Thinking about Revolver Purchase but...

I would go with A.357 mag. Shoots .38s also. If you ever need to sell it would be easier to sell.

Revolvers really aren't on the radar of any of the anti-gun orgs (both govt and non) right now. Since they're not targeted for bans, they're not really subject to the same panic buying that's greatly inflated the prices on high-cap semi-auto handguns and military style rifles. Sales are up somewhat due to new shooters, but not to the extend that you'll feel any additional pinch in the pocket if you go to purchase a wheel gun.

Price shouldn't be any different for 357 v 38 really.

If anything, .357 is more common.


The only consideration would be size.

vicdotcom said:

I was thinking something like a SW model 64 or even Model 10 along those lines.

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I like your thinking - a K-Frame .38 or .357 is just about the perfect size/action/shape/balance. J&G Sales has a very good price on some Model 64 trade-ins (from a Security company, bobbed hammer, DAO) that are very nice. Mine appears to have been carried a lot, hardly ever shot. If you can live without the single-action, it's a great deal.

P.S. Not affiliated with J&G in any way - just a satisfied customer.

I like your thinking - a K-Frame .38 or .357 is just about the perfect size/action/shape/balance. J&G Sales has a very good price on some Model 64 trade-ins (from a Security company, bobbed hammer, DAO) that are very nice. Mine appears to have been carried a lot, hardly ever shot. If you can live without the single-action, it's a great deal.

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I just ordered one of those, but it hasn't arrived yet. It sounds like just what I was hoping for: "...carried a lot, hardly every shot." That's what I like about milsurps and police trade-ins: a functional gun for a good price.

At least with the bobbed hammer I know they weren't using it for a bottle opener...

I have the Taurus Model 85, ultralight in .38 special 2" snub nosed. I use as my carry. I cannot beleive how accurate the revolover is. I can group 2" at about 15 yards single action and about 3" double action. I paid $328 only for it brand new.

There's a few model 10's here going mighty cheap so I don't think revolver has been effected. There is a new in box here for $299 if it helps.

My S+W 686 shoots .38s very well. After A lot of shooting with .38s you may need to remove A ring of carbon that builds up in front of the shorter .38 cases to chamber .357 rounds.

Vicdotcom you are absolutely right about selling guns, I don't think I will ever sell a gun again.
A few years ago I sold a Dan Wesson .357 that I've regreted ever since. Why, WHY, WHY did I do that?:banghead:

Think Ruger SP101
Hundreds cheaper than a Smith
Built like a Panzer tank
Can shoot .357's or 38's all day.
Saw a new one for 475 at yesterday

there are a lot of surplus 64s coming on the market. keep an eye out for one of those $280-$300 is fair and findable... is that a word?

The S&W Model 19

is one of the marvels of human manufacture. It is like holding a piece of art in your hand.
I got mine used for under $300.
Good luck.

>>I can wait a few years for the prices to drop<<

I wouldn't hold my breath on that one.

I got one of the JG 64's about a month ago. cleaned it up, polished a bit, and it turned out GREAT!
I thought of ordering another...
decent holster wear but almost NO wear from firing. very nice condition. The bore and mechanicals are in excellent condition. Hits POA=POI and very nice tight groups w/ 158gr Lead loads.
There is no discernable difference between a 64 and 65 except the 65 is magnum rated. Both have the fixed sights. if you want adjustable sights you might look for 66 or 67 models for .357 or .38, respectively. (yes, the model numbers flip flop)

Think Ruger SP101
Saw a new one for 475 at yesterday

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+1

Picked up a new 3'' recently for $399. Love the feel and sight radius of that 3''. Probably being sending it to Gemini or Pinnacle for some fine tuning in the near future.

Does anyone know the major differences between a Model 19, Model 65 and the Ruger sp101?

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Some good pics along with comparative measurements here.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Ruger SP101 Report.htm

On mine, finish is good, and the single action pull was not bad at all right out of the box. Double action pull is pretty heavy, and as I mentioned above I'll be sending it to Pinnacle or Gemini to get slicked up, along with dehorning and a tritium front sight as I'll be using this for off duty carry. When you handle one, keep in mind the Ruger triggers get noticeably better with use. Other things I like about the SP101 is that peg style grip frame and the heavy barrel shroud. Wrap around rubber grips and that extra weight up front make for comfortable shooting.

http://www.pinnacle-guns.com/

http://www.geminicustoms.com/Revolvers & Services.htm

The stock grips are comfortable, but not much for looks. I've got my eye on Badger for some grips.

http://www.badgercustomgrips.com/

Also already put in my order for a holster.

http://www.mernickleholsters.com/ps/ps2da.html

A great choice is a current production 64, the SS version of the venerable 10, or it's adjustable sighted sibling, the 67. Sadly, the 10 & 64 have an MSRP of $758 now - and the 67 is $822. I have seen a new 10 at a sale price of $569 - and the 67 at $599 - and I guess they were decent by today's standards.

Just over a year ago, I bought a new 627 Pro and new, never issued, security guard company's trade-in 4" 64 - then almost two years old from it's manufacture date. It was in the used case - $315 OTD - a deal. It literally was new - all paperwork included - and spent case, etc. For it's first year, it sported my 6" 66's Ahrends grips and was a nearly constant range-mate. Then, a month ago, my wife asked me what ever became of 'her' house gun, so I put the OEM Uncle Mike's squared combats back on, loaded it with Remington R38S12 +P 158gr LHPSWCs, with a similarly loaded HKS #10, and put it in 'her' service. I snuck it out to the range last week... still quite a shooter. I wish I had bought two - what a fun plinker!



Check local dealers for such bargains, as many security guard companies are going to semi-autos. Check pawn shops, too - and CDNN Investments, J&G Sales, etc. Good luck!

Stainz

PS Now, if you win the lottery - and can afford $740-$800 - consider the 627 Pro - an N-frame 4" eight-shooter in .357M. I really love mine.

Get a nice pre lock 66 or model 19. To borrow a phrase, they are everything you need and nothing you don't. For a fraction of the cost of the current production revolvers. Good luck! TJ

I'd say you're on the right path with a model 19. And especially if the goal is to shoot .38Spl plinkers with the occasional .357Mag or .38+P for giggles.

Due to our laws up here my own is the 6 inch variety. But one of the ranges I'm a member at has a variety of 4 inch barrelled guns that I can shoot. They just balance amazingly well in the hand. Or better yet get one of each... The Classic THR answer

Now having shot a 4 inch Model 10 that had been treated to a trigger job I would also not say no to a Model 10 in good shape. They really are a fine gun and the simplicity of the smooth top strap devoid of any separate sight has an appeal all its own.

If you don't mind getting TWO revolvers that share the same chambering I'd say a Model 10 4 inch or maybe 3 inch along with a Model 19 6 inch would be a fantastic combination. Then toss in a Model 27 or 28 and you'd have the whole family from Papa, Mama to Baby "Bear"

Regardless of this I cannot stress enough that you should get Wolff spring kits for them. On top of this if you can find a smith that knows their S&W's and have them smoothen the blocking slide of the action along with tailoring the spring installation you will end up with an AMAZING trigger for double action and a single action trigger that shoots almost on thought control. JUST putting in the spring kit in my 19 and 28 resulted in a much lowered and controllable DA stroke and a SA that is down around 2 to 2.5 lbs. On top of that another range 586/686 conglomeration I've shot that had an action smoothing job along with a spring kit was soooooo smooth and magical that it almost brought tears to my eyes. Now I just need to find time and knowledge on how to do my own or find a smith that can do this.

In fact regardless of if you go S&W or Ruger or whatever. If this will be a long time ownership and you plan on regular use I would say include the action work in the budget. A nice trigger can make any already good gun into something that you'll definetly keep forever.