[Ragnar Danneskjold]

So far, all I have is autos, and an AR15. I am thinking I want a revolver just to have one, for snakeshot, and for lack of ejecting brass. But I don't want to spend tons of money, or even a moderate amount of money. Probably $200 or less even if possible. I hoping I can find a snub-nose .38

Any ideas for a cheap but decent first revolver?

[SJshooter]

If you find a decent revolver for under $200, let me know where you got it.

[Jim March]

You'll need to buy used, and will do best with something in great shape but showing holster wear or something, in blue. An S&W 10 will be a solid choice along those lines. $200 is pretty marginal but with some shopping, yeah, it's doable. Stainless, not likely. If you can find one, a blue Ruger Security/Service series with a bit of cosmetic issues would be a gem.

There's a "revolver checkout" sticky. That will help you spot a "cosmetically flawed gem", your best bet in the under-$250 range.

Try and stick with S&W or Ruger if possible. Taurus, not half bad if it's fairly recent and is a 38 over a 357. Anything else...gawd, avoid anything Spanish. Don't even mess with anything labeled "Windicator" or especially "Comanche". Most European revolvers blow chunks.

Charters...wow, you could write a book. Short form: early 38spl Charter Arms guns (look for a GOOD finish, case hardened ("mottled") hammer and exposed free-floating ejector rod) can be awesome, but...see my post at:

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=307830

...and elsewhere under my usual name "Jim March".

Here's where it gets hairy: late in the original Charter Arms era, they started running outta money. Quality control got spotty. They went out of biz, the design got bought by Charco, quality went spiraling down a toilet. A well-used toilet, that had been subjected to a mass diarrhea outbreak by overweight geriatrics. Avoid Charco.

The new Charter 2000 guns, I dunno about. They seem to have transitioned from a "tight lockup design" to a looser setup like Ruger and S&W. They're a bit crude lookin' but...I dunno, run a checkout on one, see what you think. The Charter's design concepts were really good, which is why it kept getting brought back. It has a lot of "Rugerish" elements, like no side plates, extra lockup point at the crane, transfer bar ignition, etc. Just gotta baby 'em a bit, and don't even *think* about the 44/357 versions.

[wnycollector]

My step dad carried a early charter .38 every day for years while he had the job of dropping the night deposit to the bank. It was the classic "carried a lot and shot a little". If he put a box of ammo through it a year I would be suprised. The gun was light to carry and went bang everytime the trigger was pulled.

Also, I respecfully disagree with Jim March about SOME spanish revolvers. I have seen a few very nice Astra's, that while not S&W quality, easily matched taurus quality (mind you that is not a ringing endorsement:) I think if they pass Mr. March's checkout AND you can get them at the right price they should not dissapoint you for less than $200! Happy hunting!

[Sistema1927]

Forget your password Jim?

[El Tejon]

I've been buying Ruger Security Sixes for around $200. Solid guns for the money and a model you may wish to consider.

10 years ago there were everywhere at $200, now I have to talk a while to get them down to $200. Asking price is $250 around here now.

[saltpepperPA]

I found a S&W Model 10 for under $200 on GA, used of course... if you look on there you should be able to find something...just keep looking until you find what you want.

[saltpepperPA]

http://www.gunsamerica.com/976958729/Guns/Pistols/Smith-Wesson-Revolvers/Full-Frame-Revolver/S_W_10.htm

[Snowdog]

The latest SOG flier still shows the Armscor MD200 for $169 NIB.

http://www.armscor.com.ph/img/m200.jpg

SOG: 1-800-944-4867

I've had mine for over a year now without any problems, mechanical or otherwise. The only "issue" is that it leads quickly with soft lead such as those used by Hornady. I can load JHPs or FMJ for this revolver, though with these loads, it's more accurate than a sub- $200 revolver has any right to be.

I've read reports of somewhat gritty triggers on Armscor revolvers, though mine came with a quite decent trigger. However, for a sub-$200 revolver, expect a less-than-ideal trigger and finish.
Do a search to read my range report if you're interested.

SOG also offers a "Commanche" .38 and .357 new in box of $179 - $189, though I haven't a clue what kind of qualities these offer.

I think you'll do well with an Armscor, though I'd personally spend a little more to buy a used Ruger SP100 or even a Taurus 82 (and the ilk).

Good luck

[vicspank]

Hi,I just picked up a pristeen Smith model 64-1 which is stainless for 235.00 from a gun shop.Allow yourself at least 250.00 and the good deals are out there if you look for them.
vicspank

[40SW]

Does your $200'ish parameter include $299.99?

[Tully M. Pick]

The latest SOG flier still shows the Armscor MD200 for $169 NIB.

Centerfire Systems has them for $149.00

http://www.centerfiresystems.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=864

[40SW]

EAA Windicator. Made by Weinrauch in Germany and imported by the European American Armory. Should be right around $225.00 in .38 and .357
Great gun.

[22luvr]

I've owned 2 of these: a 6-shot .38 spcl with adjustable sights, and a 6-shot .357 mag. Two of the most ergonomically comfortable snubbies I have ever owned. They are a bit large and on the heavy side (about 30 oz) so pocket-carry is out of the question but mine were both fautless and incredibly accurate. You should be able to pick one up for between $200-250.

[RyanM]

Just to make sure, you know Speer makes snakeshot in autopistol calibers, right? They even cycle most guns, from what I hear, though I have no personal experience.

[Tully M. Pick]

That EAA Windicator looks pretty nice. Here's one out on Gunbroker, too bad it's in Wisconsin and I'd have to pay tax on it.

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=82035720

[Jim March]

Password is fixed :). Problem wasn't just "lost password", I'd switched EMail accounts.

Anyways.

The Windicator's metallurgy is questionable. I've seen reports of the 357 version shot loose in 2,000 rounds. Probably OK as a 38Spl...which is actually just about the same boat Charter is in...