Armscor 206

[holyhandgrenade]

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with one? I decided awhile ago I wanted to get a wheel gun so I started looking around for a relatively inexpensive one (it seems the Armscors are going for <$300). It seems like Colts, S&Ws etc are going for quite a bit now a days, even used, and since I really like my RIA 1911, I figured this Armscor might be a good choice.

I just checked and both the 21/8" and 3" are on the safe list, so no worries there. Although I dont know which I would want, I like the snubnose look, kinda classic detective, but the 3" maybe more practical.

My only other trepidation is that they only come in .38 special. This makes me a little unsure as I would prefer it be chambered in .357, I would generally put .38s in it anyway, but it would be nice to have the option. It would generally be a range toy, so stopping power wouldnt be that great of a concern, but should I ever need to use it, is .38 enough? Im not sure if it is rated for +P, I would have to check on that as well.

Any advice you gents may have, on either the gun or .38 would be greatly appreciated.

[Moonclip]

I know little of these but I occasionally see them for sale. They resemble a Colt, I wonder if they use a Colt style lockwork?

[xxxx]

I might be wrong but Armscor is based in the Philippines and RIA is the name they use out in the states. So RIA = Armscor. I am not 100% sure on this though, others will chime in.

[Moonclip]

Yes RIA is Armscor of the Philippines.

[gotgunz]

RIA makes a fine 1911 but I personally have not been impressed by their revolvers.

For basically the same amount of money ($300) you can get the Taurus which is proven as reliable.

YMMV

[holyhandgrenade]

Hmm, I was under the impression that Taurus revolvers were going for more than $300 anymore. If theyre not, I think I would just prefer to get a Taurus.

The range I usually go to has an Armscor to rent, maybe Ill test it out, see how it is. Its not sounding too promising at this point though.

Any opinions on revolvers, in general, chambered in .38 as opposed to .357?

[Mr. Meeseeks]

Rossi gets good right-ups.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=163561

[Davidoff]

+1 on the Taurus.

I have a Taurus 605 which is a 2" snub in .357. I bought it for $320 OTD in 2006. They very closely resemble a J-Frame S&W. IIRC Taurus and S&W were owned by the same holding group for a few years, and Taurus managed to get their hands on the S&W J-Frame design. I have not had any issues with the revolver through about 1200 rounds, but I did buy the longer "combat" grips for $19 which allow my pinkie finger to be useful in firing the weapon. I also replaced the springs with lighter wolff springs to reduce the trigger pull.

I got mine from a kitchen-counter FFL in Marysville through gunbroker, so the retail prices might be a little higher. I am not familiar with RIA/Armscor's warranty or service, but I have heard good reports on Taurus' customer service.

[dgey]

practice shooting the snubbie lots. make sure that you can hit what you aim at 98% of the time. shot placement is what's important. when you're under stress, your shot placement will deteriorate at least 50%... so practice lots with any gun you're trusting your life with.

[holyhandgrenade]

Ive actually heard good stuff about Armscor service, but its almost all about the 1911s. Part of my problem is that theres just basically no info out there about their revolvers. If its like their 1911s, I'd be more than happy with it, Im just not sure.

I guess Ill start looking into Taurus and Rossi a bit more.

[VegasND]

I have one of the 4" revolvers. It's a sort-of Colt copy. Small and fairly light. The grips were a poor fit on the frame and I had to put a shim on the backstrap to keep them from moving. It's okay, but the quality of my Armscor 1911 is noticeably better--and that's no Colt or Kimber equivalent. If you can get it cheap go for it. If a Taurus (or a mechanically decent Smith with no finish) is about the same price get that instead. I got it cheap in a GunBroker auction and bought it because I wanted to put 'revolver' on my CHL--but I don't carry it.