If I wanted to buy a used Smith & Wesson..

[ezypikns]

what models would be most desirable? I know some are classics and some aren't. I'm talking about a .38 Special, used primarily for target, plinking, or in a pinch, home defense. Just a general purpose revolver. Also, could somebody suggest a ballpark figure for what I might have to give for it.

 

[only1asterisk]

Trying to answer your question will make my head implode. Allow me to point to this post:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=106209
If you buy the last one he has before I do, I'll just consider it my good deed for today.

David

 

[rfo1]

S&w

Ezypickns,
I'd recommend a S&W Model 19.It's a medium sized K frame gun chambered in .357.You can shoot .38 special rounds out of it as well.It was available in 2.5, 4 and 6 inch barrel lengths.For plinking and/ or home defence I'd say the 4 inch one would be my best choice.As for price I'd think $300.00- $375.00 would be about right.If factory wood grips don't appeal to you or are too large several types of aftermarket grips are available.S&W made a ton of M19s over the years so you shouldn't have too difficult a time finding one.The same gun was also produced in stainless steel-- it is called the M66.Here's my 4 inch M19 to look at.
Good shooting--
rfo1

 

[denfoote]

N-Frames man, N-Frames!!!

 

[Bullet Bob]

For general purpose fun with a .38, nothing beats a S&W K38, aka the model 14. I have uh, a few, and they can't be beat. They come in 6 or 8 & 3/8" barrels (there were a few rare 4 " ones - get the 6"). You can get one in nearly new condition for between $3-400.00 - money well spent. If you have access to the 2003 (or was it 2004?) Gun Digest at your local library, there's an excellent article on them. I'm currently in negotiations to buy another one!

Oh - and kudos for wanting a handgun for fun, instead of fantasy fulfillment (stopping bears, terrorists, etc.); not that there's anything wrong with that.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Bullet Bob, that's just mighty pretty!

 

[Gunsnrovers]

Expect to spend anywhere from $150 to $350 for anynumber of K, L, or N frame .357/.38's.

M10's will be on the low end. L, N, and some of the target .38's will be on the high end. The rest will fall somewhere in between.

Just make sure you run a good check on them and you'll be in shape.

I can't imagine buying a new S&W when there are so many good used ones on the market.

 

[howeudew]

RFO1 - Dadgum yore hide!

My first handgun was a 19, and I loved it. One day, I got the "trade" lust, and lost it. I've regretted it ever since.

Now, ....your post (and that picture) has me lusting over that handgun again. I'm doomed!

As Little Jimmy Dickens once said..."May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose!"

 

[Tango Sierra]

This past Thursday I brought home a Model 19-4 pinned and recessed nickel 4 inch for $250.00. Two years ago I picked up a pinned and recessed M19-3 blued 6 inch with target trigger and hammer for $300.00. I let the 6 inch get away. <sigh>