Opinions on affordable revolvers.

[Joe Danger]

I'm somewhat of a smart shopper when it comes to purchasing weapons. I always do my homework and a lot of research. I am happy to spend a little bit more to get a lot more. But you can tell more about a weapon by firing it than you can anything else. My experience with revolvers is shooting other peoples high end pieces. I really like the larger framed .357's Ive only shot one snub nose .357 and it was a cheap ROSSI P.O.S.
I'm interested in either a snub nose or a 6" or better and just wondered if there is any particularly great battlefield worthy models at reasonable prices 300-500$ that have the proven track records and loyal followings that I'm used to with automatics.

Basically I'm looking for the "GLOCK" of the revolvers!

Thanks,
Joe

 

[doc2rn]

I would have to say the oldest running is the S&W Model 10 which was the M&P previously. The most copied handgun in the world.

 

[zombie44]

If I was more of a fan of the .357 I wouldn't hesitate to pick up a Ruger GP-100, SP-101 or a Colt King Cobra all of which I've seen within your price range.

 

[Chuck Perry]

For a 357, you can't beat either the S&W 686 series or the Ruger GP100. Both will last you forever, as will the factory support.

 

[Arizonagunrunner]

Fellow gun owner. Any of the Ruger "SIX" series would be a place to start. The GP100 is an awesome weapon as well. I dont care much for S&W, but that is just me. Colts King Cobra is another nice 357. The only problem is they are commanding way more money then they are worth.
If you go short on the tube, I think a Ruger Speed Six is by far the best weapon out there for a snub. Quality, Durability, Reliabillity. It dosent get any better then that. Good luck.

 

[oldfool]

Ruger "six" series and any/all S&W k-frames, mainly in 38/357, fine revolvers
used, but in really good condition
study the checkout "sticky" above
deals to be had in your price range if patient

 

[*Klutch*]

If you like S&W get something from the 50's -90's models 19,27,28,65,66,581,586,681,686 there are others but I can't think right now. They come in snubs on up to 8". The model 10 that someone mentioned is not a 357 it's a 38.
Rugers GP100,Security six,Police six,SP101 and some deal snubbies up to 8".
Don't rule out some Taurus guns they made some real good revolvers around the early 90's and now as well. model 65,66,605,650,651 and I think there's more. That should get you at least started in the right direction.

 

[Armored farmer]

If you are like me and have a little cowboy in you, and just like to put holes in the bullseye. If you aren't too concerned about "tactical" or speedloaders, or combat....and want a sturdy lifetime revolver...look at Ruger's Blackhawk available in anything from .22(Single-Six) to .45Colt or .44mag. including a 9mm/.357 and .45acp/.45c convertables and barrel lengths from 4 5/8 to 7 1/2.
Beware of taurus....I bought a couple because of the price.....one (669) has been great; one (627) is beginning to develop timing issues. The 627 hasn't been shot much, it is a seven-shot which makes the timing parts smaller/complicated. I'm not a Taurus basher....just stating the facts....

 

[MMCSRET]

I have 357 revolvers from S&W, Ruger and Colt. I have several Rugers, even more Colts but only one S&W. I traded away all the other Smiffs for various reasons but mostly because I like Colt and Ruger better. My only Smiff is a Model 65-1 from the mid 70's, 4" heavy barrel with custom round butt. My Colts are the nicest to shoot and consistanly the most accurate. The Rugers are completely and totally "indestructible".

 

[samurai]

I've only got 2- 686 6" and SP101 2 1/4". They shoot great and should fit in your price range.

 

[kludge]

Ruger Security/Service/Speed Six. 2-3/4" to 6" barrels.

Not indestructible. I broke mine dry firing it. Rapidly. Trigger didn't reset (I short stroked it). Bent the Ejector Rod. Other than that indestructible. Almost.

S&W Model 19. Avoid the hot 110gr and 125gr and you'll be OK. I shoot mostly .38SPL in mine and it's my go to revolver for people learning to shoot. It has a *very* light trigger and I get light strikes from time to time.

 

[RugRev]

I think you can't go wrong with a Ruger GP-100, SP-101 or Six Series. One thing different on the revolver is none take too well to "short stroking" the trigger. The S&W's in 19/66 and 586/686 are in the same weight and size class as the Six Series and GP. They do cost somewhat more than the Rugers and the 19/66's would need to be found used but the older ones many maintain are better than the new MIM internal lock models. Colts pricewise are upstream from the S&Ws.

 

[ECVMatt]

+1 to what the others have said...I used to sell guns during my college years and I can't tell you how many Rossi type revolvers we would get returned to us broken. We also had problems with Taurus. Taurus has a good repair policy, so they would get fixed and back, but the Rossi's we harder to get factory support. I am sure they are good guns if you want to load them up and keep them for a very occasional use, but otherwise I would look for a good Ruger/S&W. I ofter see police trade in S&W's that are very reasonable....

 

[alabaster]

SP101. Da Greatest Snubby Evah, IMO. Aktually, I like the 3in best. Too bad they don't do the factory engraved version. I used to own 1, a 2in model, and sold it to my Bro. No suprise, it's a Ruger after all. Built like a bank vault. Sexy lines, IMO too. Yet another gat he took me to the cleaner on...Just as well, he's da best big bro in da werld. Anyhoo. I've run thru a Rossi too, and I didn't think nearly as bad of em as I've heard here. Ditto on da Taurus. 605ch and we've run a gazillion rds thru it wit nary an issue.

 

[GEM]

The SW and Ruger used market should work for you. I picked up a nice SW Model 19 for $400. I got a Colt Cobra snubby for $350 (38 SPL), though.

But nice stuff is out there. You hit big on the divorce sale or the hubby passes on / consignment sale at a good local gun store.

 

[22-rimfire]

I think the closest thing to the "Glock" of revolvers is the Ruger GP-100 and SP-101. I have been pleased with my GP-100 but don't have much experience with the SP-101.

I like S&W and Colt revolvers better. But they cost more usually. The Smith Model 15 is typically fairly inexpensive, but it is not 357 mag. It is one that I ignored for years until I finally found a nice one at a show for a price I was comfortable with. The Smith Models 17 and 18 (22's), and the Model 19 (357) are other ones I ignored for years also but have purchased in recent years as I felt the old blue revolvers were ones to keep for the future. You can find nice Model 19's for around $400-$450. I still want a 5" 686 357 mag at this point. It will be my first true stainless revolver when it happens. Not in a big hurry as there are other ones I want also.

 

[atlanticfire]

I think the closest thing to the "Glock" of revolvers is the Ruger GP-100 and SP-101.

This is almost insulting. A laughable comparison.....glock....gp100 HA.
I'll go with what has already been stated. Six series are unbeatable, then the GP100. If you had a little extra to spend you could get a Smith. But the Rugers are a definite way to go.

 

[motorcycle-charlie]

i am +1 for the Ruger sp101. got mine for around $450.00 brand new. what a nice cannon. will shoot .38 or .357 all day long. plenty of ways to upgrade it also but in its stock form its a workhorse. is a high value chunk of iron.

 

[dashootist]

Ruger GP100

And you don't have to worry about it blowing up

 

[MIL-DOT]

......................................

 

[MIL-DOT]

(quote) "SP101. Da Greatest Snubby Evah, IMO. Aktually, I like the 3in best. Too bad they don't do the factory engraved version. I used to own 1, a 2in model, and sold it to my Bro. No suprise, it's a Ruger after all. Built like a bank vault. Sexy lines, IMO too. Yet another gat he took me to the cleaner on...Just as well, he's da best big bro in da werld. Anyhoo. I've run thru a Rossi too, and I didn't think nearly as bad of em as I've heard here. Ditto on da Taurus. 605ch and we've run a gazillion rds thru it wit nary an issue."

Yo,holmes.....how about you spare us the illiterate gangsta crap, and make your point coherently. This forum is largely populated by adults, and none of us hold our pistols sideways, or ride skateboards to work. Grow up.

Back on topic....I concur with the Ruger recommendations.

 

[Sniderman]

Ignorant babble, once again, fails to impress anyone.

Glock of revolvers?

IMHO, More money, NIB GP100, less money, used Security Six.

 

[Bill B.]

My vote would be looking for a Police trade in S&W M65. Just another way of saying S&W M10 that also shoots 357's! The M10's will always be the best buy available in a revolver IMO.

 

[GlockFan]

I am eyeing the SP101 myself. Held one for the first time last week...looked and felt really solid. Should not be hard to get one for under $500. Oh man I need to stay off this site...it's costing me to much...

 

[Jesse Heywood]

At the last few shows I've been to, there have been a number of Detective Specials in the 350-500 range. If you're looking for a snub to shoot they should be a good gun. Find one that's rough on the outside, but good mechanically.

Also in your price range, I bought a 6" Colt Trooper Mk III for $460. There was a heavy ring around the cylinder from dry firing, which kept it from being a collector. Otherwise, it was a new gun. It should give me years of shooting at 2,000 to 3,000 rounds a year.