Snub Nose On A Budget
- Thread starter VaTechKA
- Start date
Technosavant
New member
A couple years ago I purchased a new S&W 642 for about $400. So you really aren't that bad off when it comes to budget, just shop around. If you can't find a S&W J frame in budget, my next recommendation (new) might be a Taurus 85/850/851- there's some things I prefer about them over the Smith (but it was easier to find an Airweight S&W than a lightweight Taurus).
I shouldn't think you'd have problems finding a decent revolver, new or used, for $400.
I shouldn't think you'd have problems finding a decent revolver, new or used, for $400.
parrothead2581
New member
I got a nice little older Model 36 just a couple of months ago for $350.
I put a Tyler T-grip on it, and it handles great.
I put a Tyler T-grip on it, and it handles great.
45_Shooter
New member
The old Colts (det. special, cobra, agent) are premier guns for CCW IMO. 6 shots instead of 5, smooth action, more condusive to left hand use if necessary, good sights, longer ejection rod, and usually more accurate than the competition. Might be worth a look, as you could probably find one for $400 in good shape.
shinerjohn
New member
Rossi is dependable
I have a Rossi 462 snubby 357 revolver. It works well and I paid $289 at Academy Sports for it. It may be a tad heavy at 26 oz for carry, but I haven't received my CC license yet. They also have a 5-shot .38spec snubby. I prefer the Rossi over Taurus. I have ordered a Rossi 851 .38spec with 4" barrel revolver that may come in today!
IMHO, Rossi is the best low-priced revolver available. That's my opinion.
I have a Rossi 462 snubby 357 revolver. It works well and I paid $289 at Academy Sports for it. It may be a tad heavy at 26 oz for carry, but I haven't received my CC license yet. They also have a 5-shot .38spec snubby. I prefer the Rossi over Taurus. I have ordered a Rossi 851 .38spec with 4" barrel revolver that may come in today!
IMHO, Rossi is the best low-priced revolver available. That's my opinion.There are quite a few S&W revolvers that can be purchased as "previously owned" guns for under $400. A used Model 36 "Chief's Special" in .38 Special will run anywhere from $295 to $395, depending on condition, age and the local market of your area.
When looking at used revolvers, it is the mechanical condition you should pay attention to first. Clean, bright bore, little or no flame cutting on the topstrap, firm but smooth trigger and good timing. The appearance of the finish is a secondary concern. As long as the metal isn't heavily rusted or pitted and doesn't look like it was used as a hammer, a worn finish can be corrected at a later date.
If weight means a lot to you in a CCW gun, the Airweight models will probably make you happier than a steel framed gun. Although, if you plan to shoot your carry gun at all frequently, I recommend a steel framed gun for durability as well as recoil reduction.
The S&W 642 is an excellent gun, but I prefer the Model 38 "Bodyguard Airweight" with the humpback hammer shroud. The lightweight guns will cost more, but that is offset by the comfort they offer for all-day/everyday carry.
When looking at used revolvers, it is the mechanical condition you should pay attention to first. Clean, bright bore, little or no flame cutting on the topstrap, firm but smooth trigger and good timing. The appearance of the finish is a secondary concern. As long as the metal isn't heavily rusted or pitted and doesn't look like it was used as a hammer, a worn finish can be corrected at a later date.
If weight means a lot to you in a CCW gun, the Airweight models will probably make you happier than a steel framed gun. Although, if you plan to shoot your carry gun at all frequently, I recommend a steel framed gun for durability as well as recoil reduction.
The S&W 642 is an excellent gun, but I prefer the Model 38 "Bodyguard Airweight" with the humpback hammer shroud. The lightweight guns will cost more, but that is offset by the comfort they offer for all-day/everyday carry.
45_Shooter
New member
Ah, you're probably right. If you only got one snub, it's probably better to have something that can be fixed cheap and easy, like an S&W J-frame or snubby K-frame.
It's too bad that the Colt D-frames fell by the wayside though. It truly was a beautiful way to run a revolver, and slightly better than their competition in almost every way because of it. I know that for the times I carry a snub, chances are the '65 vintage Cobra goes with me, even though I have J and K frames available for this purpose as well.
Technosavant
New member
For carry, especially pocket carry, I'd hold out for a lighter weight gun like the "UL" Taurus models or the Airweight Smiths. 15 ounces empty (plus ammo weight) is about all I want to carry in a pocket. The regular weight ones would be just fine on a belt, but sometimes you just want to toss it in your pocket and go.
Playboypenguin
Moderator
When it comes to snubbie revolvers, stay away from the discount brands like Charter Arms and Rossi. I would not even recommend Taurus.
Stick to Colt, S&W, and Ruger.
At the price you quoted, I would say stick with S&W. There are a lot of j-frames out there in perfect condition. I would recommend the .357mag versions. That way you can practice with .38spl but defend yourself with the mags.
I recently bought this S&W m640 for $380 and it is a great gun.
If you wants something a litle smaller go with a nice .38spl S&W m60 snubbie.
Stick to Colt, S&W, and Ruger.
At the price you quoted, I would say stick with S&W. There are a lot of j-frames out there in perfect condition. I would recommend the .357mag versions. That way you can practice with .38spl but defend yourself with the mags.
I recently bought this S&W m640 for $380 and it is a great gun.
If you wants something a litle smaller go with a nice .38spl S&W m60 snubbie.
Bud's has a new S&W 642 for $403
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/26498
Tack on a little more for the FFL transfer, and it's still pretty close to your $400 range.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/26498
Tack on a little more for the FFL transfer, and it's still pretty close to your $400 range.
Kreyzhorse
New member
Look at S&W, Ruger and/or Colt. Stay away from Taurus or Rossi. A cheap pistol will end up costing you much more in the long run. I know of which I speak. As a former Taurus owner, the few bucks I thought I'd save buying a Taurus M85 cost me a hell of a lot more than a new S&W would have had I just bought it first. (My new Taurus M85 seized up around 200 rounds - a fairly common issue with Taurus snubs)