Need some revolver knowledge

[bballwizard05]

Bottom line is, I have a very small budget for a handgun. But want to get one now for all the general reasons. At some point when I have more money I will invest in a much nicer longer term handgun. However given my lack of funds, it seems that save for kel-tec, and hi-point the only handguns in my price range are revolvers. I have a WTB add up, but at my budget (250-300+ fees) I doubt I will find something. On gunbroker I have found a few brands but would like some input on general quality, any experience with them, and if they are cali legal.


Armscor (the one I'm looking at is a 4" 6 shot 38sp)

EAA 38sp revolvers

Taurus: I have seen a few used ones in my price range, I've heard the name (these are good right?)

[mrlightning559]

hit your local pawn shops Ive seen great deals I just sold a bersa .380 for 250 there are deals out there keep looking and good luck

[shoupdawg]

Search the threads for Taurus. Apparently they are a crapshoot...some are good and some suck.

[HkFan416]

I think your best bet would be to put something on layaway. With either $250 or $300 down, you can get yourself a nice pistol. Check for some department trade in's (sigs, glocks) or consignment guns. I've seen plenty of $600 guns go for $400 on consignment.

Bottom line, don't settle for the least best thing because you can't afford it right now. Remember; Buy once, Cry once.

[Old4eyes]

Taurus is very hit and miss. They have a lot of interesting models but their quality control just plain sucks. There are a lot of horror stories (I can include mine) of guns out of the box that should not have passed any decent QC. I've got one Taurus, and that's where it ends. Save up for a Ruger or a Smith.

Also, since your are budget minded, be aware that 38 special costs more than 9mm, so if you look long term, the revolver will cost you more than a 9mm pistol. Not that I would talk you out of a revolver, just remember the long term cost of ownership needs to include ammo. And if you price .357, you'll think that 9mm & 40 are cheap by comparison.

[NapaCountyShooter]

Sig P6 ftw.

[bballwizard05]

Good stuff so far, maybe I'll avoid taurus. The more I think about it the more I guess I'll spend a few more dollars and get something from a quality manufacturer even if it is well used. Also I have taken the ammo cost into account. Long term ammo cost doesn't worry me too much as I will have income (work part time while in college), I just wont ever have a large build up for a handgun for a long time. So i'm prepared to spend a little more on .38 over 9mm. And yes I've seen the .357 and .45 prices. 9mm is where i'd like to be at!

[FUBAR]

get a used S&W model 10 or Ruger Security Six from summitgunbroker.com.

[23 Blast]

If you're really on a budget, a Makarov pistol might just be up your alley. They're rock solid reliable, compact, chambered for a decent caliber, and inexpensive.

[bballwizard05]

Any comments on kel-tec's 9mm pistol? Its small (i live in a CCW friendly county) and holds 7 I think? I know kel-tec has its followers and haters. but does anyone have experience with it? its priced right for a new one. Also I'm not too interested in .380 it seems to expensive for the lack of power. Unless it has alot of power and Im wrong?

[bballwizard05]

that website is fantastic! Crazy assortment and really good prices. How do you order from it? Email? Now I gotta start looking to see which are cali legal.... damn california

[Mr. Meeseeks]

The model 10 and security six or police trade-in idea is pretty good, but if it has to be brand new and you want a semi you can also consider a SW40VE or SW9VE, they're very affordable and have great ergonomics. Folks complain about the trigger being heavy but it you're looking into a revolver the pull weight isn't much different. You can even Youtube how to smooth out the pull just as with a Glock.

[GunLover]

Save a little more cash and get a S&W. You will be happier in the log run

[RedFord150]

...Also I'm not too interested in .380 it seems to expensive for the lack of power. Unless it has alot of power and Im wrong?

.380 Bersa is my personal favorite in a small compact semi-auto for under $300. I have owned one for a couple of years. Turners sells them for $270 on sale quite often. I think the Firestar might be the same gun for same price on sale. At least I thought I heard this. Anyway, I love shooting the Bersa and I trust it completely.
Cor-Bon has some good defense rounds in .380. Check the ballistics. It is not 'Over-powered', but it will work.
Ball ammo can be had at $15 to $20 for 50. I bought 100 round boxes at WM recently for about $30.
Ruger and S&W both have 9mm semi-autos around $300 plus tax and fees. The Rugers are usually 'workhorses'. They are not the prettiest, but they go bang every time and are reasonably accurate.
I bought a Taurus revolver once. After it FAILED, I got it repaired by Taurus and sold it to a dealer. Never again.
The used .38 revolver by Ruger or S&W is a great idea if you can find something you like.
Good luck.

[paul0660]

If you are going to CCW, pocket carrying a snub revolver is a great way to go. Mine goes everywhere but on jets and in the courthouse. You have heard the usual opinions on the different brands. If you find a decent FFL, a new Taurus will cost $400 out the door, a Smith about $550. Take some time and you might find a good used deal on a revolver, foreign or domestic.