I'm 14 (soon to be 15) and I have fallen in love with the .357 magnum revolver because I happen to like large firearms. Anywho, I was considering getting a .357 because I can go plinking w/ .38 sp loads, and use .357 mag rounds for home defense (my parents aren't into guns so I'm the only line of defense.....me and my 12 GA.) I was wondering what I could get in this category for 200-250 dollars I really wouldn't consider a 2'' barrel, preferably a 6" but i'll take what I can get, 4'' would work too. thanks in advance!
.357 on a budget
- Thread starter rugerdude
- Start date
First as you stated your parents aren't into guns how are you planning on obtaining a handgun at only 14 years of age?
Second with that price range you are looking at used models (the bottom of the spectrum at that) and you should know how to inspect one to be sure it has no significant problems.
Second with that price range you are looking at used models (the bottom of the spectrum at that) and you should know how to inspect one to be sure it has no significant problems.
Aw, let the kid alone...
He can dream, can't he? I pulled it off at 14.
There are some decent revolvers that can be had for that money; and a good, used GP-100 can fill the bill nicely. GP's like the one described in the link can also be had with 4" tubes, if that suits you better.
Revolver buying can indeed be tricky, but there are basic procedures that make it a lot less risky.
You hang in there Rugerdude... about the time you hit 21 the years will click by so fast that you'll wish you could slow them down. I for one am just glad that the younger generation is interested in something besides Nintendo.
He can dream, can't he? I pulled it off at 14.
There are some decent revolvers that can be had for that money; and a good, used GP-100 can fill the bill nicely. GP's like the one described in the link can also be had with 4" tubes, if that suits you better.
Revolver buying can indeed be tricky, but there are basic procedures that make it a lot less risky.
You hang in there Rugerdude... about the time you hit 21 the years will click by so fast that you'll wish you could slow them down. I for one am just glad that the younger generation is interested in something besides Nintendo.
Well my dad is indifferent, he had a .22 and a 12 GA. shotgun. They were stolen and he didn't bother replacing them because he never shot them. I'm thinking that 15 will be the magic number. My first pistol will probably be a makarov, I just got back from the gun show and I love the little makarov, sure it's no .357 mag but it's alot larger than the .22 pistol my friend bought today, and less expensive. The clip release is a little funky though.
I second the Security Six. You can usally find one in your price range if you do some shopping around. I bought a new 4"s/s in 1977 and i'll never let it go.
Some other options:
I picked up a nib GP100 for $250 from a friend that wasn't renewing his ffl. you can usally find them reasonably priced at gun shows. They're great shootin' guns
Used N frame S&W. I bought a 6" S&W 28-2 with a worn finish (it has heavy wear on the cylinder and the end of the barrel) but in excellent mechinal condition for $200. N frame S&W'S are great for shooting heavy .357's.
Some other options:
I picked up a nib GP100 for $250 from a friend that wasn't renewing his ffl. you can usally find them reasonably priced at gun shows. They're great shootin' guns
Used N frame S&W. I bought a 6" S&W 28-2 with a worn finish (it has heavy wear on the cylinder and the end of the barrel) but in excellent mechinal condition for $200. N frame S&W'S are great for shooting heavy .357's.
Good lord, you bring back memories...when I was your age, I worked the summer breaking horses for the local farmers...bought myself a 22 ruger for $37.50 and had it shipped to the house. Mother almost had a cow, father thought it was funny!
Well, you might also consider Tarus. I picked one up a few years ago "used" for $150. It has a 3" barrel, but didn't show much wear. Stainless!
I also have a Makarov. Almost owned one in Viet Nam, but an officer conficated it from me. So, when they became available purchased a Russian "nib" for $109.00. My son was 10-12 then, so when I went to the desert and fired about 20 rounds he couldn't wait to finish up the other 5 boxes of shells. It is a reliable little gun, has never jammed, and is very accurate for such a compact weapon!
A nice balance of size, weight, power.
Personally, I think you should stay with a 22 ruger, can purchase 500 rounds of ammo for $10 at wal-mart..do a lot of plinking. Loaded with stingers it would ruin a Gremlin's day!
Well, you might also consider Tarus. I picked one up a few years ago "used" for $150. It has a 3" barrel, but didn't show much wear. Stainless!
I also have a Makarov. Almost owned one in Viet Nam, but an officer conficated it from me. So, when they became available purchased a Russian "nib" for $109.00. My son was 10-12 then, so when I went to the desert and fired about 20 rounds he couldn't wait to finish up the other 5 boxes of shells. It is a reliable little gun, has never jammed, and is very accurate for such a compact weapon!
A nice balance of size, weight, power.
Personally, I think you should stay with a 22 ruger, can purchase 500 rounds of ammo for $10 at wal-mart..do a lot of plinking. Loaded with stingers it would ruin a Gremlin's day!
Back when I was 12, I painted houses all summer with my father to earn my first handgun, a Ruger Super Single Six that I still shoot often. I wouldn't start dragging in laws and ownership issues into this. If his father gives permission and is willing to purchase the handgun, and instruct him with it (or seek instruction with him if necessary), why discourage it? That's like we as gun owners supporting gun control. We have to keep the younger generation interested in shooting REAL firearms, not computer games.
It's fine to like the larger calibers, but I would definately recommend owning a .22 revolver to start with. You will be able to afford to shoot much more factoring in both recoil and cost. I've learned more from a .22 revolver than any other firearm I own.
But, if you do insist on a .357, check into used S&W's. I would highly recommend a K-frame, 3-4". You can find them used in the $100-125 range in good cosmetic shape and excellent mechanical shape. As for the Taurus suggestion, they are either hit or miss. If you have a good one, they are great. If you need to use their "Lifetime Warranty", you may as well melt the gun down and start over. By the time they fix it or replace it correctly, you will have over $100 into shipping costs. I'm talking from experience. Even when they don't fix it the first time, they won't pay for return shipping like quality companies like S&W and Ruger, who both have excellent customer service.
It's great to see a teenager asking responsible questions about firearms and keeping the sport alive. I know that my interest in firearms kept me focused and out of trouble growing up. I hope that tradition continues in many others.
It's fine to like the larger calibers, but I would definately recommend owning a .22 revolver to start with. You will be able to afford to shoot much more factoring in both recoil and cost. I've learned more from a .22 revolver than any other firearm I own.
But, if you do insist on a .357, check into used S&W's. I would highly recommend a K-frame, 3-4". You can find them used in the $100-125 range in good cosmetic shape and excellent mechanical shape. As for the Taurus suggestion, they are either hit or miss. If you have a good one, they are great. If you need to use their "Lifetime Warranty", you may as well melt the gun down and start over. By the time they fix it or replace it correctly, you will have over $100 into shipping costs. I'm talking from experience. Even when they don't fix it the first time, they won't pay for return shipping like quality companies like S&W and Ruger, who both have excellent customer service.
It's great to see a teenager asking responsible questions about firearms and keeping the sport alive. I know that my interest in firearms kept me focused and out of trouble growing up. I hope that tradition continues in many others.
There's nothing wrong with dreaming (we all do it), but there is also reality. He said his dad is indifferent and post of his dad once owning firearms, but he's also hoping that 15 will be the magic number. That seems to say that dad hasn't actually given him the ok to have a handgun and he's hoping that when he turns 15 he will.
We all know what it's like to be a kid, but we also know he has to learn to face reality if his wishes don't come true. Now is the time for him to prepare if he hears the word no and some of the reasons why (like the laws).
RugerDude you may fair better by starting off asking if you could own a .22lr of some sort. You could afford to shoot that more and more importantly it would seem less menacing than the .357mag to a lot of people. Don't set your goals to high at first. You have plenty of time to climb the ladder to reach higher goals.
We all know what it's like to be a kid, but we also know he has to learn to face reality if his wishes don't come true. Now is the time for him to prepare if he hears the word no and some of the reasons why (like the laws).
RugerDude you may fair better by starting off asking if you could own a .22lr of some sort. You could afford to shoot that more and more importantly it would seem less menacing than the .357mag to a lot of people. Don't set your goals to high at first. You have plenty of time to climb the ladder to reach higher goals.
FrankDrebin
Moderator
Did you tell your parents that you plan on buying a pistol??? And that you consider yourself the first line of defense in the house with your shotgun? If I were you father.....I'd make you put 20 dollars a month into a conservative mutual fund (or, hell, Smith and Wesson stock even) and let you buy whatever you want when I thought you were ready for it. I don't know you, but in my opinion, 15 is too young for the majority of kids to be buying guns....the great majority I might add....
Hey, thanks for the input, but my aunt just solved the problem. I was talking to her about her .357 magnum and she said she won't sell it and doesn't use it much so I could borrow it from her when I go shooting! The best part is, it is exactly what I wanted, 6in. barrel and stainless steel. As for my first handgun, you guys are right as much as I hate to admit it, it would be smarter to ask for the .22. I just got back from my friends house where we tried out his new ruger 22/45 and my new ramline 25 round magazine, both worked flawlessly and were really fun. However I don't think i'll ask for the ruger, buckmark intead, i've heard that they are very comparable in quality to the rugers. Oh yeah, my dad said no to my shotgun the first time I asked, you just need to talk about it with him for a while.
czech_vz24
Inactive
Correct Fit
One thing to consider in purchasing a revolver, other than cost, is whether it will fit your hand. Years ago, I was a police officer with a large California city. I am not giving any legal advice, since I am not current on the applicable laws. At that time we were required to purchase our own side arm, a sizeable purchase while still in the academy. No one wanted to buy the wrong pistol and be stuck with it. At that time our department only authorized revolvers, .357 magnum, 4" barrel, double action and either Smith & Wesson, Colt or Ruger. We had a very knowlegeable range master. He said to try all the different makes and see which one felt best in your hand. He said that the best and most comfortable feel would effect your individual accuracy, especially in a draw and fire and high stress situation. He also said to check the fit of the revolver to your hand. He said that changing grips on the pistol can help, but you can't change the distance between the trigger and the back strap. If the distance is too far, you will be reaching for the trigger and pulling your shots. He said Colt was on the larger side and to be careful. I have a small hand. I tried them all. I tried the Ruger (it was the least expensive) but I just did not like the "feel". The Colt Python was a mean looking thing with the ventilated rib! But, alas, it was too far for me to reach the trigger comfortably. I finally decided on the Smith & Wesson Model 19. I still have it and like it. My daughter took a hand gun class in Junior College and she likes to shoot it as well. A class mate in the academy bought the Colt Python. He also had small hands. He had trouble qualifying with it. He purchased several different types and sizes of grips, but could never get it right.
Richard
One thing to consider in purchasing a revolver, other than cost, is whether it will fit your hand. Years ago, I was a police officer with a large California city. I am not giving any legal advice, since I am not current on the applicable laws. At that time we were required to purchase our own side arm, a sizeable purchase while still in the academy. No one wanted to buy the wrong pistol and be stuck with it. At that time our department only authorized revolvers, .357 magnum, 4" barrel, double action and either Smith & Wesson, Colt or Ruger. We had a very knowlegeable range master. He said to try all the different makes and see which one felt best in your hand. He said that the best and most comfortable feel would effect your individual accuracy, especially in a draw and fire and high stress situation. He also said to check the fit of the revolver to your hand. He said that changing grips on the pistol can help, but you can't change the distance between the trigger and the back strap. If the distance is too far, you will be reaching for the trigger and pulling your shots. He said Colt was on the larger side and to be careful. I have a small hand. I tried them all. I tried the Ruger (it was the least expensive) but I just did not like the "feel". The Colt Python was a mean looking thing with the ventilated rib! But, alas, it was too far for me to reach the trigger comfortably. I finally decided on the Smith & Wesson Model 19. I still have it and like it. My daughter took a hand gun class in Junior College and she likes to shoot it as well. A class mate in the academy bought the Colt Python. He also had small hands. He had trouble qualifying with it. He purchased several different types and sizes of grips, but could never get it right.
Richard
rugerdude, good luck with the acquisition. I was working the same action around 24 years ago. I have several Makarovs and have never met one I did not like. You could get a nice one and 1k rounds for 250 if you are patient. I’ve recently bought a 2 3/4" Security Six for 199.00 in excellent shape. And a 4" Smith & Wesson M-19 nickel in excellent shape for 225. My best buy however was a Ruger 22/45 I probably have 30k rounds thru it and it’s accurate and dependable if you keep your mags clean. I can afford to shoot a whole lot more .22 than .38 or .357.
Exhibiting maturity, patience and self control around, and in your dealings with your parents would not hurt.
Once again GOOD LUCK!
Mike
Exhibiting maturity, patience and self control around, and in your dealings with your parents would not hurt.
Once again GOOD LUCK!
Mike
Throckmorton
New member
About your shooting buddy/friend...
Might I inquire if he is of legal age to own/shoot a handgun?I too applaud your interest in firearms and hope you learn to respect and enjoy them,but...
We here don't want your posts to be written on a jailhouse computer.Minor(s) posessing handguns in most states is not legal,and we'd hate to hear of you and your friend getting into hot water while just trying to have fun.
No one has suggested a Ruger Blackhawk yet,so I will.
The used ones are close to your pricerange,and they are heck for stout firearms.I would prefer to see a new shooter armed with a revo than a semi.Much easier to operate,clean,and handle in general.
Good luck in your persuit of a firearm.You sound like a young man who has his act together.
Might I inquire if he is of legal age to own/shoot a handgun?I too applaud your interest in firearms and hope you learn to respect and enjoy them,but...
We here don't want your posts to be written on a jailhouse computer.Minor(s) posessing handguns in most states is not legal,and we'd hate to hear of you and your friend getting into hot water while just trying to have fun.
No one has suggested a Ruger Blackhawk yet,so I will.
The used ones are close to your pricerange,and they are heck for stout firearms.I would prefer to see a new shooter armed with a revo than a semi.Much easier to operate,clean,and handle in general.
Good luck in your persuit of a firearm.You sound like a young man who has his act together.
Despite all the BS...
spread by Klinton's ATF during that regime, I am aware of no FEDERAL law that prohibits a minor from possessing a handgun for recreational/hunting purposes, so long as they are in the presence of their parent or have written permission from them. States may vary. I have been teaching kids to shoot for years and I'll be damned if I'm going to stop now.
Juvenile Handgun Safety Act of 1993 (Introduced in House)HR 3466 IH
103d CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3466
To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit the possession of a handgun or handgun ammunition by, or the private transfer of a handgun or handgun ammunition to, a juvenile.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
November 8, 1993
Mr. OBEY introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A BILL
To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit the possession of a handgun or handgun ammunition by, or the private transfer of a handgun or handgun ammunition to, a juvenile.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Juvenile Handgun Safety Act of 1993'.
SEC. 2. PROHIBITION OF THE POSSESSION OF A HANDGUN OR HANDGUN AMMUNITION BY, OR THE PRIVATE TRANSFER OF A HANDGUN OR HANDGUN AMMUNITION TO, A JUVENILE.
(a) DEFINITION- Section 921(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
`(29) The term `handgun' means--
`(A) a firearm that has a short stock and is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand; and
`(B) any combination of parts from which a firearm described in subparagraph (A) can be assembled.'.
(b) OFFENSE- Section 922 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following:
`(s)(1)(A) It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, deliver, or transfer to a juvenile--
`(i) a handgun; or
`(ii) ammunition that is suitable for use only in a handgun.
`(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to a transfer of a handgun to a juvenile--
`(i) with the permission of a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian of the juvenile;
`(ii) for target practice, hunting, competition, or a course of instruction in the safe use of a handgun, under the supervision of an adult who is not prohibited by Federal, State, or local law from possessing a firearm; and
`(iii) in accordance with State and local law.
`(2)(A) It shall be unlawful for any person who is a juvenile to possess--
`(i) a handgun; or
`(ii) ammunition that is suitable for use only in a handgun.
`(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to the possession of a handgun by a juvenile--
`(i) during target practice, hunting, competition, or a course of instruction in the safe use of a handgun, under the supervision of an adult who is not prohibited by Federal, State, or local law from possessing a firearm; and
`(ii) in accordance with State and local law.
`(3) For purposes of this subsection, the term `juvenile' means a person who has not attained 18 years of age.'.
(c) PENALTY- Section 924(a) of such title is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking `paragraph (2) or (3) of'; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
`(5) A person who knowingly violates section 922(s) shall be fined not more than $1,000, imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both.'.
PDF version is at http://www.atf.gov/pub/fire-explo_pub/i53002.pdf
spread by Klinton's ATF during that regime, I am aware of no FEDERAL law that prohibits a minor from possessing a handgun for recreational/hunting purposes, so long as they are in the presence of their parent or have written permission from them. States may vary. I have been teaching kids to shoot for years and I'll be damned if I'm going to stop now.
Juvenile Handgun Safety Act of 1993 (Introduced in House)HR 3466 IH
103d CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3466
To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit the possession of a handgun or handgun ammunition by, or the private transfer of a handgun or handgun ammunition to, a juvenile.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
November 8, 1993
Mr. OBEY introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A BILL
To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit the possession of a handgun or handgun ammunition by, or the private transfer of a handgun or handgun ammunition to, a juvenile.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Juvenile Handgun Safety Act of 1993'.
SEC. 2. PROHIBITION OF THE POSSESSION OF A HANDGUN OR HANDGUN AMMUNITION BY, OR THE PRIVATE TRANSFER OF A HANDGUN OR HANDGUN AMMUNITION TO, A JUVENILE.
(a) DEFINITION- Section 921(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
`(29) The term `handgun' means--
`(A) a firearm that has a short stock and is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand; and
`(B) any combination of parts from which a firearm described in subparagraph (A) can be assembled.'.
(b) OFFENSE- Section 922 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following:
`(s)(1)(A) It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, deliver, or transfer to a juvenile--
`(i) a handgun; or
`(ii) ammunition that is suitable for use only in a handgun.
`(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to a transfer of a handgun to a juvenile--
`(i) with the permission of a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian of the juvenile;
`(ii) for target practice, hunting, competition, or a course of instruction in the safe use of a handgun, under the supervision of an adult who is not prohibited by Federal, State, or local law from possessing a firearm; and
`(iii) in accordance with State and local law.
`(2)(A) It shall be unlawful for any person who is a juvenile to possess--
`(i) a handgun; or
`(ii) ammunition that is suitable for use only in a handgun.
`(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to the possession of a handgun by a juvenile--
`(i) during target practice, hunting, competition, or a course of instruction in the safe use of a handgun, under the supervision of an adult who is not prohibited by Federal, State, or local law from possessing a firearm; and
`(ii) in accordance with State and local law.
`(3) For purposes of this subsection, the term `juvenile' means a person who has not attained 18 years of age.'.
(c) PENALTY- Section 924(a) of such title is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking `paragraph (2) or (3) of'; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
`(5) A person who knowingly violates section 922(s) shall be fined not more than $1,000, imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both.'.
PDF version is at http://www.atf.gov/pub/fire-explo_pub/i53002.pdf
invssgt
[Despite all the BS...
spread by Klinton's ATF during that regime, I am aware of no FEDERAL law that prohibits a minor from possessing a handgun for recreational/hunting purposes, so long as they are in the presence of their parent or have written permission from them. States may vary. I have been teaching kids to shoot for years and I'll be damned if I'm going to stop now.]
I am sure that each of us here supports his desire to own and shoot guns. I sure do, and I got my first gun at the age of 10 with no adult present at the prurchase.
However, times have changed, and rangerdude has made no mention of whether he has permission, or lives in a state which would prohibit his possession of a handgun without the presence of his parent or guardian.
Accordingly, a couple of us have brought up the subject, instead of ignoring it. I have no desire to see him or his parents in a legal jam because he did not know the law or chose to ignore it.
I am glad that you teach the young to shoot, and I am glad that the law you posted does permit it as far as the feds are concerned. However, I don't know what state he resides in or what the laws of that state are. To completely ignore the complications of the laws and his age would be irresponsible. If all is legal, then GREAT, and I hope he has a long and happy experience with owning and shooting, firearms.
Jerry
[Despite all the BS...
spread by Klinton's ATF during that regime, I am aware of no FEDERAL law that prohibits a minor from possessing a handgun for recreational/hunting purposes, so long as they are in the presence of their parent or have written permission from them. States may vary. I have been teaching kids to shoot for years and I'll be damned if I'm going to stop now.]
I am sure that each of us here supports his desire to own and shoot guns. I sure do, and I got my first gun at the age of 10 with no adult present at the prurchase.
However, times have changed, and rangerdude has made no mention of whether he has permission, or lives in a state which would prohibit his possession of a handgun without the presence of his parent or guardian.
Accordingly, a couple of us have brought up the subject, instead of ignoring it. I have no desire to see him or his parents in a legal jam because he did not know the law or chose to ignore it.
I am glad that you teach the young to shoot, and I am glad that the law you posted does permit it as far as the feds are concerned. However, I don't know what state he resides in or what the laws of that state are. To completely ignore the complications of the laws and his age would be irresponsible. If all is legal, then GREAT, and I hope he has a long and happy experience with owning and shooting, firearms.
Jerry
Sarge,
I agree.
I think it would be well if some of us or one of us would make a short list of the basic legal and safety requirements that should be considered and followed prior to getting the gun.
Since you mentioned that you trained youth would you consider doing that? If not, I will take a stab at it. It would be a good thing for all of us to file for future reference.
Although I disagree with many of the provisions of the gun laws, as everyone here does, they are the law. The law you printed, and the "Youth Handgun Safety Act Notice" http://www.atf.gov/pub/fire-explo_pub/i53002.pdf contain some very restrictive provisions. Not one of us would want Dude or his parents or the aunt to find themselves in legal trouble.
Let's us give him, and others, a short "paper" that hopefully will prevent a problem due to ignorance.
I have a friend who I believe was the youngest Distinguished Marksman in the nation until recently. He got it at the age of 13 I think. A girl of 12 has now replaced him as the youngest he told me.
The youth such as Dude are the next generations to uphold our liberty, and to stand in the gap. I agree with you that we should encourage gun ownership and do it in a manner that will hopefully lead to responsible gun use in all areas.
Thanks,
Jerry
I agree.
I think it would be well if some of us or one of us would make a short list of the basic legal and safety requirements that should be considered and followed prior to getting the gun.
Since you mentioned that you trained youth would you consider doing that? If not, I will take a stab at it. It would be a good thing for all of us to file for future reference.
Although I disagree with many of the provisions of the gun laws, as everyone here does, they are the law. The law you printed, and the "Youth Handgun Safety Act Notice" http://www.atf.gov/pub/fire-explo_pub/i53002.pdf contain some very restrictive provisions. Not one of us would want Dude or his parents or the aunt to find themselves in legal trouble.
Let's us give him, and others, a short "paper" that hopefully will prevent a problem due to ignorance.
I have a friend who I believe was the youngest Distinguished Marksman in the nation until recently. He got it at the age of 13 I think. A girl of 12 has now replaced him as the youngest he told me.
The youth such as Dude are the next generations to uphold our liberty, and to stand in the gap. I agree with you that we should encourage gun ownership and do it in a manner that will hopefully lead to responsible gun use in all areas.
Thanks,
Jerry