Quote:
he doesn't have to put up with second-rate guns that he's going to wonder if they're going to work when he needs them to.
Internet Commando BS.
The fabled S&W Model 10 for $100 is going the way of the dinosaur. Most of them around here are in the $200-250 range, for a used gun. I find it utterly ludicrous that anyone will recommend buying a used gun over a new one. Yes, if you're really good, you can rule out the most obvious problems in a used gun, but that still doesn't tell you when it will break, like the first shot in a gun-fight.
And if you're inexperienced with firearms, but moderately literate, you can read Jim March's revolver evaluation thread and look over a new or used gun to rule out obvious problems nearly as well as the guy with decades of shooting revolvers. And it still won't tell you whether your gun is going to beat the odds in your enemy's favor and break at the first shot in a gunfight.
Now. Where do you get off, man? I'm no internet commando, and I'm not shoveling BS, real or the "internet commando" version. I'm talking about finding deals on really good, reliable, useable guns. When a guy has convinced himself that his budget is going to limit him to two brands whose reputations are sometimes quite spotty, it is not ridiculous to suggest that he look around more, do more research and shopping, learn something before he buys, and make a much more informed decision.
Right there in your post, you say that Model 10 S&W revolvers in your area are going for between $200 and $250. That is easily within the suggested budget OP presented. I'd buy a Model 10 for $250 any day of the week over a new or used Charter, and most Taurus, in the same price range. Yes, I would. And I'd recommend it to a friend, too. Or give one to my father. And I wouldn't consider such a decision nor recommendation to be ridiculous, either.
I would consider it the smart choice for several reasons, not the least of which is - that S&W is never going to be worth less than it is right now. That Charter is never going to be worth more than it is right now, and that Taurus is probably not going to go up in value, either.
Spend your money how you want. I know what I'm going to do, and what I'll recommend to anyone who asks me for advice.
Good day, sir.