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Hi Dujon & All,
Re the .38cal S&W's, there were two standard models on issue (to police at least) generally up till about the mid-90s. I think the standard weapon was called a model 10 which was a 6 shot assuming all the chambers were full. It had the standard sized butt and standard length barrel. On single action (cocked with the hammer up) it wasn't too bad accuracy-wise but on double action somewhat harder to shoot accurately.
Back in the 80s, in certain circumstances you could apply for a 6-shot with an extended barrel that was about 20mm longer than the standard model 10 which gave much better accuracy. They didn't like giving these ones out because when holstered on your belt, it used to dig big gouges out of the upholstery in the cars -- True!! Water Police got the 6-shot as well but it was all stainless-steel.
Detectives generally and (back in the 80s female police) were given the model 36 -- a similar looking but somewhat smaller, lighter 5 shot (assuming the chambers were full) with a small butt and a barrel about 30mm shorter than the model 10. It was much easier to conceal wearing plain clothes but even harder again to aim with accuracy than the 6-shot. This was this gun the servo attendant had. A reasonable choice for self-defence at very close range, but in terms of accuracy etc not the weapon of choice by a looooong way.
Police are now armed with the Glock 9mm semi-autos in two different sizes. Light, reliable and they have a choice of small, medium and large magazines. It is slightly larger than the S&W but about the same weight and is exceptionally reliable like the S&W. The Glock is much, much easier to actually aim and shoot than the old S&W. I know my shooting went from bloody awful to nearly passable when I made the conversion. With the old S&W, if I wanted to score a hit, I was better off throwing it than shooting!
Having said that the S&Ws were much better (I'm told) than the old Webbley revolvers police had in the 60s and 70s. The revolving chamber on those was as likely as not to fall out on the ground the moment you drew it from the holster.
I'm no gun freak (never owned one) but the Glock is a brilliant piece of engineering.
Les Dalrymple
Contributing Editor
AS&T
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