Can this be fixed?

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Decided to test out my RG 38 snub with some 125 grain Blazer +P loads. I have fired 3 +P rounds before when I first got it and everything worked fine. Anyways I decided to rapid fire a whole 6 yesterday and felt some spit on the 5th round. Tried to open the cylinder and couldn't so I let it cool off for and hour. I figured I was pulling too fast so I loaded up 3 more rounds. Bad Idea. Ended up blowing the barrel off and splitting part of the frame.

Before
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After
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Question is can a gunsmith fix it?
 
Sure it can be fixed. But the fact is that the cost of repair would be far above the cost of a new, and more expensive, revolver.

Can it be fixed? Practically, no.

Why were you shooting full power .38 Specials in that gun in the first place?

Bob Wright
 
Welcome to the forum.

More knowledgeable folk then me will shortly be along to give you more complete answers but let me take a stab at it.

No.

The frame is busted. The frame has the serial number so if it was replaced you'd legally have to count it as a new firearm...better just to GET a new firearm and may I suggest a S&W or Ruger or Colt. Actually the frame might be fixed but it would cost more than a new gun...there would probably be welding involved honing, finishing, rebarreling, (did the barrel burst too?)...all in all totally NOT worth it for an 'economy' handgun like this. Once again check out a new or used S&W, Colt or Ruger.

Just curious is this gun rated for +P ammunition?
 
Hmmm...started my answer when there were NO other answers...see what I mean about getting answers here:rolleyes:

And yeah, like others have said we should have said we're glad you were not hurt...yet another reason to wear shooting glasses.
 
No just a regular .38 special I got for $80 :) and the +p was the only 38 ammo I had on hand. I dont mind spending $200-$300 to get it fix just need to know if I can replace the barrel and fix the split frame.

Btw I live in Texas where we dont need to register
 
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Decided to test out my RG 38 snub with some 125 grain Blazer +P loads. I have fired 3 +P rounds before when I first got it and everything worked fine. Anyways I decided to rapid fire a whole 6 yesterday and felt some spit on the 5th round. Tried to open the cylinder and couldn't so I let it cool off for and hour. I figured I was pulling too fast so I loaded up 3 more rounds. Bad Idea. Ended up blowing the barrel off and splitting part of the frame.
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Can it be fixed? Practically, no. Time for a new gun.

JB Weld the barrel in place, and keep the gun around in case a gun "buy back" ever offers you anything for it. Never attempt to shoot it again. ---edit to add--- And fill the cylinder holes with JB Weld. You don't want this thing actually used

I dont mind spending $200-$300 to get it fix just need to know if I can replace the barrel and fix the split frame.
Click to expand...

That's the kind of money that could get you into a used (or maybe new, if you shop well/get lucky) Charter Arms or Taurus. Far better option.
 
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Oh my...

So you bough the gun for $80, but are willing to get it fixed for $300?

I'm sure it can be done, but I'm not even sure if $300 will cover it.
 
all joking aside,throw it away, you got lucky, take your $300 to the LGS or pawn shop, look in the used guns and pick you one out, stay with names that are at least common, Rossi, Tuarus, S&W, Ruger, heck even the 2 RIA .38 are pretty decent and you can get either of them new for around $300.
If the one you pick out is not +P rated do not shoot +P ammo in it, look at your hand ,wiggle your fingers, admire it, that is the only one you get try not to blow it off.
 
It could be fixed. Anything can be fixed if you're willing to spend enough money and replace enough parts.

Realistically, it is more practical to repair this car used in a 100 MPH crash test than it is to repair your gun.

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Even if it could be fixed, it is no something anyone would ever trust (and shouldn't). I have been warned to not use +p in my 70s era 38 Special even though it looks like the newer ones that were made for it.
 
The correct answer is no, it cannot be fixed no matter how much money you throw at it. The frame is a nonferrous alloy and there is not a full strength joining method that will hold a new receiver ring in place.

I think lee n field has the answer. See if you can find the barrel, glue it in place, and surrender it for a pair of sneakers.
 
I'm trying to think of something constructive to say here and not sound like a jerk, but it seems to me the first BAD IDEA was trusting an $80 gun to do anything BUT blow up in your hand. If that's all you can afford to spend on a defensive weapon, buy a few cans of pepper spray. I'm being totally serious.
 
RG's were the ultimate Saturday Night Special. There is a very good reason they aren't produced anymore. You would have been FAR better putting your $80 towards a decent revolver.
 
I like the idea of the gun buy back, maybe just JB weld it together.

My first thought is to just sell the good parts.
 
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