Cheapest reliable revolver that's not a Nagant ?

Status
Not open for further replies.
Wanderling

Wanderling

Member
Joined
Nov 21, 2011
Messages
923
I like the idea of having a revolver, if only for the "coolness" of it, but my wish list is very long and mostly automatic.

I almost bought a Nagant, but ammo seems to be hard to come by and pricey. If I have it I'd like to be able to enjoy it.

I also prefer to buy new, I know next to nothing about maintaining a revolver and after reading a list of issues to watch out for I am not sure I'd not let a problem slip by.

So, what is the cheapest revolver that's still reliable, fun to shoot, comes in one of the more common calibers, and looks good ? As it's going to be a "fun" gun I really don't care if it's concealable.

Thanks !
 
S&W mod 64 .38 spl police agency trade-ins are still ery available, very cheap. try gunbroker.com, at least to get an idea of what's out there.
Alternatively, a NIB Taurus mod. 65 can be had for about $400, and gets you a brand new .357 mag with a warranty. Both are stainless steel, 6-shot, with heavy 4-in barrels.
 
I'm not shooting much anyway, and will likely use 9mm more. I prefer autos for practicality but think revolvers are very special and cool.
 
If Buds Guns still has some Model 10 S&W for $269 they look like crap but shoot like a dream I know I got one for myself. 38 Spcl can be had all day long.
 
I bought a 1917 Smith once for 100 bucks, back in the early 90s. I had to take it to a gunsmith to get it working and he advised to "take it easy on the old girl". I shoulda kept it, but sold it because the rifling was too shallow to stabilize the cast bullets I shoot almost exclusively. It was quite the beater, but once it was in shooting order, it'd hold 2" groups at 25 yards with softball loaded 230 RN, loaping along about 650 fps.

Anyway, moral of the story is I want to see ANY revolver I want to buy in hand for inspection. This gun was advertized as NRA good to very good. Mine was NRA inoperable if there is such. :rolleyes:
 
Cheap, reliable, and new.
Not asking for much, are ya?

I'd look at a Taurus. There's haters out there, as with any mfgr, but I've got 3 and all have been reliable.

If you want to spend more, S&W makes a nicer gun, at a higher price.
Ruger makes a good revolver, I'm just not a fan.

I'd still go with the recommendation above of the police trade in S&W m64.
 
Last edited:
Wanderling said:
I like the idea of having a revolver, if only for the "coolness" of it, but my wish list is very long and mostly automatic.

I almost bought a Nagant, but ammo seems to be hard to come by and pricey. If I have it I'd like to be able to enjoy it.

I also prefer to buy new, I know next to nothing about maintaining a revolver and after reading a list of issues to watch out for I am not sure I'd not let a problem slip by.

So, what is the cheapest revolver that's still reliable, fun to shoot, comes in one of the more common calibers, and looks good ? As it's going to be a "fun" gun I really don't care if it's concealable.

Thanks !
Click to expand...
Might be a "far off" idea but how about a Heritage Rough-Rider .22lr Can be had for less than $200. Your idea of fun might be different than mine, but some single action shooting is as fun as it comes in my book.
 
MCgunner, all 1917s had shallow rifling? Still most shoot like a dream.
Steve
Click to expand...

I've been told that. I can say MINE did, wouldn't shoot cast bullets for squat, had to BUY jacketed bullets, something against my natural character. :D the action was smooth, was pretty loose, though, rough old war horse that'd seen the elephant probably a few times by the look of it.

For a NEW and decent quality revolver, if not elegant, go to Academy and look at the Rossi 462 or 971s or the .38s. Rossis work, they're pretty nice, actually. They've got a lifetime warranty and they're quite accurate, at least all the ones I've had were. I still have two, an old M68 .38 special 3" and a M511 Sportsman .22 kit gun. Both are GREAT shooters.
 
So, what is the cheapest revolver that's still reliable, fun to shoot, comes in one of the more common calibers, and looks good ? As it's going to be a "fun" gun I really don't care if it's concealable.
Click to expand...

I can't believe nobody has mentioned getting a used Ruger Single Six yet. Vic was as close as it got with the sugestion of .22 and single action.

Here's the thing. Now that the Single-Ten is out, I'm seeing Single Sixes on the used shelves in the low $300 range. It's a great revolver, overly strong (like all Rugers), especially considering that it's just a .22. It's also very inexpensive to shoot, and a very well made gun. Sounds like your looking for something inexpensive that's inexpensive to shoot, and in a common caliber. This hits all of those qualifications right on the nose.

edit to add:
I know the OP said new, but most of the single sixes that I've seen used are in such good condition that i can't imagine quibbling over the title of "new."
 
A double action or even a single action .22 sounds like something that might fit the bill.
I have one of those Heritage Rough Rider SA .22 LR with the change over Cylinder for .22 Mag.
It's been a great little accurate plinking gun so far after 700 rounds thru it. No problems as of yet.

And there is plenty of ammo and cheaply available just about anywhere.

If not that, Then I would look at a .38 Special. There are a few Taurus and some Rugers that should fit your needs as well without being to expensive.
 
Don't forget about Dan Wessons. If you look, they can be found for a good price and, they're tough, they last, they're accurate and, they can be had in a variety of calibers. If you're wanting a snubby, you just need the barrel. Any other length from 4-15 inches is just a mail-order away! One frame, many uses.
 
Wanderling said:
That's why I'd rather buy a cheap'ish new - if there is such a thing.
Click to expand...
IMO that's a big mistake. For the same money you spend on a cheapish new revolver you can buy high quality in a used S&W revolver. If you decide to sell the S&W will yield just about what you paid for it where as the cheap gun might not sell or you will practically give it away.
 
The best value out there is a use Smith and Wesson Model 10, if you can save up around $300 dollars you can find a real nice one, and better than anything else you will find around $300 dollars. If you want any cheaper than I would highly suggest an Armscor M200 .38 spl in a defensive round
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_876/products_id/411539731
or a Heritage Rough Rider for .22 LR/Mag if the main use is not defense.
 
Why not try an Arms Corp (spelling) .38.......brand new 2&4 inch at around $250.00 or so delivered to your FFL. Reviews are mixed and it's just my .02 cents worth, I've shot a few of ther .45's and was quite pleased with their accuracy, fit and finish.
 
I agree completely--new does not equal best when it comes to revolvers. These are not cars. They're incredibly durable, and with basic care can last several lifetimes. And unfortunately apart from Rugers and performance center Smith's, the new wheelguns are not much to write home about.

Your best bet by far is to get a used Model 10 or similar police surplus in .38 Special. Preferably one of the older pinned barrel ones. They're among the best revolvers ever made. Shoot wadcutters or 158 grain LRN and LSWCHP out of them and they'll give you excellent groups.

Dan Wessons are great too, and offer some unique attributes.

Ruger sixes are my favorites, but they're not so cheap as they once were.

Don't be a afraid of a little holster wear--it's a sign someone relied on that firearm for years or decades.
 
The only reason I want new is to make sure I am not buying somebody else's problem, having absolutely zero experience with revolvers I know I won't recognize an issue until it causes the drum to lock up or something else happens.

I don't mind the idea of a SA revolver. I intend to use it for range and as a HD, not for carry. I just think revolvers are very classy. I almost bought one as my first gun but decided I wanted something more universal.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Blackbeard
  • Locked
Thiking of getting first revolver
2
Replies
32
Views
1K
SFsc616171
S
J
  • Locked
considering a full size revolver
2 3 4 5
Replies
110
Views
6K
justin22885
J
D
  • Locked
M.1895 Nagant... Educate Me!
Replies
5
Views
1K
Cosmoline
C
N
  • Locked
Improving Grip on a Nagant Revolver
2
Replies
28
Views
3K
CraigC
CraigC
C
  • Locked
Nagant Revolving Pistol, Surprisingly Good
2
Replies
32
Views
4K
Cosmoline
C
Back
Top