View Full Version : buying used
cthompson36
07-07-13, 16:48
Hey guys, after much thought, I've decided to get both a .22 revolver and a .357/38 revolver. but since I'm on a budget for this I'll have to buy used. I'd like to keep this under 500 for both, so what are some decent brands to look at? these will get used and abused and replaced in a few years so I don't need anything amazing, just reliable. Also I've never bought used so what are some things to look at when I'm buying? For instance how tight the lockup is or something? Thanks guys
anachronism
07-07-13, 17:37
Ummm... $500.00 each, or $500.00 for both?
$500.00 each is reasonably do-able, I'd get a clean Ruger GP100 in stainless for the .357, and a Ruger SP101 in 22 LR. Each can be had used for about $500.00.
If you want to spend $250.00 ea, I don't have any recommendations for you except to buy the .357 above, and wait until moneys better for the .22.
cthompson36
07-07-13, 17:50
Well I've seen taurus, rugers, EAA, rossi, some smiths, etc for 500 new so wouldn't 250-300 be reasonable for used? it's 500 total
Well I've seen taurus, rugers, EAA, rossi, some smiths, etc for 500 new so wouldn't 250-300 be reasonable for used? it's 500 total
exactly.
Your not going to get quality at that price point.
Id say the 500 range for a used older beat up SW is doable. I just scored a 66-1 on gunbroker for $600+shipping/ffl/ect
of course then I turned around and dropped another $200 on accessories and $400 on ammo... such is life!
High Tower
07-07-13, 18:14
For me personally there are only two companies that make revolvers - Smith and Wesson and Ruger. And even then, Ruger needs some extra loving in the action department. $500 for both is doable, but would require some shopping around.
The main things I would check: cock the hammer and check cylinder play for all not just one. Also check cylinder movement front and back. Make sure the hammer cannot be pushed down when cocked. There are other things to check, but that's all that comes to mind. You may want to look into certain tolerances as well.
cthompson36
07-07-13, 18:50
I thought taurus wasn't bad just their customer service can be dicey. but for instance, a ruger sp101 is 477$ on buds, so reasonably i could get that for like 300$ right? and the .22 is only for plinking so I could get an off brand or something since its just basically a toy.
Buying both for under $500 is a tough nut to crack. For a reasonably priced .38/.357 revolver I agree with the suggestion to look at Ruger.
I can tell you from personal experience to steer clear of Taurus. Quality control on the new ones is a crap shoot at best.
I thought taurus wasn't bad just their customer service can be dicey. but for instance, a ruger sp101 is 477$ on buds, so reasonably i could get that for like 300$ right? and the .22 is only for plinking so I could get an off brand or something since its just basically a toy.
Personally I like S&W, but I hear the Ruger is a viable second choice :)
Also , I do A LOT of training with a .22, so I assumed you would want a .22 that matches your primary as close as possible.
Ive got a tiny ultra light all aluminum pre lock Smith .22 for snubby practice that I LOVE. But that gun alone is over your whole budget. I just dont see getting a good quality set of guns inside that price range.
cthompson36
07-07-13, 19:51
for the .22 it doesnt have to be a snubby or anything. its purely for fun so i don't mind cheaping out on that one. but would a used sp101 be a good option? or maybe smith and wesson if i find a cheap one?
for the .22 it doesnt have to be a snubby or anything. its purely for fun so i don't mind cheaping out on that one. but would a used sp101 be a good option? or maybe smith and wesson if i find a cheap one?
you said in the op "after much thought"
so, what exactly where those thoughts about and whats the gun for?
If its just for fun (and theres nothing wrong with that!) then anything that wont break on you is fine. If its going to get used to hunt at some point theres other considerations, is it a carry gun, if your playing gun games then what game and what division? ect ect ect
cthompson36
07-07-13, 20:02
the .357 is for maybe hunting and ocasional carry so i dont want a total POS, the .22 is purely for shooting dirt clods or whatever else
High Tower
07-07-13, 20:03
I thought taurus wasn't bad just their customer service can be dicey. but for instance, a ruger sp101 is 477$ on buds, so reasonably i could get that for like 300$ right? and the .22 is only for plinking so I could get an off brand or something since its just basically a toy.
Their customer service is definitely dicey, but the likelihood you will have to use them is high. I always thought it would be wise for them to have a RA number shipped in the box with every new gun to save folks the hassle of calling for one.
I wouldn't base any pricing new or used on Bud's. Their margins are incredibly low and most stores would not base used pricing on them. Also, the used market can fluctuate based on availability of new firearms. If Ruger revolvers have not been entirely avilable new, used pricing can higher.
cthompson36
07-07-13, 20:04
so what would be a decent price for a used sp101? at gander they were asking 550$ new i believe
High Tower
07-07-13, 20:12
$550 is a little high for a new sp101. Under normal market conditions I would pay no more than $400 for a used one in new (perfect) condition.
If you plan on hunting with this, I would not suggest the sp101. The sights and barrel length would be a deal breaker for that. A 4" GP100 would be a fair compromise between the two I spose.
cthompson36
07-07-13, 20:25
it wouldn't be my primary gun when hunting just for if i get a ton of coyotes coming at me or something. I want it small enough to carry too.
High Tower
07-07-13, 20:41
Rog. Sp101 would be fine for something like that.
cthompson36
07-07-13, 20:58
awesome. then i guess I'll shop around for a used sp101 in the 3-400$ range and then spend the rest on a .22 that i can beat to hell. thanks guys.
for the .22 it doesnt have to be a snubby or anything. its purely for fun so i don't mind cheaping out on that one. but would a used sp101 be a good option? or maybe smith and wesson if i find a cheap one?
Used Smith Model 67s can be had for under $400. Its not a 357 (38+P is no problem) but they hold 6 rounds to the SP101's five.
If you want to use the 22 as a trainer, save up a few more bucks and keep your eye open for a decent S&W 617. If you consider the amount of time you will invest in using the 22, it should also be a quality gun.
cthompson36
07-08-13, 09:00
its not as a trainer, just as a hey theres a beer can in the yard, lets put a hole in it gun. I wouldn't even mind if it was single action. Right now all i have is a 1911 in .45 so its a little more expensive to shoot cans and i can't hit much of anything with it.
I wouldn't even mind if it was single action.
Ruger Single-Six.
Ruger Single-Six.
I will add another vote for a single six. Love being able to shoot .22LR or .22WMR at the quick switch of a cyclinder. Mine has been quite accurate as well.
anachronism
07-11-13, 20:23
Buy a good .357, then buy yourself some 38 wadcutter loads, and shoot them instead of buying a 22 cheapie that'll likely let you down.
I don't believe you'll find an SP101 for $300.00.
brushy bill
08-02-13, 20:19
While not a comprehensive list, here is what I like to check for...you can PM me with questions if you like:
- Does it lock up tight?
- Any issues with cylinder end shake/play?
- Timing correct?
- Top strap have any flame cutting?
- Headspace ok?
- bore/cylinder good?
- screws show signs of "buggering" or someone tampering with the internals?
- Any problems with "push off"?
- Damage to forcing cone?
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