Replacement Revolver

[9mmfan]

So I have had stewardship of what I believe to be a 1950's vintage M&P .38. The actual owner has told me she would like it back. No problem, except for the fact that I like having that type revolver. I own a boss owb full flap field holster for it, and my old lady feels pretty comfortable with it. I have looked around, and have discovered that I should be able to replace it for around $300. Maybe a tad more. My main concern is that I insist that it has the pencil barrel; and sometimes more difficult to test, that the action and timing both lock up tight. At a gun show, I have no way of knowing if the timing is good. Any ideas for around the DFW area? Again, my Old Lady digs on this gun.
edited to add: A model 10-5 seems to be that of which I seek. If there is a .357 on a comparable frame, please let a brother know. It would have to fit the boss holster. Same frame, favor a tapered 4" barrel, tho the bull barrel has fit in this holster in the past. Thanx, Kids.

[JCole]

Well, I don't have any leads for you, but any S&W K-frame should fit the holster, but not all will be available in the pencil barrel. The model 13 is the .357 version of the model 10, but I'm pretty sure they were all HB, I know mine is. The model 65 is the stainless counterpart to the 13, and the 64 is the stainless 10. There are several more, with varying features of fixed or adjustable sights, barrel shrouds, etc. In my opinion, the 13 and 19 are the best of the lot, but it's hard to go wrong. I'm not sure what barrel length you're looking for.

[wheelgun1958]

You're looking for a K-frame. The frame sizes are I, J, K, L, N and X. There is a great number of choices. All K-frames should fit your holster giving consideration to barrel length.

[9mmfan]

Thank you much for the info, don't know why I was leaning towards the exact same thing. Stainless would be better in the long run. My recent purchase of the longer barrelled Modelo 1938 will settle my hash for a vintage revolver, assuming McClelland's ever gets it back to me. The Old Lady has just expressed a preference for revolvers. Once again, I thank you all.

[wheelgun1958]

The model 13 is basically the same thing as the model 10 but chambered in 357mag. I don't believe that S&W used pencil barrels on ANY 357mag. You could also look for 38 M&P which is the predecessor to the model 10. They should have 5 screws compared to the newer models with 3 screws. J&G Sales has model 64s for around $250.

http://www.jgsales.com/product_info.php ... ts_id/2441

If you purchase one from out of state, be sure to use one of the FFLs listed on this forum. They need our support.