Thinking about a revolver

[XDforever]

I have been thinking about getting a small revolver. I went to B&S Guns in Garland tonight and had a GREAT discussion with the salesman Reese. He showed me the black S&W 442, the grey S&W 642, and the dark grey S&W 340. They were priced at $399, $419, and $699 for the 340. The 442 and 642 are 38 special and 38 special + P, while the 340 is 38 special, 38 special +P, and also 357 magnum. The 340 had night sights.

I do not know which is the better buy. The prices seem a little high, but am okay with paying a little more since I would have a place to ask questions and such.

What do you guys think?

Joe

 

[mavracer]

I have 442 love it.

 

[Cosmoline]

Why just new revolvers? I haven't bought a factory new wheelgun in ten years. There's no need to. The best Smiths are P&R'd and the best Rugers are the Sixes. Also--aren't those all lightened J frames? Not much fun to shoot, esp at magnum levels. If you go that route, I'd stay with an all steel or heavy alloy and limit to standard specials or +p's. The old Model 36's are the best. They got it right the FIRST time. Triggers so smooth you can spread them on toast.

I would have a place to ask questions and such.

But you have us to do that! Seriously, are you going to trust a shop called "B&S"?

My first question would be--what have you tried and what do you like?

 

[hexidismal]

Why just new revolvers? I haven't bought a factory new wheelgun in ten years.

I've never bought a factory new revolver, and I don't really plan to. No locks on my smiths, 'nuff said.

 

[glockman19]

I have a 642 and liked it so much I bought 442 too I can pick it up Sunday.

 

[Geister]

You can buy two or three used revolvers for the price range you're looking at.

 

[Logan5]

Well, right off the bat, I have to tell you not to go out and drop $699 plus tax on a J-frame .357 magnum. I'd have to dig into my records to see what they got me for on my 640 new, but it's not a smart buy.

You could shop around for a used Smith & Wesson 36, 38, etc, and something like a used Speed/Security/Service Six and have a very shootable .38spl pocket gun and a short barreled, concealable .357 for a few hundred less. You would save money, get beautiful, classic revolvers for less than they're really worth, and they wouldn't be an absolute suck chore to practice with.

My advice is that basically, new S&W .38 snubs offer nothing besides newness to reccomend them over previous models, and second, .357 magnum is no fun at all in a J-frame. We've got a lot of consumer choice right now, and I'd advise against buying a revolver where learning it is going to be like a second job, except you pay the rangemaster.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

He showed me the black S&W 442, the grey S&W 642, and the dark grey S&W 340. They were priced at $399, $419, and $699 for the 340.

XDforever,
Those prices are a little high for the current market. They aren't totally out of line but they are high. There is no reason why the M642 should be $20 higher than the M442. Even the S&W site has them at the same exact price. Hunt around because they both can be bought NIB for $349.95. I'm not sure about the M340PD price but it Lists for $940. I own a M638 which is a Bodyguard frame and very similar to the M642. The J frame .38 Sp revolvers are great carry guns and I highly recommend buying one. (or more than one!! LOL)