Four different yet similar Military/Police revolvers in .38 special - from the 1920’s to 1980’s

Published on September 7, 2024
Duration: 12:55

This video reviews four .38 Special revolvers used by police and military from the 1920s to the 1980s: the Smith & Wesson Military & Police (precursor to Model 10), Smith & Wesson Model 15, Smith & Wesson Model 64-8, and Ruger Police Service-6. The presenter demonstrates shooting each firearm, discussing their historical context, design features, and personal handling impressions, including accuracy during drills.

Quick Summary

This video reviews four classic .38 Special revolvers: the Smith & Wesson Military & Police, Model 15, Model 64-8, and Ruger Police Service-6, highlighting their historical use by law enforcement and military. The presenter discusses their features and demonstrates their performance in shooting drills, noting the inherent challenges of speed with revolvers compared to modern semi-automatics.

Chapters

  1. 00:13Introduction to Cranky Gun Reviews
  2. 00:21Historical Police/Military Revolvers
  3. 00:43Smith & Wesson Military & Police .38 Special
  4. 01:35Smith & Wesson Model 15 .38 Special
  5. 02:39Smith & Wesson Model 64-8 .38 Special
  6. 03:53Ruger Police Service-6 .38 Special
  7. 05:09Shooting the S&W M&P
  8. 06:01Shooting the S&W Model 15
  9. 06:36Shooting the S&W Model 64
  10. 07:21Shooting the Ruger Police Service-6
  11. 08:00Target Review
  12. 08:57Mozam Beak Drill Introduction
  13. 09:12Mozam Beak with S&W M&P
  14. 09:53Mozam Beak with S&W Model 15
  15. 10:41Mozam Beak with S&W Model 64
  16. 11:39Mozam Beak with Ruger Police Service-6
  17. 12:30Conclusion on Revolver Drills

Frequently Asked Questions

What historical .38 Special revolvers are featured in the video?

The video showcases four classic .38 Special revolvers: the Smith & Wesson Military & Police (precursor to the Model 10), the Smith & Wesson Model 15, the Smith & Wesson Model 64-8, and the Ruger Police Service-6. These firearms represent models used by police and military from the 1920s through the 1980s.

What are the key features of the Smith & Wesson Model 64-8?

The Smith & Wesson Model 64-8 is a stainless steel K-frame revolver. It features a trench sight with a simple ramp front sight and was commonly carried by police departments like the NYPD until the mid-1980s. This particular model has a lock, indicating it was made post-1994.

Why were .38 Special revolvers preferred by some police departments over more powerful calibers?

.38 Special revolvers were favored by many police departments until the 1980s because they offered less risk of over-penetration compared to more powerful rounds like .357 Magnum or .44 Magnum, making them safer in civilian environments.

How did the presenter perform in shooting drills with these classic revolvers?

The presenter performed reasonably well, especially considering a two-month break from the range. The Ruger Police Service-6 yielded the best results in a head-shot drill, with five out of six rounds hitting the target. However, the presenter noted that achieving speed and accuracy in dynamic drills like the 'Mozam Beak' is generally more challenging with revolvers than with semi-automatic pistols.

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