I can't believe revolver prices.

[tpelle]

I recently got the urge to get back into revolvers again. I carried samiautos for years, but always had malfunction clearance in the back of my mind. I reached the conclusion that six for sure was better than eight maybe, I guess.

I found a lightly used model 10-5 for about $450 and figured I had done good. Got a hankering for a .357, and after much deliberation I took a chance on a new Rossi 4" blued .357 for about $300. It has lockwork similar to an older Smith with the firing pin on the hammer instead of a transfer bar. After a bit of dry-firing (with Tipton snap caps) and judicious lubrication, I am pretty happy. It seems to be well made, and after a little break in it has a great trigger pull.

Don't know about Taurus, but even though they own Rossi now, I think the Rossi still seems to be better made than a Taurus. I'm carrying it right now.

It's exactly the same size as a K-frame, so I will shoot it mostly with .38 Special handloads (I recall that J-frame Smith's didn't stand up to extensive use with .357 Magnums), but for carry it's full of .357s with a reload in Bianchi Speedstrips.

 

[HB]

I am in the market for a truck... I understand the feeling.

Go used for sure, armslist can be great if you are patient. Used rugers will be solid and reasonably priced in general.

HB

 

[kemper]

I am down to one revolver as of now, but have the itch for something new. I'm not sure what I want to get. I know I want a 357, 44 or 45 colt. Also I want a double action. Everything out there is $700-$1000 unless you want a taurus which I kind of dont. It looks like I will prolly end up with another single action as I really want to stay below $600 another option would be a blued GP100, but would rather have a GP in stainless. Anyways I guess I'm just pouting.

You might consider a used Ruger Security Six, Speed Six or Service Six.
Built like a tank. They have gone up quite a bit in price, but bargains can still
be found if you shop around

 

[highpower]

There are a ton of good used revolvers out there. With rare exceptions, I seldom pay more than $600 for one.

 

[RustyShackelford]

used/NIB DA-DAO revolvers .....

I agree that the prices for NIB(new in box) revolvers seem way, way out of whack in 2015, .
I've seen a few S&W revolvers both new & used(good shape) in the $600-900.00 range. Yes, $900.00 USD .
I'm not sure if it's the ordinance grade steel or metal, the skilled labor/fabrication, mark-up, or what but to pay more that $500.00 for a new DA or DA only revolver in 2015 seems wrong. Unless it's a larger hunting type like the .500 S&W magnum, .454, etc.
I like the Ruger Wiley Clapp GP models and the S&W J-E frame .38spl +P.

I owned & carried a surplus Ruger stainless steel .38spl 6 shot DA only GPNY for about 2 years in the mid 2000s. I paid $425.00 in 2006, . It was a robust, well made 4" barrel sidearm.

Rusty

 

[oneounceload]

I'm not sure if it's the ordinance grade steel or metal, the skilled labor/fabrication, mark-up, or what but to pay more that $500.00 for a new DA or DA only revolver in 2015 seems wrong.

With most decent semis running that much, or more, why is it wrong? Costs across all aspects of a business are up, labor, materials, utilities, insurances, taxes, etc. Demand is high - all combine to make prices go up.

Paying $600 for a new phone is what I find ludicrous.

 

[xxjumbojimboxx]

Just keep an eye on the used market. Revolvers sell much slower than autos. Folks simply just dont get the 700+ they ask for them. I got a nickle 586 for 450. A stainless 686 for 400, and a 19-3 for approx. 500 (trade value on a gun I couldn't sell). All mechanically sound and with beautiful finsihes. Just keep an eye out. Contact folks with older adds and see if theyll come down.

 

[lckdnldd]

I picked up a NIB 4" SS GP100 a few months ago at Grab a Gun for $565.00 including shipping. I watched the price go up and down for a couple of months and dropped the cash when it was the lowest I had seen it. It pays to have the money in hand.

 

[NMRevolverGuy]

If you're looking for a new in box revolver, that is probably true. However, I have found many a used Smith and my local gun shows for far below those prices. Just takes a little lookin'.

 

[gamestalker]

There are still quite a few very nice used S&W 19's and 66's out there. I see them in the $500 - $650 range, and they're some very nice shooting pieces.

GS

 

[19-3Ben]

You might consider a used Ruger Security Six, Speed Six or Service Six.
Built like a tank. They have gone up quite a bit in price, but bargains can still
be found if you shop around

So true, all around. Just two years ago, i bought my Speed six for $290. All of a sudden I see examples in similar condition hovering around $400.
Even at $400, though, they are as tough an reliable as it gets, without all the extra metal of the GP line.

 

[minutemen1776]

Today I bought a 6" stainless GP100 for $583.00 from Buds. There are quite a few options for under $600. I did shop the used market before buying, but I saw nothing that wasn't VERY worn that would have saved me more than $50-$75. I decided it was worth the difference to buy new.

Having owned four Tauruses in the past, I'd say you're wise to steer clear of them, but others' opinions vary.

 

[Ash]

My go to revolver is a Ruger Service Six. I have owned Colts, Smiths, and even a Taurus. I liked my Colts the best, but for some reason, the only revolver I ever truly regretted selling was a Service Six. When the chance came to get another one, I did. I don't even care for Ruger, but some of their stuff just works and is solid. Practicality beats out sentimentality for me.

 

[22-rimfire]

A few months ago, my local Dick's had 686's for $699. They even let you use a $25 off coupon out of the flier.

Dicks in my area don't sell handguns of any kind. Revolver prices are fairly high from my point of view also. I am not saying they are too high, just too high for me to comfortably buy of late. Maybe I need to sell some stuff that hasn't seen the light of day in years.

 

[sarge83]

Pawn shops are great places to find used guns and they can be had at reasonable prices. The main thing is to check out the firearm you are interested in and make sure it is mechanically sound and meets your needs with it's finish. Then through gun broker and other auction sites and friends that deal in firearms find what you think is a reasonable price for that particular piece. Be prepared to buy it if you make the offer, show them the cash and they will usually accept your offer or close to it if it is reasonable and equally be prepared to walk out the door. Be nice in the whole interaction, courtesy goes a long way in negotiating and establishing yourself with the shop. I recently bought a S&W model 15 in good condition for $330 out the door

My local gun/pawn shop will deal and you can find some great deals there. There is one pawn shop here in town that will not budge in some cases and in others have their firearms marked up so high if they budge you are still not getting a fair deal. I rarely darken it's door but the other one I usually go at least once or twice every two weeks to see what they have. Always ask for their out the door price which should include any fees or taxes. Do your homework on the weapon you are interested in and you can get a great deal, don't and you can get skinned at a pawn shop the same way Gander Mountain peels your hide. And as I said always be prepared to walk and be nice about it.

 

[medic_guns]

I recently picked up a model 28-2 for 625. It came with pach grips and is mint. I also bought a model 36 no dash mint in the box will tools, produced 1969, for 650 cash. I then had a shoulder holster set up made for them, which arrives Tuesday. I'll post up some pics after the rig arrives. Model 28 on one side, model 36 on the other for a fast NY reload.

 

[chicharrones]

You need to look more often.

That way the sticker shock doesn't hit you all at one time.

Too true!

Oh wait.

 

[d'zaster]

I'm a dum a$$ for selling my colt python 25 years ago. I paid $540 back in 1982.