[indie]

I would like to take my CCW class soon and apply for my permit.

I have narrowed down what type of gun I ideally want to carry, and how I want to carry. I would like to pocket carry a snub nosed revolver. I prefer a six shot and I understand that the "Colt D Frame" sized revolver most adequately fits the bill.


My objective was to try to spend under $250. I want it to handle at least .38sp +p ammo.

My main consideration has been between the Armscor 206 colt detective clone and Rossi 461 or 462 357 mags.

My major concern with the rossi has been a few forum reports here and on taurus armed of lockup and screws falling out? With the armscor 206, i havent heard many opinions about it, but what i have heard has been pretty good.

I would like any input, or suggestions anyone could provide. I would like to buy this weekend if I can make up my mind on something and take the plunge.

[indie]

someone please give me a nudge so i can buy a gun this weekend lol.

[Brass Rain]

When considering your own personal safety I find it hard to recommend anything without the strength or reliability of a Smith, Ruger, or possibly Colt. Try for a used one of those.

Or maybe a Taurus?

[LeonCarr]

Used Ruger or Smith. You might have to spend more that 250 bucks, maybe around 300. Eat Ramen for a few weeks and get a better quality revolver :).

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

[GRIZ22]

My scale of revolver quality is:

1. Ruger, S&W, Colt. All pretty much equal (I prefer Ruger and S&W). Ecah has it's own good points.

2. Taurus. I know start an argument but I have Taurus' I consider equal to a S&W. They get listed below the other 3 as I don't think they generally have as nice a trigger action. Not that the trigger is horrible but the top threes are better. I do carry a Taurus as a SD weapon at times. A 6 shot M66 among them.

3. Rossi, although most Rossi's I've seen developed timing problems way too early in their lifetimes.

I have no experience with Armscor and really can't make a valid recommendation or condemnation.

I'd wait and save a little more for a new Taurus or Ruger (both usually less expensive than a S&W) and your Taurus 66 in the mean

[Phil DeGraves]

You should be able to find an old Colt Police Positive for around that much but I wouldn't shoot +P in it. Spend a little more and get a used Smith, Ruger, or newer Colt. It will serve you much better than those others and if you decide to sell it, you'll get more of your money back.

[BattleChimp Potemkin]

Actually, the Armscor 206 isnt a bad gun. Guy at our range had one and it wasnt different than a Colt's Detective Special. Wasnt as smooth in finish, however, the construction was awesome and had a better trigger than the Colt.

Rossi's to me are a little bulky for my liking. I will probably be ordering a Armscor 206 here soon to add to my collection.

I can hear a stampede of people coming up to tell you that you can get a model 10 for next to nothing. You can. However, the luck in finding them unless you find one online or in a pawnshop is very slim.

For a defensive piece of weapon, I would trust myself to the Armscor as I have seen it and fired it. Its not bad. A little ugly, but not bad. STAY AWAY from Comanche! People often compare Comanche and Armscor. They are not the same gun and they have VASTLY different quality.

Lots of folks will tell you what to buy. They will tell you "what is your life worth"? Unfortunately for some, we have BUDGETS that we have to conform to and have little disposable income (really, that is what it comes down to). If you find a used Smith or Ruger, TAKE IT. But if you cant find one that fits your budget, look into the Armscor.

[indie]

i thank you all for your suggestions so far.

My 250 budget is for many practical reasons. Concern of theft or losing the gun, low disposible income, wife who doesnt understand ... etc lol

But as you can see from my two modest guns in my signature, I have stayed budget conscious in my selections so far, and have been more than satisfied.

People told me to save up and get smith/ruger, and i bought a 7 shot taurus. I have put about 1000 rounds through it and i love it.

People told me to save and get a beretta storm, and i got a high point, which i have REALLY enjoyed taking to the range, but i have been able to afford to customize and use it to the point i feel that it makes a fine home defense gun.

I paid a total of about $350 for both. And i feel that if i had spent more..i still couldnt be any more satisfied.


I really wanted 6 shots in a carry revolver, and i have decided to pocket carry, but i feel like i would need to compromise a chamber and pay more to get a revolver that doesnt quite fit what i want, when there are a couple of choices that fit my needs and are within my budget

BattleChimp Potemkin, i have been looking into all of the "value priced" brands, and of them all i narrowed it down to Rossi and Armscor and possibly Taurus and CHarter Arms, because those are the guns that will be found within my budget.


Of the few armscor 206 owners /shooters ive read opinions from, they all have said that it is a great buy and is essentially a rough around the edges, beater colt detective. For the price, i can pretty much buy the gun new and take my CCW class within my budget.

I started considering rossi when i saw one for about 220 with case, speed loader and holster. And with it being 357 magnum and reading that it was 6 shot in the D frame comparable size. It peaked my interest as well, and i thought it was worth considering before it gets away.

Right now im leaning towards the armscor because i intend to carry the FBI load and not a 357 load and because of the few complaints ive read on the rossi's

[FEG]

In general, when someone asks "Should I get X or Y?," I try to stay on topic. This time, I have to violate that common courtesy. A cheap revolver potentially cancels out the snub's biggest advantage (it will always go bang 5-6 times).

I realize that times are getting tough. (I just got hit with somew unexpected medical bills, I know.) That said, I can guarantee you will be happier in the long run if you come up with another $100 or so and get a Ruger or S&W. (Getting a good deal on a Colt isn't that realistic in these parts.)

There are a lot of reasons:

1) I don't know if this is true or an old wives' tale, but a lot of older people claim that Rossi and Charter Arms snubs go out of time quickly if pocket carried. Honestly, that sounds sort of exaggerated to me, but I do know my S&W 638 has stayed tight and in time after four years of daily pocket carry.

2) Rossi, Armscor, Charter Arms, etc. guns have little resale value. If you change your mind, you definitely would have been better of with a Colt, Ruger, or S&W. If you are stubborn enough, I don't think it is even possible to lose money on a Colt revolver right now!

3) Ruger and S&W are considered the very best manufacturers in terms of customer service. If not for the 1911, S&W revolvers would have the best aftermarket support of any handgun(s). Compare this to Taurus, much less Rossi, Armscor, etc.

4) Not to be a jerk, but if you don't reload, how can you afford to shoot? Seriously, decent .38 Special practice ammunition is well over $10/box. If the difference between a Rossi and a S&W is going to break you, how are you going to afford to shoot?

Every time I find myself about to settle for my second choice in a firearm, I come back to these basic points. I reload myself, but I still always arrive back at the "buy what you really want" position. In the long run, you will end up doing it anyway, so waiting another few months and avoiding the time, trouble, money, and effort of a "cheap" gun is well worth it.

If I have offended, I apologize. I just hate to see people make what may be a mistake. YMMV. Consult your doctor or mental health care provider, etc.

[mountaindrew]

Unlike most posters on this and similar threads, I understand the problem. I was shiping for the same thing and I have settled on the Rossi 462. It is waiting for me at my dealer.

Two points to all of the peanut gallery who always chime in with "buy a smith or ruger!"

1. Read the post. He is looking for a small, pocketable six shooter and doesn't want to loose a round. You show me a small pocketable six shot ruger (in .38)and ill pay you $1000 for it. Even a speed six is about half a pound heavier and two inches longer than either of the guns he mentioned. Smith's smallest six shooter is a 2.5 inch 686 that is freaking huge for a snubbie.

2. Those $200 smith model 10s everyone recomends are far from being a CCW gun. A revolver designed to be a holstered duty weapon worn on a belt loaded with equipment does not translate to an easily carryable CCW for the average civilian. Try slipping that model 10 into your pocket. Plus, in seven years of gun shopping I have never seen one. I have seen a few for around $250 but the were obviously run hard and put away wet.

Why to people insist on comparing apples and oranges?

"I need a shotgun for skeet shooting"
"well you should just buy an AR 15"

"what do you guys think of the Seecamp .32?"
"well for that price you can get a Ruger Alaskan"

Come on guys, answer the question asked.

I settled on the Rossi not because I am broke (although I often am) but because the bigger American firms won't build a comparable product. The Detective Special filled a niche and now that it is no longer made, there is a market vacuum. Don't knock the budget manufacturers for filling it.

[DistantHorizon]

Indie, if you get the Armscor, a range report with decent pictures would be appreciated... I'd like to see one, just outta curiosity.

[rdoggsilva]

I have a Rossi 462. One of reasons of getting it is that I have a 20+ year old Rossi 971 4". I have not had problem one with it. I have put over 500 rounds through the 462 with no problems. I really like the little weapon and yes I trust it with my life.

[bestseller92]

Get a Ruger SP101.

[Uglyoldpoorman]

1.Go take your test.
2 Rent an auto from the person giving the test if you don't hve one.
3. It will take 3 or 4 months to get the actual license so save your money and buy up as suggested.

[sparkyguy]

Taurus. I know start an argument but I have Taurus' I consider equal to a S&W

Are you serious? As for Ruger rating higher in quality then S&W..again..are you serious?:scrutiny:

[19-3Ben]

People told me to save up and get smith/ruger, and i bought a 7 shot taurus. I have put about 1000 rounds through it and i love it.

People told me to save and get a beretta storm, and i got a high point,

So if you haven't listened to anyone's advice so far, why keep asking!! Go get yer armscor, take pics, and post a range report already!!!:neener:

[sparkyguy]

So if you haven't listened to anyone's advice so far, why keep asking!!

I'll second that. I hate it when ppl are like "What should I buy?" Then turn around and ignore experienced advice givers and get what they planned on to begin with. Really, why ask?:scrutiny:

[19-3Ben]

Sparky. I was teasing him in a friendly way. hence the neener smiley.

[janobles14]

i would go with the taurus first.

next would be the rossi.

and also the charter arms arent terrible revolvers.

[armoredman]

Rossi is now made BY Taurus. Go for it.

[MCgunner]

I've had a LOT of heavy rounds through my old M971 with no timing or any other problems. I'd not hesitate to buy an EIGHTH Rossi. I have 2 revolvers at the moment, a .22 M511 and an old M88 that is very well made/put together. Fit and finish on this gun, bought in 1981, ware way ahead of those built around 1990 that I've owned. However, since the Taurus acquisition, they've gotten back to building really NICELY put together and finished guns. The price is, frankly, hard to believe, the quality is so good.

[lee n. field]

My objective was to try to spend under $250. I want it to handle at least .38sp +p ammo.


used gun. Locally a new Rossi .38 snub is $300.

Armscor 206 colt detective clone and Rossi 461 or 462 357 mags.


Looked at an Armscor a year or so ago. That particular specimen was pretty rough looking.

[MCgunner]

Academy sports and outdoors has the Rossi 461 blued snubby .357 six shot for $245. Bout 25 bucks more for stainless, the 462. I've been thinkin' about it. They are a handy sized gun, but really, I have other guns that work as well. One's a 3" Taurus M66, just a little larger square butt frame, but it's pretty light and compact IWB and quite accurate.

[lev83]

I picked up a nice Rossi 2.5" Mod. 68 in perfect condition for $185. It has been perfect so far.

[GRIZ22]

Quote:
Taurus. I know start an argument but I have Taurus' I consider equal to a S&W

Are you serious? As for Ruger rating higher in quality then S&W..again..are you serious?

Please read my post. I said I consider Ruger the equal of Colt and S&W in quality. I have never had or seen a Ruger revolver break but I've seen a lot of broken S&Ws. Not the norm but I do have "a" Taurus 85 that I would equal to a S&W. I didn't say Taurus.

[sparkyguy]

GRIZ22 wrote:
Please read my post. I said I consider Ruger the equal of Colt and S&W in quality. I have never had or seen a Ruger revolver break but I've seen a lot of broken S&Ws. Not the norm but I do have "a" Taurus 85 that I would equal to a S&W. I didn't say Taurus.

I did read your post. You said "I have Taurus' I consider equal to a S&W", the s' indicates plural. You may have meant one, but indicated more than one. And "a lot of broken S&W's"? Really? Let's not embellish things to make a point. I've owned two Rugers, the first being used, the second being brand new. Guess which one had to be sent back to Ruger for repair. Hint hint..it wasn't the used one. All manufacturers have klinkers here and there. Taurus is off the chart.

[GRIZ22]

Let's not embellish things to make a point.

To make a judgement on Rugers based on your experience with two can be embellishing.

I have about 30 years experience as a firearms instructor/armorer. During that time I've seen at least 500 S&Ws and about 20% of them needing some kind of work from timing to totally shot (stretched frames, severe flamecutting, catastrophic failure (cylinder blowing up) etc). Does that mean S&Ws are garbage? Of course not but the K frame size guns are not as durable as Security/Speed 6s. The only time I saw a Ruger revolver needing work (probably oversaw 50-100 of those) was timing and that was after about 20,000 of full magnums during a torture test.

Taurus generally does not as good a trigger as a S&W but not so bad you can't work with it. I have a Taurus 85 for 20 years that has a better trigger and sights than a J frame of that era. I also have a Taurus M66 that doesn't have a great trigger but has put up with about 20 years of magnums with no quality issues. If Taurus was so bad they would have been out of business long ago.

Notice I refrain from making a judgement on Armscorp as I don't have any experience with them.

[Goblin]

For $250.00 go with a used S&W .38 :)

[nelson133]

I don't care what this guy buys, but I do a lot of gunshop checking and gunshow walking and the $250 used Smith or Colt or Ruger is a myth around here.

[Bboomer]

I don't care what this guy buys, but I do a lot of gunshop checking and gunshow walking and the $250 used Smith or Colt or Ruger is a myth around here.

Same here.

Anything decent anymore (used) is 4-5 bills here. I'm talking Smith's & Ruger. Colt's are outta sight.

[coyotehitman]

250.00 will net you a Taurus, at best, if we are talking new guns. And given the budget constraints, that is what I would go with if i had to have a new gun. I wouldn't consider a Rossi or Armscor. What I would consider is looking for a used S&W or Ruger. IMO you are getting more for your money, will have more folks interested if you ever decide to sell it, and will recoup your investment in that scenario.

[Confederate]

I know [I may] start an argument, but I have Taurus' I consider equal to a S&W.
Won't get an argument from me. There will always be cases where some Rossi or Taurus revolvers will be better than some Smiths. That said, the best Smiths will always be better than the best Rossis or Taurus revolvers. I have a Rossi .38 Spc. in stainless that's never been fired. It had a brother that I fired a lot and never had a problem with. This one's at least that good because I've measured the key specs. I keep it loaded with +P LE JHPs. I can say I'd rather have it than my dad's Smith 60 .38 because my Rossi has a 3-inch barrel rather than a 2-inch.

Here's a good article for the new revolver buyer. (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://civic.bev.net/shawnee/m10rev.gif&imgrefurl=http://civic.bev.net/shawnee/gunbuyer.html&h=142&w=228&sz=10&hl=en&start=38&sig2=r4ulAjZ2jDbzpy7uvnvKHg&tbnid=RAOMaiou1Ks37M:&tbnh=67&tbnw=108&ei=-gdXSNXKMY7aiAH1mpGUAw&prev=/images%3Fq%3DRossi%2B88%2Brevolver%26start%3D20%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN)

[woad_yurt]

For $250, you can buy a pretty good used revolver. Or, for less that $200, you can have a new Armscor .38. My friend has a snubbie and it's a good gun for the money. I does what it's supposed to do. I like shooting it.

[indie]

thank you all for the great advice. I did not make my purchase yet.

I am still considering the armscor. The price, the favorable reviews, and the 6th shot are tempting. Plus it comes with small wood grips. Does anyone know if it takes the same grips as the colt detective?

The rossi 462 i was looking at got away for only $200.

I am also considering a used taurus either M85 ultralight or M605 357 mag..

i thought about compromising the 6th shot, but in the event i can get a 357 mag, i think i could compromise on that. Or a compromise for the carry weight of the ultralight in 38 special.

Another thing is that i can later pick up laser grips for the taurus if i am not mistaken?

Im going to stick to my budget however and only jump on something sub 250 for now.

I have a guy offering me a taurus 357 magnum on another forum for 240 shipped to ffl. Its blued. He says its a model 85 but i thought 85s were only 38 specials? Is that correct?

[indie]

i just got back from a local pawn and gun shop, mainly just to see what they had and to inquire on FFL transfer fees and they just happened to have the armscor 206 in stock.

Its a nice little gun and i compared it to a taurus 85 and there wasnt much difference in size at all. The smaller grips might actually help it conceal better.

Im going to get the armscor. I think it fits my purposes and i really like it after seeing and holding it today.

[moga]

I'm curious about where one can find used S&W snubs for under $300. Nowadays, your lucky if you can find one for under $400. Same thing for the SP/Speed Six.

[Euclidean]

No kidding, I picked up a slightly used SP101 hovering right around the $350 mark the other day and I considered it a good bargain. The used Smiths command even more of a premium.

It's gotten to the point used Smith and Wessons cost as much as the new ones save for 50-100 dollars difference. The days of sub $350 pawn shop bargains are gone except for the occasional screamer of a deal someone gets.

About the only hope for a crazy good deal on any used firearms any more are the ads you occasionally find in the free classified ads publications like the Thrifty Nickel etc. If you find someone who just wants to get rid of it for more than the $200 the gun store will offer them, you can still find some real good $300 guns. The problem with that is those are very erratic at best.

[indie]

i looked for the elusive sub $300 smith a year ago when looking for a 4" K frame. I did find a few ruger GP100's for around 275 back then.

But its getting to the point its hard to find a sub $250 taurus now it seems.

[AJMBLAZER]

...Indie, got any reviews of that Armscor? Been contemplating one and the price is right. Heard good reviews about the 4" version.

Oh, yes, any Colt Detective Special grips will fit. Got that right from the horse's mouth - Ivan over at Armscor in Nevada.






For the record you can find Model 10's for under $250 today but as mentioned above you REALLY have to look and move quickly. I got my 10-8 this February from J&G Sales and while it's tight and all there it's definitely been around the block...and bounced off the curb...a few times. They had six or so of them all under $220 and they all vanished within two weeks, never even made it onto their website. I think after shipping and transfer mine was right about $250 total.

Now anyone who says you can find a S&W snub for that much...please show me where?

[RIATAC45]

I also would like a range report on that Armscor 206. I have a Rock Island Tactical .45 that I love. It's a little rough but shes a good shooter.

On the subject of cheap Smiths, I bought my wife a model 36 for $195 OTD at a gun show a couple of months ago. It looks terrible, but it is tight, appears to be carried alot and shot a little. With that being said, cheap Smiths can be found, but I'm starting to think I got the last one. I have been looking to buy another for me to carry, but I can't find one even close to that price range.

[evan price]

With regard to the screaming cheap S&W's:

I picked up a Model 10-8 heavy barrel at a gunstore March-08 for $219, looked nearly unfired. They had gotten a big batch of LE trades and had maybe 15-20 of them.

They are out there but you have to turn over a lot of rocks. Snubs are still made of gold, apparantly.

81123

[MedWheeler]

I pocket-carried my Undercover 38 for a long time when I was a LEO, until I switched departments, and started working for one that allowed autoloaders. Then, I acquired a PPK/S .380 for B/U and O/D carry. Get what you know will work, doesn't break your budget, and can be safely carried. As to the people telling you that, if you can't afford more, how can you afford practice ammo, just tell them that the cost of ammo is why you're trying to be sensible with the firearm's price. After all, most of us figure the cost of ownership (fuel, insurance, etc.) when making a vehicle purchase, right?

[parisite]

EAA Windicator.........they are German made.

[machinisttx]

2. Those $200 smith model 10s everyone recomends are far from being a CCW gun. A revolver designed to be a holstered duty weapon worn on a belt loaded with equipment does not translate to an easily carryable CCW for the average civilian. Try slipping that model 10 into your pocket. Plus, in seven years of gun shopping I have never seen one. I have seen a few for around $250 but the were obviously run hard and put away wet

I have seen many that were in good shape for $200, and several years ago I could have bought a dozen at $100 each. They exist, but they're harder to find now. The common price seems to have gotten to $280-$325.

With that said, I know where a rough looking, but entirely functional, 2" S&W M&P(Pre model 10, and it's even a 5 screw!) is for $250 shipped..... It's not suitable for use with +P, but IMO +P is unnecessary anyway. I'll message indie with a link.

[AJMBLAZER]

Any reviews?

[CajunBass]

I've been hearing about those "cheap" trade in Smith and Wesson revolvers for years.

I used to hear about Jeeps packed in cosmoline for $50.00, too.

I never saw one of those either.

[Gaucho Gringo]

I will have agree on the mythical cheap S&W. As far as resale value of Rugers I have a .357 Blackhawk, early 80's, blue, 6 1/2" barrel, 9&% with a slight turn line that I have been trying to sell locally for $285.00. All I get is lowball offers of around $150.00. Comment are "there are so many of them made that they aren't worth much, Rugers always were as cheap gun, single actions aren't worth much". I would hate to think what a dealer would offer me for it. I bought the Ruger thinking I could get what I had in it($285.00) when I went to sell it, boy I guess I was wrong.

[BigBlock]

I don't care what this guy buys, but I do a lot of gunshop checking and gunshow walking and the $250 used Smith or Colt or Ruger is a myth around here.

I agree 100%. You can't get a Ruger or a S&W for under $250 unless it's a beat up POS, or you get really, really, really lucky.

I have been SCROUNGING the entire area - 4 gun stores, and 2 gun shows, for a beat up old revolver of a brand that I recognize for under $200-250, it is not possible. Most old smiths are in the $400 range. The cheapest thing I've been able to find is a used Tuarus for $250, but now I'm leaning towards the Armscor "colt" as well.

Even those fugly Nagant revolvers were $160 at the shows... :rolleyes:

[Galen]

I'll throw in my two cents worth here. Regardless of what you get, run at least 250 (I would do 500) rounds through it to make sure it will go bang EVERY time.

I'll gladly use a $150 pistol for SD if I know it will go bang EVERY time I pull that trigger.

[ArchAngelCD]

I thought I would never see one of those good/great deals everyone always talks about online but I finally did. About 6 weeks ago I stopped by one of the local shops to pick up some lead-away cloth. I rarely go to this shop because they usually have very few handguns and almost no revolvers. Well, that day was different. He had just gotten in (like 5 minutes before I got there) a 2" Model 36 no-dash vintage 1975 that was un-shot except for the factory test shots. It has the box and papers and the serial number on the grips match the revolver so they are originals. It locks up tight as a drum, the timing is perfect and the trigger is one of the best I've felt out of the box. When the dealer told me he wanted only $300 I couldn't get my wallet out fast enough. I thought I would never see a good deal but I can't say that anymore...

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o26/ArchAngelCD/M36-3.jpg

[C-grunt]

Gaucho Gringo:
I will have agree on the mythical cheap S&W. As far as resale value of Rugers I have a .357 Blackhawk, early 80's, blue, 6 1/2" barrel, 9&% with a slight turn line that I have been trying to sell locally for $285.00. All I get is lowball offers of around $150.00. Comment are "there are so many of them made that they aren't worth much, Rugers always were as cheap gun, single actions aren't worth much". I would hate to think what a dealer would offer me for it. I bought the Ruger thinking I could get what I had in it($285.00) when I went to sell it, boy I guess I was wrong.

I would buy a good condition Blackhawk for 285 dollars. Try putting it up on Gunbroker or here in the classifieds.

And you can find good deals on used Smiths. I recently sold a 6 month old, less than 100 rounds through it, 442 for 300 dollars. I probably could have got moree for it but I didnt want to wait.

[funkychinaman]

I've got an Armscor 206, and I'll try to provide some elusive and long delayed skinny on it.

I got mine for $189 from Centerfire Systems. Shipping was $10, if I recall, and the transfer fee was $25-35, I don't remember. It came in a padded black plastic box, with cheap wood grips. The wood grips were a bit flawed, but I wasn't going to be retaining them anyway.

I took the wood grips off, as they were a bit too small for my hands, and I put a Colt DS Hogue grip on it. As for fit and finish, it's not as "nice" as my GP100, but it costs half as much. It shoots pretty well, I've had no issues so far.

It's a little heavier than I thought it'd be, but oh well.

I was just looking for a pistol for concealed carry. It finally came down to the Armscor 206, the Kel-tec PF-9, and the Bersa Thunder 380 (quite a mix, I know.) I liked the light weight of the PF-9, and the fact that it's 9mm, but I didn't like the fact that it was DAO, and the fact that there was no manual safety. I finally decided on the 206 because it was cheaper than the Thunder 380, and that I already "supported" .38 Special and not .380. Given the fact that .380 sales have gone through the roof, I'm glad I went with the 206.

[AJMBLAZER]

How are you concealing it and how does it carry?

Found any particular brands of ammo it likes?

[xstuntman]

I've got the model 351 Rossi "J" frame copy and think its a great gun. Some of the machine work inside is a little crude by todays CAD standards - looks like some is still being done by hand. But I suppose thats what keeps the price down.

I'm not happy with all the extra crap Taurus decided to have etched onto the gun though.

Its all steel and works as well as my model 10 but with a better finish. DA was stiff but getting better and SA is hair trigger. The rubber grips soak up the recoil from the plus P rounds easily too. It gets my vote as the best bargain out there today. X

[EmGeeGeorge]

I have a 442 older model and prior to that had a taurus 85 steel frame snubbie... 442 is pocket carried... 85 was a little heavy for that so I got a clip draw for it and carried IWB... 85 was super accurate, nicely finished... got some bigger grips for it... I paid 250 NIB for the taurus... 150 for the used 10 yr old 442(from a deputy sheriff buddy who was upgrading his BUG.) I sold the 85 to a friend, for 225... wish I had kept the 85 tho...
had a rossi ss .38 snubbie.... older model, also a very good shooter but heavy for the size...

Get a taurus... look it over good... wont be disappointed... model 10s suck for ccw unless the temp is below 50 degrees, all the time...

my dad does have a S&W 640 .38 spl older model he was gonna sell(I had it listed thru here a while back) but potential buyers kept flaking... "I'll take it, Check in Mail, etc" so I told him to hand onto it til I had some extra flow... I can check with him still... you can look under my posts and see some pics

[B J Elliott]

MY take on this is if you do not care about resale or collectability, only self defense, then buy a good handgun and be done with it. It don't matter what brand it is, as long as it goes bang,bang, bang.:D

[funkychinaman]

I've only carried it twice. I don't carry often because A) I spend a lot of time in the People Republic of New Jersey, and B) I typically don't go to places where I'd feel that I need to. I've shot reloads and WWB from it, but I have some SJHPs +P rounds I've been meaning to test out.

I'm with you, BJ. I'm not going to use it often, and as long as it goes bang when I need it to, then that's all that counts.

[336A]

I would certainly go with a used S&W .38 SPL. I know I'm by no means the sharpest knife in the drawer however I certainly know that $250 .38 SPL are available. Look here

http://www.jgsales.com/index.php/smith-wesson/revolver/cPath/16_211_431

They are police trade in guns. Not the best looking but they are serviceable mechanicaly and that is what counts. A little mothers mag wheel polish and those stainless steel guns will perk right up. Yeah you might have a problem with CC but if you get a good holster such as a Simply Rugged Sour Dough it will disapear under a long shirt.
BTW here is a similar thread for you.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/95098-pics-my-229-jgsales-model-64-4-revolver-those-who-debating-getting-one.html

[AJMBLAZER]

funkychinaman, Ivan at Armscor told me that they weren't really meant to take a steady diet of +P but could do it as an occasional thing without any troubles.

Buffalo Bore has a couple standard pressure loads that are very impressive. Probably going to go with their 158gr LSWCHP myself.

[Quentin]

I have to side with those saying get a S&W or Ruger, maybe used. Colt is great too but probably way out of your budget.

That said, like Griz above I have a Taurus 85 that's been great and years ago knew someone with a Rossi 357 that never was any trouble with moderate loads.

[funkychinaman]

Well, that, and the fact that the SJHPs aren't cheap have kept me testing them out. I will take a few out to the range to see how they feel, however.

[AJMBLAZER]

That's what I like about the Buffalo Bore standard pressure stuff. Impressive numbers and you can shoot them out of older and non-+P rated guns all day long.

I've got a Rock Island/Armscor M1911A1 .45 . I'd trust one of these Armscor's any day judging by the quality and performance of my RIA 1911 over the past 6 years. No frills, no big dollar items, but faithful to the original and works great for the money.

Just noticed something you said earlier...so the DS aftermarket grips went right on? I've heard speculation that they would work but never seen it confirmed. Good to hear.

[funkychinaman]

Yup, the Hogue DS grips work fine. I ordered the Armscor plastic grips, but I just didn't like them.

[Dr_2_B]

I'd lean towards a used one too, but I understand some people dont' like that.

[ArchAngelCD]

Another thread that's over a year old brought back from the dead. I'm fairly sure the OP has bought something by now, no?

[AJMBLAZER]

Read his sig, he bought a Armscor 206. I PM'd him a while back about it and never heard back from him.

[ejfalvo]

Im sure others have stated the same - but look for a good condition pre-owned SW or Ruger snubbie. i have a pre-owned model 60 and have shot hundreds of rounds thru it. Cost was just around $300. I've never shot the Rossi or other inexpensive manufactures, I just felt more comfortable buying a defensive handgun from a SW or Ruger.

[AJMBLAZER]

I for one can honestly say I've never seen a used S&W snubbie or Ruger SP101 for under $350. Actually...not sure I've ever seen a used SP101 for sale. Good guns but rare. Even downstate in the larger Grand Rapids marketplace.

[MCgunner]

I have a little Taurus 85SSUL that replaced a M88 Rossi in my 5 shot snub collection. It's very light and pocketable. I also still have a little 3" Rossi 68 that's a great shooter and well made. I won't spend extra for a Smith, myself, especially one with a lock. Smiths have their own production issues of late and Taurus has a better lock design. Rossi has no lock. Not only is my 85 an accurate gun, but it has the best DA trigger on a J frame sized gun I've ever fired, though I admit I haven't picked up a new LCR, yet.

I know nothing of Armscor. I did have a SP101 for a while I got for 250 bucks, but it was a son-in-law deal, needed the money and I told him I'd sell it back to him when he got back from Iraq. I figured collateral was a better deal than just givin' the kid money. :D Excellent gun, though. I'd like to get another, but they run about 450 last I looked. They are heavy and it wouldn't replace my Taurus for pocket carry. I'd get one with a 3" barrel anyway this time.

[Demitrios]

Have you considered Dan Wesson? They're a quality revolver, you can easily find one for $300 or less, they're .357/.38 are accurate and they have interchangeable barrels. You can have a 2 1/2, 4, 6 or 8 inch barrel all in one gun.