-
Forum Update: We've upgraded the software to improve security, performance, and the overall experience.
👉 Read why we made the change | Support the Forum
RIA M200 38 Special
- Thread starter RJJ 1971
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
I have the snubbie Model 206.
Mine runs fine.
I wish I had grabbed the 200 though, because I like the stock grips on the 200. The 206 gets little wooden "peg" grips that just don't work well at all. I swapped out the grips with Pachmayr Compacs made for the Colt Detective Special that supposedly fit, but the fit isn't that great.
I would definitely snag a Model 200 for a price of $192.00 OTD. Good score!
Here's a pic of my 206. It is the same gun as the 200, just with a short barrel.
Mine runs fine.
I wish I had grabbed the 200 though, because I like the stock grips on the 200. The 206 gets little wooden "peg" grips that just don't work well at all. I swapped out the grips with Pachmayr Compacs made for the Colt Detective Special that supposedly fit, but the fit isn't that great.
I would definitely snag a Model 200 for a price of $192.00 OTD. Good score!
Here's a pic of my 206. It is the same gun as the 200, just with a short barrel.
Last edited:
That is a fairly new offering by RIA. If the quality is anything like they put in their 1911's it aught to be a good piece.
OP
RJJ 1971
Member
I have the snubbie Model 206.
Mine runs fine.
I wish I had grabbed the 200 though, because I like the stock grips on the 200. The 206 gets little wooden "peg" grips that just don't work well at all. I swapped out the grips with Pachmayr Compacs made for the Colt Detective Special that supposedly fit, but the fit isn't that great.
I would definitely snag a Model 200 for a price of $192.00 OTD. Good score!
Here's a pic of my 206. It is the same gun as the 200, just with a short barrel.
Like the 206 too - was really considering it. But, the 200 looked like it was on a 357 frame. That's what reeled me in.
Hope they go back on sale again soon - will prob pick up the 206.
OP
RJJ 1971
Member
Guess they have been out for 4 years or so.
I never saw them till I saw our local RK flyer.
Googled, then Youtubed, then had to purchase.
I'm really hoping the wife will enjoy shooting it too.
Trying to step her up from the SR 22 and Ruger Mark 2 she has.
If not, oh well. Her loss is my gain.
M3Stuart
Member
If it works reliably, you can't go wrong for that price. Compare to $600ish+ for anything from S&W...
No, it's not stainless. Or whatever. But they get good reviews. Not sure if any of the reviewers have put thousands of rounds through one though. Oh, RIA's customer service gets good reviews also.
No, it's not stainless. Or whatever. But they get good reviews. Not sure if any of the reviewers have put thousands of rounds through one though. Oh, RIA's customer service gets good reviews also.
Grayfox
US Veteran
I, and I think many others, would like a full range report please.
I've only seen these on the internet and have been curious about them. Seems like a good deal, but how does it actually perform?
I've only seen these on the internet and have been curious about them. Seems like a good deal, but how does it actually perform?
OP
RJJ 1971
Member
GatorFarmer
Member
I had one. I have written about it the past, the summation is that they are distinctly mediocre. Think along the lines of if Hi Point made revolvers. I had the Model 200, it did benefit greatly from switching the plastic stocks out for a set of Pachs meant for a later Colt D frame, though these were not a perfect fit.
Officially RIA says "limited" +P is okay.
Mine gun rattled when shaken. It did go bang. It was not all that accurate.
My mistake was in taking it shooting alongside a S&W Model 67. The difference was grating and perhaps unfair to the RIA.
I think it is fine if someone needs a gun. And I mean needs as in plans to use it as a close range working or defense gun. I do not think it is a good choice for recreational shooting sports enjoyment.
I no longer own mine. I do not miss it. But nor do I loathe the type.
Officially RIA says "limited" +P is okay.
Mine gun rattled when shaken. It did go bang. It was not all that accurate.
My mistake was in taking it shooting alongside a S&W Model 67. The difference was grating and perhaps unfair to the RIA.
I think it is fine if someone needs a gun. And I mean needs as in plans to use it as a close range working or defense gun. I do not think it is a good choice for recreational shooting sports enjoyment.
I no longer own mine. I do not miss it. But nor do I loathe the type.
OP
RJJ 1971
Member
Really appreciate honest input.
If it functions and I enjoy it. I will keep it. If it doesn't, it will go to a new home. I figured at this price point, it didn't hurt to give it a try.
I sometimes think I'm more excited when a cheap(er) firearm functions and is reliable, than when a brand name does its job every time.
reerc
Member
Hell, for that price, you could get several and put 'em in the kids' stockings!
☺
☺
OP
RJJ 1971
Member
Shot 100 rounds of Armscor 158 grain through it today. 7 - 10 yards pretty nice grouping. 15 - 20 yards were ok results (still hitting steel). 25 - 30 yards weren't good for me (bout 3 out of every 6 shots hit steel). Pulled out my SAR K2P 9mm and tested to make sure it wasn't me, and it wasn't.
10 - 15 yards is the max I will use/trust this pistol's accuracy in single or double action.
Gotta say for under $200 OTD price I really can't complain at all. Just put in an order of 500 rounds to Freedom Munitions, so I can keep practicing - cuz I'm gonna need it.
Attachments
Last edited:
OP
RJJ 1971
Member
Well I got through 100 rounds today. No issues with cylinder locking up or with the ammunition I was running.
Last edited:
DWalt
Member
I first saw the Armscor snubbies about 3-4 years ago at a gun show. Some dealer had a table full of of them, and price was around $200 as I remember. They didn't look bad, except for the wooden grips which were very crudely made. It looked a lot like a Detective Special. I have seen them occasionally since, but not in quantity. I have a real DS, so I don't need the Philippine version.
I think it's safe to advise, standard velocity/service ammo only. No +P. It's what I would do with this gun, and I adore "planet-wrecking" loads.
Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
OP
RJJ 1971
Member
That was the plan. Slow and steady fiber diet for this bland 38. Plus I'm too cheap for + p loads.
hdfinder47
Member
I bought 2 last year for demo guns in my classes. One had cylinder fit issues and I sold it to a buddy for a tractor gun (shot well and pretty accurate, just hard getting cylinder open/closed). The factory did offer to repair or replace for free. The second one works, shoots fine and is also quite accurate at 15, and center of mass accurate at 25 yards. I would not carry one for self defense until I ran 500 rounds through it.
GatorFarmer
Member
FWIW, I fired a variety of +P ammunition through mine without ill effects, but not in great quantity. Perhaps 200 rounds. I got mine towards the end of the worst of the ammo drought and at one point all I could find were some +P FMJs and some +P Hydra Shoks. I carried mine with +P ammunition during last winter's time period of wolves wandering to the outskirts of town.
OP
RJJ 1971
Member
This will never be my EDC pistol. I have too many other options. This will be my "keep me humble" pistol at the range. At the end of my session today, I went out with my SAR K2P and rang steel a couple of times at 100 yards. The RIA M200 will take years of practice (if ever) for me to be able to do that.
Grayfox
US Veteran
Thanks for the range report. Looks like a good choice for folks on a budget. I'm sure these will serve them well.
But as someone said, I already have too many other options to spend my money on one.
But as someone said, I already have too many other options to spend my money on one.
Similar threads
