Saving for a revolver

Check out the online sources and also frequent the local gun shops. They usually have used cases also. I'll take a day and do "the route" where I just check out what's "under glass" at several of the LGS around my area. If nothing else, it's a great way to learn some pricing, get to know the guy behind the counter and, possibly find that bargain with your name on it. As the negotiations become more serious, you can also try out some different hardware to see how it fits your hand. There's no hurry, only varying levels of opportunity!

I would think that there would be several opportunities within your price range within your area, but I've been wrong before.

You can find a really nice used Ruger Security Six, Speed Six, or Police Six in .357 (will also shoot .38) for that price range on Gunbroker, which I have found to be an excellent source, even better than local gunshops, if you pay attention to seller ratings. They don't have a full underlug, but as an owner of a Gp100 with a full underlug I can tell you that although they have a fierce look, a lighter barrel might balance better on that style of handgun.

I don't know this seller and can't vouch for the product, but present it as an example of what you might be looking for

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=307222517

There ARE good deals out there but you have to be willing to be patient and hunt for them. Meanwhile you'll come across a lot of overpriced junk because that is what is left behind after the good stuff is pruned out by the frequent shoppers that drop in ever couple of days to see "what's new in the old section". You need to become one of those store haunting types and get to know the counter guys if you want to score the "fresh meat" when it comes in. It may not save you much cash but you'll get more for your buck that way.

If you simply don't have the time needed to schmooze the stores this way then it's easier to simply save up and buy new.

You can find a really nice used Ruger Security Six, Speed Six, or Police Six in .357

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I just saw a "like new" Security Six at my LGS yesterday with box, papers, leather holster for $395.

Unfortunately, I have no money . I recenty picked up a 5.5 stainless SBH so it will be awhile, but man I wanted that thing real bad!

It's been only 4 weeks and I already want another. Dang, revolver addiction.

For just a tick more I would recommend looking for a nice used Smith & Wesson Model 10.
I have a model 10-7 that I really enjoy shooting.

What are your opinions on good 38's? I'm looking in the $300-$400 range, would it be better to look for used in that price range or am I ok for a good Taurus or Ruger?

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You should be able to find a good S&W Model 10 in that range. Also, no clue where in Ohio you may be but Armslist generally has plenty of Ohio listings and there are no shortage of reasonably good gun shows in Ohio. Besides a S&W Model 10 you should be able to find a decent Ruger revolver in that price range. Just a matter of patience and constantly looking. Avoid over priced junk and be patient.

Ron

this baby was recently bought for under $300


take your time and you can get one for under $250

You're fine with a Taurus or Ruger. I have a Taurus snub nose and it's a lot of fun to shoot. Haven't had any issues with it and carried it daily for 2+ years now. My Dad has an LCR that I've shot quite a bit, not as fun. I was going to get an SP101 in .327 Federal, but it never came to fruition.

The only thing I'd say is go ahead and get one chambered for .357. You can still shoot the .38 Specials out of it (quite pleasant) but if you want to blow up a water jug or something sometime and really blow it up, you can throw a cheaper .357 soft point or hollow point in them. I get the American Eagle 158 gr soft points for around $25/50 locally.

Yeah, a .357 could really save your life when that big momma water jug comes around the bend

Ruger makes a GP 100 in 38 and you should be able to find one in your price range. The way that Ruger over engineers their guns 38+P should not be a problem if you wanted to step it up a bit.

Considering that their normal GP100 is produced in .357 I can't see why a .38Spl version would be any trouble. But why get that when the regular .357 is fine with shooting .38's?

Hey! Bud's gun shop still is showing two police trade in Model 10's at $270 each. One a square butt and the other round butt. You won't do much better.

The other option is to shop around for a Model 19 with the longer 6 inch barrel. As a range toy these are superb guns with a delightful trigger in either single or double action. It's chambered in .357 but obviously it'll handle the .38's just fine... you DO know about how these two calibers are compatible, right?

In any event the longer 6 inch versions seem to come with a lower price tag than the short barrelled guns. Something to do with not being as suitable for concealed carry.

My own Model 19 shoots as accurately as I am possibly capable of doing on any given day.... which in other terms means that it is far more accurate than anything I can do shooting from a standing freestyle position. Some day I'll have to shoot it from a rest to see just how good it can be. Even then I suspect my vision will limit what it is truly capable of doing.

Yep, having tried out a bunch of guns and owning a pretty good cross section of revolvers if I had to give them all up but for one the one I would keep would be my Model 19.

Guillermo, every time I see your name on a thread, you're hootin' and bellerin' about a new to you gun you "just" picked up! You must have one hell of a job, or you know too many people selling revolvers ! LOL Nice piece my friend, after my 2 recent pickups in 3 months, I'd best lay low for a spell, the wife will be wanting to know where the stash is. Ha

I'd look for a good used DW Model 15 or 15-2. I see them had for your price range. Damn good firearms. Then again you did want a .38 spl.

Gibson is right to remind us about the fine firearms of Dan Wesson.

Kind of makes me ashamed that I do not own any.

: (

Pawnshops vary in their firearm selection and pricing. Some stores have HORRIBLE selection and STEEP pricing (like new pricing). Other pawnshops are very reasonable and good deals to be had. Probably 1 on 5 shops before you find a good gun-selling pawnshop.

Also revolver prices are regional. Some areas trend higher than other states and some are really cheap in other areas. But your price of 3-400$ you should find a good deal on a nice piece if you keep looking.

Armslist.com

I would also look for a S&W Model 10 which is a classic revolver. I would stay away from the GP-100 because it's too large and heavy for what it is.

Look around the Internet and you will find police turn-in Model 10 revolvers or if you like Stainless look for a Model 64 instead. Both can be found in good condition for well under $400. J&G Sales usually has them in stock but they seem to be out of them right now. Check them every few weeks and you will find something.

*Edit*
Bud's Gun Shop has Model 10 Police Trade Ins for $269 Shipped...
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/654_910/Used+Guns/Police+Trade+Ins

OP:

"It's going to be just a range toy so I'm not really worried about size or anything."

GP100 6" barrel 45 ounces

S&W 686 6" barrel 45.8 ounces (wiki); 44.9 ounces (S&W website)

Very reasonable weapons for range guns, IMO. The GP100 is a marvelous weapon, as is the 686. I own and enjoy both. My wife loves them. They are full fledged .357 magnums and are weighted and balanced quite well. Admittedly, I do not shoot them much anymore.

Posted earlier in the evening:

"Hey! Bud's gun shop still is showing two police trade in Model 10's at $270 each. One a square butt and the other round butt. You won't do much better."

You sound like a man on a budget. We've all been there (and mostly still are). If you are not a reloader, I would strongly suggest you buy a .22 LR revolver. 500 rounds of .22 cost about the same as 50 center fire rounds. You will get much more range time with a .22 to work on your double action pull (unless you buy a Single Action revolver).

I suggest you buy a S&W K frame .22 (new or used). It's going to run more money ($500 or more), but you will be ahead of the game after a few range trips and it is a gun you will keep until you hand it down to your grandkids. Nobody tires of a K22 (Model 17, 18 or 617). Just a note - Full Lug 6" guns can be a little front heavy.

Ruger SP101 or Single Six are other good choices. S&W also made J-Frame .22s (Kit Guns) that are nice. I can not speak of the Taurus .22s, but there are plenty of people who love their guns and at least a few who bash them. Most Colts have gotten prohibitively expensive.

If, like the guys are suggesting, you're a man with a limited shooting budget then I would urge you to make the jump to get into reloading if you would like to shoot more. With care you can reload for about half of what it costs to buy even the cheap white box stuff from Wally World. And if you have the room and ability to get into casting your own you can cut that down by even more by trading time to scrounge free lead and cast your own boolits for the money otherwise needed to buy them.

And yes, those 4 inch barreled 10's are every bit as fun to shoot as they look. My own 6 inch Model 10 has that same Humphrey Bogart in Casablance look to it and is a delight to shoot as long as I feed it the desired 148gn HBWC or 158gn LRN ammo powered up to hit at the point of aim with those fixed sights. With a good barrel and clean muzzle crown these guns are almost boringly accurate... And the balance of the overall package of the Model 10 with 4" barrel is just about as close to perfect as one could wish for.

Look at it this way. If you buy one of the Bud's guns and for some odd reason find that you DON'T like it then you got it for a price which you can sell it for without to much trouble at all.

Casablanca. Funny I always remember the 1903 or '08 .32 ACP Colt Bogie employs toward the end of the greatest Hollywood film ever made

[Bottom image] One model 10 from a Bogart film (actually a Bette Davis/Leslie Howard film in which Bogart stole the show) comes to mind quickly, no doubt there are others that like the one in Casablanca, escape me:





Good advice, as to casting. I do it almost weekly. Wonderful hobby. Actually am preparing to start paper patching for my .30 cal. rifles. No way I could shoot the BFR in 500 mag everyday w/o casting. Casting, surplus powder, reasonable local LRMPs, make your own lube or go with CR (I use Veral's "Blue Soft") and you are in tall cotton. .38 spl is a much cheaper round but you could certainly shoot a lot more. A lot depends on the person. Crafting your own bullets and then loading them is an end in itself for me.

Never be one any 'cooler' than Bogie (NOT model 10s but who cares?):



**Very tempting at 269 USD.**

In that price range, no limit on size, just a range toy...I'd look at a Ruger Blackhawk in .357. You can shoot .38's all day long and if you want to push .357's you can do that too. It's a great gun and I bet you can get one between $350 and $400.

I just purchased a new Model 638 from Bud's Gun Shop for $397 shipped which is in your price range. It looks like a fun revolver.

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