Two grand, or thereabouts (see details).

For two grand, which option? Read the post first!

  • Two words: Freedom Arms

    Votes: 26 44.8%

  • Two words: Single.Action.Army. Wait, that's 3... Buy Colt!

    Votes: 3 5.2%

  • Get a Ruger and send it to get customized (state who).

    Votes: 7 12.1%

  • Buy a Heritage Rough Rider and a pallet of ammo!

    Votes: 3 5.2%

  • Buy an RG and a box of handloads at the gun show, then spend the rest at the ER!

    Votes: 1 1.7%

  • There's this old pre-lock, no-dash, pre-MIM Smith you're forgetting... (state which one)

    Votes: 18 31.0%
  • Total voters
    58
  • Poll closed .
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gp911

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It looks like I'll be receiving a financial windfall of sorts this year. Don't get too excited for me, cancer keeps taking loved ones, and this time I'll be orphaned. Regardless, after taking care of the important things I'm considering getting a nice wheelgun. I've had a couple Rugers, which were nice in a utilitarian way, but I'm thinking when I get another revolver I'd like it to be something special, something that is hard to put away once you get it out, ya know? Caliber will be .41, .44, or .45, though the big boys are enticing. Uses? Well, it'll be a 4.5-6" barrel, something totable, that will plink, punch paper, and take a deer someday in the future if I get close enough. I prefer the durability and overall function of single actions. I shot a S&W 629PC Hunter that was really nice, but I can't say I was in love with it. Assuming I post the poll properly you'll see what all I'm considering... I know I need to handle 'em, etc. I just like hearing the input from others, let's me daydream about it more. Any input is welcome.

gp911
 
My list of pre-lock Smiths that I want is VERY long, so that was my vote, but it depends on if that's really your thing.

I can't see you being disappointed with something from Freedom Arms though. I'd love to shoot one, let alone own one.
 
You've got a great dilema, but I'm sorry for the loss you're walking through this year.

I voted for the FA. I don't know much about the BFR. How do the FA and the BFR compare?
 
I've got about two dozen SA's and just over a dozen pre-lock Smith's. I would get the Smith, they are getting harder to find in excellent condition, plus the prices are getting crazy.
 
OK, "something special" to me means not a new gun they can just crank out more of, but something from days gone by of great quality that we won't see again. With that in mind, I am with Kind of Blued and Madcrate - I'll throw out a few old S&Ws that I would get if I had a lot to spend.

1) Early .44 Special Hand Ejector, - very first N frame, started around 1907 and made in various guises through to the mid 60s I think. (later years was called the Model 21). Amazing craftsmanship on some of the early models. A high-quality model can be had for $2k or less.

2) Post-war, pre-model or early model 27 in barrel length of your choice. Pre-war models will be WAY over $2k in general. Fine craftsmanship, amazing blue job. .357 though - may not excite you.

3) Any of the .45acp Model of 1950 Target guns made from 1950 to 1966. Updated variants of the old Army model 1917. Well under $1k.

4) A pre-29 model from the 1950s to late 60s. The first .44 magnum. Great workmanship in these. Easily under $1k.

Those are some ideas. If you pursue this line, I can recommend two things 1) before buying, go to Amazon.com and buy a copy of the "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" by Supica and Nahaas. It will educate you and is a beautifully color illustrated book.
2) I know a very good, honest dealer on the east coast who could get a high-quality gun for you at a fair price. He's a gem.

If you don't go the S&W route, then I would say a Colt SAA in .45LC is the way to go...
 
I like and shoot COLT's SAA in 44spl.
If I had a chance I'd get a BFR. The quality they put into making a accurate revolver is outstanding.
If you have $2k to spend you could take your time, shop and get one of each, a COLT SAA and a BFR:)
Do a search for their websight and you'll see/read what I mean. There are rifles that don't shoot as well.
 
Great responses so far. I'll be buying that book too. Forgot the BFR option...

gp911
 
With a steerhead carving that has red rhinestones for eyes.

Or pearl. Pearl is always good.
 
You might want to consider it's big brother :D but this is a nice start for approximately two grand (maybe a bit more pricey).

Colt Python .357 Magnum 2.5 " barrel in Stainless Steel. I believe they make a different model with a longer barrel in .44 Magnum or .44 Special if that is what you are looking for.

Believe it or not, the only reason that I own this handgun is because of the movie The Departed where he clicks the hammer back behind his back during the scene where they are doing the computer chip deal. I loved the smoothness of the sound and I knew I had to own one, so now I do.

ColtPython021.jpg
PythonFinalFlames2.jpg
PythonFinalFlames4.jpg
 
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Here is a link to a youtube video from the pictures of my 357 mag in the above post. Shown in real time and in slow motion for fun :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baatiX20pTo

(Keep in mind that it is a 2.5 pound Stainless Steel revolver, so I don't know what kind of revolver you are looking for but remember that generally, more weight = less recoil)
 
Mateba Model 6 Unica in .44Magnum.

mateba.jpg
 
The Model 27 keeps popping up, and not surprisingly a Model 27 is what inspired my last choice in the poll. My brother inherited a Model 27 from his father-in-law that we are pretty sure was never fired, or at best maybe saw a cylinder or two full of rounds when he first bought it. That unbelievably deep blue and clickety-click build quality is what has me considering an older Smith.

...but since my brother has a perfect 27 I want something different. :D

I've always been fond of the Model 58 (I know, not as shiny), and still may get one of those, but I want to examine all the options and see what tickles my fancy. It's not like I'm in a hurry, so I may as well enjoy the process as a diversion from the more unpleasant aspects of this situation.

I've had and enjoyed several .357s, and am simply interested in something in a bigger bore size. Doesn't stop me from ogling pics of Colt Pythons though...

Thanks for the replies thus far,

gp911
 
If single action is your weapon of choice, it's hard to go wrong with a Freedom Arms.
Click to expand...
This about sums up my understanding.

Though, Quiet does have something there......nothing seems quite so amusing as a Mateba (though, I've always wanted one, so I'm slightly biased!)
 
If I had two grand I would order a Freedom Arms model 97 premier grade with a 7.5" barrel adjustable sights chambered for .327 federal or the same model with a 4.25" barrel fixed sights chambered for .357 magnum and get some decent leather from el paso for it.
 
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