[Pro2A]

I just got a small Christmas bonus and would like to get a new gun. I'm looking for a decent wheel gun for around $300. I'd like something with a longer barrel and not a snub nose. Preferably a .357 of some sort. Anyone know anything that fits this?

 

[nc sp101]

Look at the Ruger SP101 .357 with a 3.06" barrel.
They are nice revolvers. Well built, sturdy and accurate.
Haven't had a single problem with over 600 rounds thorugh it.

 

[Rigrat]

For $300 I'd think you are going to have to go used. J&G has used S&W revolvers in very good condition for $209.95, but it is a .38 spec not .357.

Going to be kinda hard to find one for $300.


J&G Smith & Wesson Revolver

 

[Adkjoe]

Look at the Ruger SP101 .357 with a 3.06" barrel.
They are nice revolvers. Well built, sturdy and accurate.
Haven't had a single problem with over 600 rounds thorugh it.

sp101's are well over $300 I would be surprised if you could find even a used one under $350.

 

[Brady]

What he said

For $300 I'd think you are going to have to go used. J&G has used S&W revolvers in very good condition for $209.95, but it is a .38 spec not .357.

Going to be kinda hard to find one for $300.


J&G Smith & Wesson Revolver

A used S&W or a Charter, Welcome to Charter Arms, American made and decent. Not fabulous, just decent.

 

[gasmitty]

For $300 I'd think you are going to have to go used. J&G has used S&W revolvers in very good condition for $209.95, but it is a .38 spec not .357.

Going to be kinda hard to find one for $300.


J&G Smith & Wesson Revolver

I'll second that choice. I've picked up two M64s that were police turn-ins, and they are sweet shooters. One is a 4-inch that probably sat in an administrator's drawer, since it has zero holster wear and looks to be shot very little. The other is a 2-inch snub with a factory DAO conversion, now sporting Eagle "Secret Servce" grips. Both excellent guns for the money, and with +P ammo you'll do all the damage you need to do on human predators.

The 4-inch ran me about $250, and the snub was right around $300 - both just about 2 years ago.

 

[matdicdad]

Taurus Model 85 UL. I like mine. I bought it for less than 300.00.

 

[jahwarrior72]

my brother bought a Comanche; i believe they're made in Argentina, and are imported by Bersa. his has a 4" barrel, and it's a .38 Special; they also come in .357Mag, and .22. he paid $280, brand new, the .357 was only a few dollars more. can't find much about them on the net, but every shop i've been to has one or two. i've shot it, it's accurate enough for self defense.

 

[Pro2A]

I saw the Ruger Security-Six... that looks like something I'm looking for. The price seems right too. What do people think of these? I prefer a .357 over a .38

 

[gasmitty]

I saw the Ruger Security-Six... that looks like something I'm looking for. The price seems right too. What do people think of these? I prefer a .357 over a .38

Solid gun, in fact, damn near bulletproof. I got a pretty decent deal on a stainless one just ten years ago (thought a .357 would be good to have on hand for the Y2K debacle...). Mine has a 6-inch barrel, which is OK, but I'd prefer a 4" for ease of carrying.

The Security Six has adjustable sights, a nice feature. The Service Six is a fixed-sight version of the same gun.

The OEM wood stocks are killers, though, especially with full-house magnums. I quickly replaced mine with a Hogue monogrip. Not pretty, but the gun ain't exactly a beauty queen to begin with.

 

[aric]

Rossi makes a 4" .357 for around $350.
With the exception of the M85 Taurus revolvers are a little ninja-ish with "judge", "raging bull" and "tracker" written all over them, but the Rossi's are a nice looking inexpensive wheelgun.

 

[Rugergirl]

If you are considering a used gun, look for a Ruger GP100, great guns. if you don't want to pay the extra $'s that comes along with the name Smith & Wesson.
Of course a used Model 65, Model 27 or 686 are also great guns.

 

[hogdaddy]

A BIG + 1000 on the Security Six, Exsellent revolver!! I have one made back
in 1975, It was my daddy's Duty weapon with manny full house loads thrugh it
& still LOCKS up solid, & shoots GREAT ; )
H/D

 

[RebelRabbi]

You pays your $ and takes your chance!

Consider a used S&W or Ruger.
Make sure the gun is empty.
Thumbcock the hammer.
Make sure the Cylinder will not rotate, it should lock when the hammer is cocked.
Look inside the back of the cylinder at the top, hold the trigger back and let the hammer down slowly as you contnue to hold the trigger to the rear, you should see the firing pin through the gap at the top chamber.
Thumbcock it again, let the hammer down again slowly but this time release the trigger before the hammer comes down. You should NOT see the firing pin extrude. This means that the transfer bar or hammer block ARE properly installed.
If the Firing Pin does extrude that gun is NOT SAFE TO CARRY WITH AROUND UNDER THE HAMMER! It will fire if dropped on the hammer.
Finally, make certain that the gun cycles correctly when operated double action by dry firing the gun and watching the cylinder rotate.
Remember to make sure that the cylinder locks in alignment with the forcing cone / barrel at the end of each cycle.
Used guns are like used cars, maybe you are getting a deal or maybe you are buying someone's old headache.
If I were in your shoes, I'd save up and buy either a GP-100 or S&W 686, New In Box!:image035:

 

[orrwdd]

I saw the Ruger Security-Six... that looks like something I'm looking for. The price seems right too. What do people think of these? I prefer a .357 over a .38

If you found a used Security Six in good condition SNAP IT UP. That would probably be your best buy at under $300.

Bill

 

[Doc Holliday]

I would get a used but not abused S & W.

 

[camsdaddy]

I found a S&W model 13 which is a 4" k frame in 357. I think I paid $250.00 for it two years ago. I dont shoot a lot of 357 ($) but it is the cats meow with 38 special. I carry it often the trigger is as buttery smooth as anything I have ever pulled. I rotate between this and my Glock 26. Long story short I love my 4" k frame.

 

[Balog]

I bought a Dan Wesson 15V for about $300. The pro there is that you can switch barrels (mine is a 6", but I've seen them from 2" to 15"). They are K frame size, but a bit lighter than a 65 or 19 I believe. The con is that the cylinder release is at the front of the crane. Great lockup, very accurate, but if you carry also carry a Ruger Smith or Colt for defense it's a different reload procedure.

I'm actually thinking of selling mine fyi, because of the cylinder latch and how annoying finding iwb holsters for it is. If it's just for plinking (or hunting, games... Anything but carry, really) it's a great brand to look at.

 

[Lewis128]

The EAA Windicator .357 goes for about $300 now.
Not a pretty gun, and weighs a good 2 pounds unloaded.

This is one of the most informative reviews I've found on it.
The EAA Windicator (aka Pugzley)

And the link to Windicator price chart.
EAAcorp.com - European American Armory Inc. - Homepage

 

[frankmako]

that is going to be hard at that price. look around for a use gun. but there might be some new ones to be found. charter, taurus might be the way to go. both make good guns.