Low cost .38spc / .357 mag

[alexD92]

Hey guys,
I've had a little revolver bug coming and going for a while now. I'm curious, what's available that won't break the bank in the .38 special (preferably) or .357 magnum range of wheel guns?

Cheers,
Alex

 

[Can-down]

Blackhawk's are nice single actions. They may seem small in the hand but once you learn how to grip a cowboy style grip the .357 is a nice gun.

Sometimes older S&W's pop up in .38special that get overlooked.

 

[alpining]

Agree with Can-down about vintage S&Ws. I jumped on a 1960s Model 10 that came up on the EE, and I am very pleased. I think you see shooter-grade 38Spl S&Ws from $300-$500 depending on condition. A bit higher for the 357. You just have to be patient. Or lucky!

 

[BP7]

Ruger GP100 isn't terribly expensive, and it's built stout. choice of blued or stainless, 4.2" or 6" barrel.

or some single-action / cowboy style pieces, for a few bucks less. nice looks, charming operation.

 

[josquin]

...Sometimes older S&W's pop up in .38special that get overlooked.

TradeEx (site sponsor above, TEC) has some Model 14 .38 Specials in stock. They aren't "cheap" at $500 but you'll never regret buying a S&W. I have a 14-3 and it's a beaut.
And you can probably find a used Ruger GP100 or SP101 on the EE. Perhaps not as refined as a S&W but Rugers are well-made and durable.

 

[Bitumen]

Get a .357 mag. You can shoot .38 special with it too if you want.
I have a S&W 686 .357 mag. You can find them easier than the Ruger GP100.

 

[TheHitman]

Ruger GP100 would be ideal. its built like a tank and will last forever. S&W 686 is slightly better but it cost a few hundred more.

 

[Bitumen]

Ruger GP100 would be ideal. its built like a tank and will last forever. S&W 686 is slightly better but it cost a few hundred more.

Ya, 'dat is true. If I could of found a GP100 I would to bought it. Instead a had to shell out some extra dough for the S&W.

 

[TheHitman]

Ya, 'dat is true. If I could of found a GP100 I would to bought it. Instead a had to shell out some extra dough for the S&W.

can't go wrong with either. the 686 is beautiful

 

[mwjones]

I don't think trade-ex has any more of those revolvers :S I have a K38 target masterpiece (though not from them) and it's a great little revolver. I figured I would use it for PPC, but the combination of the little k frame and big target grips precludes using a speedloader (won't even fit past using hogue or pachmayrs). Turns out it was made for Bullseye.

 

[josquin]

I don't think trade-ex has any more of those revolvers :S I have a K38 target masterpiece (though not from them) and it's a great little revolver. I figured I would use it for PPC, but the combination of the little k frame and big target grips precludes using a speedloader (won't even fit past using hogue or pachmayrs). Turns out it was made for Bullseye.

Their website shows one 14-2 and K-38 still available as of 6am PDT today. My 14-3 also has the big target grips and my speedloaders will fit, but just. Those big grips sure feel nice in the hand, though. You can always get smaller grips from S&W or Altamont (who actually make them for S&W I believe.)

Stuart

 

[mwjones]

The grips I have even have the speed loader cutout, and yes, you can just barely get a hks or safariland speed loader through if you swing the cylinder open about 85% of the way. Kind of precludes doing it quickly when you hav to sit there wiggling things around, and the speed loader gets hung up on the grips on the way in AND out. The option is to get a set of these:

instead of these:

And then import some of these:

 

[Lead hammer]

Cabelas in S'toon has a used S&W stainless rubber grip 357.
$600 I think it was.

 

[Hellbroke]

I don't think anywhere's has GP100's right now since ruger is so far behind on production. I would love to buy one, got the revolver bug myself too. Haven't really read much on the 686 though it looks like it will have to be an option now. I think having a Blackhawk would be kool too.