I just cannot buy a revolver.

freebird72 · August 10, 2012, 04:43 PM

This my seem strange, but I am afraid of buying a revolver. I have been looking at revolvers for the past year, yet, I am unable to make myself buy one.

Last year I bought a Ruger Security Six for $400 at a local gun show, the gun looked so nice. Its blue was perfect and the grips had no marks. I (thought) I did the revolver checkout right. I did everything it said; I had read and read the revolver checkout at least ten or more times. However, at the gun show you are required to have zip ties on all guns. After speaking with the owner several times throughout the show, and having "his word" the gun was in very good condition with not mechanical flaws I bought it. On my way home I decided to stop by my LGS I go to often to make sure I did not buy a lemon.

Well everyone in there said the gun looked perfect, "what a great buy" everyone said; that was, until the owner cut the zip tie off. Soon after I learned the fellow who sold me the gun had used the zip tie to hold the cylinder in such a way to hide the fact that it would turn by hand. I was left with a broken gun and had to sell it a couple weeks latter for a loss.

The point is, I am now shy of buying a revolver. You know, the whole "Once bitten, twice shy" mentality. I have spent the last year looking for a revolver(.357), but I can never get myself to buy one.

I am now looking at a nickle S&W 19-2 for $500. I have done the "Revolver Checkout" three times now on the 19. It locks up tighter than any gun I have seen in the past year bar none. I mean this gun's cylinder will not move at all when doing the cylinder lock test, nothing, absolutely zero movement. It is a vault.

I would buy said gun, but after reading how they can not handle a lot .357 use, and I plan on using mostly .357. I could not stand buying the S&W19 and then having it break or were out on me.

I want a .357 revolver so bad I can taste it. What do I do?

freebird72 · August 10, 2012, 04:43 PM

<<<Note that the next 4 posts were made prior to the OP's revision of his original post and may address comments that no longer appear in that post. JohnKSa>>>

spacecoast · August 10, 2012, 05:03 PM

If you are buying it from a gun store, ask if they offer your money back if dissatisfied. Many Gunbroker vendors offer the same thing.

**James K** · August 10, 2012, 05:08 PM

Maybe not the answer I should give, but here goes anyway. You seem to be right in your diagnosis, and that it is not limited to revolvers.

Might I suggest some serious counseling. Ask around for someone who is gun friendly so you don't run into some nut case who thinks anyone who wants to own a gun is a murderer. But talk to someone.

It is normal to have some pre-purchase reservations and some post-purchase qualms, but it seems to me that yours are distracting you from the business and fun of living, and anything that does that needs to be addressed, but not about a specific item and not on a web site.

I hope you can get the help you need, and then find a good, reliable revolver at the right price. I am sure there are many out there.

I know this post has been stepping out of line, but I wish you good luck and hope you don't hate me too much.

Jim

testuser · August 10, 2012, 05:21 PM

Model 19s are great, I love them, but if you're going to shoot a lot of magnums, then get a 686 or Model 27. Or, if you're into Rugers, then a GP-100.

I'd take your $500 and put it in the bank until you've saved enough for a new one...no worries, because whatever you buy will have a lifetime warranty. In a few years the price difference between new and used won't matter.

g.willikers · August 10, 2012, 05:38 PM

Take two beers and call us in the morning.

freebird72 · August 10, 2012, 05:49 PM

Revised, so people do not think I am crazy.lol

What did I take out? I said in my original post that I had OCD

and that this situation was driving me crazy. I DO NOT HAVE OCD AND IT DID NOT DRIVE ME CRAZY. But I do hate spending too much money, or being taken advantage of. It just expression I and many of my friends use when we are anal about something. (I was also not making fun of people with OCD.)

NOTE to self. Sarcasm, and/or figure of speech does not carry over in written speech.

2damnold4this · August 10, 2012, 06:00 PM

Why do you want to shoot mostly .357s in it? I'd probably shoot standard .38s most of the time but I wouldn't be afraid to shoot 158 gr 357s when I felt like it if it passed the revolver check out.

jmortimer · August 10, 2012, 06:03 PM

Buying a used gun can be a @rap shoot. I say buy new or just live without a revolver. Unless you need some crazy amount of power for dangerous game, semi-autos will do the trick.

10-96 · August 10, 2012, 06:15 PM

I got the serious likes for 19's. However, we're not in your shoes and don't know to what extent that failed Ruger left a bad taste in your mouth. If you only plan a steady diet of .357's though, have you considered an L frame or an N frame? They're far, far, far, from being handy to CC, but the Model 28 can still be found for 19 prices and they are built like tanks.

Also, I don't know if you reload or not, but here of late I've noticed 125gr .357 ammo seeming to be getting more commonly available than the 158's. Model 19's do better longer with 158's. It would be a shame for you to get even a top-notch Model 19 and then end up having it not live up to your expectations. Then, what would the chances be of ever trusting another revolver?

dahermit · August 10, 2012, 06:15 PM

Quote:

...I was left with a broken gun and had to sell it a couple weeks latter for a loss...

You could have done one of four things: 1) Open it up, determine what was wrong and correct it. 2) Take it to a gunsmith. 3) Contact Ruger and they would have taken care of it. 4) Sell it at a loss...to someone who would do either number 1,2, or 3 above.

BigJimP · August 10, 2012, 06:31 PM

The solution to your problem ...is quit buying at garage sale gun shows...and go to a legitimate gun store that will let you properly check the timing on the revolver, like you have on the model 19-2 ...

There are no issues on any K frame S&W .357 mag ( model 19's or 66's ) with a steady diet of .357 mag...as long as you shoot the 158gr bullet thru them. The rumors you're hearing about K frames not holding up ...if true / and I'm a little suspicious if they are true at all ...but if they are, they're associated with issues shooting the hotter 125 gr bullets.

I have a pair of model 19's in Nickel ...and three model 66's - one 2 1/2" / the other 4 guns are all 4" ....and they have all had many thousands of rounds thru them with 158gr bullets ...and they have no issues.

But if you think the K frames might be an issue ...and can't get over it ...then go to an L frame ( 686 model ) or to an N frame ( model 27 or 28 ) ...all in .357 mag....

but the model 19-2 in Nickel is a good solid gun / and at $ 500 if its in excellent condition ...they just buy it.

http://thefiringline.com/forums/atta...5&d=1339792625

Here are some of my S&W .357 mag's .....pair of 19's at lower right / and pair of 66's at upper right ....a 686 at upper left / and the blued gun is a model 27 ( N frame ).

You got burned once ...at a gunshow...don't buy at gunshows if you can't check a gun / at my shows we have to tie up guns too ...but all the sellers can untie a gun so you can check the timing..and then they re-tie it. Its not a big deal ...but go to a reputable shop and buy your guns / until you know more about what you're buying.

or don't buy it .....it leaves more revolvers for me ( I only have about 25 now - can always use another model 19 ....)...

Shotgun693 · August 10, 2012, 06:31 PM

I've never seen a gun that looked really good but had a problem that couldn't be fixed. I'm not a hot shot 'smith but I've fixed a few minor problems myself. Did you ask what it would've cost to fix?

drail · August 10, 2012, 07:04 PM

Any dealer who tries to sell you a gun without allowing you to check it out is a dealer you DO NOT want to deal with. They may claim it's for safety reasons but now you know the real reason.

CajunBass · August 10, 2012, 07:22 PM

Quote:

I (thought) I did the revolver checkout right. I did everything it said;

Not if it had a zip tie on it you didn't. You couldn't have.

If a dealer won't take the zip tie off at a gunshow, tell him to keep whatever he's selling. (I'll make exceptions for guns like Pythons, or SAA's that obviously have never had the cylinder turned, or been fired, but I'm not looking at them anyway. Way above my pay grade.)

Burkewhb · August 10, 2012, 07:39 PM

I bought a model 686 Smith and Wesson 4" six-round revolver 6 months ago and it's great. The gun is built "like a brick ****house". Just the feel of that stainless steel tells you this baby will handle heavy use with either the 357 magnum rounds or the 38 special +p with no problem.

A new one isn't cheap. I got it at a gun store in Prospect Park, Pa. for $725,
but at least I know it hasn't been broken or abused and was perfect when I
got it, so I think it was worth it. Buying a used gun is like buying a used car,
you can never be sure what you're getting.

Seaman · August 10, 2012, 07:49 PM

"I want a .357 revolver so bad I can taste it. What do I do? " [freebird72]

What do you do? WHAT DO YOU DO? BUY ONE!!!!!

S&W have a long line of superb 357 revolvers. Even General Patton carried one, 3.5" barreled M27, called it his 'killing gun.'

I tracked down a 3.5" Model 27, a beauty, but some guy in the store beat me to it. How did that happen?

"A-AHHHH.........Ahhhhh..Ahhh........Ahhhhh.....a...a...a...a..."

The pain...cruel fates.

From the M27 to the 28, to the 13, to the 19, the 686 etc. etc. etc.

So many to collect. So little time. Obssessive? me?

Course not, I just want them all.

noelf2 · August 10, 2012, 07:52 PM

Your problem has nothing to do with revolvers.

temmi · August 10, 2012, 07:59 PM

You bought a gun from a smuck

and

You were lucky it was so broken you could noy shoot it

I only buy from a Reputable dealer cause then things like that do not happen.

It could have happened with a auto loader....

gonna get it fixed?

Snake

COK · August 10, 2012, 08:05 PM

First find a reputable dealer to buy from, If your not sure ask at your local range and I am sure they will set you on the right track.

checkmyswag · August 10, 2012, 08:11 PM

Buy new?

Buy from someone with a great rating on gunbroker?

Buy from LGS?

You've got options. Too bad you got burned at the gun show.

That's why I don't buy revolvers. Just too many moving p...nevermind. you'll get more detailed advice here and will find a quality revolver soon enough.

Watch your lane.

Kreyzhorse · August 10, 2012, 08:24 PM

It wasn't the fact that it was a revolver that got you, it was the unscrupulous guy that sold it to you. He could have just as easily sold you a bad auto.

Just curious why you didn't get the Ruger repaired? It cost you money either way.

Anyway, if you really want a .357, hold out a buy a nice used S&W 686 or a Ruger GP100. Buy them from a LGS that is reputable. You might pay a bit more but you'll have piece of mind.

Leejack · August 10, 2012, 08:31 PM

Buy new.

Used guns are no different from used cars and the salesmen have similar traits as well "in some cases".

This gun was only shot by a little old lady on Sundays.

sorry you got ripped.

Meeteetse · August 10, 2012, 09:44 PM

A used gun with a zip tie??? To me that is a sign to run away. New gun with a tie is not unusual to prevent cylinder marks, but I still will not buy the gun until the dealer at the show or business takes the tie off so the gun can be examined.

I also have a couple of K-frame Smiths that have seen a diet of magnums with no problems. I believe the problems people talk about are from abuse not from honest use.

**James K** · August 10, 2012, 09:59 PM

Most gun shows require that all guns be tied. There have been cases where antis have tried to slip a live round into a gun and then leave, hoping someone will be killed and the incident used to support a ban on gun shows.

Jim

August 10, 2012, 04:43 PM	#1
freebird72 Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 2010 Posts: 237	I just cannot buy a revolver. This my seem strange, but I am afraid of buying a revolver. I have been looking at revolvers for the past year, yet, I am unable to make myself buy one. Last year I bought a Ruger Security Six for $400 at a local gun show, the gun looked so nice. Its blue was perfect and the grips had no marks. I (thought) I did the revolver checkout right. I did everything it said; I had read and read the revolver checkout at least ten or more times. However, at the gun show you are required to have zip ties on all guns. After speaking with the owner several times throughout the show, and having "his word" the gun was in very good condition with not mechanical flaws I bought it. On my way home I decided to stop by my LGS I go to often to make sure I did not buy a lemon. Well everyone in there said the gun looked perfect, "what a great buy" everyone said; that was, until the owner cut the zip tie off. Soon after I learned the fellow who sold me the gun had used the zip tie to hold the cylinder in such a way to hide the fact that it would turn by hand. I was left with a broken gun and had to sell it a couple weeks latter for a loss. The point is, I am now shy of buying a revolver. You know, the whole "Once bitten, twice shy" mentality. I have spent the last year looking for a revolver(.357), but I can never get myself to buy one. I am now looking at a nickle S&W 19-2 for $500. I have done the "Revolver Checkout" three times now on the 19. It locks up tighter than any gun I have seen in the past year bar none. I mean this gun's cylinder will not move at all when doing the cylinder lock test, nothing, absolutely zero movement. It is a vault. I would buy said gun, but after reading how they can not handle a lot .357 use, and I plan on using mostly .357. I could not stand buying the S&W19 and then having it break or were out on me. I want a .357 revolver so bad I can taste it. What do I do? Last edited by freebird72; August 10, 2012 at 05:48 PM.

August 10, 2012, 04:43 PM	#2
freebird72 Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 2010 Posts: 237	<<<Note>> <<<Note that the next 4 posts were made prior* to the OP's revision of his original post and may address comments that no longer appear in that post. JohnKSa>>>* Last edited by JohnKSa; August 11, 2012 at 02:31 AM. Reason: Add information

August 10, 2012, 05:03 PM	#3
spacecoast Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2009 Location: Sunshine and Keystone States Posts: 3,403	If you are buying it from a gun store, ask if they offer your money back if dissatisfied. Many Gunbroker vendors offer the same thing. __________________ My guns include S&W and Colt revolvers, Colt and Ruger pistols, Remington 870 shotgun, Henry and Marlin .22LR rifles, Hi-Point 9mm carbine and Lancaster Arms AK. I reload handgun rounds with a Lee hand press, over 18K rounds since Nov. 2009 with nary a squib nor kaboom.

August 10, 2012, 05:08 PM	#4
James K Staff Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 16,426	Maybe not the answer I should give, but here goes anyway. You seem to be right in your diagnosis, and that it is not limited to revolvers. Might I suggest some serious counseling. Ask around for someone who is gun friendly so you don't run into some nut case who thinks anyone who wants to own a gun is a murderer. But talk to someone. It is normal to have some pre-purchase reservations and some post-purchase qualms, but it seems to me that yours are distracting you from the business and fun of living, and anything that does that needs to be addressed, but not about a specific item and not on a web site. I hope you can get the help you need, and then find a good, reliable revolver at the right price. I am sure there are many out there. I know this post has been stepping out of line, but I wish you good luck and hope you don't hate me too much. Jim __________________ Jim K

August 10, 2012, 05:38 PM	#6
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 2,532	Take two beers and call us in the morning. __________________ Lock the doors, they're coming in the windows.

August 10, 2012, 05:21 PM	#5
testuser Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2010 Posts: 495	Model 19s are great, I love them, but if you're going to shoot a lot of magnums, then get a 686 or Model 27. Or, if you're into Rugers, then a GP-100. I'd take your $500 and put it in the bank until you've saved enough for a new one...no worries, because whatever you buy will have a lifetime warranty. In a few years the price difference between new and used won't matter.

August 10, 2012, 05:49 PM	#7
freebird72 Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 2010 Posts: 237	Revised, so people do not think I am crazy.lol What did I take out? I said in my original post that I had OCD and that this situation was driving me crazy. I DO NOT HAVE OCD AND IT DID NOT DRIVE ME CRAZY. But I do hate spending too much money, or being taken advantage of. It just expression I and many of my friends use when we are anal about something. (I was also not making fun of people with OCD.) NOTE to self. Sarcasm, and/or figure of speech does not carry over in written speech. Last edited by freebird72; August 11, 2012 at 01:26 PM.

August 10, 2012, 06:00 PM	#8
2damnold4this Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2009 Location: Athens, Georgia Posts: 1,031	Why do you want to shoot mostly .357s in it? I'd probably shoot standard .38s most of the time but I wouldn't be afraid to shoot 158 gr 357s when I felt like it if it passed the revolver check out.

August 10, 2012, 06:03 PM	#9
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,765	Buying a used gun can be a @rap shoot. I say buy new or just live without a revolver. Unless you need some crazy amount of power for dangerous game, semi-autos will do the trick.

August 10, 2012, 06:15 PM	#10
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 2,863	I got the serious likes for 19's. However, we're not in your shoes and don't know to what extent that failed Ruger left a bad taste in your mouth. If you only plan a steady diet of .357's though, have you considered an L frame or an N frame? They're far, far, far, from being handy to CC, but the Model 28 can still be found for 19 prices and they are built like tanks. Also, I don't know if you reload or not, but here of late I've noticed 125gr .357 ammo seeming to be getting more commonly available than the 158's. Model 19's do better longer with 158's. It would be a shame for you to get even a top-notch Model 19 and then end up having it not live up to your expectations. Then, what would the chances be of ever trusting another revolver? __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I'm going to use the words "clip" and "Long Colt" every chance I get. It grinds my gears to see new members attacked when we all know dang good and well what's being refered to. Last edited by 10-96; August 10, 2012 at 06:21 PM.

August 10, 2012, 06:31 PM	#12
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 9,962	The solution to your problem ...is quit buying at garage sale gun shows...and go to a legitimate gun store that will let you properly check the timing on the revolver, like you have on the model 19-2 ... There are no issues on any K frame S&W .357 mag ( model 19's or 66's ) with a steady diet of .357 mag...as long as you shoot the 158gr bullet thru them. The rumors you're hearing about K frames not holding up ...if true / and I'm a little suspicious if they are true at all ...but if they are, they're associated with issues shooting the hotter 125 gr bullets. I have a pair of model 19's in Nickel ...and three model 66's - one 2 1/2" / the other 4 guns are all 4" ....and they have all had many thousands of rounds thru them with 158gr bullets ...and they have no issues. But if you think the K frames might be an issue ...and can't get over it ...then go to an L frame ( 686 model ) or to an N frame ( model 27 or 28 ) ...all in .357 mag.... but the model 19-2 in Nickel is a good solid gun / and at $ 500 if its in excellent condition ...they just buy it. http://thefiringline.com/forums/atta...5&d=1339792625 Here are some of my S&W .357 mag's .....pair of 19's at lower right / and pair of 66's at upper right ....a 686 at upper left / and the blued gun is a model 27 ( N frame ). You got burned once ...at a gunshow...don't buy at gunshows if you can't check a gun / at my shows we have to tie up guns too ...but all the sellers can untie a gun so you can check the timing..and then they re-tie it. Its not a big deal ...but go to a reputable shop and buy your guns / until you know more about what you're buying. or don't buy it .....it leaves more revolvers for me ( I only have about 25 now - can always use another model 19 ....)...

August 10, 2012, 06:31 PM	#13
Shotgun693 Senior Member Join Date: September 3, 2011 Location: Poteet, Texas Posts: 959	I've never seen a gun that looked really good but had a problem that couldn't be fixed. I'm not a hot shot 'smith but I've fixed a few minor problems myself. Did you ask what it would've cost to fix?

August 10, 2012, 07:04 PM	#14
drail Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2008 Posts: 3,150	Any dealer who tries to sell you a gun without allowing you to check it out is a dealer you DO NOT want to deal with. They may claim it's for safety reasons but now you know the real reason.

August 10, 2012, 07:39 PM	#16
Burkewhb Junior Member Join Date: August 10, 2012 Posts: 3	good 357 magnum revolver I bought a model 686 Smith and Wesson 4" six-round revolver 6 months ago and it's great. The gun is built "like a brick ****house". Just the feel of that stainless steel tells you this baby will handle heavy use with either the 357 magnum rounds or the 38 special +p with no problem. A new one isn't cheap. I got it at a gun store in Prospect Park, Pa. for $725, but at least I know it hasn't been broken or abused and was perfect when I got it, so I think it was worth it. Buying a used gun is like buying a used car, you can never be sure what you're getting.

August 10, 2012, 07:49 PM	#17
Seaman Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2011 Posts: 545	"I want a .357 revolver so bad I can taste it. What do I do? " [freebird72] What do you do? WHAT DO YOU DO? BUY ONE!!!!! S&W have a long line of superb 357 revolvers. Even General Patton carried one, 3.5" barreled M27, called it his 'killing gun.' I tracked down a 3.5" Model 27, a beauty, but some guy in the store beat me to it. How did that happen? "A-AHHHH.........Ahhhhh..Ahhh........Ahhhhh.....a...a...a...a..." The pain...cruel fates. From the M27 to the 28, to the 13, to the 19, the 686 etc. etc. etc. So many to collect. So little time. Obssessive? me? Course not, I just want them all. __________________ For 20 years the sea was my home, always recall the sun going down, and my trusty friend, a 1911 pistol, strapped to my side.

August 10, 2012, 07:52 PM	#18
noelf2 Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2008 Location: Stafford, VA Posts: 1,318	Your problem has nothing to do with revolvers. __________________ This message and signature were both made using 100% recycled electrons.

August 10, 2012, 07:59 PM	#19
temmi Senior Member Join Date: June 13, 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 476	You bought a gun from a smuck and You were lucky it was so broken you could noy shoot it I only buy from a Reputable dealer cause then things like that do not happen. It could have happened with a auto loader.... gonna get it fixed? Snake

August 10, 2012, 08:05 PM	#20
COK Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2002 Posts: 150	First find a reputable dealer to buy from, If your not sure ask at your local range and I am sure they will set you on the right track.

August 10, 2012, 08:11 PM	#21
checkmyswag Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 1,328	Buy new? Buy from someone with a great rating on gunbroker? Buy from LGS? You've got options. Too bad you got burned at the gun show. That's why I don't buy revolvers. Just too many moving p...nevermind. you'll get more detailed advice here and will find a quality revolver soon enough. Watch your lane.

August 10, 2012, 08:24 PM	#22
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 10,815	It wasn't the fact that it was a revolver that got you, it was the unscrupulous guy that sold it to you. He could have just as easily sold you a bad auto. Just curious why you didn't get the Ruger repaired? It cost you money either way. Anyway, if you really want a .357, hold out a buy a nice used S&W 686 or a Ruger GP100. Buy them from a LGS that is reputable. You might pay a bit more but you'll have piece of mind. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

August 10, 2012, 08:31 PM	#23
Leejack Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: The Alamo! Posts: 1,810	Buy new. Used guns are no different from used cars and the salesmen have similar traits as well "in some cases". This gun was only shot by a little old lady on Sundays. sorry you got ripped. __________________ SigPro Rocks!

August 10, 2012, 09:44 PM	#24
Meeteetse Member Join Date: January 1, 2012 Location: Wyoming - Texas Posts: 38	A used gun with a zip tie??? To me that is a sign to run away. New gun with a tie is not unusual to prevent cylinder marks, but I still will not buy the gun until the dealer at the show or business takes the tie off so the gun can be examined. I also have a couple of K-frame Smiths that have seen a diet of magnums with no problems. I believe the problems people talk about are from abuse not from honest use.

August 10, 2012, 09:59 PM	#25
James K Staff Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 16,426	Most gun shows require that all guns be tied. There have been cases where antis have tried to slip a live round into a gun and then leave, hoping someone will be killed and the incident used to support a ban on gun shows. Jim __________________ Jim K