Inexpensive Revolver

[zcsmith464]

I am looking for an inexpensive... but reliable revolver. This is strictly a back-up firearm for me and possibly a first firearm for a younger sister. Has anyone heard or had expirience with Centerfire Systems guns? Specifically the MDL 206 .38 Special Revolver? Is there any other small, snub nose style revolvers that you would reccomend?

 

[Colt556]

Cheap guns made in the Phillipines or somewhere. I think you'd be wiser to save a little more and buy a better known and quality gun. You could buy a used Taurus pretty reasonably. Watch the Classifieds here and Gunbroker, Guns America and visit local gun shops to get a feel for the going prices and see what you like. Try to support the local guys if you can and use them as a good reference.

 

[Bluedragon]

I agree with Colt556, a used Taurus revolver can be found very cheap, a friend of mine bought an older model Taurus 85 snub circa 1992, with the gun, paper work, and original box for $290. A few gun shows back, I bought a stainless Taurus 85 with a three inch barrel for $300 even. Save a hundred or so more or sometimes up to $350 if you are really lucky for a nicely used S&W. But both they and the Taurus are a good buy. Especially if you can get older models that are no locks.

 

[Fireaxes]

Never heard of them. I wouldn't go below a Taurus quality wise. Your rolling the dice if you try going the Rossi route. Keep your eyes open in the used market.

 

[Bluedragon]

I have heard rossi's are made by Taurus now aren't they? Or did they just buy the company? My friend had a 357 Rossi snub, that was marked with "made by Taurus" or something like that.

 

[Colt556]

Never heard of them. I wouldn't go below a Taurus quality wise. Your rolling the dice if you try going the Rossi route. Keep your eyes open in the used market.

I've seen some nice Rossis. The newer models are not bad looking guns. A good used revolver is really a good investment in the long run. You can learn the basics and concentrate on getting the fundamentals of shooting down and have a versatile gun for that and defense.

 

[Bluedragon]

A good used revolver is really a good investment in the long run. You can learn the basics and concentrate on getting the fundamentals of shooting down and have a versatile gun for that and defense.

Can't argue with that logic.

 

[Fireaxes]

I don't know, seems like I heard they did buy them. Quality may have come up. My past experience with Rossi guns is related to the older guns.

 

[Bluedragon]

Yeah I have seen the older Rossi 38 snubs from a friend, and they look to be copied from the S&W 36, but the newer rossi's that carry the Taurus name on them, look closer to the model 85, with different grips. My friend who had his 357 liked his. I myself fired a few rounds out of it and noted no problems. It was a solid, accurate, and reliable wheel gun.

 

[Colt556]

I don't know, seems like I heard they did buy them. Quality may have come up. My past experience with Rossi guns is related to the older guns.

Some of the earlier guns were all to hot IIRC.

 

[Knife Lady]

I have a Taurus 38special. I bought it 2 yrs ago. I have never fired it yet. I thought Taurus was a pretty good name brand. Not as good as a Smith but right under it. Am I wrong?

 

[Colt556]

I have a Taurus 38special. I bought it 2 yrs ago. I have never fired it yet. I thought Taurus was a pretty good name brand. Not as good as a Smith but right under it. Am I wrong?

I like Taurus. I had a Stainless 85 that I loved. You really need to shoot that thing to make sure it works and you can hit what you are aiming at.

 

[Fireaxes]

Yep, the ones I fired were pre Taurus buyout, that I can say for sure. Looks like I may be in the market for a new Rossi or two. Thanks for the update.

 

[Raye7r]

I am picking up a M200 this afternoon. Was gonna get the 206 but they kinda talked me out of it on here. Dealer ordered it in and 199 plus tax. I searched quite a bit on them and could find very few problems. Email from Armscor tells me lifetime warranty in states and +p rated. But I read they don't recommend shooting +P all the time. They make several other guns. http://www.armscor.com.ph/img/catalog.pdf Sure I'd rather have a Smith or a Ruger in 357, but not in budget right now. If I like this, I may still get the 206 too.

 

[JohnP82]

I have had my Taurus 85 for several years and I love it. You can easily find an affordable Taurus that should fit your needs.

 

[451_Detonics]

I never understood buying the least expensive firearm possible that is meant to protect your life and the lives of your family. I know there are things like budgets but I would go without my internet or cable tv for a couple months if it meant being able to buy a high quality handgun to protect me and mine with. Search around for a used S&W or Colt, save up for a bit and cut out some unneeded expenses if you have to but buy the best you can.

 

[Gpfury86]

I am not a huge Taurus fan especially their auto pistols, but have noticed that thier revolvers seem much better in quality to me than their pistols.

 

[Colt556]

I would have no qualms about carrying a Taurus 85. They are good guns and are reasonably priced. I don't own any right now but if I found one at a decent price I'd buy it. Don't know much about their 1911s but the 92/99 series is supposed to be decent too. I'm not a Beretta 92 or any of their clone fans.

 

[kludge]

Used Ruger Security Six, Service Six, or Speed Six. Most are .357, but the .38 SPL version is frin with +P (~$300-$400).
Used Smith and Wesson Model 10, 13, 14, 15, 19, 36, 60, 64, 65, 66, 67. (~$300-$600 depending on which model. M10 will likely be the least expensive. Most will say not to use +P ammo in the model 10.)
Used Ruger SP101 (~$375-$425)
Used Colt Trooper or Lawman. (I saw a few go at ~$300-$350 at auction a few years back, but are sure to be higher now.)

 

[singlesix]

I bought a Taurus Model 85 Utralite used for 279.00 or 289.00 (forget). Look for a good quality used gun if money is tight. No issues with the Taurus. Ran ~ 75 rounds so far. Good accuracy @ 10 yards and that what I did in a CC gun.