sub $400 revolver

[Scott-NC]

I have quite a few semi-autos (22, 22wmr 'pmr-30', 9mm, .40 and .45). I'd like to add a revolver to my collection. Just doesn't seem right I have all these s. autos and no wheel guns. Doesn't need to be anything fancy. In fact I would like just a good, common wheel gun in a common caliber. Maybe .38 or .38/.357. I would like to spend $400 or less on this. New/Used- give me your opinions.

Thanks,

Scott

 

[Chevelle SS]

Can't go wrong with a Model 10

 

[David White]

Rock Island Armory has a .38 special revolver that retails for around $335.
I held one last week and I liked it quite a bit too!
It is on my VERY short list for future purchases!

 

[Kiln]

Rock Island Armory has a .38 special revolver that retails for around $335.
I held one last week and I liked it quite a bit too!
It is on my VERY short list for future purchases!

Armscor revolvers actually go for way less than that. Normally in the $250 range brand new.

Personally, I'd go with a new Taurus or Rossi revolver. They're not nearly as bad as you've probably heard and are well under $400 in most cases. Lifetime warranty is hard to beat too. There are quite a few happy Taurus/Rossi owners around here.

 

[JERRY]

a used charter arms undercover....from the old days can be had for $300.00 or so and those were descent guns....reputation wise.

 

[ohio58]

Model

Can't go wrong with a nice used Smith & Wesson Model 10 snubnose .38

 

[19-3Ben]

Can't go wrong with a Model 10

Yup. an old model 10.

If you really want to buy new, Taurus isn't bad (I carry a Taurus almost every day, I can't knock 'em). But the S&W Model 10, bought used, will increase in value and give you a life time of shooting joy and pride of ownership.

 

[Kymasabe]

Like previously mentioned: S&W Model 10 would be nice, as well as a model 36.
I'm ccurently on the hunt for a Rossi 851 which I've shot before and was a nice gun, was $300 brand new a couple of years ago, probably not much more now.
And, I also own a Charter Arms from the 70's which has been a great gun, reliable, as accurate as the S&W 36 it replaced, and lock-up is nice and tight. Sat in a drawer for years before I got it, looks like new. I paid $200 for it at the local pawn shop.

 

[shafter]

Smith and Wesson Model 10. Can't go wrong. I got a nickel plated one for $350 not long ago and it was in great shape.

 

[Hoppes Love Potion]

Trade the Jamo-O-Matic PMR-30 for a Ruger LCR in .22 Mag.

 

[JERRY]

i dont know why i forgot the model 10, it is the best of the breed for low cost revolvers....though i prefer the model 64...

 

[adelbridge]

used smith smith and wesson model 65 .357

southern ohio guns has for $329

 

[lowercase]

In the new market, I'd go with Charter Arms or one of the Armscor revolvers. I own multiple Charters and have had great luck with them. The owners of the Armscor revolvers generally like them, from what I've read.

For used, the variety is huge. Haunt the local gun shops because nice used guns turn up regularly. The used guns that show moderate wear will have the lowest prices. If the revolver passes the "revolver checkout" (sticky at top of revolver forum), you're good to go.

I've purchased 2 vintage Charter Undercover snubbies in awesome shape for 200 bucks each, but my best score of the year was the S&W pre-Model 10 .38 I got for $145 bucks. Lots of honest wear (gun was made in 1949), but all it needed was a cleaning. Here's a pic of that gun after cleaning and grip replacement:

 

[silicosys4]

Right now the flavor of the month in surplus revolvers is the s&w m64. Its a stainless version of their M10, which is a fine revolver.

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/11730...h-and-wesson-64-2-.38-spl-ss-revolver-2in-bbl

Armscorp are alloy guns, and while they would work fine for occasional light use, as a regular range toy, you'll get more out of a used S&W.
Taurus are hit or miss, in my experience,
Rugers are a solid buy for the money, but are creeping up in value
Rossi and Taurus seem to be on the same level these days, both have improved in the last 15 years

 

[lowercase]

Right now the flavor of the month in surplus revolvers is the s&w m64. Its a stainless version of their M10, which is a fine revolver.

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/117302...volver-2in-bbl

A Model 64 snubbie is a great gun.

Fot that price, it's a good deal, too.

I got one from J&G Sales a while back, and love it. Awesome gun.

 

[Flintstone]

Can't go wrong with the model 10, but you might consider a model 65 which gives you the 357 option. Also, unless it is going to be your cc gun I suggest you get a 3" or 4" rather than a snubbie.

 

[kid_couteau]

I just picked up a nice S&W model 66 for $410
Kid

 

[frankmako]

look for a model 10. good wheel gun.

 

[aliveisalive]

Lcr's are great.

 

[slicksleeve]

Just troll your local pawn shops. I know now where there is a 686-2 in 2.5 inch for $359. It has been converted to DAO, but still, for a carry gun I think that ain't a bad price. I almost bought it, but I have that base covered, so I didn't.

 

[bigdogpete]

I have quite a few semi-autos (22, 22wmr 'pmr-30', 9mm, .40 and .45). I'd like to add a revolver to my collection. Just doesn't seem right I have all these s. autos and no wheel guns. Doesn't need to be anything fancy. In fact I would like just a good, common wheel gun in a common caliber. Maybe .38 or .38/.357. I would like to spend $400 or less on this. New/Used- give me your opinions.

Thanks,

Scott

I just bought a Rossi model 971 in 357. I was a little skeptical about buying one. Good reports and a few bad. I picked one up from Bud's for $343 with shipping. I have only shot a couple of boxes of 357's through it but it performed perfectly.

bigdog

 

[Arkansas Paul]

You can find a Ruger Security Six in excellent condition within your budget.
I saw one here, a 4" blued model that looked darn near brand new the other day. It was either $350 or $375. Great gun.

 

[surjimmy]

Taurus makes a nice revolver, don't care much for their semi's but I like their wheel guns.

 

[Stainz]

When production catches up, you should find a new S&W 442 (black) or 642 (silver) for $400-$430 at several local gun stores. A great 'protect your bacon' CCW, it'll handle +P .38's, like the short barrel Speer 135gr GDJHP load - or my favorite, Remington +P 158 gr LHPSWC's (#R38S12.). Recoil shy? Try 148gr full wadcutters - target loads. For plinkers, try 130gr MC. It's important to 'protect yourself' first - then think plinker.

If home defense is your choice - the used market S&W Model 10 (blued) or 64 (SS) earlier suggestions are great. Add J&G to your list of good used gun sources.

Stainz

 

[Scott-NC]

Trade the Jamo-O-Matic PMR-30 for a Ruger LCR in .22 Mag.

I must be the lucky one. Loading 30 rds into 1 mag seriously stresses the spring in the mag. If not careful you WILL dent the brass. Dented brass=FT something. Once you realize this- more fun than imaginable (just be careful when filling magazines). The flash/muzzle blast and shear quantity yield an experience that (at least for me), so far-cant be beat. This may be my "most fun gun".