Been thinking a 38 spec wheel gun

[Fly]

Really been thinking a 38 special wheel gun maybe a 38 mag. No way can I afford a S&W.I have read
much on the cheaper guns good & bad. Also want a 4inch barrel. Can a decent one be had for around $300 ?
Or is that a dream on my part?

Fly:veryconfu

[NoZombies]

I've paid less than $300 a piece for the last two S&W model 15's I've bought. They aren't fancy, but they're about as good a .38 as you'll find.

[metricmonkeywrench]

Keep looking a knockabout used S&W Model 10 should be available for around $300-350 or less depending on the market in your area. Colts are of course higher in price. Taurus and the like of steel frames may be ok but come with some issues. Except for occasional use I would stay away from the aluminum and exotic metal frames.

BTW there is no such thing as a .38 Mag, the next step up is .357 Mag. To stay in the .38 class look for something .38+p rated.

What is your intended use?

[Outpost75]

Former police 4" Model 10 S&Ws are very plentiful on the used market and you should be able to find a serviceable one in your price range. I would look for a Model 10-5 or later, due to parts availability and being +P rated. Great woods loafing gun and well suited for home defense. Concealable in proper holster.

[Fly]

(quote
BTW there is no such thing as a .38 Mag, the next step up is .357 Mag. To stay in the .38 class look for something .38+p rated.)

Thanks but I knew that Just have not had my coffee, my mistake. The 357 mag would be nice because I could shoot 38 special out
of. But that would make it even harder to keep in my price limit I assume.

Fly

[bob208]

I February I picked up a ruger security-six in stainless steel with 4 inch barrel for $350. it will out last a s & w

[country gent]

Watch the used gun market in your area LGS, gun shows, local area news papers, auction houses. Theres a lot of various S&W models used police service that are n good shape and sell reasonably a lot of the time. Any K frame in good shape should suit your needs here. There were also some J frames made over the years with 3" and 4" barrels but these are 5 shot revolvers. The rugers security six service six GP 100 can also be found used in good shape reasonable. And since you simply state wheel gun a black hawk or other single action in 38 spl 357 qualifies opening up even more choices. Theres a lot of options out there

[Kestrel4k]

Adding to the good deals on the S&W M10's (many of which have entered the secondary market ~5 yrs ago as police trade-ins), add the S&W M64 - a comparable model but in stainless. Virtually all that I have heard of had 4" bbls, mine are the heavier-bbl models, SA & DA, and are of course pre-lock. Values on them have climbed somewhat since then, but could probably still be found for ~$375 or so ?

IMO, a bargain for a S&W stainless .38Spl; although they are fixed-sight, my two shoot very very close to point of aim.

[wv109323]

Recently Buds had some police trade-in model 10s for 299. You might want to check it out.

[Texas by God]

Recently Buds had some police trade-in model 10s for 299. You might want to check it out.J&G Sales is another good place to look for used Smith & Wesson revolvers.

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[Petrol & Powder]

1. I think EVERY gun owner should have at least 1, 4" barreled DA revolver chambered in 38 Special! You will not find a better "all-around" handgun !

2. There are a ton of options but this thread has already covered a lot of those options: 4" S&W K-frame (models 10,13, 15, 19, 64, 65, 66, 67 and a few more). Then you have the Ruger's. After that you have a bunch of others. There are a LOT of Excellent options.

3. I wouldn't get too hung up on .357 mag. Yea, the magnum is a big step up from 38 Special in terms of energy but the 38 Special and 38 Special +P does a LOT of things really well.

P.S. I paid less than $300 for a mechanically perfect, 4" S&W Model 10-7 a few years ago. I think by the time I paid the tax and fees it was right at $300. I would have paid over $350 for that gun without hesitation. The finish was at least 80% if not closer to 90% and it is as tight as any new model 10 I've ever had. It shoots beautifully and it's staying.

[Petrol & Powder]

I February I picked up a ruger security-six in stainless steel with 4 inch barrel for $350. it will out last a s & w
/\ I'm jealous /\

[shtur]

I like the 67, it's a stainless steel version of the model 15, and they are only a little more expensive.

[andre3k]

http://www.southernohiogun.com/handguns/smith-wesson

[Jniedbalski]

Last year around this time I got a S&w model 64 in 38 special from Sog in Ohio. I thank it was 299$. Paid for it and had it shipped to my local FFL gun shop.He charges 15 $ for the transfer. It is a 4 in heavy barrel stainless da/sa revolver police Trade in. It is very nice 85+ condition locks up tight. Only has a little holster wear on the very tip of the barrel and right grip which I already replaced. Last week or so I ordered a S&w 38 special model 10 -10 from sog in Ohio.blue 4 in heavy barrel probably not used much locks up tight. A California cdc California department of corrections gun in 38 special in +p. It came with pachmyer rubber grips that look new. Only 279$ sent it to my gun shop also . Also got a star bm 9 mm also this time and he charged me 21$ for the transfers for both guns. The star also looks very good. Police trade in also

[FergusonTO35]

I wouldn't completely overlook Taurus and Rossi. My favorite shop sells tons of Taurus 85's and has had few problems out of them. Late model Rossi revolvers are very nice for the money and an old school design with glossy finish and hammer mounted firing pin. I have a Rossi 461 .357 with 3" barrel, it is surprisingly accurate.

[Shopdog]

A shooting bud of mine picked up a Colt 357 model(pre Python) for a little N of 300$....not by much.Seller thought it was "just" another Trooper.Moral of the story....do your homework.

One of my sons snagged a heavy brrl #10 from Buds on the cheap.It was just short of being mint....we were all slackjaw how nice it is.Fixed sights hit dead nuts with factory dupe 158's @25 yds.He listened to me and ordered a(from the factory) Tyler T grip.Rock solid platform.I shoot a switch brrl Diamondback (4/6") that is very nice but,prices keep most of them in safes....much the pity.Mine loves CB's and loves to be shot.Good luck with your search/shopping.SD

[Jniedbalski]

Last year around this time I got a S&w model 64 in 38 special from Sog in Ohio. I thank it was 299$. Paid for it and had it shipped to my local FFL gun shop.He charges 15 $ for the transfer. It is a 4 in heavy barrel stainless da/sa revolver police Trade in. It is very nice 85+ condition locks up tight. Only has a little holster wear on the very tip of the barrel and right grip which I already replaced. Last week or so I ordered a S&w 38 special model 10 -10 from sog in Ohio.blue 4 in heavy barrel probably not used much locks up tight. A California cdc California department of corrections gun in 38 special in +p. It came with pachmyer rubber grips that look new. Only 279$ sent it to my gun shop also . Also got a star bm 9 mm also this time and he charged me 21$ for the transfers for both guns. The star also looks very good. Police trade in also

[bob208]

don't forget the colt o.p. they were certified for +p (.38-44 ) in 1938.

[Livin_cincy]

Armscor sells a 38 Special 4" revolver that resembles the off spring of a S&W & a Colt.
https://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/Default.aspx?item=51261&mfg=Armscor&cat=All&type=All&mdl=All&cal=38SP

They are $215-230 in my area.

Yes, some report problems... But Gallery Of Guns Warranty solves that for you.

[Maven]

Former police 4" Model 10 S&Ws are very plentiful on the used market and you should be able to find a serviceable one in your price range. I would look for a Model 10-5 or later, due to parts availability and being +P rated. Great woods loafing gun and well suited for home defense. Concealable in proper holster.

I'd do what Outpost75 suggests. In fact, years ago I did just that and couldn't be happier with my S & W Mod. 10, especially since it came with aftermarket grips which fit my hand perfectly.

[Murphy]

Fly,

I understand setting a limit on what you have to spend on purchasing a .38 Special. I can't add much to what others have already said, just share my personal opinion is all.

If possible, scour the various auction sites or online dealers for the best you can afford. Better yet, if at all possible hold off until you have a few more dollars. Unless $300 is all you're willing to pay.

That being said, I've been a Smith & Wesson fan for decades now. The Model 10 is a time proven all around great .38 Special. If you can live with the fixed sights and find a load that will shot to the sights you won't regret it. I have an pre Model 10 with a 4" pencil barrel that is about as ideal (to me) as it gets. Light weight being number one. Just a good, solid all the way around old gun.

Good luck in your search and update us when you find the right one for you.

Murphy

[Fly]

Armscor sells a 38 Special 4" revolver that resembles the off spring of a S&W & a Colt.
https://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/Default.aspx?item=51261&mfg=Armscor&cat=All&type=All&mdl=All&cal=38SP

They are $215-230 in my area.

Yes, some report problems... But Gallery Of Guns Warranty solves that for you.
I have been looking at that gun. A lot of mixed reviews. They do have a lifetime warranty as you said &
whole six shots. I like the looks of the frame, even though there a little heavy that's not a big deal.

The Tulsa gun show is coming next month & I might consider one of them. I care not the name on the gun.
But I pretty much know what I,m getting with S&W. But buying used guns over the net can be a **** shoot
also.

Fly

[stubshaft]

I recently picked up a new S&W 642 pre-lock for $275.00 on Gunbroker.

[The Governor]

http://www.southernohiogun.com/handguns/smith-wesson/smith-and-wesson-model-10-heavy-barrel-revolvers-1.html

I paid a premium and got a real nice model 66 round butt no lock

[Texas by God]

I hope I get a few more K frame .38 police guns before they are gone. LEO trade in autos are the thing now.

[ReloaderFred]

Put the word out to friends and relatives that you're looking for a good deal on a quality revolver. You never know what will show up.

I had a UPS driver who was retiring show up at my door and offer me a new condition S&W 4" Model 10, with a new Bianchi holster for $225.00. Just three days ago, a friend offered me a NIB 2" S&W Model 15 for $275.00. Awhile back, I picked up a nearly new 2" Model 10 for $250.00. There are deals out there, but you have to let people know you're looking, and when you least expect it, one will jump out in front of you, just begging to go home with you.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[Outpost75]

Speaking of pre-Model 10s, this .38 Special Hand Ejector made in 1950 sold recently on GunBroker for $400, which is about half of its collector value considering condition and C-prefix postwar, 1950 DOM serial number. There are bargains out there if you are knowledgeable and patient.

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[Bigslug]

Thinking of the purchase as potentially a lifetime investment helps. I'm not saying you shouldn't shop around, but squirrel your acorns for the purpose so that when the target of opportunity DOES present itself, you can suck up the cost without wringing your hands over the price.

My own advice would be to score a used Ruger GP-100 for the simple reason that they are still making them and will service them so long as they have parts, regardless of whether you were the original owner or not. Smith & Wesson's .38's and .357's, while very fine things, have been subject to more parts revisions than Hilary Clinton's life story, and they're going to bill you for servicing one bought secondhand.

Seeing as you're a nearly 2000-posts member of a handloading forum, it's pretty clear you shoot more than the average squib. Buying brand X is a false economy for guys like us.

[Petrol & Powder]

I hope I get a few more K frame .38 police guns before they are gone. LEO trade in autos are the thing now.

The heyday of LE revolver trade-ins is long over but that market was very large. There are still some LE revolvers trickling into the private sector but it isn't the huge influx we saw back in the late 1980's and early 1990's. Prisons tend to keep their firearm inventories much longer than police departments so those revolvers hit the market later than the police trade ins. Some overseas police departments replaced their firearms and the old guns were imported back to the U.S. And the final factor is simply the number of LE revolvers on the market. The 4" DA 38 Special revolver was "THE" U.S. law enforcement sidearm for many decades. There are a LOT of those guns on the market.

So it is very true that the LE trade-in revolvers are not the bargain they once were, but they are still a good value.

[Texas by God]

Barney Fife's "Baby" came to mind when I saw the 6" M&P.

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[Outpost75]

Barney Fife's "Baby" came to mind when I saw the 6" M&P...

I thought the same thing.

[rfd]

keep looking for a good used s&w or ruger ... 4 years ago i picked up this beauty for $300 ...

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