Inexpensive Self Defense Revolver?

[Drgong]

Just wondering what would be a good self defense revolver, new or used, at about 5 1/2 inch barrel. I am building a list of "guns to buy" for myself and a self-defense revolver needs to be on that list. It can be single action or double action, and it does not have to be shiny or "cool" just reliable.

Thanks!

DrG

 

[Vern Humphrey]

A used Smith & Wesson Model 10 in .38 Special.

 

[tinygnat219]

Used Ruger Blackhawk in .357

 

[Snowdog]

If you're willing to "jump the list" and seize this deal now, SOG is currently offering both bull and tapered 4" barrel S&W model 10's in VG condition for the fair sum of $179 or so. Jump on it while you can!

That's about what I paid for a new Armscor 4" .38special. Nothing against the Armscor as it's reliable and decently accurate... but it's no Smith & Wesson.

 

[SlipperyShooter]

Taurus makes a number of inexpensive revolvers that are of reasonable quality and reliability.

 

[Drgong]

might sound like a idiot, but what is SOG?

 

[Deer Hunter]

Any police trade-in S&W revolver.

 

[Sistema1927]

SOG = Southern Ohio Gun

 

[Mark K. C.]

The Taurus Tracker is a 7 round .357 mag. It's a good gun and priced right. I own one and am very pleased with it.

 

[Drgong]

Thanks, I will keep my eyes peeled for a inexpensive used revolver from S&W, Ruger, or Taurus in .38 special or .357 Mag.

 

[Stainz]

A 4" 10 is a fine revolver for home defense. It is the original 'Military & Police' .38 S&W Special. A fairly decent police/security trade-in locally runs $225-$300 now. I jumped on the LNIB 64 below, actually made 5/05, from a local gunstore (They had several.) - for $309. It came with Uncle Mike's Combat grips, not the Ahrends cocobolo stocks it has below. It was literally new - and is a great and dependable revolver.



Stainz

 

[35Rem]

SOG Doesn't have those model 10's per an email today.

 

[def]

What do you quantify as inexpensive? Regardless, I hear of many people being extremely satisfied with the Ruger GP100. They can be had for cheap.

 

[MCgunner]

Rossi makes the lowest priced revolvers on the market that I consider high enough quality to trust with my life. I have a nice 3" M68, but you'd want a M971, likely. I caution not to buy a used gun sight unseen. I did that once with a "very good" 1917 Smith. I did manage to have a smith get it shootable.

 

[XDKingslayer]

Rossi 46202 .357 Magnum.

2" barrel, nice solid little gun. I was absolutely amazed by the accuracy of this little bugger.

 

[skoro]

This is your best bet

A used Smith & Wesson Model 10 in .38 Special.

The Model 10 is an excellent handgun. They're available for low prices on websites like gunbroker.com and auctionarms.com if you're not concerned about cosmetics. The Model 13 is less available, but it's the same mid-size revolver, but chambered for .357 magnum if you feel the need for additional kick. But, in all probability, a Model 10 loaded with .38 spl +P rounds will handle anything you're likely to encounter, unless you live in grizzly country.

 

[gcrookston]

none of the below cost more than $400.00

 

[Frizzman]

Consider what you are betting that that gun will work when you desperately need it to and spend accordingly. A clean, used S&W. Colt or Ruger of modern manufacture in .38 special or better is a good choice. If it is to be carried concealed on your person, a more compact revolver that you can shoot well might be a thought. I was issued S&W 10's and 64's in my police years and carried them concealed off duty most of the time in a IWB holster and they worked well for me...Good luck

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Depends. How inexpensive is "inexpensive"? $100, $150, $200, $250, $300, $350, $400???

 

[Goblin]

Definitely the S&W Mod 10. You don't need a 5.5 barrel for a H/D revolver!!!

 

[Guillermo]

As you did not mention concealability I will assume that such is not an issue. I would also suggest that you forget about single actions. While they can be cheaper and effective, they require more training to become as effective as a double action.

The main thing which you will have to decide, is what caliber. If you are confident in .38, your options are wider.

Then you have to decide if you want a used gun or something new.

You will get lots of folks telling you how good their taurus/rossi/charter revolver is.

The other option is to buy an old smith/ruger.

While I wish all of the taurus/rossi/charter people well, I have not had good luck with their preferred brands.

This is all to explain the logic behind my advice to buy an old Smith.

 

[RugerSAFan]

I would rather have one "quality" firearm than a collection of cheap guns.
The adage "Beware of the man with only one gun" can still apply.

My 72 year old father, who has been quite frugal in the past, recently reminded me that the satisfaction of low price generally is forgotten after the first day, but good quality isn't.

 

[Drgong]

Thanks for the input all,

I went to a large gunstore and looked over many handguns, both revolvers and autoloaders, and in the end I decided that I was willing to spend more money on a self-defense firearm, as it potentally my life we are talking about, and I bought (well buying) a Browning Hi Power over a CZ compact and a Taurus Model 65 in .357. Thank you all for your imput, I will keep it in mind if I buy a wheelgun. Concel carry is not a issue as I cannot do that at my work (work in a courthouse)

 

[Vern Humphrey]

You made a good choice.

 

[Juna]

If you're willing to "jump the list" and seize this deal now, SOG is currently offering both bull and tapered 4" barrel S&W model 10's in VG condition for the fair sum of $179 or so. Jump on it while you can!

How do I find this deal? I'll take a used Model 10 any 4" bull barrel any day of the week. I love that gun.