Should I keep it or sell it?

[Diamondback Dave]

Whoops, still trying to get used to posting. I don't use chats much but I have been bounced into this one by Google several times and it is the highest quality conversation I have seen, on all aspects of shooting and reloading. My question today: in 1995 (? LA Riots) I bought our first gun, a Taurus .38 sp which I still have. Very little in the way of identifying marks, the barrel does say "CAL 38 Special" on the right side; 3" barrel, black finish, case hardened hammer and trigger. Action was stiff has hell and at one point I had a cowboy action gunsmith lighten it up, which helped my wife practice more. Every 100 rds or so it might light strike. Solid and hefty, no issues with the action or timing--we might put 50 rounds a year through it just to stay cozy. Chambers are flush, not recessed. I am thinking of selling this to help finance purchase of a SW 686 or maybe Rug. GP 100...or should I keep it? Thanks to all for their patience as I chime in here.

 

[Seedy Character]

Whoops, still trying to get used to posting. I don't use chats much but I have been bounced into this one by Google several times and it is the highest quality conversation I have seen, on all aspects of shooting and reloading. My question today: in 1995 (? LA Riots) I bought our first gun, a Taurus .38 sp which I still have. Very little in the way of identifying marks, the barrel does say "CAL 38 Special" on the right side; 3" barrel, black finish, case hardened hammer and trigger. Action was stiff has hell and at one point I had a cowboy action gunsmith lighten it up, which helped my wife practice more. Every 100 rds or so it might light strike. Solid and hefty, no issues with the action or timing--we might put 50 rounds a year through it just to stay cozy. Chambers are flush, not recessed. I am thinking of selling this to help finance purchase of a SW 686 or maybe Rug. GP 100...or should I keep it? Thanks to all for their patience as I chime in here.

1. Has the Wife shot a 586 or GP100? These are larger and heavier than the Taurus.
2. Are the funds from sale a key part in the purchase?
3. Is reliability a key point of selling or purchasing?

Reliability should be your number one concern. Less than 100% IS a concern, when your safety is on the line.
Wife being able to carry, operate and accurately shoot is a important as reliability.

If you want a 586 or GP100, by all means go for it. If the Wife needs the Taurus, keep it. If she can handle the new one and you need the funds, then sell the Taurus. IF Wife needs the Taurus, BUT you need the funds; postpone your purchase until you have the funds.

The 586 and GP100 are outstanding weapons. But, not worth leaving Wife without protection, because she can't shoot them and you sold her Taurus.

My Wife had a SP101. I sold it, because she could not longer operate the DAO trigger pull, because of arthritis. SHE decided she liked my 1911 better.

My $0.02, may not be worth much, to you.

 

[Old_Grouch]

I am thinking of selling this to help finance purchase of a SW 686 or maybe Rug. GP 100...or should I keep it?

Here's my (not so) humble opinion:
You said that every 100 rds or so it light strikes. That would bother me a bit in a defensive gun, but it's easily remedied.
Let's assume you're using a <insert load here>. If you need it to save your life the projectile expelled has no idea what gun it came out of and doesn't care. My point is that if the gun functions properly, and, as importantly, you and your wife are familiar with it and comfortable with it I see no advantage in trading it.