I am interested in a revolver and have some questions (first time buyer)

I am a revolver guy. Of my many revolvers, most are "range toys". Three of them are for self defense.

When I sleep I have a 4" medium framed 357 near me.

When I CC I prefer my "snub" 44. It has a barrel about 2" long (might be 2.5").

If I am not wearing a coat I carry a snub 38 with a 2" barrel.

They are all more than accurate enough for self defense. I am not a good enough shot to shoot the snubs well at 25 yards, but the 4" is no problem. With any of them hitting a paper plate at seven yards is easy.

The 44 feels good to me. The bullets seem huge compared to 38's. My understanding is that the 32 magnums, 38 specials, 357's, 44's, and 45's (or 9mm) are all effective for SD - with the right ammunition. I like the 44's, but that is just personal preference.

I have revolvers from S&W, Ruger, Taurus, Rossi, Charter Arms, H&R, and various lesser-known makers. I don't care who made them. I just want them to function properly. If they function perfectly for hundreds of rounds, I start to trust them. After several years of that, I am confident that they will go bang every time. That's what matters to me, not who made it or how much it cost.

I have a bunch of semi-automatics. They are all reliable, or I wouldn't keep them. But they can be limp wristed or pushed out of battery. If they malfunctioned in an emergency, it would be MY fault, not the gun's fault. Since I occasionally make a semi-automatic malfunction, and have yet to make a revolver do so, I prefer revolvers for SD. That is just my personal preference. There is nothing wrong with semi-autos. I am an older guy who grew up with revolvers, so it's not surprising that I prefer them.
 
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Here's a link to a 3" Rossi 461. The 3" 461 is very hard to find. The 461 is an excellent revolver. Its a 6 shot 357. I wouldn't wait too long if you truly want a 3". These don't show up very often...

3" Rossi 461
 
I've had several steel frame small revolvers. A S&W model 60, a 3" barrel Rossi and I still have a Charter Arms that I inherited. The Rossi shot fine and the Model 60 was even better with its bigger front sight but I found myself not carrying them. The Model 60 weighs about the same loaded with five rounds as a G26 weighs with ten rounds. A lot of people like carrying the steel frame snubbies but they aren't for me.


I like the ability to swap sights which isn't easy to do on many small revolvers. A revolver like this gives you the ability to swap sights (I put an XS Big Dot on mine) and it easy to tote.


I think this one also has a pinned front sight.
 
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Again... a rare occurrence. I understand you had problems, and anytime someone asks about Charter, you tell your story, but its not a common problem with Charter. I just searched Google, and I can find 2 reports of broken transfer bars, plus yours, makes 3. If Charter was shipping guns that broke transfer bars as often as yours, the forums would be full of complaints, but to be honest, yours is one of the few I have seen.
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<shrug>. He asked, I answered. I have not exaggerated my experience. I g00gle searched too, and found some instances. I speculate that there may have been a bad batch of transfer bars.

I may try Charter again, sometime. If I have time, and my medical issues don't run us down to poverty.
 
Back in the early 70's I had a couple CA's in .32 cal. No problems with either. I have also had a few Taurus's, 2 gave me problems, but I've had a 941 (22mag) for 20 years and will likely keep it for the long haul.

Many people don't like J-Frames due to the 5 round capacity. Many people buy 357's that also shoot 38spcl and never fire the 357's because of kick. I have one less that 12 ounces. The kick is brutal.

You can get bigger 38/357 revolvers with more capacity. Some w/6, 7 and even 8 round capacity.

You may get a better gun if you buy S&W used over CA or Taurus new.

Lots to consider, have fun.
 
I have 3 older S&W snubs But I grab my OLD charter Arms 3" 44 spl. 200 gr gold dot or silver tip HP. A 38 may expand to 44 but a 44 200 grHP not going to shrink to a 38. Draw back ammo expensive and can be hard to fine HP :mad:

I agree on the old model 10 I think buds have for around 300 at present I saw one other day guy had bought at buds was a 4" heavy barrel Had some holster where but every thing else was fine .
 
I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used Model 10 from Bud's. I got an ancient used Model 10 last year and it shoots just fine.

If money were extremely tight I would strongly consider one of the surplus Taurus Model 82's (and maybe 80's?) I have seen on Gunbroker. They are $189. I own quite a few surplus guns. Almost all of them were carried a lot and shot seldom.
 
I did not read through all the post so if someone mentioned this already sorry. I'd looks into a ruger lcr. My edc is the .38 special version. I have the night sights and a boot grip for occasional pocket carry but the weapon is available in different sight, grip and frame configurations. I don't own any smith and wessons but the competing ruger lcr is known for a better trigger and maybe even improved shoot ability in that regard. I love mine it's great for the job. It replaced my heavier steel sp101 mainly because of its lighter weight and it's ability to shoot as well as the larger steel counter parts in my opinion. In other words I believe it shoots and handles recoil very well for its low weight. I may acquire a 9mm variant in the future fun.
 
I love the idea of a 3 inch revolver. That is what I really want. However....unless I do a lot more saving....I do not know of any brands that sell a 3inch revolver that is not $500 or more. I have Charter Arms, Taurus, Rossi money. LOL
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Keep your eyes open for a 3 inch S&W 64. I've bought a couple of these in the last few years for $400-450. I keep them around the house for the wife.
 
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