Best Revolver around $200

[Rogerwilco]

Hello all, I'm new to THR (well I have posted once or twice) but have reading here a while. I'm in the market for a revolver but not ready to spend a mint yet. I have looked at the Ruger SP101 but it is a little pricey for a 5 shot revolver. New or used, What is the best bang for the buck around or under $200.00? Thanx All

 

[sm]

Welcome to THR!

At the top of this forum is a great guide I recommend you read, bookmark, even print out.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=1430

You didn't specify the task for this revolver ( CCW or target) I get the impression this is for carry. I would suggest a Police trade-in. Many of these have been carried lots - shot little. Model 10 for instance is a GREAT med frame revolver ( K frame) with a proven history. The bluing may show some wear - the internals will be clean.

Med frame Rugers, Security Six and similar are other great choices.

Some really great buys on Used med frame revos out there, sometimes the dedicated .38spl is priced less. Nothing wrong with a dedicated .38spl.

HTH

 

[tbeb]

Last year I bought a real nice used .357 magnum Ruger Speed Six with a 4" barrel and blue finish for $205 out-the-door. Speed Six has a round butt. Same Ruger gun with a square butt is the Service Six. (In a .357 magnum revolver you can shoot .357 magnum ammo, and .38 special ammo.) Both are good guns that have fixed sights. Mine does not shoot to point of aim with standard pressure .38 special 125 gr. or 148 gr. or 158 gr. ammo.

Another excellent choice is a .38 special Smith & Wesson Model 10 with a 4" barrel. Get one with a heavy barrel. Same Smith & Wesson gun can be had in .357 magnum and that's the Model 13. Both are blue finish, fixed sight guns. If you can find either of the Smith & Wesson's in very good condition for around $200, then you've got a nice gun for a good price. I know they usually shoot to point of aim with .38 special 158 gr. ammo, and is one reason they'd be my first choice.

 

[Thirties]

Best revolver for around $200 would be a used Smith & Wesson model 10.

 

[DrDremel]

I have a model 65 stainless steel .38 special I will sell you for that. It is Double action only, which is a plus for carry use. If not, I agree that a used S&W model 10 is the best you will find. My e-mail is [email protected] if you are interested.

 

[Rogerwilco]

The weapon will be used for CCW....I did a little research on this topic before I made this thread and by far most people recommended the model 10. Like I always say..."Measure twice and cut once."..lol

 

[WT]

S&W Model 10.

Every male should be issued one as soon as he emerges from the birth canal.

 

[ruger357]

Used S&W K-frame.

 

[tbeb]

For CCW I like something small and light. I use an old model Charter Arms Undercover .38 (can usually tell old model because ejector rod is not shrouded) which is the size of a S&W "J" frame. Barrel length on mine is 2", finish on mine is blue, capacity is 5 rds., empty weight is 16 ounces. It's fixed sights are very good. You can buy one of these in excellent condition for $150-$200.

If you can find a nice used one for around $200, then a S&W Model 37 or 38 (airweight models) are a little better choice. If you want an all steel gun then corresponding S&W's are the Model 36 and 49.

 

[Cosmoline]

In addition to the Model 10 and Security Six, the Colt Police Positive Special is a very nice revolver and can still be found for under $200 at pawn shops.

You can also find some good revolvers priced low because of oddball cartridges. S&W "Victory" Models often go for a song and dance because they're chambered for the .38 S&W, not the .38 Special. 1895 Nagants go for next to nothing because the ammo runs as much as $40 per box. But since they can shoot .32 H&R Magnums and related cartridges, lots of folks have been snatching them up.

 

[Tacoma]

Yes, S&W . 2" J frame 5 shot mod 36/60/49 etc if you plan to carry more than shoot. ( It will be lighter and more compact.) 2-4" K frame 6 shot 10,13,15, 67,64 if you plan to shoot allot and/or want more accuracy from a longer barrel.
All can be had for around $200 if your willing to accept a little cosmetic wear.
p.s The model 10's noted above ( followed closely by the 67/64) always seem to be around at cheap prices. Just picked up excelelnt condition 2" mod 10 ( in nickle) for $200 last month.
Happy shopping!

 

[LiquidTension]

We have a Smith 65 and 66 that we paid about $200 and $210 for. They were police trade-ins and are still in great condition.

 

[JNewell]

You should not have trouble finding Ruger Security Sixes for $200. I've bought both blue and stainless in the past six months for under that figure. Fine guns, very strong. The trigger is not in the S&W K-frame category in most cases, but these are stronger guns, very easy to keep running, and a tremendous value.

If you can find a 65 or 66 for that price, though, I would not hesitate for a minute to do that.

You may find adjustable sights easier to learn to shoot with, so that would favor a Security Six over a Speed Six, and a 66 over a 65.

 

[phorvick]

Taurus model 85 is a fine 5 shooter also....

 

[sgtb]

I have seen alot of Ruger GP-100's with 4in barrel and fixed sights, DAO for sale for around 200.00....I believe they were Canadian Police guns. Can't beat a Ruger for ruggedness.

 

[GlenJ]

Taurus 605 DAO no hammer spur to snag and you can use 38 spl and 357 mag. Plus it's light enough to carry in a pocket holster.

 

[Ala Dan]

Greetings All-

Looks like WT has nailed it, as you should be able to pick up a
used Smith & Wesson model 10 for under $200. You may have read
that recently I picked up a S&W 2" nickel model 10 that is a clear
cut 98 per-center for $150. The model 10 was used by many types
of departments, often times to be traded in after seeing extensive
use. In most cases, these weapons were shot very little; but carried
daily, and make excellent shooters. I got lucky, as mine dates back
to late 1972 (or very early 1973) and has seen service as a home D'
weapon for the last 10-15 years just laying in a bedroom dresser
drawer. Occassionally the owner got it out and cleaned it, simply
returning it to its resting place. It has the pinned barrel, and the
firing pin is on the hammer.

So my case in point, bargains are out there! You just have too
seek them out.

FWIW, in the $200 range NIB I would opt for a blued Rossi. We sell
them for $219.88 + 9% sales tax.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[GaryP]

Older S&W M36, M10
First generation Charter Arms (Not Charco) Undercover .38 Spl, Bulldog .44 Spl
Older Colt Detective Special is nice and holds 6 38 Spl but will be over $200
Ruger SP101 in .38 Spl again over $200, but the stongest of the lot
Taurus 85, most are keepers

Good luck with your search!

Gary

 

[Tony Mig]

Rossi M-68, it's a nice little 5 shot .38 Spl, and they can be had for less than $200.00.....

 

[Rogerwilco]

Price Check

Anyone know what a used S&W model 28 .357 Mag is going for these days?

 

[Coronach]

In good condition? Above $200.

Mike

 

[ChristopherG]

HERE are the results of a search on a large gun classified site called Gunsamerica, for S&W revolvers under 250 dollars. You can do a similar search there for other manufacturers. That ought to give you a realisitic idea of what goes for what, anyway.

 

[Rogerwilco]

ChristopherG

Thanx for the link..lol..why didn't I think of that?

 

[Dave Markowitz]

S&W Model 10.

Every male should be issued one as soon as he emerges from the birth canal.

That is an instant THR classic! Somebody pass WT a Shiner Bock.