Best budget, compact 38 spcl or 357

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Picknlittle

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This may be a silly question, but here goes. Is there any such thing as a good, compact 38 spcl or .357 for under $250? Not lookin for flash, just dependable and reasonably accurate.
 
In my opinion ...

I don't think that target price for a quality gun is realistic, if such a thing even exists. You may be able to find a used Smith & Wesson J-frame or Ruger SP101 for that, but more likely it would be $300-ish. A Taurus might be a little less.
 
Get a used S&W model 10 with a 4" heavy barrel. They are great OWB or IWB and are accurate and reliable.

I carry a 4" K-frame everywhere I go....
 
I would agree with both the above posts but would add: stay with a S&W or a Ruger. You can't go wrong with one of those.
 
I liked my Ruger Police Service Six.
For such a short barrel 4" it was pretty accurate.
And at 200.00 used it was a GREAT deal.
 
yep, if you look around you might still find a used S&W for that, though the j frames as mentioned seem to be heading more towards $300 and above these days. MIGHT still find a 4" k frame, though even those are starting to head up in price
 
Is there any such thing as a good, compact 38 spcl or .357 for under $250? Not lookin for flash, just dependable and reasonably accurate.
Click to expand...

Absolutely. I picked up my Speed Six for two bills. You can find a lot of older J frame S&W's for under $250. They're better than the new revolvers, anyway.
 
You can find a used Taurus 85 in .38 for at least $50 cheaper than a used S&W or Ruger. I say go with Taurus if you're on a really tight budget.
Lots of people have commented as to Taurus' "Poor quality", but mine has been nothing but great to me :D

Good luck and good shooting with whatever your pick is!
 
38/357 snub

picked up a ss rossi 38/357 mag. snub at accadamey for 299.00, shoots tight and haven't had a problem in about 800 rds
 
I agree with the above. Pick up a used, good condition S&W. There are millions out there, they are easy to get fixed if you have an issue, and there's no problem getting parts.

Rugers are great is well, but I don't personally care for them. It's just an esthetics thing. There are many more S&W likely to be available.

The Taurus and Rossi are OK guns. If there is a problem, getting one fixed could be an issue. The difference in price is false economy if you plan on keeping the gun for a while or ever need service.

While I love Colt revolvers (my primary carry is a Dick Special) the old V spring guns are expensive to get worked on. They also demand a premium price as they are all out of production. Pretty sad to think that the company that built it's reputation on the revolver only makes one model, and is way down the list of revolver makers.
 
I agree with the other posters, stick with a used S&W or Ruger. Just take your time and dont jump at the 1st thing you see. You will find the right revolver at the right price! I suggest you lurk at gunbroker and auctionarms for a few weeks so you can get a sense what certain types of pistols are going for. Go to gun shows and visit your local gun shops and mega sporting goods stores. turust me there are deals to be had out there I just picked up a 90% 4" S&W 28-2 for $272 otd! now on on the hunt for 2 3/4" SS ruger service six:)
 
No, I don't know of a NEW snub under 250. A used Rossi or Taurus will run you less. I doubt you could find any used Smith around here for that, not much less than 400 bucks in worn out condition many times. I quit looking at used Smiths a long, long time ago. I don't run across used S&W 642s, but they might be in that price range. I gave 250 for my SP101 used, but that was a son-in-law deal.

Now, if you'll increase your monitary requirements by just 100 bucks, you can get a Taurus 85, any of the Rossis, and I've seen Smith and Wesson 642s for under 350 bucks. And, these are all new guns and J frames capable of pocket carry. As much as I like K frames, they're not very CCW friendly compared to a nice J frame sized gun.
 
I got my Taurus 85 barely used for 220. That's about the going rate in 98-100% from what I've seen. They're good quality, and shoot well. I'm happy with it, though I wouldn't call it an incredibly accurate gun (what can you expect from a 2" barrel?).
 
If it's for self-defense...It's better not to think "budget", think "best". A used S&W or Ruger in good condition would be the way to go given your dollar limit....If you up your limit by 50 bucks or so you may have a better chance at "best".
 
It's better not to think "budget", think "best". A used S&W or Ruger in good condition would be the way to go given your dollar limit
Click to expand...

I'd personally rather have a newish Taurus in great shape than a worn out POS used Smith that was someone else's cast off. You MIGHT find Smiths and Rugers somewhere for decent with a 2" barrel on 'em, but not around here. You'll find a Ruger quicker than a K frame. I've seen K frame snubbies worn out, end play out the waz, going for over 300 bucks, guns I wouldn't give a hundred for, probably wouldn't shoot in the condition they were in. Decent condition Smiths will bring 400 even with 4" barrels around here. I know 'cause I've looked. Seems like in areas like NY or Cali, there are more of the bargains probably because there aren't as much demand from the Smith and Wesson nuts as there is here.

If you think it takes spending the most for self defense, that it's the gun and not the shooter, why stop at used Smith prices. Go for one of the high grade $2500 and up 1911s. What're ya messing around with yesterday's trash for? Spend the big bucks. Go for it. How much is too much when its your life on the line?

Personally, I carry Taurus revolvers all the time and am very happy with 'em. Talk about ACCURATE! I have a M66 that'll shoot as well or better than any Smith and Wesson. I can't shoot any better than this gun shoots. Even my 2" M85 will hold 3" groups off a rest at 25 yards. Yeah, I trust my life to 'em, so long as they're in MY hands when the SHTF. I know they work for me. I can say the same about my Rugers and my Smith and Wesson K frame, of course. But, I have no problem with my three Taurus revolvers.
 
Best budget,compact 38 spcl or 357

I have these guns that cost me about anywhere from 225 to 329 and they are a Ruger police service-six,$225.00, a Ruger speed six,SS $239.00 from a KC,MO gun show,and 2 S&W M65 SS for $329.00 each from my dealer at a pawn shop. Rich 642z,Omaha,Ne.
 
I just got rid of a Taurus M85 for $200 with a holster. It was an excellent weapon (a little heavy for me) and very easy on the wallet. I upgraded to a S&W 340pd so it sat and I figured someone else would make better use of it.
 
http://www.grantcunningham.com/blog_files/no_taurus_work.html - Worth reading.

Again it depends on your location. Where McGunner is used S&Ws are extraordinarily high. Where I am you can get used S&Ws for decent prices, not with the ease & frequency you could in other places I've lived, but nowhere near as bad as McG's situation.

Locally older Colts with little current collector interest like the Police Positive & Official Police often go for near what you want to spend.

Ruger Speed/Service/Security Six revolvers are uncommon, but never priced high when I do see them.

Nothing wrong with a Taurus either, but my preference is to spend $50 to $100 more and get a S&W.
 
Well, this is my son-in-law Ruger deal, 250 bucks. He shot it just enough to smooth it out real good. :D

698PICT0177.JPG
 
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