Which Revolver to get

I have been searching for a revolver to shoot the Distinguished Revolver Match. I have found several S&W model 14 on Gunbroker that I would like to have. Unfortunately I live in California and the model 14 is not on the DOJ approved list. So any suggestions on what would be the next best revolver?
Thanks, Woody

Hard to believe the Model 14 is not on the approved list. IMHO it would be the best choice. Having lived in the People's Democratic Republic of California I understand. A Colt might do it, but the options for DR might be expensive.

Any S&W revolver chambered in .38 Spl. or .357 mag. with a 6" barrel should be good to go. There are a number of models on the approved list.

I SHOOT PPC WITH PLENTY OF GUYS FROM CALI. ALMOST TO THE MAN THE ABOUT ALL USE MODEL 14'S FOR DISTINGUISHED. JIM P

I am not disputing the fact that there are Model 14's in Cali. I have shoot one. But to find one in state and do a PPT, is really hard to find. Dose anyone have opinion on S&W Model 27?
Woody

woody wrote:I am not disputing the fact that there are Model 14's in Cali. I have shoot one. But to find one in state and do a PPT, is really hard to find. Dose anyone have opinion on S&W Model 27?
Woody

Mod 27's are great guns as are the Mod 28's. If you don't mind the bigger N frame these are 2 guns that you will not wear out even with full blown 357 loads.

Virgil

There are a few things I don't like about "N' frames for bullseye shooting. The grip is too big for my hand. They are heavy and the cylinder is large. This means that it takes more effort to cock the hammer in single-action and the bulk causes the gun to move more when cocking either single or double action.

There are guys that shoot the K, L, and N frames well. The Ruger GP100 falls in the L frame class. A number of badges have been earned with it too.

It would be best to shoot a few of each and then decide. Virtually any of them would shoot well enough to earn the badge.

I've got a thread on the gunsmithing forum about a K38 I'm rescuing from a bulged/ringed barrel. Barrel replacement comes first, followed by other actions as time and money allow. Historical accuracy is not critical -  shootability has to be the name of the game.

Once the barrel is replaced, I want to add target grips for club matches involving both DA and SA events. They need to fit my big hands/long fingers, so I probably need the grip to fill in behind the trigger guard and cover the backstrap. Speed loader cut out might be nice for different games.

It seems the K38 gang shooting CMP matches may have solved this problem already. What grips do the Distinguished Pistol shooters use?

Grip suggestions or recommendations would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Bruce in WV:   If you are talking about NRA Distinguished Revolver Matches (not CMP), please get a set of rules related to the Distinguished Revolver to review before doing any modifications to your revolver that are not factory replacement parts for that particular gun.  Otherwise, you might wind up with a really great gun that will not work for that match.  

On the other had, if you want to shoot the Harry Reeves match, then a larger number of options are available to you (basically anything allowed for revolver under the Conventional Pistol equipment would work.

Most people get a gun for the most restrictive rules they want to shoot under, and then use for other matches.   Just some advise.

Cecil

07.06.2013
Thanks for the advice Cecil. I have a lot to learn...

I'm in the same boat Woody. Hopefully by this time you were successful in getting something.

Yes, the Model 14 is not on the DOJ Approved Roster. But if you do a lot of searching and begging, you might be able to score one via the private party transfer route.

I just scored a Model 17 at my lgs that was on consignment. This one had an underlugged barrel ala 586, patridge front sight and was a 6-shot, which I prefer over the 10-shot for bullseye.


Good luck to you!

So many smart Californians...

So many stupid politicians...

I don't know CA laws so this one may also not be on the approved list but I never seen a Dan Wesson that does not shoot well. I have S&Ws in a model 27 and a model 14 but I have been doing a little better with the DW fooling around practicing. Also some of these can still be had for cheap as some folks are still figuring out how well they shoot. Good luck to you with what you decide. 

A S&W Model 686-6 would be fine for Bullseye, though the red-ramp front sight might be a little tough to use. It could be changed to a Patridge front sight, however, and still be within the DR rules (-3 and later ones only; the -2 and earlier had front sight blades that were machined as part of the barrel). The blued 586-8 is also an option.

Also, according to the California DOJ Roster of Handguns Certified For Sale, the latest Model 14-8 (the re-issued "Classics" version...which is not currently listed on S&W's website) is approved for-sale. So there's that - it won't be quite the same as a very common 14-3, but it will be close (and certainly closer than a muzzle-heavy 586 or 686 L-frame).

I have a beautiful 14-4 but I compete with a 586 that has a target front sight and a sweet trigger job.  I prefer the wider "target" trigger and hammer spur of the 14 but I shoot the 586 with the heavier underlugged barrel better.