Budget .38 Special

[Onward Allusion]

Hawksnest

Budget .38 Special

Whatever you do, don't get a Snub in .38 Special. Go for a 4" barrel and 6 shots or more.

In the new department, there aren't a lot of choices in the $300 range that isn't Taurus, EAA, or Armscor. A used S&W Model 10 would probably be a pretty good fit and can probably be had between $250-$300. I'd probably go with either a Taurus 82 or S&W Mdl 10 in your price range.

 

[goon]

I could see a .38 Special being a good choice, but I've seen some used Ruger P-95's for under $300 lately. I'd take one of them over any "questionable" .38 revolver bought online. I've also seen Security Sixes, Speed Sixes, and an SP-101 for less than your budget. Others report used Smith and Wesson's for around that price - I've never seen one but I believe these guys when they say they're available in some areas. Point is though, there are better choices IMO.
Also, if you're talking pure HD, you might consider a pump action 20 gauge shotgun. Long arms are generally easier to shoot more accurately than a handgun and the 20 gauge will hit hard at indoor distances.
Those who say start with a .22 have a point. If possible, it's a great plan. If the situation is someone needing a real defensive weapon RIGHT NOW though, I would quickly move to something bigger if at all possible.
Still, worst case scenario, I'd still prefer a friend be armed with a .22 handgun or a reliable 10/22 with some high caps than be totally unarmed.

 

[jad0110]

Still, worst case scenario, I'd still prefer a friend be armed with a .22 handgun or a reliable 10/22 with some high caps than be totally unarmed.

Actually, a 22 semi auto rifle might not be a bad idea if she is recoil sensitive. Something like a Ruger 10/22 or Marlin Model 60. Either can be purchased new at Wal-Mart for $150 to $180. I bought a used Marlin Glenfield Model 60 2 years ago at a Pawn Shop for $65. Whatever you decide to load it up with, just be sure it reliably feeds a couple hundred rounds first. 22s can be finicky about some brands, and totally reliable with others.

But as others have mentioned, both of you should check out the Cornered Cat website and go from there.

 

[KosmicKrunch]

W.E.G: On both Armscor 38 revolvers, the "hand" broke, right at the elbow radius that goes into the slot for the hand to turn the cylinder. When that was fixed and after three cylinders of mid range mild 158gr LSWCSC, the cylinder release broke off. Upon further looking, the cylinder screw on the right side was almost fully backed out.

I honestly would rather throw rocks at a bad guy than use that revolver. I actually get more of those in the shop to repair or tweek than I go RG & FIE.

I had one that came in with a front top strap cracked all the way through and the customers complaint said it would always shoot low no matter how he positioned the sights. When he fired, the frame would come apart at the front top strap and pull the barrel down and apart.

IMHO - the Armscor is a really bad gun for well trained to new folks to shooting.

The op would be much better off with a used but good S&W K frame, maybe a J frame.

 

[BigEasy]

QUALITY BUDGET .38's

Hi Hawksnest:

Summit Gun Broker in Missouri has several Smith & Wesson Model 10,
Colt Police Positive and Colt Official Police revolvers in the
$225-$260 price range. The web address is www.summitgunbroker.com

Hope this helps.

Dan

 

[MartinS]

Hawksnest...Guess this'll learn you not to ask a bunch of gunnuts that question.
To add insult to injury: How about forgetting mail order of relatively unproven guns and looking local for something with a good name, used and loved previously.
Tell the shopkeeper what you want and why, ask him if he will warrant the gun for function so that if there is a problem you can return it to him, or her, and not have to bother with shipping.

 

[Deanimator]

To add insult to injury: How about forgetting mail order of relatively unproven guns and looking local for something with a good name, used and loved previously.

If you KNOW a reliable local dealer that's one thing. Unfortunately, this and other fora are filled with stories of ignorant and or dishonest dealers who will mislead a new buyer, either intentionally or otherwise.

On the other hand, LOTS of people KNOW Summit Gun Broker. I've bought from them and trust them. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them in the future. If I were working, I'd have bought one each of their S&W Model 10s Colt Police Positive and Colt Official Police.

CDNN is also another reliable source. Unfortunately, they don't seem to have any good DA revolver deals that fit the OP's requirements right now.

 

[jad0110]

On the other hand, LOTS of people KNOW Summit Gun Broker. I've bought from them and trust them. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them in the future. If I were working, I'd have bought one each of their S&W Model 10s Colt Police Positive and Colt Official Police.

CDNN is also another reliable source.

May is well throw J&G and Aimsurplus in there as well. Aim recently had some Model 10s, but they are sold out.

 

[Arizonagunrunner]

Everone has opinions. Mine would be a 4in 38/357. Ruger SP101 would work also. Shoot 125 grain SJHP, or 158 grain lead semiwadcutter.

 

[dashootist]

I say get the Armscor and then give us a review.

 

[doc540]

Dang, Big Easy, do you always tell all your fishing buddies about your honey hole?

Used Smith and Wesson Model 10 with a 4" barrel.

It has been suggested many times in this thread, and there's a good reason for that.

Here's one right now!
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=208173670

Just call around and surf the net for one.

And load if for momma with any quality .38 hollow point, and keep it simple.

 

[RONSERESURPLUS]

Hello all, RON L here

I have had a Armscorp Model 200 4" 38 spcl as well as the Model 206 2" snub, shot the heck out of both of them and when the mod hit me I sold 1 and traded the other, I never saw any malfunctions on EITHER GUN and the 4" I shot near 2K through it! Far too many bash Armscorp as they are made in the Phillipines but nothing I saw in either of the 2 I had said anything but rugged and built to last! If she wants a revolver and ya can't find a used Colt or smith ore Ruger I'd not pass on one of these and see if she likes the feel and handing of tghem, in the end what she would and will use is the point? Heck, she might like a Desert Eagle in 4 Mag better? Pays to let her see whats she likes and work with that?

RON