[tbeb]

What do you think of this revolver, and would you buy one again?

[BowStreetRunner]

is that the adjustable sights .38?

[tbeb]

Yes, adjustable sights, and heavy barrel.

[chaim]

I didn't have an 83 but my first gun was an older model 82 (fixed sights but otherwise the 82 is the same as the 83). It was a little boring, but it was a good gun. Reliable, decent accuracy (though I personally do have a little trouble with black on black fixed revolver sights). As I recall the trigger was OK but not particularly good (more recent versions I've tried have much better triggers which seem on par with current production S&W triggers). I sold it in a bout of stupidity after I bought my S&W 65LS (at the time I thought I'd only own no more than 3 or 4 handguns, given that I didn't see the purpose of a .38 if I had a .357 that could fire .38spls, and I really wanted the .357mag). Now that I have no false ideas of only owning a couple guns I would, and will, certainly buy another (and/or the 83).

[BowStreetRunner]

i wish i owned one, there is one in 99% condition for $200 at the pawnshop

[SGTaylor]

I just bought a reconditioned M83 last weekend. It's a stainless steel with a 4 inch barrel and wooden grips. It's is in immaculate condition and I think I got a good deal. So far (haven't had a chance to get to the range yet - maybe this weekend) I think it's a great revolver.

I'll try to attach a pic.

[SGTaylor]

Here's the pic of my M83 SS 4:

[terry_p]

I own one built in 1992 and it is a decent revolver. Respectably accurate and functional. It has become a safe queen however so it looks like a trade may be in it's future.

[CajunBass]

I had one that I think was an 82 back years ago (fixed sight, heavy barrel). It was a good shooter. About the only thing "wrong" with it was the fact that it looked like the grips had been carved from a 2x4, then checkered by some guy down at the mission, using a pocket knife.

But the gun shot 38 wadcutters just fine. I don't recall shooting anything else in it. Back then reloaded 38's were dirt cheap and we were just plinking cans and stuff down in the local gravel pit.

I sold it to a guy at work who wanted a gun for the house. Got about the same as I paid for it.

I'd buy another one.

[hemiram]

My first gun ever was a 4" 83, in nickel. Hands down, it was the most poorly made gun I have personally ever seen. Cylinder wasn't straight so it would jam when it got hot, it spit lead, barrel was so bad that it leaded up with a single shot and if you managed to get six shots through it, you had to use a brass rod and a hammer to pound the lead out of it. A trip to Taurus fixed the cylinder and the timing, but they claimed the barrel was "fine", even though it was plainly, and easily seen to be defective.

I got rid of it as quickly as I could. It did have one good quality, it had the best nickel plating job I have ever seen.

[Nathanael_Greene]

Wow, talk about your thread necromancy.

[Jeff H]

Wow, talk about your thread necromancy.

ha ha , how true.

But back on topic, I have an 83 that my dad bought in the early 80s. I shoot it occasionally and it has had no issues at all. I trust it just as much as any other revolver I own.