Smith & Wesson Model 67 Review: A Classic .38 Special Still Ready to Serve

Many handguns on the used gun market are still capable of providing reliable performance for today’s concealed carrier or home defender, often at a much lower price than newer models. And if you consider a revolver to fill your defensive needs, you’ll find a platform known for durability, accuracy and simplicity.

While several manufacturers yet today offer plenty of new mid-size revolvers, I want to focus on used service revolvers. Many medium-framed revolvers experienced surprisingly little wear during their police service life, making them an excellent value.

I witnessed this firsthand in 1986 when I was issued the stainless-steel S&W Model 65 .357 Magnum. I would’ve preferred to keep the previously issued S&W Model 10 .38s that were issued, but following the 65s after just about two years, we were issued the new S&W Model 4506 semi-auto.

During their service life, the Model 65s underwent a total of only three 50-round qualifications. That’s why service revolvers are a great find on the used market. They’re much like a car that was rarely driven.

S&W Model 67 Combat Masterpiece

The revolver featured in this review is older even than the 65, yet still capable as a home-defense, concealed carry or recreational handgun. The Smith & Wesson Model 67 .38 Special Combat Masterpiece is the stainless-steel version of the earlier blued-steel Model 15.

I’ve owned my Model 67 for more than 40 years, having purchased it as a reserve deputy for uniformed carry. Like the Model 15, the Model 67 is a six-shot K-frame revolver chambered in .38 Special.

My particular model is the 67-1, which is rated for +P ammo, according to available information. I have fired +P ammo through it with no ill effect. Its reputation was built on being easy to carry, rust-resistant, quite accurate and very reliable.

The defining feature of both the Model 15 and Model 67 is the factory-equipped, fully adjustable sight system. This was especially important after the introduction of +P .38 jacketed hollow-point ammo, as these loads shot lower than the standard 158-grain duty loads.

Adjustable sights allowed fine-tuning for different bullet weights and velocities.

Key Features: Sights, Barrel and Design

The Model 67 has a highly visible grooved-ramp front sight with orange insert and a rear sight that can be easily adjusted for elevation and windage. This setup makes it well-suited for precise shooting with a variety of .38 Special loads, which is an important advantage for both training and defensive use.

The barrel of the Model 67 is the classic pencil barrel design seen on earlier S&W revolvers like the Model 10 and later Model 15. The tapered, lighter barrel of the earlier K-frames gave the revolver a refined feel and elegant appearance.

The barrel on my Model 67-1 is one of the more desirable “pinned barrel” designs. A small pin holds the barrel in place to keep it from backing out, and you can see the pin on both sides of the top strap above the barrel.

These vintage revolvers are highly valued by many S&W enthusiasts.

The ejector rod remains unshrouded, and the cylinder locks at both the front end of the ejector rod and at the rear end at the recoil shield. My Model 67 still has a solid lockup after all these years.

The trigger has the once-standard grooves for better finger adherence when firing. The grooves were eventually dropped in favor of a smooth trigger face on all models.

Single-action trigger pull measured 2 pounds, 7 ounces, while the double-action is in the standard 10-pound range.

Shaped like a paddle or tennis racket, the cylinder latch release is large and easy to operate. This design was from before Smith & Wesson added a keyhole lock.

Grip and Handling

My Model 67 has the standard checkered walnut service grips, sized to match the grip frame. Both the front and back straps are grooved for better grip adhesion, and the Smith & Wesson medallion is inset on each side of the grip panels.

The grips are pretty minimal by today’s standards. In many cases, shooters replaced these factory grips with larger rubber grips, like those made by Pachmayer.

Pachmayer no longer offers these oversized grips as most modern handguns come with them built in. Smith & Wesson still offers smaller “service-style” grips on select retro models for those who prefer the original look.

You’ll notice a black adaptor in the photos of my Model 67. This is a Tyler T-Grip, which fills the gap between the rear of the triggerguard and the front strap.

This was the only modification allowed in most police departments. It remains a simple and effective solution for those who don’t want the bulk of oversized grips but would like their handgun to fit their hands more securely.

Range Performance: Accuracy and Recoil

It had been a while since I live-fired the S&W Model 67, but I’ve kept it maintained and ready for defensive use. I expected solid performance and no major surprises on the range.

I picked up a fresh box of Magtech 158-grain FMJ FP for testing. It has a muzzle velocity of 755 feet per second, delivering 200 foot-pounds of energy, right in the traditional velocity range of .38 Special standard pressure.

Recoil was mild and easy to manage, a strength of the mid-size K-frame revolver. Accuracy was also strong, provided good shooting. I shot some groups single-action and some double-action.

My first double-action group from 20 feet measured 5 inches by 2 inches on the plain white cardboard silhouette. It reminded me that double-action revolvers reward practice.

Moving up to 15 feet, I fired six more rounds and took my time. That group measured 1 ½ inches by 1 ½ inches, better reflecting the accuracy of this Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolver.

A quality revolver like the Model 67, even a used revolver, is capable of excellent accuracy, but it requires the shooter to do their part. With regular practice, especially in double action, it can deliver precise and consistent results.

The .38 Special cartridge remains a practical option, accurate with adequate power, especially if you choose +P ammunition. Whether standard-pressure or +P, the .38 offers a balance of controllability and effectiveness.

I keep my Model 67 loaded with Buffalo Bore 158-grain LSWC hollow-points.

Is the Smith & Wesson Model 67 Still Worth It?

While the trend is toward semi-automatic pistols for self-defense, the Smith & Wesson Model 67 .38 Special Combat Masterpiece continues to prove why classic revolvers are still relevant. It offers reliability, accuracy and simplicity that is difficult to match, especially at the price point found on the used market.

The Model 67 works well as a home-defense revolver, a training handgun or even a concealed carry option for those who prefer revolvers. Its moderate recoil and dependable function make it especially appealing to shooters who value simplicity over capacity.

The key factor with any used revolver is condition. Former police service revolvers saw limited use and can still provide decades of reliable performance.

When properly maintained, a used Smith & Wesson K-frame revolver can serve as a long-term defensive and recreational firearm.

For those willing to invest time in practice of the double-action trigger, the Model 67 delivers excellent accuracy and dependable performance. It may not be the newest design on the market, but it remains a highly capable and practical .38 Special revolver for self-defense.

It’s worth trying out if you spot a gem like this.

Sources:

• Smith & Wesson: Smith-Wesson.com
• Buffalo Bore: BuffaloBore.com
• Magtech Ammunition: MagtechAmmunition.com