Deals I found today, should I?

[mr_goodbomb]

I have a .22lr/22mag single action revolver and a .357 Ruger Blackhawk. I'd like to pick up a double action of each of those calibers. I like the idea of ammo availability as prices get higher and restrictions get tighter. I just picked up a .22lr revolver, double action, it's cheap but it'll do the job.

A friend at a local shop showed me a Taurus UltraLite 38 Sp for about $280 (could maybe get him down to $250). I was hoping for a .357, but a double action .357 gets pretty pricey, and at least I could use .38 Sp in the Ruger, as well. The lifetime warranty on the Taurus is nice.

I also saw a FIE Arminus 38 Sp at a pawn shop, I talked them down to $180 out the door, taxes and all. No warranty, but it'd take the same rounds the Taurus would. They're both 2" barrels, I believe, and probably shouldn't handle +P.

While this wasn't what I was looking for, he also showed me an H&R breaktop in .32 S&W, which seemed fun, for $75 out the door. Debating it just for fun, but it's kinda pricey fun.

Any opinions? I'd like to keep it cheap.

 

[pikid89]

I would try to find a deal on a police trade in S&W 38...saw some model 64 or 65s (cant remember which) awhile back for under 300 from JG...they are out of em now but that means they are out there somewhere

 

[Onward Allusion]

The Taurus UltraLite is a snub, correct? Not much of a range gun but good for personal protection. I know that it's +P capable, but avoid a steady diet of +P 38's in it. If you only want it for the range and not for concealed carry, I'd recommend a Taurus 82 since it will still be in your price range. If you want to go top shelf you can always buy a used S&W Model 10.

The FIE Arminius Titan Tiger from Germany is an OK gun but I think the frame is alloy. I don't think it is +P rated. Parts are also hard to come by and obviously, there is no warranty.

The H&R Top Breaks in .32S&W are not range guns at all. They are also pretty weak in terms of metal. Stay away from it unless you are a collector.

Yes - I have personal experience with all mentioned.

 

[mr_goodbomb]

I appreciate all your comments. I'll check out the 82 as well.

 

[Lucky Derby]

The .32 is a collectors gun, not much of a shooter.
The Taurus 85UL is a good carry gun and will most likely be reliable, but won't be much fun to shoot.
Avoid Arminius. You will not be happy with it.
Look for a used S&W K frame. M10/64, M13/65, M15/67, or M19/66. The M581/681 or M586/686 (L frames) are good choices as well. Best prices will likely be on the M10/64.
Also a used Ruger GP100 or one of the -Six series guns.
The Taurus copies of the above can also somtimes be found at reasonable prices. Look for the M82 or M66.

 

[dallascj]

+1 on the Taurus 82. I have a 3-in that I found for $220.00 at a pawn shop in excellent condition. It is an incredibly nice gun, a great shooter, and the price can't be beat.

 

[mr_goodbomb]

Updated, found a S&W Model 10 .38 Special for about the same ($250ish). How would that factor in versus they other 2?

 

[Iggy]

Take the Smith and Wesson!!!!

That is a good deal unless it's all beat up.

 

[Onward Allusion]

mr_goodbomb
Updated, found a S&W Model 10 .38 Special for about the same ($250ish). How would that factor in versus they other 2?

...forgive me if I am already reiterating what you already know.

IF you can, check it out in person.

- Lock - see if it has any cylinder play when the hammer is cocked and trigger is pulled.

- Timing - get a bore light, shine it at the rear of the cylinder and see if you can identify misalignment on any of the cylinders with the barrel from the front. Better yet, if this is a gun store, have 'em put a range (barrel) rod through to test for alignment.

- Dry fire with snap caps or spent cases to test action.

- Check the trigger return - THIS is overlooked a lot of times

The Model 10 is the gold standard for workhorse .38 Specials.

 

[ACORN]

Assuming the Smith is in solid condition go with it. The FIE is not a top quality firearm. People like Tauri but I don't, it's better than the FIE though. The H&R might be fun but only if you have a major supply of ammo.

 

[MtnSpur]

I'm a little partial

I'd go with a S&W...but that's just me.

 

[waidmann]

I agree 100% with O...A..., to that, point the barrel upward and ensure the hand will rotate the cylinder in that position. This tests the spring tension with gravity working against you.

And yes, go with the S&W.