Revolvers to stay away from

B

BoogieMan

New member
I am new to the revolver field, I have to buy 4 handguns in the next 120 days do to the NJ permit process. One ever 31 days. One of them will without a doubt be a 460XVR. Other than that I plan to go rather instinctive as to what looks good at the store at the given time. If I stick with the majors Ruger, S&W, Colt are there any I should stay away from? How about some of the lesser known brands like Dan Wesson? I prefer to buy used when available. I just dont want to find a deal only to find out later that its a known trouble gun.
All 4 probably wont be revolvers. I have had my eye on some relic SA's like Luger, P38, Astra, Frommer, FEG etc.. I love commy guns for the crude simplicity.
 
The NJ Permit process sucks - been there done that.

Since you are buying "lifetime" guns, I suggest all steel name brand guns. For revolvers, it is hard to go wrong with a Smith & Wesson or Sturm Ruger. I would suggest:
a K frame .22lr (S&W 17, 18 or 617)
an L Frame .357 Mag (S&W 686) or a Ruger GP100

Colt made some good guns too, but they are more expensive and require a trip back to the factory is they need service.
 
On the autos, quality Lugers are always a good investment, but they are pricey. P.38's also are good for retaining value, and cost less to begin with; postwar versions like the P1 are reliable but have less collector value.

Frommer and Astra guns are mostly colletibles as the factories are out of business and parts are either not available or scarce.

I might suggest a 1911 type pistol in .45 ACP, either a WWII GI or something like the Colt, the Remington R1 or the Ruger 1911. The GI pistol would be pricey, but with excellent collector value plus being a very practical and durable pistol.

Jim
 
Stick with S&W for double action, Ruger for single-action.
Many don't seem to take it into account, but a good used 40 year-old S&W K-frame in .38 Special at $400-$500 is one of the greatest handgun bargains out there when you consider that there simply isn't a new production revolver of that quality available at double the money.
 
As for which guns, I would keep it simple. This is how I would approach it but not how everyone would.

Carry gun, range/love gun, light duty target gun and secondary carry gun.

Here is the idea.

Get a .22 for the range, fun, etc. it's cheap to shoot. A Smith DA revolver or a Ruger SA will both fit the bill fine.

Get a matching pair of carry guns, 9mm is as inexpensive as it gets. Think about it, if you actually use one in self defense it will be seized as evidence and you will need a backup. They don't actually have to be the same model but it would be nice if they were close, form follows function.

The last is the sweat Heart, maybe a Beretta 92FS Inox or a nice Sig Combat Elite, A nice 1911 would be great too unless you think they are not your thing. A Gun that is really nice and you just thinks it's a really nice gun. Whatever caliber you want will work just fine.

This is a suggestion on how to approach the situation as a whole, add personal preference and you are set.
 
I am a Colt man, but I second those who recommend S&W or Ruger due to availability of parts and factory support. A Dan Wesson Pistol Pac,when found complete,is also a good choice.
 
Dan Wessons are excellent. I have a couple and they are among my favorites. You used to see used ones fairly often, not so much anymore.
 
The one revolver that I suggest staying away from is the Taurus .44 mag.
Instead of recoil that lifts the barrel, the grip will destroy the heel of your hand.
Every one that I have shot does this, and even with light range reloads, it really hurts and is no fun to shoot.

Eric
 
I'd steer clear of Taurus, especially the M85 model. I owned one that was problematic at best. A quick search will find other examples on this forum.

As for Ruger or S&W, you really can't go wrong with either. Both also stand behind their products if you do have any issues.
 
Many don't seem to take it into account, but a good used 40 year-old S&W K-frame in .38 Special at $400-$500 is one of the greatest handgun bargains out there when you consider that there simply isn't a new production revolver of that quality available at double the money.
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I understand what your talking about 100% Like old Belgium Browning, LC Smith, Purdy etc... My buddy has a pre 70's maybe older S&W .38special with 6" barrel and target sights. The F&F and blueing on that gun are impeccable.
I love older handworked guns because they have more personality. New CNC machined guns are fantastic and the fact that they can make and sell them at the price they do is somewhat extraordinary.
 
Dude - You need a new state
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I grew up with it so its not that big a deal. Gun laws are important but there is more to life. Granted in MO you can go buy a pistol any time you want, but when you want to go Tuna fishing your still coming to NJ. Plus business, properties, family. I will never leave.
 
Not to hijack thread, but last week I bought a K38 Target Masterpiece made in 1956 that has custom Herrett grips. The gun is in pretty much mint condition. They just don't make guns like that anymore. At the Range it shot as good as it looked.
What a beauty, and I can't believe that it is 57 years old.

Eric
 
I agree that a classic Smith & Wesson K-frame is hard to beat, especially the K-22 and K-38 Masterpiece (and their newer equivalents Models 14-19)
 
I tuna fish in grocerie store. Live in a gun free state. Taxes are the lowest. The climate is beautiful all year round, Florida!! Gulf Coast. Iived in Jersey shore in the fifties, it was great! Now it has turned into a cesspool. After hurricane sandy it will never ever be the same. You have to love the traffic, especially in the summer or your commute to work.. You will never get a speeding ticket going to the shore. As far as Tarus goes, I would not own one. I have heard too many nightmare stories about Tarus . Maye someone has a good one? Haven't heard lately.
 
I'm very happy with my Taurus 66, bought it back in '94, been carrying it and shooting IDPA with it. Sure, a Smith is better, around here also much more expensive.

Ruger SA and DA, good guns. S&W, always good. Freedom Arms, Dan Wesson, good guns.

I collect Spanish iron, have quite a few of good Astras and Llamas, but if you have the money and can only buy a limited number of guns stick to the brand names.

Make sure you have a 22 and a 357. Anything else is optional :-) Sheesh, get two 22s and two 357s, then branch out. The convertable Rugers are fun. 22/22 mag, or 9mm/357, or 45 Colt/45 ACP.

Don't have experience with Colt, but the Python has a name. This makes it expensive, if you get a good inexpensive one pounce on it.
 
I have had my eye on some relic SA's like Luger, P38, Astra, Frommer, FEG etc.. I love commy guns for the crude simplicity.
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Yep, guns are one of the very few things commies did right :D !

If you are looking for a cool, inexpensive commie pistol, the Vz.82 (more commonly called the CZ-82 by most people) in 9x18 mak is a nice handling, great shooting little gun.


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