Based in Istanbul, Turkey, Sarsilmaz Silah Sanayi is a well-known firearms manufacturer with a storied history stretching back to 1880. Today, it is the official supplier of handguns to the Turkish National Police and Armed Forces: Its production capabilities range from .25-cal. guns up to .50-cal. machine guns that are exported to almost 80 different countries. SAR firearmsfounded in 2017 and based in Miami, Fla., is the subsidiary of the company that imports a variety of affordable semi-automatic handguns for distribution here in the United States.

But among the various semi-autos available from SAR is a selection of .357 Mag. double action revolvers. dubbed SR 38 series, these have been imported over the years through various distributors, but have recently been reintroduced by SAR Firearms. Model options include blued or stainless steel finishes with a choice of 4″ or 6″ barrels. This review takes a closer look at the 4-inch stainless steel model.

The SR 38 is a medium-frame, double-action revolver with a six-shot cylinder and an overall profile reminiscent of the Smith & Wesson 686. The frame is forged from X12Cr13 stainless steel, with the remaining components formed from various stainless steel alloys. The barrel, cylinder, and frame are natural silver with a matte finish, however, the company has gone for a somewhat two-tone look with the stainless steel rear sight, ejector rod, yoke, extractor, trigger, cylinder release, and hammer. they are all matte black to match the rubber grip. The serial number of this revolver is deeply engraved on the right side of the frame below the barrel and on the right side of the barrel.

Factory-installed sights consist of a relatively tall front ramp that is set into the barrel and a fully adjustable square-notch rear. The rear sight assembly is secured in a removable black plate secured to the frame with a pair of small screws. At first glance, one would think that the company is offering its customers an optic-ready model, however, at the time of this writing, SAR Firearms does not offer an optic mounting system to replace the scope assembly for the scope. SR 38 series. We believe this is a missed opportunity that the company will rectify in the future.

The 4-inch barrel is six-flute, right-hand wound, with an unusual twist rate of 1:15.75 inches. The full barrel socket has a cutout that covers the knurled tip ejector rod. The six-shot fluted barrel swings to the left side of the frame in typical double-action fashion and rotates counterclockwise. Left cylinder release is S&W style; is pressed forward to open the action. The relatively narrow hammer spur is checkered for improved purchase when manually cocking the revolver. A traditional rounded guard houses the deeply curved, smooth-faced trigger.

Double-action revolver enthusiasts can discover most of what they want to know about the qualities of a particular model simply by dry firing the gun. The SR 38’s long double-action trigger was impressively smooth, with a typical pull weight of 11 lbs., 5 oz. Cocking the single-action fire hammer reduced the trigger travel spring to just 1/8″, and featured a clean, if still slightly heavy, break at 5 lbs., 15 oz., of pressure.

The SR 38 grip frame is of the round head S&W variety. Comes with a one-piece soft rubber handle. It features lightly textured swirl panels on both sides, deep finger grooves along the front strap and a partially exposed back strap. It is comfortable, fills the hand and allows for a high shooting hand position. The gun comes in a foam-lined storage case along with a self-contained cleaning kit that includes a handle, brass rod, eye and two bore brushes – one polymer and one bronze.

At the interval, the SAR SR 38 was evaluated using a variety of .38 Spl. and .357 Mag. loads. The revolver proved reliable with all ammunition tested. The controls exhibited smooth and adequate operation throughout testing. Unloaded, this stainless steel wheel gun weighs 41 oz. While it can be a bit heavy compared to modern polymer frame pistols, this added weight contributes to much more manageable levels of felt recoil. This is especially evident and appreciated when firing the full power .357 Mag.
cartridges.

Today’s medium frame revolver fans have few choices in what might be considered mid-priced models. American-made guns from Smith & Wesson and Ruger have suggested retail prices starting at $1,000; imports from Brazil and the Philippines start at around $500, but often don’t feature the same level of refinement in fit and finish as more expensive models. Turk SR 38 it offers a level of quality that can comfortably compete with entry-level US models, but has a list price starting at just $649.