J&G still has advertised Model 64s (stainless Model 10s) for $259.95 in "good" condition or VG cond. for $299.95
Thats similar to the ad they had when I got mine, and for the same gun. Its good to see they are coming back down, although having just gone there, the $259 specials are no longer listed.
They had some other trade in S&W's a few months back, Model 10's I think, that werent in all that great shape "looking" wise, and the price was nearly duoble what this offer is.
My 64 has been a great shooter, and when I got it, was the cleanest gun Ive ever bought, new or used. There wasnt a speck of anything, anywhere. When I patched the barrel, it actually came out as white as it when it. I dont know how they cleaned them, but it was impressive.
Shooting wise, they are soft shooting, even with hotter loads, have smooth and light DAO triggers, and are the usual, S&W accurate.
Not everyone who wants to buy some insurance by having a gun available wants to make a lifestyle out of it. And it shouldn't be necessary.
No one is saying you need to make a lifestyle out of it, but you do have to put in the time and effort to at least be reasonably proficient with whatever it is you choose. That normally requires basic firearms training and regular practice.
If you cant do that, then a firearm is probably not the best choice for you.
I don't recall anybody asking this question, but do your g/f and her family plan to train with the gun they purchase, or simply stick it in a drawer until they hear the door being kicked in?
I'd just guess they won't train much, won't take classes in SD ... if that's the case, recommending a revolver in any caliber, IMHO, is a recipe for trouble.
I agree, and for anything they choose.
The thought that you have a gun might be comforting, but your deluding yourself if you dont learn how to properly use it, and at least train with it regularly.
Another issue with revolvers is reloading. Even with speedloaders, if you don't practice regularly, replacing a mag (again in my opinion) is a much easier skill to acquire than dumping used brass and getting a revolver back in action.
Speed loaders do require regular practice, and are often a challenge to those unfamiliar with them, and thats just at the range with no stress involved.
Then there is the issue of having to repeatedly do the revolver reload (assuming youre even prepared for it), and in some cases, 3-1 compared to some of the autos. This is one of those cases that emphasizes the advantages of the hicap autos.
But again, even going with one of the simpler auto's, you still have the basic training and practice issues that need to be done, if youre not familiar.