What's the cheapest s&w revolvers out there that aren't questionable quality. I see the 642 is $300 or so new. What about used. Any worthwhile ones around $200?

What's the cheapest s&w revolvers out there that aren't questionable quality. I see the 642 is $300 or so new. What about used. Any worthwhile ones around $200?

 

I have a 35yr. old 38SP model 10 which is a great shooter. Heavy barrel 4". I believe these can be found on the cheap side.

The cheapest are going to be the 38special only guns. This is because many people would prefer the option of shooting 357 in addition to 38. This means model 14s,15s, 10s, and 64s off the top of my head. (there are many others)

What's the cheapest s&w revolvers out there that aren't questionable quality. I see the 642 is $300 or so new. What about used. Any worthwhile ones around $200?

 

The best made ones are, IMO, used ones. A model 10 (38 special + fixed sights) can be had under $400. A model 19 (357mag) can be had for under $500. There was never a better balanced or easier pointing revolver made (this is true of all K frames), again IMO. And it shoots a more effective round than 38 special.

Coincidentally, J&G just got in a cache of inexpensive and used S&W model 10's and 64's.

 

http://www.jgsales.com/index.php/smith-wesson/revolver/cPath/16_211_431

What's the cheapest s&w revolvers out there that aren't questionable quality. I see the 642 is $300 or so new. What about used. Any worthwhile ones around $200?

 

They J&G guns look good for the price they are asking. Everyone needs a Model 10. I would stay away from K frame 357s unless you can check it beforehand as they are more likely to be loosened up after a few thousand rounds. A modern 38 spl S&W K frame can easily handle a lot more rounds of +P and even +P+.

 

You can find better deals on private sales, sometimes for less than $200, but those are few and far between just about anywhere.

Model 10

K38 masterpiece for under 400

Lady smith model 66

M19 can be pricey.

Look m27 for a large frame .357

U can sometimes find .44spec or .41mags for good prices.

A little research shows the model 10 can be modded to be some cool target guns. Maybe I'll do something like this eventually

 

http://www.tjscustomgunworks.com/Photos4/TinkerTeflonSW10BULL.htm

I have to disagree with some of these assessments. I don't think that you are going to find a bargain on a model 14 or 15, or even a model 10, if it's a model 10HB. A lot of the "bargains" to be had are police or security agency trade-ins (yes, some still carry revolvers) and have been shot a lot. If pictures are all you have to go on, check the "turn ring" and see how heavy it is. Also, if it's blued, check the ejector rod for finish wear - another indicator it has been shot a lot. Model 64's (and other SS guns) are harder to spot wear, since they have no finish. 64's will bring somewhat of a premium since from 1973 on, they were all HB's (introduced in 1970 with a tapered barrel).

 

As for J-frames - S&W just reduced the price on the internal hammer J-frames to where you can buy them new for about $350 - $360. Any used ones, from private owners were probably purchased for $400 - $450 so they most likely won't be giving them away.

 

All this being said, you may stumble across a bargain every now and then, but remember, if it's too good to be true, it probably isn't. Good hunting.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

A lot of the "bargains" to be had are police or security agency trade-ins (yes, some still carry revolvers) and have been shot a lot.

 

That's true but many have not. If someone carried a Model 10 for say 25 years and only shot it when he had to it could only have 5000 rds through it. Well within the lifespan of a K frame. Another plus would be that just any LE agency would have an armorer who would inspect the gun periodically and make any repairs or adjustments needed. Security agency guns most likely see less shooting.

 

You points are well taken but I wouldn't totally ignore LE trade ins.

 

S&W just reduced the price on the internal hammer J-frames to where you can buy them new for about $350 - $360.

 

Yes those are alloy J frames. If you want a steel J or K frame that price is still north or $500. A decent used J or K frame is worth $300 or so.

would be cool to build something like this.

would be cool to build something like this.

 

 

If you are patient and look around, you may find something like that at a decent price. I have come across several PPC revolvers in my rounds of the fun stores. My buddy picked-up a Power Custom (which was a big deal among PPC shooters) for a song. PPC is now a semi-auto game more than a revolver, so these are kind of orphans. Some gun shops that get them think they are a bg deal and price them way too high. They were a very specialized weapon, for a very specialized game, that is now played with new toys. If a gun shop realizes this and prices it accordingly, you have your bargain. But caveat emptor - these are usually shot tons, so check for timing and lock-up and cylinder end play. They were usually used with low-powered cast-lead bullets, so there is little chance of the barrel being shot out. Have fun looking - pursuit is half the game.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

There is a nice Model 10 for sale on the forum.

Ocean Tactical in Bayville had a model 10 with a massive target barrel. Owner said is was some kind of custom police target gun with click adjustable sights for different distances. Thing weighed a ton and he was asking $400 2 months ago. I think it is still there.

Ocean Tactical in Bayville had a model 10 with a massive target barrel. Owner said is was some kind of custom police target gun with click adjustable sights for different distances. Thing weighed a ton and he was asking $400 2 months ago. I think it is still there.

 

 

From your description, that is a PPC, which is what I wrote about in the above post. If it's still there, you may be able to haggle quite a bit. As I said, these are orphans, but make fun range guns.