$300 .38 Revolver...

Elkins - What is the symbol or logo on the shorter Smith?

I've got two Charters, bought new in the last two years. Both have good triggers and have been 100% trouble free. Got about 1500 rounds through one and about 500 through the other.
I understand that Charter had some problems under the previous owner about 15 years ago, but the current models seem to work well.

I paid $330 for a new Ruger LCR .38 (incl ship & xfer) from gunbroker. Nice gun

My favorite revolver is my 35 year old model 36-1. The 3 inch barrel instead of the 2 inch, and the extra 6 1/2 oz over my 442 make it a real sweet shooter.

My S&W Model 13. He was getting a divorce and wanted $100.00 for it. Heavy barrel and presentation grips. Shoots great.

I've got a Taurus 85. Had it for 25 years. Just as durable and dependable as any S&W 36. It also displays the same incredible lack of accuracy. I'm not sure why anyone would want one except maybe to shoot someone at very close range, say 10 feet or less.

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You, apparently, cannot shoot worth a toot. Most any good shooter can keep a 2" .38, Smith and Wesson, Taurus, Rossi, Ruger at least, into 3" at 25 yards off the bench. I used to belong to a gun club before I moved several years ago. We had 8" falling plates at 25 yards and, DA, with my 2" M85SSUL, I could down 5 of 5 from 25 yards and I could ring a 14" gong at 100 yards from roll over prone once I got the elevation hold right.

I had a .357 Ruger SP101 for a while, 2", that I could keep into 2" off a rest at 25 yards. These guns are accurate, but not all shooters are.

The M85's made back in the '90's were very nice revolvers. I still have my 85CH and it's a sweetheart. Not so sure about their QC these days.

Used S&W Crowd...

Count me in on a used S&W...Probably Model 10..
They can be had for OP's price point, and to ME are a much better value than MOST of the NIB imports...Bill.

Count me in on a used S&W...Probably Model 10..
They can be had for OP's price point, and to ME are a much better value than MOST of the NIB imports...Bill.

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That all depends on mechanical integrity of the gun. You could be buying other people's worn out junk. Best to look it over real close, but that's true even of a new gun, just more true for an old, used one that doesn't have a warranty. I have an old M10 and mine's perfect, but I inherited it from my grandpa.

Me, for a gun I'm going to rely on, I'd rather buy new. A new Smith and Wesson, now days, isn't too great either on the QC thing. Check 'em out closely before you spend the money regardless of brand.

GZOh said:

Guys, appreciate all the input...
You've convinced me to go the 'quality' route...
Will be patient and start looking for a snub 2-3" S&W (with hammer) used.
Thanks

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You'll thank us later. There are some really nice revolvers to be had for pretty cheap with a little shopping and patience.

Just to pile on, This one set me back $229 this summer. I bought it at the urging of folks here, and it's a great gun, and amazing value.

I picked up an Armscore model 200 .38spl 4" barrel for $200.00 ($270.00+ new) on trade. Sights aren't that good but shoots well. Handled Windicator (~$375.00) and liked them. A little "crunchy" but seemed to have possibilities.

Rght on MC..

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=1430
^^^ This will help on the inspection process.
You are also correct on SOME of the QC problems now with the NEW S&W's.

For ME--None of my Smiths have the "Safety Hole" on the left side...Bill.

I have had everyone of these mentioned in the op first post. All of them are fine and function great for me except the m206. It was definitely a nice looking little revolver but it didn't function worth a damn. I delt with ria 3 times before I had the 3rd gun sent to me fixed on my own. I then sold it.

I still have my taurus and Rossi. Both of them shoot as nice as my $600 sp101. They don't look as nice. But they function just fine and do the job. Get either of them and you should be happy.

I had a newer charter arms as well but I sold it to save for one of their h&r 32 magnum revolvers. The charter arms was a good shooter but lacked decent fit and finish.

Late to the thread support: GZHo, you'll like a used S&W.

I've had two older Rossi Model 68's (sold both), and have a Charter .38 Undercover. I also have two S&W Model 10's (that's what I sold the Rossi's for), and a 642. The Charter is and the Rossi's were well made with tight lockup, but their triggers aren't/weren't nearly as nice as the Smiths. I like pretty much any gun, but the S&W revolvers (along with Rugers which I haven't owned yet) are rugged, well finished, high quality revolvers that will last several lifetimes if well maintained.

Do some reading on what to check on a used revolver, though. Abuse and neglect can ruin any gun.

I'm one of those kooks who doesn't necessarily see where price = quality. There are some good quality sub $300 guns out there. There are some poor quality $300+ guns out there as well.

Just so happens I have a S&W 60-7 .38 J frame I wouldn't mind off loading. PM me if you're interested.

I bought (4) 38 Special revolvers in 2014. Due to a change in WA law, I have not bought any guns in 2015.

S&W 642-2 Airweight 38sp $400 2007
Colt Cobra .............. 38sp $425 1957
Colt Official Police..... 38sp $350 1948
Colt Army Special.... .38sp $400 1908

From what I've read, the RIA M206's are excellent guns. They are used by Philippine police forces from what I recall.

But, if it were my $300, I'd try and find a used S&W Model 10 or Model 64. You can find those, especially 64s, as police trade in guns and they superb. Maybe some holster wear, but very little actual shooting wear. I've got a S&W Model 64 DAO Brinks security company trade in gun that I got from J&G Sales last year for $299 and it sits on my nightstand every night. Wonderful gun!

After considerable hesitation and extensive research, I picked up a Charter Arms .44 special last year for $350.00, new. I've put 1,000 rounds or so through it with no problems. Dry-firing has smoothed out the action. It doesn't have the spit and polish of a SW or Ruger. But it goes bang every time. My only complaint is the cost of .44 special ammo. It's pricey and sometimes hard to find. But I have no complaints with Charter Arms.

My S&W 642 was $359 on sale in 2012. This year at the same store I saw them for $339 on Black Friday. My 442 was $315 on clearance at another store. Both guns were purchased brand new.

I carry the 642 every day and the 442 is a backup in case the 642 needs to go back for service (a pin slipped out once and the crane detent came out...didn't affect function, but I wanted to get it fixed).

When it did have to go back, S&W payed shipping both ways and had my gun fixed correctly in short order. That is the true measure of value.

This thread has been running for a while and the O.P. has not checked in lately but I would like to offer a couple of comments.

Finding any revolver for under $300.00 is a real challenge especially since the terrorist attack in California. People are realizing the need for self-defense and are driving demand and prices up.

Be wary of buying well used guns online. Those Model 10's such as J&G had are well worn guns. I have ran into timing problems with some of them. The good news is there are plenty of parts available and repairing (and replacing parts as needed) probably run around $100.00 +/-. So now you end up with $400.00 in it which places you in the price range of a gun in nicer condition.

Taurus has a well deserved reputation for inconsistent quality control. So does Smith & Wesson. I posted a lengthy report about the problems I ran into with a new M941 I brought. However Taurus replaced the gun in less than 2 weeks without any b.s. I carry a Taurus M-85 at least five days a week. It is a excellent quality reliable gun. I would not hesitate to buy another M-85.

There is also the possibility of getting Czech and Turkish revolvers. They're not available at your LGS, but they do show up occasionally in small batches at the importers.

The Alfa Proj 830 can be had for $265 + shipping (when in stock). The SAR SR-38 (.357 magnum), was going for $258.00 when they were last here.