Looking for a 2-4" Smith and Wesson for under $500

T

TheNocturnus

New member
I'm going to my LGS today and will be buying a .38 special revolver. I want a S&W, maybe a Ruger. What should I look for? The 642 is nice but a little light, I like my guns to have some weight to them. That being said, I'm not opposed to getting one.

Suggestions welcome. Thanks!
 
Lots of used guns on the market now. I had a 66-3 SS that I really liked and wished I hadn't traded it off. Lots of model 10, 64, and others that can usually be had for around $400. I paid $300 for the 66. It was a police buy back.
 
If you're patient, and depending on where you are, you should be able to find what you're looking for in either a J frame or a K frame.

Don't, though, rule out a Colt Official Police or Police Positive Special. The prices on those seem to be lagging behind the similar sized Smiths.

I recently bought an Official Police, 6", 1968 manufacture, for $370 out the door in Northern Virginia.
 
I got the model 642 airweight. It weighed more than I remembered it to. It just felt right in my hands plus I got it NIB for $400+tax.

They were out of JHP rounds though...:(
 
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Local shop has several S&W revolvers in the case for under $400. Three model 10's, one a snub nose and few S&W .32's.
 
I love my 638 for carry. After a few rounds at the range, my hand starts to object. Then I take out my Model 15 4" K frame and my Model 14 6" k frame. Three or four hundred rounds later my shoulders and back are tired, my hands feel fine. I can't carry either one in my front pocket. Different tools for different jobs.

Then you get into the N frames, the magnums...............
 
It has to be a really special K or J frame Smith & Wesson (at least used) to go for over $500.00. I've seen a few but they were mint/near mint 15's, 19's etc, with box and papers.
 
Congrats

I am currently wearing a 642-1 airweight pre lock model that cost me 350. You did well. These are a great little revolver. I origionally though my solution to a smaller summer carry would be a pocket 9mm. The Ruger LC9 failed me miserably and I decided to sacrifice capacity for reliability. I went with a desantis mini scabbard owb and have setteled on PDX-1 for my load being that it has proven to be the most reliable.

Kind Regards, Vermonter
 
I am currently wearing a 642-1 airweight pre lock model that cost me 350. You did well. These are a great little revolver. I origionally though my solution to a smaller summer carry would be a pocket 9mm. The Ruger LC9 failed me miserably and I decided to sacrifice capacity for reliability. I went with a desantis mini scabbard owb and have setteled on PDX-1 for my load being that it has proven to be the most reliable.

Kind Regards, Vermonter
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Mine is a 642-2 and it has the stupid lock on it. I have heard that there have been a few accounts of it engaging by itself. I hope that doesn't happen at a time when I need it.
 
Lock

There are threads here about how to modify that lock should you so choose to do so. My limited understanding is that small frame 357 mag guns tend to have more of an issue with it than .38

I am happy that I don't have to worry about the lock thing either way however if my piece had it I doubt I would go bubba gunsmithing something that came from one of the most reliable firearms manufacturers out there to start with.

YMMV just my thoughts

Congrats on the new piece let us know where she puts the lead.

With Kindest Regards, Vermonter
 
I am not about to start smithing on my Smith...:)

I am sure I have nothing to worry about. I haven't taken her to the range yet but I plan to go next week some time.
 
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