Best revolvers to buy used

[MikeJackmin]

Assume you have a modest level of knowledge about guns - you remember maybe half the steps listed in the revolver check-out sticky, and you can spot most of the obvious problems in a used gun, but you're certainly no expert.

With that level of knowledge, some used revolvers are a good bet - the chances of getting one with a hidden problem are low, and most of those problems can be fixed without too much trouble. Other guns are tricky - they are prone to subtle defects and may be be difficult or even impossible to repair.

How would you rate the various makes and models?

My own guess is that Rugers generally belong on the good-bet list, and prewar colts, as splendid as they are when in good shape, probably belong on the bad list. Centerfire breaktops are generally bad, with the possible exception of the .38 Enfields and Webleys. Single-actions are probably a safer bet than double-actions. And of course, anything with marred screw-heads is always suspect.

What's your take?

 

[Guillermo]

Since the question seems to be which revolver is a good bet I would offer the Smith and Wesson 686.

Why?
They are still relatively plentiful police trade ins available.
They are pre MIM guns.
Many were carried a lot and shot a little.
They are cheap.

The 686 is a great gun. Tough, well balanced and reliable. If you have an issue any gunsmith can work on it and probably has parts on hand.

Follow the rules in the sticky on what to look for when buying a used revolver and your chances of success are outstanding.

 

[19-3Ben]

My own guess is that Rugers generally belong on the good-bet list

Yup. Any of the Six series, GP100 and SP101 are pretty tough revolvers. Same for S&W L frame.

If you don't know what to check for, I might shy away from buying S&W .357 k frames (mod. 19, and 13).
On the other hand, .38 spl k frames are a pretty safe bet IME.

 

[bluetopper]

Don't want to take the time and get in too much detail but any quality name brand revolver in good shape will perform well and will always be in demand if you decide to sell. I have learned to shy away from second tier manufacturors. The pride of ownership was just not there for me and resale value suffered.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Smith & Wesson 27-2:

 

[earlthegoat2]

Any S&W without a lock. They wont lose value and they are better made than newer ones.

 

[MMCSRET]

I personally prefer Colts other than Python and Diamond Back. Troopers, Officers Models, Police Positive Specials, Police Positives, I even have a late model New Service. I look at S&W and Ruger and sometimes buy, but a Colt will pull me. I've learned how to check them out and I carry my data books with me so I can reference. If I'm going to spend money I want to be as informed as possible. If the seller balks I will question why he balks and then proceed to follow the indications.
And always do it politely and in a soft tone of voice, it works well!!!!!

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

Just about ANY Ruger, be it DA or SA. You most always get a solid gun, durable, and USUALLY a fair price.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

The Colt MK III, MK V, and King Cobras are tough guns. They have very few problems....A master gunsmith once said the King Cobra was the strongest mid framed revolver made.

 

[O C]

Ya gonna shoot it... S&W.....Gonna shoot it a LOT...Ruger....Gonna admire, fondle, polish, use for kids college fund.....Colt "Snakes"

 

[Nar]

I saw a S&W, the M27s look nice, and a M66 is great if you can find one (never handled a 686). and you should have no problem finding a good deal on a M10

 

[george29]

The toughest guns IMO is the Ruger SRH & BH/OM Vaquero and the S&W 500 frames. I own an OM Vaquero in 357, a K frame S&W 13 and a Ruger LCR 357. The first is used as a Trail gun the other two are SD. The S&W K frame in 357 is fine for 357 if not overly used in 125gr 357 rounds. It is my most comfortable shooter. Sure, load it to 1400fps velocities for extended use and the forcing cone will be damaged, thats what my Vaquero is for if so needed.
I think S&W K & L frames are great. So are the Ruger handguns.

 

[Slamfire]

Vintage cars have the same issues as old guns: Can you get parts? Can you find a mechanic?

Parts get troublesome, particulary for pre WWII era revolvers, and finding a gunsmith to work on it.

I have a number of D frame Colts, I am being real nice to them as parts are hard to find and finding pistolsmiths to work on them seems to be a chore.



I recently purchased this 586 and wanted to replace the aftermarket rear sight. Well what do you know, S&W no longer carries those rear sights. I did not ask about other parts but I was informed that parts are getting scarce for 80's models.

 

[bannockburn]

MikeJackmin

I think you pretty much answered your own question. Ruger makes some very durable and dependable revolvers, both in single and double action. Most older S&W K fames in .38 Special are also solid performers which can take a lot of use and still be fine shape. Same goes for the L and N frame series. The Colt Mk.III and Mk.V series, along with the King Cobra variants, are a lot like the Ruger DA revolvers; very capable performers which were well designed and solidly built.

 

[Guillermo]

a lot of folks are scared to shoot their old Colts.

I blast away with mine every time I go to the range.

Does it matter if it is in the safe not being fired or at a gunsmith (thus not being fired)

BTW, I have never had an issue with any of my Colts. (4 D-frames and a Python)

 

[savit260]

I shoot my old Colt's too. They all shoot fine, and all lock up TIGHT, just as they should.

This one has seen quite a few rounds in the past 85 years, and I wouldn't trade it for any new S&W or Ruger.

 

[Cosmoline]

I've had near 100% luck with the dozens (several dozens at this point) of used Ruger revolvers I've bought over the years. The only exception was a very, very abused Security Six but Ruger overhauled and restored that one for a minimal charge

Smith & Wesson would be next on my list. Their internals last a long time and they don't seem to go out of time very easily. But they're slightly less rugged than the Rugers in general.

Dan Wessons also seem to hold up well.

Colt is a mixed bag. The later generation double actions, such as the Python, have very rugged workings. Earlier DA's have a strange set of Rube Goldberg devices inside that make them work. They are prone to going out of time if abused, and I've seen many in shops that were out of time. Most smiths don't like to work on them because they're too complex. OTOH when they haven't been abused they are some of the best DA revolvers around. I'd say that vintage Colts are among the firearms you should not buy without at least a hand inspection. And while parts are tough to find they're not impossible. You just have to keep an eye out on gunbroker and buy a pack of parts for your particular Colt, esp. mainsprings. That's not a bad idea
for any revolver.

 

[snooperman]

I go for the Colts as well,

That is not to say that I would turn my nose up at older Smiths or Rugers if the value is there.

 

[Guillermo]

I'd say that vintage Colts are among the firearms you should not buy without at least a hand inspection

excellent advice

BTW, even though I LOVE my Colts, I still think the best revolver to buy with the least chance of getting a lemon is a pre-MIM 686.

 

[Ala Dan]

The older S&W's [models 10, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30,
34, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 49, 50, 52, 57, 58, 59, and 60's]
amuse me. I don't own an example of every one, but wished I did~!

I am extremely fond of well kept S&W model 19's, 27's, and 39-2's.
The old, original S&W model 60 (.38 Special), because it was the
first handgun crafted of stainless steel~!

OTOH, I am also very fond of Colt D-frames; especially 2nd series
Detective Specials as made from 1947-1972. I have owned a few
Rugers as well, and they are excellent firearms; but they just never
made it too the top of my billboard.

 

[Deaf Smith]

And good used OLDER Ruger, Colt, or Smith. As long as they are tight and in good condtion.

These two of mine were both bought at pawn shops and both are zero-zero tight (and good strait shooters to boot.)

Deaf

 

[MikeJackmin]

I love the wooden grips on your GP100. What are they?

 

[Deaf Smith]

Well it's not a GP100. It's a Security Six .357 Mike.

But Secret Service grips they are made by Eagle (the M66 Smith also has SS stocks!)

http://www.eaglegrips.com/

And Eagle does make some sort of like it for the GP.

http://www.eaglegrips.com/guns/Rosewood-Ebony-FP-Grips.html

And I might get me some as I also have GP100!

Deaf

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // Some great tips here.

For a one handgun I'd go with post #2.
For multiple I'd go with post #17

I have S&W,Ruger,Colt,Dan Wessson (Monson)and other revolvers, these are definately the top four manufactures I look for.

All four are reliable but they all have differences as well, pros or cons depending on the indivdual using them. This is probably why I have more S&Ws than the others.

Enjoy the search.

 

[Hondo 60]

Wow, what some beauties posted here.

MikeJackmin,
I think you'd be safe with any of the big 3 in used revolvers.
Smith & Wesson, Colt or Ruger - as long as they check out well.