I've always been a fan of small double action revolvers because unlike autos they retain their reliability as the size decreases. I've long considered .32 in a small frame snub a perfect pairing, even when the .38 was available. For top breaks like the H&R or Iver Johnson, I prefer the .32 for its reduced recoil and wear on these old relics, even if .38 S&W had a little more power, not worth the extra wear on an old gun. I figured the .38 is best in a solid frame, but most of those are all in medium frames or are the right size, but were poor designs from H&R and Iver Johnson.
At least, that's what I thought until recently I found out that the S&W I frame wasn't just made in .22 and .32, the model 32 AKA the "Terrier", was in .38 S&W and the pre-61 models were built on the I frame.
For the first time in my life I'm interested in owning a .38 S&W chambered revolver. This is all dependent tho because the appeal is the I frame being smaller than a J frame, but by how much? If it's not smaller by that much, then it's not all that interesting to me.
So, is the difference significant between the I and J frames? Anyone ever own or shot an I frame before? Good experience worth chasing or were you left unimpressed?
At least, that's what I thought until recently I found out that the S&W I frame wasn't just made in .22 and .32, the model 32 AKA the "Terrier", was in .38 S&W and the pre-61 models were built on the I frame.
For the first time in my life I'm interested in owning a .38 S&W chambered revolver. This is all dependent tho because the appeal is the I frame being smaller than a J frame, but by how much? If it's not smaller by that much, then it's not all that interesting to me.
So, is the difference significant between the I and J frames? Anyone ever own or shot an I frame before? Good experience worth chasing or were you left unimpressed?