Noticed where Buds Gunshop has used Smith 4" M-64 .38 Specials for $279 with free delivery in 90-80% condition. These have the hammer spur and are not double-action-only like some of the other police trade-in guns that have surfaced lately.

That is a pretty good deal. Those would make excellent cheap HD guns for a grandparent, sister, daughter, or anyone else with little experience with firearms and a problem with recoil. Stoked with some mild .38 loads, that's right about as simple as it gets. Easy to aim, little felt recoil, very little maintenance required, and no malfunctions to train for.

If they dig up any similar 65s for the same price, I'll be all over that.


Edit: Looks like J&G Sales has similar 4" 64s with bobbed hammers for $189.95-$239.95: Revolver