Gun Question....Anybody on here know anything about handguns?

[gordorad]

What is the avg. price for a used .38 Smith Wesson?  A friend of mine recommended this type as something that would be very useful for when traveling in remote areas....

I see some can be found for as little as $350 new. 

Any suggestions 

[six2go #152]

Wrong forum! I don't think you'll find anyone here who believes in "gun ownership".   

[Molasses]

Just a thought I'd like to bring up: have you looked into the law regarding carrying in the manner and places you're thinking of having this .38?  If you haven't, it wouldn't hurt to do so, as getting all crossthreaded with gun laws isn't something very many enjoy.

Old used Smiths are out there and can still be found at reasonable prices with a little digging and/or a little luck.  I hesitate to give any kind of prices because it's just like with bikes: there are differences in makes, models and details and for every one that is priced "normally" there's someone trying to clip you and some guy will chime in about the great deal he stumbled over at half the going rate.  Taking the bike analogy further, buying a used handgun is much like finding a good used bike or anything else mechanical: a little research/knowledge can save a world of headaches.  There's a sticky at the top of the revolver section of most of the gun forums about what to check out on used revolvers.  Two that I like are:
http://www.thehighroad.org/
http://www.thefiringline.com/

[solo1]

 Talking about guns is like talking about oil or the Darkside.

[john]

                 search ....  online gun auction

[sugerbear]

http://www.armslist.com/

[Chrisj CMA]

I like S&W revolvers.  But if you are going ot buy an OLD .38 it will likely be as big as a newer .357.  Now some of the new Airwight 38sp carry guns are really small.

This is what I carry every day...everywhere  686-6 .357 six shooter

[Patrick]

There are a bizillion used guns out there.. Why not put a few in your hand and see how they fit ?? The .38 special is a good cartridge, however, the .357 is much more better and the .38 can be used in it.. Its kinda hard to go wrong if you buy one from the major manufacturers and that you like and that has been taken care of.. Prices can be all over the chart depending on make, model and condition.. If you like it,, its probably worth it.. Its pretty hard to lose money on a good quality gun..

[Jess from VA]

If you're looking for something to carry in the bags and not on your person with a permit, a four inch bbl with target sights (over fixed) in .38 or .357 is the way to go (you don't want a 2"bbl snubbie).  I recommend this as a first handgun for anyone.  S & W prices on everything have gone up considerably, and so has used accordingly.  A good used model 14, 15, 19, 65, 66 (K frame) or 586, 686 (L frame) for $350 is a good buy, if it's not beat up or damaged. Also look at Taurus and Ruger GP100 and SP101.  Used revolvers can have considerable surface wear (mainly blue steel) and still be perfect mechanically (though a guy who abuses his stuff should not be trusted).

Someone posted Armslist above, and that is a great site (craigslist for firearms) to find a private sale in your own State with no federal papertrail.  Ride around to your gunshops and see what they have used; some they own and some on consignment (for which they get 20% usually).  On consignments, you can always ask they call the owner to see if he'll take a lower price.

With no permit, you can still travel most places (excluding the known socialist States and cities) with the revolver unloaded and loaded revolver speed loaders, packed separately (not OH), then load up and keep it in your motel room or tent overnight.  A simple check of NRA/ILA gun laws before any interstate trip can keep you straight on the laws.  

[musclehead]

spent some time on armlist  but like anywhere some stuff looks cheap and some not. a kel tec pf9 for $350?  heheheh hahahahHAHAHAHA ha!

[schrambo]

Sometimes when I'm on my Valk I will carry one of my smaller guns, like a 380 or small 9mm in case I have to go in someplace where I can't carry or cross a state line that I can't carry, then I can lock it up in the handy Valkyrie lock box under the seat where the tools that I don't need go!

[Raverez]

Hmmm.  That s a loaded question.....

[cookiedough]

I suggest asking the owner if you can fire a few rounds out of it to make sure you like it and it works fine and you feel comfortable firing it BEFORE you buy it.   350 seems reasonable to me if in very good shape for that price.  In WI,  used handguns are much harder to find since the concealed carry law passed recently and everyone wants a handgun now and a few local dealers have no used handguns and if they do get one in, it is gone the next day usually.

[Tundra]

http://www.armslist.com/

Hey Sugerbear, Thanks for the link, I've been looking for that

[shooter64]

Buying online can get you the lowest price but you still have to buy it with a transfer fee from a gun shop. I like to buy in person if possible. I like the check the action on a revolver by (unloaded natch) pulling back the hammer, pull the trigger while holding the hammer with your thumb. Check all the cylinders this way to make it locks up at every cylinder. Also, check the double action trigger pull (ok it with the owner first) Rare to find many problems with a Smith & Wesson. Ruger is another brand that is well made. Not as classically beautiful as a Smith (imo) but well made. You might compare the price of a new LCR Ruger against used gun prices. Try to avoid the temptation to buy one of the lesser expensive revolvers (Taurus, Rossi etc) You might get a good one, but you will be glad you have a name brand if you ever want to trade or sell it. Colts are great also, just pricey for a saddlebag gun.

[gordorad]

thanks for all the tips......  much appreciated.