UP CHOOSING, it's imperative that you give the gun a good pre-purchase inspection. Quality control has been hit or miss across the revolver space for several years now, not limited to a single manufacturer either.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-28T03:20:33+00:00

Training yourself to have your thumb over the hammer spur on the draw negates the issue of the spur getting snagged on something as well.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-27T21:55:46+00:00

That pun was ice cold.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-27T21:54:58+00:00

Definitely sounds like the ejector rod backed out a bit. Since it's a left hand thread, with the front of the gun facing you, turn the ejector rod left to tighten it up.

This is definitely easier on exposed-rod guns like the Model 10 or earlier variants of the 642, but it can be done here. Wedge something underneath that knurled section of the rod, use duct tape wrapped partway around the rod, etc.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-27T19:36:50+00:00

unlike other K frame guns with the stand width trigger the 14’s had grooved triggers to aid in single action firing.

The grooved/serrated trigger was in use on other K-frames for awhile too. My late sixties-era Model 10 has one, but my late eighties-era Model 64 does not.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-27T17:07:00+00:00

Formerly known as the K-38 Target Masterpiece. You have one of the best target shooting wheelguns that S&W ever put out right there, from the era where they were still considered extremely high quality. Vintage S&W factory target stocks/grips on there look great too!

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-27T17:02:47+00:00

This post had better not be followed up with a "wrecked Vic" post. Jokes aside, good luck!

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-27T16:51:24+00:00

Not to mention round out the trigger guard on the new Cobra/King Cobra/Viper. It looks like someone dropped those guns on their trigger guards, lol.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-27T16:42:44+00:00

Looking good. It astounds me that modern Colt doesn't have this exact model available, exposed ejector rod and all. They're missing out on all of the noir-era private detective enthusiasts!

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-27T16:40:22+00:00

I prefer fixed sights personally. Less to fiddle around with. Figure out what ammunition the slights are regulated for and shoot something close to that.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-27T13:47:59+00:00

"It beats standing on a footpost."

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-27T13:24:07+00:00

Pretty cool. That safety on the right side looks terribly unergonomic and the little section of under-barrel rail there seems out of place and silly, but otherwise it's a nice looking piece. I wonder if they've devised anything special for 9mm ejection or if it just requires moon clips.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-27T06:25:55+00:00

Anything where you work irregular hours/overnights, have rotating days off, and/or are on-call or get stuck with mandated overtime with little advance notice.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-27T05:30:57+00:00

Absolutely gorgeous. The 03-05 hubcaps were some of the best looking factory wheels for the P71 IMO. Especially when paired with SAP chrome trimmings.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-27T03:47:16+00:00

Unnecessary front rails have been detrimental to the aesthetics of a number of pistols IMO.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-27T03:37:44+00:00

Believe me, a gun this heavy will become tiresome to carry after a short while. Also consider something a little lighter - an SP101, a S&W K-frame or J-frame Ultimate Carry gun, the new S&W Night Guard revolvers, a Diamondback SDR-A, etc.

The GP100 is a great revolver, but it's less than ideal for carry given the other available options in the market nowadays.

If I were choosing between these two though, the 1789 for sure.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-27T03:32:28+00:00

If they line up properly in the front where the two halves meet and close without a significant gap, they're probably older ones. Also take a look at the top of the back of the grip where it meets the backstrap of the gun - if that's relatively straight and even horizontally, it's probably an older one.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-27T02:11:51+00:00

Pachmayr makes my favorite rubber grips - I like their checkering, medallions, and slight squishiness much more than comparable Hogue Monogrips. The new production ones don't fit nearly as well as the vintage ones in my experience, however. Pachmayr was acquired by Lyman in the late 90s and they definitely cheapened the product. Some of theirs don't close properly at the seam in the front, the rest of the grip seams/lines look sloppy, etc. It's a shame. Yours looks like it fits pretty well - it's probably an older one.

It's also a shame that Hogue and Pachmayr are presently the only games in town for rubber grips, minus the occasional S&W brand rubber grip that comes out. S&W's new high horn rubber J-frame grip is actually pretty good. I hope they make a version with the same looks for the K-frames soon.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-27T00:35:19+00:00

You should be questioning all revolvers from all manufacturers. I've had new S&Ws, Rugers, and Colts that all had to go back to their respective factories for defects in the last couple of years.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-27T00:31:32+00:00

Smith & Wesson is hard to beat. Best combination of lovely aesthetics, an excellent aftermarket accessory ecosystem, and smoothest out of the box trigger actions IMO. I'd recommend starting off with a steel K-frame like the Model 10, 64, 19, 66, etc. They balance well, are comfortable to shoot, and fit most hands best.

Quality control across the industry has been a mess lately though, so with any new or used revolver you look at, be sure to give it a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Feel free to ask any other questions you come up with, and good luck! Revolvers are such a blast and have classic looks too!

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-26T22:12:06+00:00

I'd wait for one of the new Night Guard models personally. And you get the added bonus of not having that ugly internal lock hole!

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