[Madscotsman]

Looking to pick up a new quality revolver for around $300 dollars. Since I am not familiar with revolvers and I usually go with the sage advice that I receive here, what would be your recommendations? Preferable something in .38 special.

Thanks

 

[patchz]

For carry, plinking? It makes a difference.

 

[7557]

You said new, but didn't specify caliber (just .38 preferred), capacity, hammerless or not, or barrel length, etc. so ….

I don't own any revolvers, but … (so watch out now!):

But if I did, it would be one of these -- from my revolver wish list:

Ruger SP101 9MM 2.25 inch Barrel Stainless with Steel Fixed Sights
Ruger SP101 Standard Stainless .357 Mag 3.1-inch 5Rds

You can get the Taurus versions for less, and within/close to your budget, but there are many Taurus hates on this forum:

Taurus 905 9mm 2 inch Stainless Fixed Sights 5rd
Taurus 617 357 mag 2 inch Stainless Fixed Sights 7rd
Taurus 856 Standard Stainless .38 SPL 2-inch 6Rds

Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight Centennial .38 Special 1.9" Barrel 5 RDs Stainless Steel

JMO.

ETA: Shop around, online and storefront. Go to a range or gun show and handle some.

 

[onlymaroonmatters]

That price range, Taurus of some kind
856 38Spl Matte Stainless 2" 6

Or for a little more
MODEL 642 Airweight 38SPL+P

 

[onlymaroonmatters]

Higher quality will be closer to $500

 

[Twang]

My suggestion . . . forget about "new", and go with a S&W LEO trade-in. Often these were carried more than shot, and in excellent condition.

 

[patchz]

Bud's has several Charter arms around $300.

 

[Chicknman]

My suggestion . . . forget about "new", and go with a S&W LEO trade-in. Often these were carried more than shot, and in excellent condition.

Yep

 

[GunnyGene]

My only advise would be to not buy on-line. You need to get your hands wrapped around the short list of possibles you might find on-line, then take that list to your local gunshop and get hands on with them. Shoot the model(s) if they have a on-site range & rental gun(s) in that model. Keep your fingers behind the front of the cylinder to avoid serious burn injury.

 

[Rw]

I would recommend heading to the gun show at the trademart this weekend and handle as many as you can to see what you like best. My boss should have the charter and Taurus in stock

 

[DoyleAlley]

The terms "Quality" "Revolver" and "low price" generally don't go together. Simply put, revolvers are far more complex than autos and prices reflect that - for both new and used. For $300, you are going to have to sacrifice something. Personally, I'd look to pony up a little more and buy a good used revolver.

 

[Vick]

You're probably going to have to go to Rossi or Taurus to stay near your price range in a new gun; if you shop around a bit you might find a good S&W 4" Mod. 10 or a well-used (on the outside) Mod. 15 with a good bore that hasn't been shot that much in that price range. Look especially hard at police trade-in guns...they often are carried a lot and shot very little.

 

[colonelz]

At your price point, I would recommend a Taurus .357 - that way you have the option to shoot .38 special or .357 mag. Swann's on Old Canton Road in Jackson has a nice SS one (7 shot) for $349 (as of last Friday) - might/might not be able to quibble with him on the tax.

 

[gunsinger]

I really like my Ruger LCRx in .38sp. That might be a tad above your price range. The Taurus Model 85 is a decent one.

Both have an exposed hammers. When cocked, the trigger is pretty light.

The Ruger LCR is essentially the same gun but no exposed hammer.

if you buy .357, I believe you can shoot either .357 or .38.

 

[phillipd]

I’ve had good luck with 2 Rossi .38’s for way less than $300 from pawn shops. One is chrome and the finish is nice. It’s in one of my daughter’s purse. The other is on my ex’s night stand

 

[Ellis93]

EEA Windicator.......I have two of them. One in 2” and one in 4”,both are 357/.38.
Brand new should be 300$ on the two inch.

 

[oldwelder]

For the money a Charter Arms Undercover 2” 38 special is hard to beat for the money and at your price range.

 

[Chicknman]

I’ve had good luck with 2 Rossi .38’s for way less than $300 from pawn shops. One is chrome and the finish is nice. It’s in one of my daughter’s purse. The other is on my ex’s night stand

Hahahahaha that last one probably cost you a lot more than $300.

 

[canebreaker]

Check out the pawn shops, gun shows, gun stores. Watch for ads, you may save some.

 

[GunnyGene]

One other thing: When you do go shopping, take a set of feeler gauges with you and check the cylinder to barrel gap with the hammer cocked and the cylinder pushed all the way back. .002 - .003 is good, and anything over .004 should be rejected.

The gaps on both my Rugers (Blackhawk & LCR) is a loose .002" .