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Best Values in High Quality Revolvers

finesse_r

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After seeing the post on over priced revolvers, I thought a thread that talks about high quality revolvers that can be had at very inexpensive prices. Call them good buys or under valued, but these high quality revolvers are great buys.

The best values or most under valued handguns I can think of are (1) S&W M&P Pre-Model 10 in 5 inch, (2 )S&W Model 10 in 4 inch, (3) Ruger Service Six in 4 inch. All these quality revolvers can be had for under $400, and on occasion for under $350. (4) Even the more desirable Security Six can be had for $500 or less. If you don’t need them to be in the best of cosmetic condition, you might even get one for a little less. These are all three high quality revolvers that will be excellent home defense weapons. Even a S&W model 64 in 4 inch barrel can be had for $400 or less if you shop and are not too particular about cosmetics. If you will take a double action only police trade in you can save even more on these.

I am certain there are others out there that are excellent values as well.
 
Rossi M68 38spl is a clone to the S&W model 36 and was even made according to the design copied of the 36. These guns are accurate and have a very nice trigger. I paid $185 for my first one that came in the original box and was like new. In the last year I bought another in stainless also like new for $205. Like the S&W 36 these are great for back up guns or CC.
 

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A GP 100 in 38 Special can be had for under $400. I have a reamer that turns them into .357 real quick at no cost. Picked up a stainless 3" with adjustable sights as new in box for $375. at the OGCA. I really don't like Ruger revolvers but it's good enough to drag behind the truck.
 
It's getting hard to find Ruger Service/Speed/Security Six revolvers for lowish prices. They are very good sidearms, though...worth it for prices upward of $500. Strong, reliable guns...
 
Although my 14-3 was $410, shipped, is a fine S&W revolver. Had the original target stocks. They are a pleasure to shoot. IF you KEEP looking, you will find what you are looking for. (MAYBE!) Bob
 

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The deals are in what ever cosmetically challenged revolvers you stumble onto. Two odd ball examples of S&Ws come to mind, both from Cabelas. The first was an ~ 85% condition 6 1/2" Model 24-4 Commemorative .44 special for $400. It is from the set of 12 revolvers pictured in the SCSW p. 338. The second a conspicuously reblued 6" early 1920s M&P .38 special with vintage after market pearl stocks for $190. Both plus tax. Both were about one to three years ago. The DA trigger, carry up and lock up of the old .38 are a marvel to behold. Long barrels, commemoratives that were not preserved, and old revolvers that have lost their collector value are not the only unwanted ones. More recently I bought a NIB, unfired 4" Model 10 with all the original papers for $350. The catch? Its dash is about 14 so it has MIM internals, modern bluing, and that unmentionable hole. Horrendous features according to some members, but heck, a NIB S&W for $350 ain't bad.

Actually I should not brag because the times I've paid high prices for revolvers I wanted far out number the bargains, but you asked for examples of good values.
 
TIME IS ON YOUR SIDE

Finesse_r: Think in terms of time. Even paying more than you'd like to today will seem like a GREAT price in 5 years & you'll then have a gun you're very happy to own & can brag about what you paid for it "way back then".

686(CS1) $315 1981
57 $408 1981
646 $600 2008
640-1 $350 2009
66-4 (3") $525 2010
65-5LS $550 2015
Etc.

Go for it! Hank M.
 
Finding so many nice old ones over the past year under $400. Let's see if I can find a picture of one of my best deals. Here's one. . .a P&R M19 from 1978 that I picked up right at a year ago. Stone cold mint. Not even a turn line. . .$365! They are out there.
 

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An excellent condition 67-2 for under $400 is a great deal. It is a good deal for one of the many 67s that were sold as police surplus during the 1990s. There are other possibilities like a bulged barrel from a barrel obstruction so inspect it before buying.
 
How does a M67 for under $400 sound

Depends on condition? If all there and mechanically right is a good buy. I have a 67 no dash from 1973. They are great guns. Bought 3-4 years ago for $395. Minor cosmetic issues are fairly easy to deal with on a stainless gun
Welcome to the FORUM! Bob
 
Finding so many nice old ones over the past year under $400. Let's see if I can find a picture of one of my best deals. Here's one. . .a P&R M19 from 1978 that I picked up right at a year ago. Stone cold mint. Not even a turn line. . .$365! They are out there.

That is what I would consider a SMOKIN' HOT DEAL! Almost looks too nice to shoot. I hope you shoot it though! Bob
 
I was lucky enough to pick up 2 of the 3 revolvers you mentioned. about a year ago, I picked up a Ruger Security Six, Dated to 1978. 6 inch and stainless, with 400 rounds of 357 and 38's for 400.00 .. And about a month ago i bought a early model 10-7 that was pinned, tapered barrel, 4 inch blued, out the door for 410.00. i am still a new collector with the Smith's. I just ordered the 4th edition Standard.

I am always looking for a good used revolver to add to my collection. I am not quite up on the pricing, I find one and i'll go home and look it up and get a idea on pricing. But still have ALOT to learn that's for sure.
 
Sure wish I had the pickins I see on this thread. Just don't see all that much in this rural area. Nice finds you guys mention
 
Some security sixes are worth more. The 1976 model GF32 police six was never in the catalogue is was a bicentennial special in stainless 2 3/4" barrel in 357. Engraved "MADE IN THE 200th year OF AMERICAN LIBERTY".

I seen one not engraved go for $750. Mine in the box engraved I figure $1,000 to $1,200 to a ruger collector. The last used ruger security six 6" barrel in 357 mag in excellent condition in blue was $199 4 years ago.

Anything used in 357 is a rare find here locally.

My m28, 6" 357 was $695 excellent 99% condition I got it from my online dealer. He had two m28-0, no dash, one m28-2 for $695 each. He had one m27-2 6" blue & one m27-2 6" in nickel for $795 each in 99% also. These sell quickly.

Here no used colts, no s&w, no Rugers in 357 to be found. It's been like this for decades. It's a dry state.

But all the used plastic guns in every brand. In only one color black.
 
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It's getting hard to find Ruger Service/Speed/Security Six revolvers for lowish prices. They are very good sidearms, though...worth it for prices upward of $500. Strong, reliable guns...

All of a sudden in the past few years the ruger six series has become collectable and sought after. I was ccw my gf32 but it's worth way too much now. Need a truck clunker gun.
 
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