My vote is for a good, used Dan Wesson M15-2. Smiths and Rugers are nice but they don't allow you to change cylinder gap, barrel lengths and even barrel twist rates. The DA trigger takes getting used to (a polish job and springs help) but the SA trigger is superb. Several different sight options are available as well. These guns were successful in silhouette shooting before the SuperMags were introduced due to their inherent accuracy.
4'' barrel 357/38 what brand?
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RealGun
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My vote would be for a gun that is still supported by the manufacturer and which doesn't rely on any modification, short of rework to spec, to be well regarded for the application in question. In this case, I think the Ruger Match Champion comes as close as possible in today's environment in the sub $1000 range.
The OP said $800 was out of his price range.
RealGun
Member
Used ones are less, but I prefer the version with adjustable sights.
Dan Wesson model 15. Undervalued, great revolvers. Can't speak to new production from CZ, but the old ones are great.
If I was looking at new wheel guns? 4 inch GP-100.
If I was looking at new wheel guns? 4 inch GP-100.
Crowman
Member
I paid less than $800 including taxes for NIB first run Match Champion. Only modification I made was to change grips to Pachmayr Diamond Pro. This gun meets the OP’s objectives. It is current production, easily supported by OEM and requires no further action work, springs or whatever.
Rockrivr1
Member
Go S&W or go home!!!
Well, unless you want a Ruger Alaskan that is.......
Well, unless you want a Ruger Alaskan that is.......
ray15
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I was cruising the pawn shops recently and found a minty DW 15 somewhat reasonably priced at $499 (I would have worked them), but it had a 6" barrel on it. Although nice, I really wanted a 4" gun. I picked up a new blued 4" GP100 later that afternoon for $539 at a LGS. Can't fault your recommendations - either one would have probably been great, but you know how a new GP100 is going to turn out.
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Check out the Cabela's website. On the bottom of the home page you will see a "Gun Library" link. Then search for whatever revolver you are interested in. I have gotten some great deals in the past. Last purchase about 6-months ago, beautiful model 13 for $450. If you have a Cabela's nearby, go to the gun counter and have them search their gun data base for all Cabela's stores. They have a lot in stock throughout their various stores.
Zendude
Member
New production guns are a roll of the dice regarding whether it will need a trip back to the factory. A good warranty and good customer service is more important now than ever.
Reloadron
Contributing Member
That is going to be a hard price point to work with and still get you into a good well made revolver. A few years ago I managed a nice clean S&W 586 for $500 only because a friend told me about someone selling off some estate guns privately. That does not happen often. I would suggest patience and maybe over time adding to what you have. Ask around at your club, guys are always posting stuff for sale in their clubs. Don't make the mistake of settling for a lesser gun now when waiting a little won't hurt. Trump will be around a few more years.
You may find a decent S&W 586 or 19. Maybe a nice shape Ruger in your price range but be patient. Ron
Reloadron
Contributing Member
Every now and then a reasonable deal can be had from the Cabela's Gun Library. Conveniently located up the road from you, in Avon Lake, Ohio. Something to note as to the Cabela's Gun Library is should you find a gun you may have an interest in they will move guns for you. For example if you see a gun in Colorado they will move it to your local store and there is no commit to buy. Additionally Cabela's will take an additional 5% off at the checkout for any US Veterans as well as often give some room on the marked price, just ask. This gun, a S&W Model 28 caught my attention till I looked at it up close. Someone etched the frame and barrel and that is always a deal breaker for me.
Ron
And they want $890 for it? Wow.
Reloadron
Contributing Member
Yeah and good luck with that. Personally I would never buy a gun marked up like that, let alone for that price.
I did hear about a like new in box pre Series 70 Colt Commander 9mm today and a S&W Model 28 4" but we didn't talk price. After the holidays I may look at them which was fine with a friend who is sitting on them.
Ron
CajunBass
Member
In theory, you can of course change the barrel on a Dan Wesson. Personally, I've never been to enamored with that idea, since you'd have to sight the gun in again. I'd just as soon have another gun, but apparently others like them, and that's fine.
I did however, bring home a beautiful DW-15, with a 4" barrel, a few days ago. Price was in the range you quoted. It's been fired, but I doubt it's ever been in a holster. I'm not sure if it's a -2 or what. I do know it's a Monson gun. For those who aren't familiar with DW, they were made in three or four places, but the Monson, Mass. guns are considered the best.
For the OP's purpose, I'm sure it would be a viable choice, but they can be hard to find.
Drool inducing pictures required I know.
The pre lock L-frame Smiths (686,585,681, etc.) are, IMHO, the high water point in production/design of all revolvers, combining bulletproof engineering, excellent materials and finish, fine ergonomics and balance and classic lines and proportions.
The used ones command nearly new prices because they are generally considered better made, lacking the key lock and metal injection molded internal parts. I would stick to a dash 4 or lower, personally.
In our neck of the woods, expect to pay 500-700 for a decent L frame.
Save up, get one, you will never regret it!
This^^. S&W 586-1, most accurate revolver or semi I've ever owned. If I have to sell, it would be the last to go.
ray15
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I know, but it only had the 6" with it, and it wasn't much cheaper than a new 4 or 6" GP.100 The only way I'd count on swapping barrels would be if it were one of those kits they sold with multiple barrels in a fitted case.
Nice gun; glad you're happy. I don't find too many .357s in the pawn stores, probably 10 38s for each one. The DW I saw was the nicest DA pawn store .357 I've seen. I was wanting a strong gun that would take a fair quantity of W296 loads, so finding a new GP100 local for $539 stopped me from considering used guns at essentially the same price, nice as the DW was.
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Terminatorret
Member
Wow, lots of great advice and beautiful revolvers.
In the .357 4" category I carry a Ruger Service Six (usually in a Galco shoulder holster) or a Ruger Blackhawk (in either a Mernickle PS6-SA or a Mernickle Field Carry cross-draw). I know it wasn't the question, but in the snubby size, I carry the .357 LCR in my Wrangler's front pocket (usually no holster, but with Eagle wood grips).
In the .357 4" category I carry a Ruger Service Six (usually in a Galco shoulder holster) or a Ruger Blackhawk (in either a Mernickle PS6-SA or a Mernickle Field Carry cross-draw). I know it wasn't the question, but in the snubby size, I carry the .357 LCR in my Wrangler's front pocket (usually no holster, but with Eagle wood grips).
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