Entering the revolver market is no small task, but SAR USA has stepped up to the challenge with its new SR38 in .357 Magnum. Sarsilmaz, a renowned Turkish firearms manufacturer, has been in operation since 1880. It is now one of the largest small arms manufacturers in the world.
The SAR USA SR38 .357 Magnum
Founded in 2017 and based in Miami, SAR USA collaborates closely with Sarsilmaz to develop state-of-the-art firearms tailored for American consumers. The SR38 is one of its latest offerings. With its roots in a brand with such a rich history, it’s no surprise that SAR USA is making waves in the revolver world, adapting tried-and-true designs with their own unique touch.
The SR38 is SAR USA’s newest entry into the revolver game. It’s instantly recognizable as a full-size .357 Magnum built on the S&W L-Frame template. Right away, it feels like a familiar workhorse, and for good reason. The SR38 isn’t just modeled on the L-Frame—it’s essentially a clone. But does it deliver the performance revolver enthusiasts expect?
Straight out of the box, the SR38 feels like a solid, no-nonsense revolver. My sample came in a bead-blasted blued finish. However, SAR USA also offers the SR38 in a stainless configuration with 4” and 6” barrels.
Right off the bat, you get the feeling this is a revolver built for those who appreciate classic design and functionality. And if you’re familiar with the Smith & Wesson L-Frame, the SR38’s lineage becomes immediately apparent.
A Near L-Frame Clone
Let’s not beat around the bush—the SR38 isn’t just inspired by the L-Frame; it’s a near-clone of the legendary revolver. To see just how close the similarities were, I pulled the internals of the SAR revolver and swapped them with parts from a Smith & Wesson L-Frame—specifically, the trigger and hammer.
The result? The SR38 functioned perfectly without any issues.
This interchangeability with a major brand like S&W is a significant advantage for SAR USA. The availability of aftermarket parts for the L-Frame means you can easily upgrade the SR38 to your liking. You can easily use components already available for S&W revolvers. For revolver enthusiasts who love to tinker, this is a major win.
I can’t guarantee that every single part will swap out as smoothly across all models. However, the fact that my sample accepted S&W components without a hitch is an indicator of how closely SAR has mirrored the L-Frame design.
The SR38 comes equipped with an LPA-style rear sight. This is an upgrade from the standard adjustable rears that are usually outfitted. What’s nice is that aftermarket sights or plates designed for the L-Frame will bolt right onto the SR38 without issue. The factory sight itself is solid—fully adjustable for windage and elevation, with clear markers for fine-tuning your shots.
Shooting the SR38
During my testing, I noticed that my groups were clustering to the right. A quick twist of the adjustment screws, and I had the revolver hitting where I needed it to. This level of adjustability is a nice touch, especially considering the SR38’s price point.
On the range, the SR38 proved to be a solid performer. I fired several different loads and tested the revolver at 25 yards, achieving a consistent 4.5-inch group. While not match-grade, this level of accuracy is more than sufficient for most practical applications. With a few tweaks and better ammo selection, you could likely shrink those groups further.
I also gathered some velocity data using my Garmin Radar Chronograph, running several loads through the SR38:
- Speer Lawman 158gr FMJ (38 SPL): 867.2 FPS
- Remington 125gr SJHP (38+P): 873.9 FPS
- Federal 158gr JSP (357 Magnum): 1089.2 FPS
The SR38 handled these rounds with ease. Recoil was manageable, especially considering the .357 Magnum loads. Likewise, the revolver ran smoothly across different ammo types without an issue.
Handling the SAR Revolver
One of the standout features of the SR38 is its finger groove grip, which is a Hogue clone. The mono-grip design includes well-defined finger grooves and large palm swell, giving shooters a comfortable, secure hold.
The revolver’s frame drops down into the grip, which is retained by a screw at the bottom, ensuring a snug fit. This grip design helps to mitigate recoil and makes the revolver feel more controllable, even when firing full-power .357 Magnum loads. It’s a thoughtful touch that enhances both comfort and performance, especially for longer shooting sessions.
Any L Frame round butt grip will swap onto the SR38’s grip frame too, which certainly adds to its versatility.
The SR38’s build quality holds up well, particularly given its price range. The bead-blasted blued finish on my test model was uniform and robust, fitting comfortably within the revolver’s mid-range price point. SAR USA’s decision to offer a stainless version at a higher price point gives shooters another option for those who want a bit more durability or aesthetic preference.
What really makes the SR38 stand out is that it’s one of the few L-Frame copies available. While many companies offer clones of popular models like the 1911, few have ventured into L-Frame territory. SAR USA has stepped into this space with a revolver that offers classic functionality at a more budget-friendly price.
The SR38’s MSRP is $649 for the blued model and $799 for the stainless version. This places the SR38 significantly below S&W’s L-Frame revolvers in price while still offering similar functionality. Plus, the SR38 comes with an LPA-style rear sight. This is something you won’t find on a standard S&W revolver at this price point.
The SR38 DA/SA Trigger
One area where the SR38 could use some improvement is the double-action trigger pull. Though the average pull weight was 8lbs 9.4oz, it felt a bit inconsistent. This has to do with the detent on the ejector and how “true” the ejector runs.
As an example, if the runout on the ejector is wide, it will bind on that detent, causing an inconsistent trigger feel. On the flip side, the single-action trigger was crisp and light, exactly what you’d expect from a quality revolver.
Luckily, since the SR38 shares parts compatibility with the L-Frame, this heavy double-action pull is easily remedied with aftermarket parts. There are plenty of trigger kits available that can lighten the pull and make it more manageable.
Final Thoughts
While the SR38 is solid, I do have a couple of minor gripes. The lock-up on the bolt could be a bit tighter. This would likely improve accuracy, especially at longer ranges. Additionally, while the rear sight is swappable, the front sight isn’t as easily changed. Given how much SAR has mirrored the L-Frame design, it would’ve been nice to see front sight compatibility as well.
All in all, the SAR USA SR38 is a welcome addition to the revolver market. It’s exciting to see SAR take on such an iconic platform with its own spin. Priced aggressively against the rest of the revolver market, the SR38 offers shooters a budget-friendly entry into the .357 Magnum world while retaining many of the features that make the L-Frame a classic.
While there are a few areas for improvement, such as the double-action trigger pull and bolt lock-up, the SR38 delivers solid performance for its price. For shooters looking for an affordable, reliable revolver with part compatibility and customization options, the SR38 is definitely worth considering.
For more information, please visit SARUSA.com.
Shoot safe!
SAR USA SR38 .357 Magnum Specs
| Caliber | .357 mag |
| Trigger System | Double-action |
| Capacity | 6 |
| Barrel Length | 4 inches |
| Total Length | 9.4 inches |
| Total Height | 5.9 inches |
| Total Width | 1.4 inches |
| Weight | 41.4 ounces |
| Barrel Length | 6 inches |
| Total Length | 11.4 inches |
| Total Height | 5.9 inches |
| Total Width | 1.4 inches |
| Weight | 46.9 ounces |
| MSRP 4-inch | $649.99 (blued), $799.99 (stainless) |
| MSRP 6-inch | $679.99 (blued), $849.99 (stainless) |
