looking for low cost revolver

[whm1974]

Ok I'm in the market for a couple of revolvers, a .22 and .357/.38. I'm willing to buy used but prefer brand new. Are the ones made/imported by Firestorm and EEA any good? At their prices I could buy both and have money left over for ammo.

Bill Meadows

 

[JohnKSa]

What's your price range?

 

[Josey]

22 revolvers are odd critters. They are usually high dollar, brand name and still have a 50-50 function. I have tried the Comanche series in 22, 38 and 357 Magnum. My opinion is to buy. The 22 worked fine for me. There was some sticky extraction issues. I traced that to a cheap brick of 22s. CCI Mini Mags worked fine. I suggest the 357 Magnum in 3" and stainless steel. The EAA Windicator is a fair bargain in a 38 snubbie.

 

[V-fib]

My taurus 94 9 shot .22lr snub has been a fine gun for me. No reliability probs. Don't have any of their .38's or .357's.

 

[whm1974]

Thanks guys. I don't know when I'll be buying however.

Bill Meadows

 

[ID_shooting]

I know you said new, but for a low cost 38/357, a ruger security/service/speed six are about the best deal running, IMO.

They are tough, relaible, and are backed by ruger no matter the age/condition.

I have one and will never get rid of it.

 

[popeye]

Used Dan Wesson model 22's can be found for $200-$250 in various barrel configs. I bought one 6 mos. ago or so and it came with a heavy non-vent 6" barrel. I have since bought a 4" standard barrel and smaller factory grips. Accuracy and reliability is as good or better than the 6 and 4" S&W K22's I have.

I understand most have had similar experiences with DW's including mod 15 in 357.

 

[Majic]

On the used market you can find plenty of examples depending on your price range.
For a .22lr, unless the chamber mouths have been battered from dry firing there isn't much you can do to harm unless you allow it to rust even though it looks like it's been dragged behind the truck for a few miles.
In the .38/.357 catergory there are still a lot of police trade-ins for reasonable prices. They too may look rough, but generally they are mechanically sound and make good shooters.
Quote a price range and you can get more specific answers to fit your needs.

 

[whm1974]

Quote a price range and you can get more specific answers to fit your needs.

Around $200 to $300 or so. And yes I'm willing to buy used.

Bill

 

[Ala Dan]

In the .38 SPL/.357 MAG range, I'd look for a LNIB
Ruger Security-Six; as offered in blue or stainless
steel. Find the right one, and often times the price
will be less than 1/2 of what a new S&W would
cost.

Good .22 caliber revolvers tend to be a bit on the
"high" side. I don't recommend Taurus products
in general; but it may work out were as a new
Tauri .22 would cost about the same as a used
Smith & Wesson 17, or 18? A Colt Diamondback
would be even more expensive.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[whm1974]

My stepfather had a Ruger Security-Six. Seemed like a nice enough gun

-Bill

 

[JohnKSa]

The Dealer Warehouse on the web is selling used GP100s for around $220 IIRC.

 

[magsnubby]

If you find a decent Ruger Security Six at a decent price grab it. They are great guns. I have one i bought new in 1977 and i will never part with it. Taurus makes some good .38/.357's at decent prices. I have several and they've been dependable guns. Lots of bargins out there if you shop around. The Ruger GP100 is a nice gun also.

 

[whm1974]

If I see a Ruger Security Six or GP100 for a good price I'll pick it up.

I'm going to a gun shop friday and take a look around.

Bill Meadows

 

[StephenT]

I don't know about 22LR revolvers, but I've had good luck with the two used Rossi 357 Mag revolvers that I've owned for a while. NIB, they're still much more affordable than Ruger, S&W, or Taurus. They're also one of the few remaining revolvers still made with the hammer-mounted firing pin, which I prefer.

 

[patentmike]

The Ruger SP101 is a good choice as well.

 

[whm1974]

The Ruger SP101 is a good choice as well.

If I see you at a good price, I'll get one.

Bill Meadows

 

[BryanP]

I'll second the Taurus 94 .22lr revolver. I have the 4" blue version and it works quite nicely.

I also have a couple of their .38/.357 revolvers and have had no problems out of them.

 

[whm1974]

I'll second the Taurus 94 .22lr revolver. I have the 4" blue version and it works quite nicely.

How shots does it hold?

Bill

 

[Tropical Z]

EAA's Windicator in .357mag is a fine revolver and as far as i'm concerned a "best buy".Should be able to get a 4" in hand for $200.00

 

[BryanP]

whm1974, the Taurus 94 holds 9 rounds of .22lr. I believe the .22 magnum variant holds 8.

 

[whm1974]

Anyone have a Charter 2000 Patherfinder? I read a review at Gunblast but I don't know about the 2 inch barrel.

Bill

 

[WVleo]

Hi, My first handgun purchase was a Ruger Security-Six in SS with a 4" barrel that I bought from a older co-worker in Ny for $175 back in 1994. He fired 12 rds thru it and cleaned it and put it away . Even gave Me the remaining box of 38 shells of .357 ! Nice gun ,but not for Me found it to be to big for Me to conceal and was rather blocky in My hands . Don't get Me wrong tho great revolver, just not for Me . Wife got all pissy when I sold off the only revolver we had so I went looking for 1 for Her . Found a Rossi M971 SS 2 1/4' barrel .357 at a pawnshop here in Wv for $190 out the door . Have had no problems at all with 400 rds of .357 I shot thru it and 500 rds of .38 the wife put thru it . Very nice revolver for the money .........WVleo

 

[Jim March]

To my mind, don't get TOO hung up on the brand. Browse around a lot, keep an eye open for something that has a lot of holster wear but ain't been shot much. These are VERY common. Use the "checkout procedure" to spot a mechanical gem in a cosmetic turd .

That will net you the most bang for the buck.

 

[tbeb]

I go along with those who recommend the discontinued .357 magnum Ruger Security Six. You can get it in blue or stainless. You can get it with a 2 3/4" or 4" or 6" barrel. It has an adjustable rear sight.

In the last two years I bought a couple real nice used .357 magnum Ruger Speed Six's--one stainless ($230) and one blue ($195). They are very good revolvers. Basic difference is that the Speed Six does not have an adjustable rear sight. This I miss. So, I recommend that whatever you buy, make sure it has an adjustable rear sight.