Debating on my first wheel gun

[Lexicon Devil]

This would be my first revolver, and I was thinking of ordering through an FFL a used S&W Model 10 in .38spl. JG Sales has them for $329.99. Seems like a good enough deal. I just wanted something new to add to my collection.

Anything I should know or be wary of?

[200Apples]

Do you want a plinker or a big revolver? If plinker/carry defense piece, then a Model 60; you can shoot .38, .38+P or .357 Mag from it. It's a J-Magnum frame (longer cylinder) and it's a pretty sweet little wheelgun.

If you want an all-around great revolver, but one that's a little bigger and chambered in .44 Magnum (and you may shoot .44 Specials), then, the S&W Model 629 Classic, 5".

[P5Ret]

This would be my first revolver, and I was thinking of ordering through an FFL a used S&W Model 10 in .38spl. JG Sales has them for $329.99. Seems like a good enough deal. I just wanted something new to add to my collection.

Anything I should know or be wary of?

Yeah it's probably not the version on the roster.

[AtomicOrange]

I have a S&W 60 3-inch in .357 that I really like. More flexible than a straight .38, as mentioned already. Single-actions can be fun and accurate. Better than chasing brass, if you reload.

Make sure the forcing cone us full-thickness all the way around. I've read that some model 10s or similar have been thinned down, though I have never seen that.

[meno377]

This would be my first revolver, and I was thinking of ordering through an FFL a used S&W Model 10 in .38spl. JG Sales has them for $329.99. Seems like a good enough deal. I just wanted something new to add to my collection.

Anything I should know or be wary of?

Op. If you're talking about the heavy barreled version IMO it's a no brainer. A great choice for shooting 38 specials. Extremely accurate.

[nedro]

I don't think I'd ever buy a 38 special revolver. For me, it's a no brainer to get a 357 and shoot all the 38 specials I want though it.

[Featureless]

S&W or Ruger .357 4".

[stormvet]

Model 10 is a classic and a great shooter, there is always some risk ordering a used gun sight unseen. But a good used model 10 is a great gun that you will enjoy shooting.

[swruger]

There is a Ruger SP 101, 5 shot, looks like 2.5" barrel, 38/357, for sale in the inland empire right now for $400 or offer. Good deal. It's a keeper for life. I'm hoping someone takes it soon so it stops talking to me all day long. I enjoy shooting .357 magnum revolvers.

[denpython]

Factor in the shipping and transfer fees and sales tax and does.
If it is over 50 yrs old then it can be dealer transferred from out of state.
It's a risk as the cylinder may be loose (wobble) or other mechanical issues that are not eyeball evident and only evident shooting.
Ask me how I know!
I would buy one that can be physically examined.

[Fishwishin]

If this is your first, and possibly last, revolver I would go with the mid frame size, 6 shot cylinder and 4" barrel- in other words the model 10. It's a great gun with lots of fight and fun in it. You can opt up up to a mod 15 for adjustable sights or a mod 13 or 19 for the .357 magnum chambering, or go stainless with a 65 or 66.

To go to the other brand a Ruger security six will give you everything these Smith models will give you too.

Bottomline- 4" mid frame revolver is a great way to get into a wheel gun!

[morrcarr67]

Yeah it's probably not the version on the roster.

So what. Single action only exemption.

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[farmerjoe]

Honestly, for the price it's hard to beat. Model 10's are pretty solid guns. You'd be hard pressed to find a .357 of any type that cheap.

[-hanko]

I don't think I'd ever buy a 38 special revolver. For me, it's a no brainer to get a 357 and shoot all the 38 specials I want though it.

But you miss the fact that some .38's (e.g., Colt Match, S&W K38, etc.) generally outshoot .357's.

[P5Ret]

So what. Single action only exemption.

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All of which add's to the cost of a gun that has been imported back into the country from God know's where. Making it less and less of a bargain.