Help me choose an inexpensive revolver as a gift

[JesseTX]

I've been an avid shooter for several years now and over that time have introduced several family members and friends to the joy of our sport. My mother absolutely fell in love with my S&W 686 at the range after a lifetime of hating guns. She's so comfortable with the idea of a revolver that she now wants to own one. She lives alone and it would primarily be for self defense but I'd like it to be a comfortable enough gun that she could enjoy shooting it at the range as well so she's confident and comfortable with it. Concealment isn't really an issue since it won't be leaving her house. A larger, lighter recoil option would be better for her. She shot .38 special through my 4" 686 and wasn't bothered at all by it.

My hope is to be able to get her something for Christmas but with buying for my dad, a sister, a wife, a niece, and a lot of other family members it's going to be difficult for me to drop $500 on a Christmas gift.

She wouldn't be offended at all by a used gun even if it had some character (nicks, etc) on it. She just wants something functional and dependable.

With that being said I was hoping to get some feedback from some of the experts around here on options.

I really appreciate it!

 

[Willy G.]

Maybe this will help.

 

[66912]

How about a model 60 or a nice used model 10? These both can be found on Gunbroker or Auctionarms for fairly decent prices.

 

[moewadle]

With your criteria

I think you should find a nice condition used Model 10. She should love shooting it, the ammo is relatively inexpensive, and it would make a good home defense piece. I am thinking maybe around $300 for a nice one....or if you are really fortunate maybe less. The only thing, buy from a trusted dealer and know how to check it out. If you really want to buy a new one see what Ruger might have since your budget is a consideration.

 

[earplug]

Give your Mom the 686. What do you love more, MOM or your 686. You can always buy another, and you will still get to shoot hers.
You converted a antigunner. Its your own fault.

 

[GRIZ22]

Give your Mom the 686. What do you love more, MOM or your 686. You can always buy another, and you will still get to shoot hers.


I agree. You already know what she likes so give it to her.

 

[BHP FAN]

+1 for giveing Mom the 686.Get yourself whatever you want as a reward for being a good son.

 

[bannockburn]

JesseTX

I'd say either a used S&W K or L frame. I know giving her your own Model 686 would be a very beautiful gesture, however she may not feel comfortable accepting it. Better yet, let her use your gun until you can save up enough money to get her one just like it.

 

[easyrider604]

Give your Mom the 686. What do you love more, MOM or your 686. You can always buy another, and you will still get to shoot hers.

This is what I'd do.

 

[redbullitt]

+2 for giving her the 686.

i like my gp100. very little recoil in 38 loading. I saw one (used,but in good shape) at cabellas in WV a couple weeks back for 420 dollars.

 

[Orange_Magnum]

Taurus 85 in .38 special. Best snubby.

 

[usmcforlifeiam]

Bersa 380 thunder $307.00 new Gun genie.com (10 shoot)

 

[Sarvisian]

Yep, no choice at all, you've gotta give up the 686.

 

[Shawnee]

+1 for giving your Mom the 686. It's a perfect gun for her and it means you get to go shopping for yourself without the pressure of having to git 'er done by Christmas.