Need $200 revolver

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tuckerdog1

tuckerdog1

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Going to the gunshow this weekend. Bringing a friend, who wants to get a revolver for home defense. His budget is $200. So I know we'll be looking used. I also know the usual brands ( Taurus, Rossi ). If lucky, we might even hit on a used S&W. 357/38 would be 1st choice, but 38 may be all we can find. I've always spent well over this amount, so don't really know what we might want to be looking for.
Besides just the brand name, could you suggest specific model#s we should be on the lookout for?

Thanks,
Tuckerdog1
 
Around here in Maryland $200 will get you a used K frame S&W. I picked up a very worn (drawer wear) but incredibly tight 4" Model 19 last year for $200 It's a 1970 vintage (Pinned and Recessed) and a fine shooter. As I said, it's lacking a lot of the blueing from sliding around in someone's drawer for 35 years.

I see one vendor that usually has good deals in the $200-$250 range on surplus law enforcement K frame Smiths too.

Personally, I'd hold out for a less than attractive but tight S&W, Ruger, or Colt revolver before looking at Taurus and Rossi. IMO, better customer service if you need something done in the future.

Matt
 
Around here you can get beat up M10s and the VERY occasional Colt for at or under $200. Honestly, though, for a handgun in a serious caliber, the Bersas are about teh best you can do. Many of the revolvers you can get on teh cheap are .38 special only, which I consider to be fine for a super-light pocket gun, but if it is going to be in a 4", 35 ounce package, it better be a .357. Even a Kel-Tec P11...

Now, bump that up to $300 and you are talking good quality Smiths.
 
I'm gonna disagree with 9mm and 357 Mag for home defense. Both are high pressure cartridges that are loud and have considerable flash. Confined spaces and low light make the effects much worse. The .38 S&W Special Cartridge is time proven and just about perfect for HD as handguns go. The lower flash and blast of .38s combined with the light recoil of a heavy steel framed gun makes for a great package. A S&W model M&P or Model 10 would be great and fit right in his budget. I'll paraphrase Xavier Breath's summation that the sheer volume produced will hold the price of used M&Ps far below the value of their quality. I also hear nothing but good about the Ruger Speed/Service/Security Six revolvers. The other S&W K-Frames that evolved out of the M&P are excellent options as well. Either way, Smith or Ruger, you can find him a great used wheelgun in his budget.

Print out Jim March's revolver checkout from the thread stickied at the top of this forum as a guide and you'll be able to get a great revolver.

SIX FOR SURE!

Edited to pull the now red comment out of my disjointed paragraph. Good call Snake Eyes
 
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Now, bump that up to $300 and you are talking good quality Smiths.
Click to expand...
:what: My $200 M&P says that hurts her feelings. She says she's of the highest quality, made in America's golden age of gun making. She also says 38 S&W Special is a very serious caliber that has been protecting folks for over 100 years. She would like an apology. :(
 
My $200 M&P says that hurts her feelings. She says she's of the highest quality, made in America's golden age of gun making. She also says 38 S&W Special is a very serious caliber that has been protecting folks for over 100 years. She would like an apology
Click to expand...

Mine is crying his eyes out too... :neener: Didn't cost that much either... :)

Anyway, most used guns sell according to how they look, and a nice finish doesn't make them shoot any better. First of all, go to the revolver section of this forum and download/print a copy of Jim March's check-out list so that you know what to look for.

What you want is a finish-worn gun that is mechanically in good shape. A Smith & Wesson Military and Police (AKA Model 10) or Colt Police Positive Special or Official Police would be great. If the barrel happens to be over 4 inches the price will likely be discounted because today's buyers often don't want long barrels. Take cash, in $20.00 bills, and regardless of the marked price, make the seller a cash offer. Money talks!

Don't worry about the stocks if thy are beat up. Replacing them is relatively inexpensive, but pointing out their condition gives you a chance to cut the cost. Dicker with the man, and move on if he won't budge. I've had potential sellers chase me down when I walked off... :D
 
Ruger Security Six or Speed Six
S&W K frame or maybe even an J frame or N frame
Taurus has some good revolvers, not as good as my 1st 2 listings, but good.
Colt trooper MKIII or V, if you are realy lucky, but doubtful. hpg
 
I picked up my 15-4 for $200 early this year. You can find them out there and can't go wrong with a K-frame.
 
S&W model 10. Ruger Security Six/Service Six etc.
I'd also consider a Makarov PM or Bersa .380...
-David
 
tuckerdog,

I don't know a lot about revolvers - but I know a lot about guns in the $200 - $300 range. My sweet spot for a pistol/revolver is around $275.

If he is thinking of home protection - why not a used USA made 12 gauge pump? Be that as it may, let's assume it has to be a handgun.

Ruger security/speed sixs are a good call. Also, amazingly a person can get a very nice used Taurus M66/65 357 with a 4 or 6 inch barrel for under $300 if you look hard.

But I agree with you. If $200 is really his top dollar 38 spls will probably be what he gets. This is not the end of the world if he finds one that can take +p loads. I think J&G sales had some 2" and 3" barrel S&W 38 spls for around that price. If I were his friend I would talk him into speding a little more and getting a compact, or full sized frame used 357 mag.

If he is open to semi autos, he could probably find a full sized Bersa Thunder for around that money. (I don't mean the 380's that seem to be every where - I mean the compact or full sized 9mm, 40sw, or 45.) I have two Bersa's - a nine and a forty - and neither has ever jammed on factory loads. And they are accurate.

- w
 
I'm heading to a show this weekend, looking for an M10, either a pencil barrel 4", or a 3", or a 2" round butt. Hopefully one will be decent for $200...
 
I'm heading to a show this weekend, looking for an M10, either a pencil barrel 4", or a 3", or a 2" round butt. Hopefully one will be decent for $200...
Click to expand...

Hey Rob, don't rule out a 5" Pencil Barrel. I've been mighty impressed with mine. They balance and point so well its like it floats ...until you pick a target ...then it seemingly locks on. If your first three choices don't show up give the five incher a try if you see one.
 
I was able to buy an 85% condition Colt Agent for $180. I would keep my eyes open for something like the Ruger Security Six other mentioned. Good gun at a great price.

Keith
 
In my neck of the woods 200.00 will get you a nice K Frame equipted with some holster wear. Guys, for quality and practicality it doesn't get much better than this....Essex
 
Thanks everyone. We'll find out tomorrow if something he likes is there. If so, I'll let ya'll know what he wound up with.

Tuckerdog1

did print out the sticky
 
A little late, but another vote for the Security Six. Maybe not "better" than a S&W but stronger. In that price range it would be easier to find one with lots of life left in it. Good luck in you quest.
 
Well, I missed out on the excitement per the thread in GENERAL FIREARMS DISCUSSIONS, concerning the discharge at the show ( Austin ). Can't say I too sorry about that.
As to the $200 revolver for my friend, that whole thing just fell apart. His wife left him with the grandkids, while she ran errands. Was supposed to be back in time for him to make the show. but that didn't happen. So I went alone.
Looked around for him though. The only thing I saw was a GP100. Was more than $200, but probably could have been negotiated down to get it close.
I did manage to FINALLY get the S&W 638 I've been wanting for so long. So it wasn't a complete waste.

Thanks again for all the suggestions,
Tuckerdog1
 
If you're willing to make a run up to the DFW area, Gunmasters in Plano has several S&W Model 64 and 65 police trade ins for $199 - $239.
 
Thanks Warhawk,

I'll let him know. But at about a 400 mi round trip drive, he'd burn $50-$60 in gas. I doubt he'll do it.

Tuckerdog1
 
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