Good revolver in the $500 range

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miles1

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In a couple weeks ill have enough funds to get my first revolver.My priority would be first reliability,durability,then looks in that order.It would be mainly used for HD or range and not CCW.Ive read several old threads on this but couldnt find anything to recent.All suggestions are welcome.Prefer not to have one with an internal lock.
 
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I found a pre-lock S&W 625 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt a few months ago for $500. Great revolver (but I'm biased in favor of the 4" brl N frames) I also found a Ruger Police Service Six at a gun show last month for $325 and it shoots fantatstic! You can find the Security Sixes in good shape for $500 or under. Used Blackhawks are usually under $500 if you like single actions; I picked up a used Ruger SRH .44mag for $500 around last Thanksgiving.

Probably the best regular deal out there, though, are the Dan Wesson .357 Mags which routinely sell for around or under $400 and are great revolvers.
 
I was looking at the Rugers and S&W's more than the other brands.I was kinda hoping to go new if at all possible.
 
I was kinda hoping to go new if at all possible.
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The only difference with a new gun is you're the one that gets to put the dings on it. :)
 
The Smith Model 19 can be had for $450-500 in 95+% condition. Great trigger, no mim parts, no lock, great sights. A classic.
The GP is to shooting what the hammer is to dentistry, the Model 19 is the highspeed drill. :)
 
I don't remember the last time I looked at a new revolver, but I find a LOT of really nice used ones for less than $500.00. Smith & Wesson, Rugers, Colts. See the stickies at the top of this and other forums, and learn what to look for and go look. I'm a Smith & Wesson guy myself, but there are other fish in the pond.
 
I'd second the advice for a Ruger GP 100 for your uses. Or a used (pre-lock) S&W, if one is available. A 4 inch GP 100, with adjustable sights, might be just above $500 new. I saw a new one for $500 yesterday, but it was a 3" w/ fixed sights.
 
The only difference with a new gun is you're the one that gets to put the dings on it
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I disagree 100%. What about the uninformed person who sits on his couch and slaps the cylinder shut a hundred times? Constantly releases the slide on an empty chamber? Never used a drop of oil on any contact points?

See where I'm going with this.........
 
I disagree 100%. What about the uninformed person who sits on his couch and slaps the cylinder shut a hundred times? Constantly releases the slide on an empty chamber? Never used a drop of oil on any contact points?
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That's why you give them a thorough inspection before buying them. If a gun has been abused to the point of damaging it, you'll be able to tell, assuming you know what to look for of course. If you don't know what to look for, take an experienced friend with you or go ahead and buy new.
 
If you insist on new, the only thing I could find in S&W that came close to meeting your criteria was a new model 64 for $590 or a new model 67 for $595. These prices are below list (the former has fixed sights, the latter adjustable.) Both are in .38 special. I just bought a good working and good looking used model 64 last week for under $370.

Since you didn't mention DA, I honestly think a new Ruger Blackhawk would be your best choice. They can be purchased for just over $400 (if you shop) in a variey of large calibers. In my opinion, they're very high quality guns.
 
I did read the sticky up top concerning what to look for when inspecting a revolver and while it was by far a good read im just too new of a revolver newbie to trust what im looking for.If we were talking about semi-auto's it would be different but i just dont have enough confidence still looking at used revolvers.Maybe down the road i will but dont wanna sink $500 or so in a possible lemon due to my error.A friend at work did tell me if at all possible not take buy a internal lock revolver as theres always the possibility that it could accidently lock on its own;so ive been shying away from those models.Ive read in verious post about the S&W 686's but i cant find ANY in my range.Yes..i could probably save up another $200 and look at those but i was kinda hoping for a more beginner revolver that wont fail me and last me a long time with some good care between firings.I did look at taurus and charter arms but reading several threads about past bad experiences gives me pause about a possible first investment.The ruger SP and GP models seems like a good choice for me with 357 being a good caliber;any preference over which one and why?

edit:No preference on SA or DA
 
You can't go wrong with a GP-100 or a L frame S&W. I understand about wanting new but there are lots of well cared for used revolvers out there.
Either the Ruger or the Smith will last several lifetimes so don't pinch pennies on the purchase, it's a long term investment. A good 38/357 revolver is something nearly every gun owner should have. Just like they all should have at least one 22 auto.
 
That's why you give them a thorough inspection before buying them. If a gun has been abused to the point of damaging it, you'll be able to tell, assuming you know what to look for of course. If you don't know what to look for, take an experienced friend with you or go ahead and buy new.
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I agree if you can handle them, but what if you see deals from places like CDNN, J&G, Bud's, etc. I have been tempted, but at the end of the day I like my warranty with new guns. Shipping and/or hourly 'smith rates add up quickly.

YMMV
 
I agree if you can handle them, but what if you see deals from places like CDNN, J&G, Bud's, etc. I have been tempted, but at the end of the day I like my warranty with new guns. Shipping and/or hourly 'smith rates add up quickly.
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I'm with you. I've never bought a gun online and don't plan on it unless it's just something too good to pass up.
 
With a NIB price of about $550, the GP-100 meets all your criteria and would be a great way to go.
 
miles1,

even if you buy new, you need to inspect the weapon for defects: shipping damage, bad timing, burrs obstructing function of the action, bad trigger pull (ruger da revolvers can have a sa trigger pull up around 5 pounds), etc.

if you are not confident about buying used, ask someone who is more experienced to go with you.

good luck with your search.

murf
 
murf said:
miles1,

even if you buy new, you need to inspect the weapon for defects: shipping damage, bad timing, burrs obstructing function of the action, bad trigger pull (ruger da revolvers can have a sa trigger pull up around 5 pounds), etc.

if you are not confident about buying used, ask someone who is more experienced to go with you.

good luck with your search.

murf
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Very much understand about still inspecting a new firearm even if new,I figure my chances of getting a lemon will decrease.Most of those that i know that shoot know little about revolvers up to this point.When i do purchase im hoping to have someone with me with atleast alittle experience.Thanks for the input from everyone so far.Just watched hitchcok45's youtube vid on the GP100 and im thinking that it would look awfully pretty in my hands.
 
Nudder vote for a S&W k-frame.
I have 3 of 'em & love all 3.
They shoot GREAT!

If you're lookin for brand spanking new only - then a Ruger GP100 or SP101
would be my suggestions.

As far as buying online, I did & got a beautiful S&W Model 10-5 w/2" barrel.
It all depends on who you buy from.
Check the feedback on places like gunbroker.
 
You should have a lot of choices available to you. For what you want I'd prefer a 4" barrel more then anything shorter. You can find some nice used S&W revolvers, especially at this time of year, that would be my choice.

My favorite all around use S&W is the K frame. Pick one up and you'll notice how well it fits your hand, and it points to the target quite nicely. If you hold one I guarantee you will have a hard time saying no.

If not for S&W I don't know what my second choice would be.
 
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