Bought the Armscor model 200 last week...

[Snowdog]

For the life of me I simply could not dig up much info on the overall quality of Armscor revolvers, so I decided to purchase one from SOG for $149 NIB.

I can't post a picture of the revolver or groups from this computer, but I must say I'm glad I made that leap of faith. I already have a Rock Island Arms 5" 1911A1 and couldn't have been happier. After hearing these Armscor revolvers were likely made by some of the same folks that made my RIA 1911, the decision wasn't too hard to make.

Using Hornady 148gr HBWC over 2.7gr of Bullseye, I was printing groups that were quite nice (and I never can get enough of those cookie-cutter holes). I'm sure the revolver would have gleefully provided tighter groups from someone who's actually good with handguns (I'm a rifle guy). From a modified Weaver stance, I was able to print 3" groups at 15 yards without a problem, occasionally a nice 2" group or ragged hole would crop up. That's about all I'm capable of with any handgun, auto or revolver.

The company described the finish as a rich deep blue. If you're expecting that, don't. It has more of a cheap parkerized-look about it, almost a chocolate brown... albeit a rather tasty-looking chocolate, it was no "rich deep blue". That and the plastic grips (though very comfortable) are the only seemingly "cheap" characteristics this revolver seems to have. The revolver goes bang every time and puts 'em where you're aiming. After 300 rounds of homebrew HBWCs and (+P) SWCHPs and an additional 100 rounds of factory Winchester 130gr FMJs, this revolver proved a reliable and accurate handgun that screams "incredible value".

One pleasant surprise was the trigger. Both the single and double action are very similar to what one would expect from a Taurus; nothing in particular to brag about, but certainly nothing to complain about either. For $149 NIB, I was expecting far worse.
The SA was a bit more crisp than my Taurus 669, with the DA being just as smooth (and a far lighter) than that of my Taurus 85.
In a different league than my S&W 686, but for the price it's quite nice.

IMHO, this Philippine revolver would make a far superior contender as a serious defensive tool over many of the similar-priced American-made garbage such as the defunct Davis, Lorcin, Bryco or Cobra Industries or whoever now carries the crap-torch of potmetal pistols.
I'd imagine the Armscor 200 wouldn't make a bad trail sidearm for those wanting something they don't mind getting scruffed and scratched all to hell.

And for $149, I cannot believe they have't sold out yet... only a matter of time I suppose.
Hope this helps anyone considering the purchase.

 

[Rotorflyr]

Thats a .38 right?
Glad to hear you like it, I also own a RIA .45 and have been quite pleased with it for the price, but like you haven't really seen anything about the revo's!
After you get to shoot it more, post an update on how it's holding up and how you like it!

 

[Whirlwind06]

So how is your Armscor holding up?
After my Charter Arms .38 broke again. I'm looking at other brands.
The price on the Armscor got my attention and I love my RIA officers model 1911. If it is as good as their 1911's I'm sold.

 

[Snowdog]

I haven't any photos to post at the moment as I'm stuck using my work computer.
Unfortunately, I haven't had much time for shooting lately. I've put less than 1K various rounds through it, primarily handloads of WCs and SWCHPs (both Hornady) over Alliant Bullseye. I don't remember the recipes for either offhand, but I do know the wadcutters were loaded as mild as I dared to load them and the semi wadcutter HPs were loaded to +P pressures in attempts to replicate my favorite .38special offering from Winchester, Remington, etc.

The revolver has also seen a couple boxes of Winchester 130gr FMJs and Speer 130gr +P Gold Dots.

The revolver is quite accurate, no doubt thanks to a surprisingly smooth DA and impressively crisp SA; an impressive trigger for the price. I still don't know what to make of the finish... it looks almost like a very fine powder coat or perhaps a funky parkerization. However, it's proven durable and has held up well against holster wear in the spots hard on a finish (such as around the muzzle end of the barrel).

The only "problem" I've had is nasty leading after both the WCs and SWCHP+Ps. Initially, I was under the impression I had loaded the SWCHPs too hot for its Brinnel hardness, but the 148gr hollowbase WCs were only loaded to perhaps 650-700 FPS (haven't chrono'ed yet) and leaded the barrel as well. And when I say "leading the barrel", I mean it goes from a nicely cleaned bore to a keyhole monster after 150 round of the WC and within 50 of the SWCHP+Ps.

I may need to lap the bore to reduce leading. I can only figure the rifling might be a bit too sharp or rough. When time allows, I'll look into it more closely. Hornady is the only brand I've tried and I suppose a shot at a different brand with a harder alloy wouldn't hurt.
But when jacketed bullets are used, not a problem. The revolver is impressively accurate with either lead or FMJ/JHP (at least until the barrel leads up from the WC/SWCHPs).

In retrospect, I'm quite pleased I made the purchase. It was a shot in the dark as I didn't know anything about the maker besides their 1911s (which have proven a sweet entry into the budget 1911 market). Hope this helps.

 

[lee n. field]

Looked at an Armscor revolver a couple days ago. The fit and finish were not so hot, and there was a lot of play in the cylinder. The Rossi they had that was $10 more was a lot more tempting.

 

[kahr404life]

Snowdog, where did you get the armscor revolver from. It appears you live in NC so what gun shop is it. I always can use a good truck gun and the armscor appears to fit the bill.

 

[vega]

This might help:

 

[StephenT]

I was thinking about getting one of those Armscor Detective special clone revolvers, but I was disappointed when I handled one. It felt very crude compared to the quality of other brands out there, including Rossi (nothing wrong at all with Rossi revolvers, I own several). The latch holding the cylinder in place didn't feel very secure and the trigger pull was gritty. I'm sure that it's a perfectly functional revolver, but there are better choices out there for not much more money.

 

[Snowdog]

I suppose, as with many manufacturers, Armscor products might prove to be a hit'n'miss. I definately received a "hit" as there's not play in the cylinder and it doesn't appear to be "crudely made". However, it wouldn't surprise me terribly if they did turn out lemons along with some gems.
I am more than happy with mine, especially after having spent only $149 NIB.
Perhaps it would help if you could inspect the particular specimen being sold before purchasing, if possible.

I purchased mine from SOG (through a local FFL-holding pawnshop). My local gun shop charges 10% to ship in a firearm, even if they have a current copy of their FFL on file with the company they're ordering from, whereas the local pawnshop charges $10 as a flat fee, regardless if they have a current FFL on file or if they have to fax one in; it's a no-brainer.

 

[gomakemeasandwich]

SOG?

I'm sorry, but what exactly is SOG? I assume it is some type of online retailer but I have never heard about it...

 

[modifiedbrowning]

I'm sorry, but what exactly is SOG? I assume it is some type of online retailer but I have never heard about it...

Southern Ohio Guns.

 

[gomakemeasandwich]

Thank you.

 

[Quoheleth]

I asked Ivan, the Armscor guru over at the m1911forum about the M200, particularly if it is a Colt design and if it can handle occassional +p loads (my definition of "occassional" is "load 6, fire for accuracy, and keep loaded with +p's just in case the balloon goes up."

Here's his reply:

We bought the design from Colt, It is a colt Detective special, It will
handle occasional +p Loads, The materials that we use are not as good as
Colt used hence the price.
Hope this helps
Thanks

 

[gomakemeasandwich]

I asked Ivan, the Armscor guru over at the m1911forum about the M200, particularly if it is a Colt design and if it can handle occassional +p loads (my definition of "occassional" is "load 6, fire for accuracy, and keep loaded with +p's just in case the balloon goes up."

Thanks for your help. I assume Ivan works for the company that makes the gun?