Good revolver in the $500 range

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I'll second mes227's comment about the Police Service Six. I know you say being new some stuff my slip past you. But if you carefully follow Jim March's checklist you will have a good idea what you are looking at with a used gun. I had never before handled handguns 10 years ago, but the advice I got here and other places gave me the confidence to check out used guns.

The prices are starting to rise on the Ruger six series revolvers, but they are still a lot of gun for the money. My father-in-law has one from 1976, and it is very nice. A different feel than my 1985 S&W 586, but a fantastic gun. You should be able to find one under your price limit.
 
I'm with those that side with used. I recently got a 686+ with no lock and unfired for right at $500. I haven't looked at new revolvers in so long that I wasn't sure what you can get for less than $500. I just checked out budsgunshop.com to get an idea of prices and it looks like for S&W and Ruger double actions you either need to go with a J-frame or an SP101. Given that choice and not worried about carry, I'd probably choose the SP for the extra weight in .357. Unlike a lot of folks around here, I don't look down on Taurus and would consider an all steel model from them if on a budget limited to $500. My luck with the one I own has been very good, and a trusted friend has purchased a dozen of them over the years without any problems. But there are a steady trickle of negative posts about them by recent buyers on the forum.
 
buying first revolver

if you are only able to spend 500 dollars, your options for new are the following. rossi,taurus,and maybe ruger. Or used of any brand just read up on posted on here of different brands.good luck!!!! take your time and you will find a very good revolver for that price.
 
If your looking in the under $500 price range , dont do it online , go to the local pawn shops or gun shops in your area , you find a whole lot better deals , unless you want (have to have new) , used firearms at shops are so much cheaper than online and if your in a good state ,you can be out shooting that gun an hour or so after buying it!
 
Well I got some good news this morning when I found out I can scrounge $600 instead of $500.Since last I posted there is someone where I work that knows a decent amount about revolvers.He's willing to shop with me in a few weeks when I'm ready.His thoughts were smiths if at all possible but said the ruger gp100 that I was eyeballing wasn't a bad choice.I'm hoping the extra $100 gives me enough breathing room.I'm gonna rule out online purchases for my first revolver until I'm more comfortable.
 
Just picked up a Ruger Vaquero at a Gun show in Stainless for 500 very lightly used. First thing to check for is the contact line going around the cylinder. If there is a defined line there, you know it has been turned quite a bit. Second thing to check for is a discoloration or distorted rainbow effect (blued or stainless) towards the front of the cylinder. These are caused from heat.
GOOD LUCK!!
 
miles1,
I think we'd all be interested in a report once you do make a decision.

And remember, our motto is:
It didn't happen without pictures to prove it! :D
 
Similar question

Ok, so lotsa folks like the Ruger GP 100 and SP 101, but Miles1 said he wasn't looking for a carry gun. What if someone was? Would Ruger still be a good choice? (Thinking OC-too young to CC)
 
S&W Model 28-2

I recently purchased a never shot 28-2 in .357 w/ target factory grips. I paid $500 for this revolver and it is literally brand new. Was made in the 70s but someone kept it super nice. I put the turn line on the cylinder by dry firing it.

The gun was marked at $700 in a local pawn shop, but I talked them down to $500. Probably one of the best purchases I have made.

If you look hard enough you can find a good deal. The older pinned and recessed Smith's can still be found in new condition, but you have to look hard.

IMO finding a nice used example is the way to go. Unless they are collector pieces they are still cheaper than the new revolvers, and are usually better made.
 
If you are into to SA revolvers used Blackhawks can commonly be found in the 300-400 $$$ range.

I actually purchased an old 44 Mag SuperBlackhawk off an older gentleman for $230. Bought a gold ring Luepold 2x for another $80 (used), and a mount for about $25.

I had to clean up the revolver a bit, but it was well worth it.

Here in Virginia we have a great site for purchasing guns off of fellow enthusiasts. vaguntrader.com Look around you may have a similar resource in your state.
 
Ok, so lotsa folks like the Ruger GP 100 and SP 101, but Miles1 said he wasn't looking for a carry gun. What if someone was? Would Ruger still be a good choice? (Thinking OC-too young to CC)
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For OC I'd go with a six inch GP100. But you gotta go with the rosewood grips. If people can see it on your hip, its gotta be presentable!
 
Hondo 60 said:
miles1,
I think we'd all be interested in a report once you do make a decision.

And remember, our motto is:
It didn't happen without pictures to prove it! :D
Click to expand...
I will definitly post a few pics once i make my choice.Very much appreciate the feedback everyones given me.BTW...is it just me or does there seem to be a wider selection of quality revolvers versus semi's?Ive narrowed my choice down to a few but dear good it seems like there is alot to choose from out there.
 
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Miles1, your friend at work is basically giving you the advice I would give. I understand the desire to buy something new rather than used when you don't have a lot of experience with revolvers. I went the same way. In fact, it took years before I started buying used guns of any kind. I was probably a slow learner. I think you'd be very satisfied with a 4" Ruger GP-100, but I prefer S&W products in general. I have no complaints with my 3" GP-100.

I don't recall if you previously eliminated a 22 revolver as your first (perhaps a previous thread?), but a 22 is a very good place to start. In which case, I suggest you go with S&W pretty much exclusively at this time for a new gun. You shoot them more because you aren't thinking about the $20 for ammo so much.
 
The Smith Model 19 can be had for $450-500 in 95+% condition. Great trigger, no mim parts, no lock, great sights. A classic

K frame 357s are nice guns. I carry a Model 66 often. They will not stand up to a steady diet of magnums though so you have to take that into consideration. A GP100 will. So will a Ruger 6 series if you insist on a k frame size gun. So will a L frame.

Pick one up and you'll notice how well it fits your hand,

I'm of the belief that you can make anything work regardless how it fits your hand and have seen it done many times. A L frame has the same grip as a K frame.

It would be mainly used for HD

Then buy a DA revolver. You can defend yourself with a single action but a DA makes more sense.
 
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I'm a die-hard S&W revolver fan. Like a shapely, beautiful woman, S&W revolvers have gorgeous, smooth lines of beauty and they are perfection of form + function: beautiful and delicate looking but plenty strong to last one a lifetime. Better yet, no one has a smoother trigger on a revolver than S&W. Period. And everyone knows that a great trigger is the most important factor in accuracy for the shooter!

MY PREFERENCES:

1. I refuse to buy any S&W revolver after late 2001 when they put the d__n lock on the gun. Just the sight of a S&W revolver with the weep hole on the left side totally turns me off. Locks don't belong on parachute rip cords or handguns. Both have to work instantly . . . every time . . . with no delay!!!

2. I prefer the pre-MIM days of forged parts and firing pins on the hammer where they belong (pre-late 1990s). It's easy to spot these things . . . just look for a firing pin on the hammers! More specifically . . .

3. I get REALLY interested when I see a pinned barrel. This means pre-1983.

4. I go CRAZY when I find a four or five screw S&W (50 years old or earlier). Fine specimens of these handcrafted guns are works of art and they shoot as good as new AND are better looking too!

Here are THREE recently purchased S&W revolvers I've picked up lately, and all for less than your budget. From left-to-right: 1983 Model 19-5 (a K-frame in .357 Magnum); 1950 M&P Model (a K-frame in .38 Special); and a 1916 Model 1903, 5th Change (I-frame in .32 Long).

You'll notice that they all shoot 10 yard groups in 1" or so . . . or LESS, and shot by an old fart with my nearly 60 year old eyes. Ten years ago those groups would all be one ragged hole! All three have incredible triggers too which make them easier to hit with than most automatics too!

5548530555_2fbe1e1560_b.jpg

You'll always be proud of a nice specimen of a vintage S&W revolver, and be able to shoot rings around anything else with 'em too if you do your part!


PS: Here's some eye candy for you . . . the top-of-the-line ever S&W revolver . . . the 1957 Chevy of classic revolvers (alongside the long-discontinued and equally coveted Colt Python model) . . . the Model 27. This one is a 27-2 from 1970 and it cost me about $750 last year in incredible original condition. Checkered top strap and rear sight, mirror finish, gorgeous wood grips serial numbered and fitted to the gun, recessed cylinder holes and pinned barrel. It's too nice to shoot! Well . . . almost!

Sadly, you won't see a new S&W that's this gorgeous anymore, nor built as well and finished at this level of perfection. That ended decades ago.

Hope this helps . . .

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I will agree with the GP100, but I think the SP101 would be a great choice. There may come a time you decide to conceal carry and the slightly smaller frame will be better. The SP would probably be more comfortable for open carry too. I find the GP to be slightly too big for my hands, but the SP fits perfect, so try them both on. Either is built like a tank and should live longer enough to meet your grandchildren.
 
For what you are indicating I would hunt for a used Ruger GP100 4 inch. I paid $470 out the door for mine. I also picked up a used S&W 686-2 4 inch for $470 also. Both are fine shooters. If you what a lighter revolver then a Ruger Security/Service/Speed Six is a good option. I bought a used Ruger Police Service Six 4inch for $404 out the door. I got lucky again and found a S&W model 19-4 6 inch for $269 out the door. This revolver needed some cleanup but now I would rate this revolver my most accurate revolver. Best range revolver I have.
Bottom line. There are plenty of good used revolvers for under $500 out there. Do a good revolver checkout and find the one that feels the best in your hand and has the best trigger.

Good luck,
Howard
 
"my 1st revolver" - simply no point in limiting yourself to SA only, or DAO, unless the siren's song is irresistible

for NIB revolvers ~$500, yeah, Ruger GP100 or SP101
(if there is an echo in this thread, it is for very good reasons)
if the SP101 appeals, highly recommend you go with the 3" barrel. For "my 1st revolver", suggest you avoid any/all snubbies, preferably go with a 4" to 6" barrel, unless the 3" SP101 sings sweetly to you; "my 2nd (or 3rd) revolver" is soon enough for a snubbie, much less an airweight anything

don't discount rimfire22's suggestion on a 22 for "my 1st revolver", either, but I don't think that's where you think you want to go, so e'nuff said

Not that much else out there for ~$500 NIB except Taurus or Taurus aka Rossi - just don't go there unless you enjoy playing roulette - they actually do make some good ones, and they actually do make some very good ones, but if Taurus appeals to you, ask for lots of opinions about the specific model/caliber of interest, and don't be surprised by whatever flame game ensues

Used guns are like used cars - so echo again the "check it out, caveat emptor"
good stuff to check out re: used but not abused

S&W k-frames (alias "my woobies"), model 19, model 66, etc., also heavy barrel model 10s, and S&W L frame 686
(and no matter how much me/we/they dislike and/or rant & rave about ILS or MIM, just don't sweat it, unless your really really want a mega-magnum in an ultralite; you cannot see that little hole in your sight picture anyway. The holes in the cylinder and muzzle matter.)

Ruger Speed/Security/Service Six, or (again) GP100 or SP101

Taurus - model 66 (a S&W model 19 "clone")

a lot of used S&W Ks and Rugers can be found quite easily out there for well under $500, but check 'em out real well, and good luck
 
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After having read your specs, I'd look for a used Ruger GP-100 or Security Six. They're more durable and reliable than S&W, even if they're not quite as pretty or well-finished. They have no side plates, but a solid frame. On the GP, the cylinder locks front and rear, vs. just rear on the S&W.

I would favor a blued model with the 4" barrel, I think. The 6" would be better for targets, but a bit unwieldy if you should need to employ it for self defense.

I had a S&W 29, 8-3/8" barrel 44 Magnum. Great finish, very pretty, but it shot loose no matter what I did. It just could not handle much magnum loads. Sold it and bought a used Ruger Redhawk. Fantastic gun.

I had a S&W 64, 4" 38. Had issues with the cylinder release and timing. Sold it, got a SP-101, great gun.

These were both used, so they could've been abused, but I've never had these issues with Rugers.
 
Pawn Shops , just remember thats where the real deals are ! Also , the local gun shops if they sell used pieces (usually the ones in the glass case are used) thats where the deals are , sure online you might get lucky on :http://www.slickguns.com/ and find a real bargain thats new (or I have to say look at the second gen Glocks for less than $400 ) , but those local shops let you walk in and buy it and walk out (assuming you in the Proper United States of America) !
 
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