Rock Island Armory Model 200 .38 Special Revolver - Awesome Gun or Cheap Junk?
Вставка
- Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
- The RIA Model 200 is an inexpensive revolver made in the Philippines and today my son and I shoot the 4" version. Is it as good as my 2" snub nose RIA revolver?
I have owned a Model 200 for several years now. Right after these Colt look-a-likes hit the market, I stumbled across one while browsing in a local pawnshop. Upon seeing it under the glass counter, I thought it to be one of the old 1977 Colt Police Positive Revolvers. Colt produced the modified version of the Police Positive Special for only a year or so (1977) before terminating production. The 1977 production Police Positive .38 has a 4-inch half-shrouded barrel and built on the same D-frame as the older Police Positive Special and Detective Special was. I always thought the design looked great and because of the limited production run of 1-year I never was able to capture one of the compact Colts. I owned several Police Positive Special Revolvers, with a 4-inch barrel and exposed ejector rods. I used these Colts while doing court security as a Deputy Sheriff. Lightweight, compact, and a hand-honed and hand-fitted trigger, that was made and put in by a Colt Master Craftsman. A custom six-gun in todays gun world but back in the day, when I was a young cop, that was a given. So when I gazed at that Model 200 under the counter I mistakenly saw me a Colt treasure, long sought. But after requesting a "hands-on" examination from the clerk I was able to identify correctly this Colt look-a-like. After getting my grimy paws on that Armscor Model 200 for a closer look-see, not a 1977 Colt Police Positive, but it doggone sure looked like it. It didn't me very long to strike a sales price (225.00) and home I went with my new six-gun. Being a Colt man most of my cop's life, I was modestly acquainted with the different Colt Revolvers that cops carried in my working years. I carried the Official Police .38 on the streets and while working court detail, I packed a lightweight Police Positive Special .38 in a black basketweave high rise holster, built to Police Positive Special dimensions and barrel length (4"). Getting home with my new Armscor Model 200 was exciting for me, even though it wasn't a favorite "blast-from-the-past" that I coveted (1977 Police Positive) it was a dead ringer for it. My old Colt Duty Holsters fit this Armscor like my Colt use to. After researching and yard tape measuring, I found the frame size, the weight, and overall length mirrored the Colt guns of yesteryear. I also discovered that my ample supply of aftermarket grips for 1966-era Colt frames with the half-butt frame feature would also fit this Armscor. The weight of my Armscor M200 also matched the old Police Positive, both with black rubber Pachmayr Presentation Grips on (29-oz.). Now the trigger-action was definitely not Colt like. It was stiff, but very usable for self defense purposes. The Armscor uses a coil spring instead of the Colt leaf spring in the trigger-action. Also, the matt black finish was not a Colt feature. This was a very reliable six-gun for self-defense. The clockwise cylinder rotation, another Colt feature mimicked, operated like modern day production revolvers do, and that's stiff. I could work on the coil spring a little to smooth out the stiffness, but this is a recreation/home & car protector. Done went and got to old to "serve & protect" anymore. Anyway, thank you for this video on a revolver that is "super" for defense and a "super" economical price tag to purchase, and it looks Colt to boot!
Good review. I want a real Colt, but not paying the prices I’ve seen lately. This M200 38 Special could very well be the ticket. Not looking to spend $600 plus on a revolver right now.
RIA makes quality, affordable firearms that just keep getting better the more you fire them! GREAT PRESENTATION!!!
Thanks Kirk. We had a lot of fun making this video and we are glad you enjoyed it.
@@mixup98 awsome video
I owned both the M200 and the M206 years ago. Unfortunately I had to sell them a few years ago because I needed money for a family emergency. They were reliable and sometimes I miss having them.
Armscor makes them (Philippines). RIA just imports, and markets them.
Hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha those are complete garbage
Armscor (RIA) is so popular here in the Philippines, it is issued in most private security officers across the nation. Maybe because of the fact that it is one of the most affordable but very reliable handgun available locally. Great video.
Hello Handy Harvey. I have heard that RIA revolvers were carried by private security officers in the Philippines and I thank you for confirming it.
@@mixup98 my pleasure, glad I could help...more power to your channel!
i've had one of these for about two years now. i love it. it shoots what ever you feed it hot or light loads and just keeps on working. the finish wears very well. i have put a couple thousand rounds through mine and it still looks brand new. if you find one buy it, you won't be sorry.
Thanks for the feedback 1911 fan....we appreciate it.
congrats to your purchase!
@@rodrigoevangelista85 👍😎
Their is nothing better than some father and son time. Feels great having my dad around when I go hunting and I even got to take my son out with me as well. Great times.
there
@@wehrewulf There is always that one grammar sheriff hiding in the comments 😐
@@d2nasty696 Someone has to do it. Comments are editable.
@@d2nasty696 Baheheheheh...it's all good!......
Needed a revolver for an instructor qualification. Bought the M200, cleaned it, put some neon green on the front sight. Shot a perfect score. Best $200 I've ever spent (on guns).
Heck yeah! The M200 has been a great investment for both of us.
I have both the M200 and M206. I installed Pachmayr grips made for the Colt Diamondback part # 02513 on both. They fit nearly perfectly leaving only a small gap about the thickness of a credit card that I sealed up with black silicone. Makes a world of difference with recoil.
Thanks for the advice...I just might try a set of Pachmayr grips.
Yes, thank-you, just ordered some. Just got my m200 a week ago and it's great value but the stock grips are mediocre.
@@davidgibbons620 You’re very welcome! Stay safe.
The M200 was my first handgun, and still my favorite. Won't win any awards, but cheap and reliable.
The M200 was also my first. I sadly never got to fire it. (No money or time in the 6 months I owned it.) Sold it to a friend of mine to fund a smaller pistol for carry. Gonna have to meet up with him for a range day, I miss that gun. Never held something that just melted into my hand so perfectly and after a couple hundred dry fires that trigger gets really smooth and breaks clean.
Congratulations on your first pistols! Welcome to your new obsession!
It’s a truck gun for me , shoots well and i love it
I know you weren’t making a video specifically about the speed loader, but the fact that you did mention the brand and model, then showed it worked was helpful. I’ve been trying to find out what speed loader works in the gun, and most UA-cam doesn’t mention specifics.
I'm glad to hear that you found my video helpful regarding the speed loader and your feedback is much appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment on my video.
I collect 70's era Smith & Wesson revolvers but I have to say that gun shoots dang good. You can't beat it for that price....
I love S&W revolvers and I won many shooting competitions with a Model 586 back in the '80s and early '90s.
When there's thunder and it's snowing in southern Nevada, you know it's either a freak storm or Mixup & Son are in the canyon. Nice work, gentlemen. Looks like the Rock Island gang is turning out a couple of good choices for EDC, range, or kit gun in .38 Special. I bet they do a nice job with hollow-base wadcutters. Stay safe and frosty out there.
Lol, replied to the wrong comment, my bad.
I haven't shot hollow-based wadcutters in at least 25 years but I bet this Rock Island revolver would love them. Now I just need to find some wadcutters and a pound of Bullseye gunpowder 👍🤠
@@mixup98 With their skimpy powder charges, they make for some pretty economical practice. We used to load them hollow-end forward for extra fun when shooting at water-filled milk jugs. ;) I think I may have a few hundred of those hollow-base swaged lead projectiles stashed away. If you can't find any locally, let me know - I'd be happy to send you 50 or so, gratis, so you can try them out. I'd deliver them, but I think you're about a 700 mile drive each way from here. ;)
This gun isn't good.. IT'S MAGICAL, I only shot 50 rounds through mine and I fell in love with it
👍🤠
How is that DA trigger, I got my first DA revolver not too long ago but wow is it a shore to shoot it Double Action... I can't wait to get a small M206 🥲😅
@@puertoricanboy100 trigger is little heavy on double action but not bad, very light and comfortable on single action
I love mine ! After around 200 rounds she broke in just fine. Best $225 I ever spent on a .38 Special.
Yes indeed!!!
You ever have issues with the single action getting hung up on its way back every once in a while?
@@screamingwarhog Never.
Bought one for my dad. He shoots it every weekend for the last year and not one problem. Awesome revolver! The mod 200 that is.
i have a M200 and love it! That long spur on the hammer makes it as accessible as my Ruger Blackhawk and wow! that is a hair trigger in SA. The double action is smooth. The very first shot i fired with it was a bulls-eye. i said to myself "Looks like this one is a keeper!" i was right!
I have one of these it shoots great. You can run plus p just not in abundance. I have run plenty just to check the accuracy of my defensive loads. Very accurate. Just make sure to check the screws after shooting hot loads. They came loose. I love the revolver $198.
Guns like this have a place in a lot of night stands and purses and holsters. A gun you can afford beats one you cant. And don't tell me a .38 Special can't do the job. That old tale was put to rest before most of us were born. It is one of the most useful efficient cartridges I've ever used. Over 1000 shots to the pound on powder and almost any pistol or shotgun powder will work. And a 158 grain SWC is about a universal bullet for this cartridge, with the hollow point version being darn near as good as the cartridge can get for self defense. Oh, did I mention I kinda like the .38 Special? It's pretty special.
Great piece! Mine was a little rough when i got it. It had a lot of roughly machined edges on the inside. After thw first trip to the range, i smoothed out any areas inside that showed signs off rubbing/wear. It runs slicker yhan duck butter now. I added a pachmayr grip too. Its an absolute favorite on range day. Its my couch companion.
Just like the 206 2" model, this appears to be a very serviceable pistol that will get the job done. .38 Special was the standard cartridge for American law men for about 80 years, and it works, as like these Rock Island pistols. They work.
This video fractured a revolver not a pistol....
@@HvyD420 Pistol can be used for either. Pistol doesn't necessarily refer to a semiautomatic although that is how it is commonly used.
@@frankhinkle5772
The ATF defines a pistol as any handgun that does not contain its ammunition in a revolving cylinder. Most pistols have a removable magazine into which bullets are loaded. The magazine is then inserted into the hollow handgrip of the gun. I appreciate you expanding my horizons I have not heard that everyone that I am around at the range is very specific to weather they are talking about a pistol or a revolver. Thanks for the insight.
This would make a nice truck gun. I don't care for the Colt style cylinder release, but for the price you can't complain too much.
Same weather here in Texas Miserable hot and humid weather ~ So i just stay in! The mosquitos will eat you alive ! It would make a good gun to carry in your motor home, boat, car, ATV 4 wheeler or camping, hunting, fishing ect. ~ I always have or carry a gun with me! NEVER KNOW WHEN IT MAY COME IN HANDY ~ For protection and survival ~ I never leave home with out one
Same here my friend!
@@mixup98 very cool 👍
Good value revolver that appears to have well regulated fixed sights; point of aim is the point of impact! Thanks for tolerating the heat and humidity to bring us the review. It's insufferable here in Houston.
It's always nice to have a fixed sight revolver that hits point of aim. We got a lot of rain today here in southern Nevada but my son and I will be out tomorrow making another video....wish us luck 😁
This video is proof you can have fun while being informative and responsive to your viewers. I wish my grandfather and I could have spent time like this, we only had indoor ranges when/where I grew up. All the best to you and your son!
Awesome! My son and I both thank you for the very nice comment. I am so thankful that I can spend quality time with my son making our videos together. I am truly blessed.
Before modern Jacketed Hollow Points standard carry rounds were 158 grain Round Nose Lead Bullets. Just thought I'd mention it for the younger folk.
I've seen several videos where the normal pressure .38 special 158 grain lead semiwadcutter hollowpoints
performed very well.
@@Salieri47 I use to load and shoot 148 grain hollow base wad cutters in my .38 specials and .357's they were very accurate target loads and would center punch targets like you wouldn't believe!
Armscor applies a lot of oil and grease on their firearms after the manufacturing process and prior to storage to account for the humid tropical Philippine weather. You do have to clean it up some before shooting.
Looks to me like an all around, do it all, revolver and every man should own an example which, I believe, RIA has made it their plan considering the price point. Like I said before, self protection is a Right but few of us can afford $500 - 1000 for a Colt, Ruger, Smith or other premium handgun especially when this tool will do.
Do not forget about the GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE OF RIA.
I never get tired of the Mixup98 and Sons duo. You guys are the one of the only firearms channels I consistently watch. Keep up the good work fellas.
We will and we thank you for never getting tired of our corny jokes and silly humor 😁😁
After your review on the M-206, I bought one. Then, a week later, I bought the M-200. So, I have both as well. Just waiting for better weather to take them out and shoot. They are certainly well made and at a very affordable price.
Good morning Paul. Please give us your opinion after shooting your new revolvers. Thanks 👍😎
You never gave your final opinion on the M200. Did you like it as much as the M206? I have one I picked up on GunBroker about 2 years ago for $145 NIB. I bought for my 14 year old(at that time) to shoot as I have many old S&W .38's I'd like to remain in their current condition. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it shot right off the box. It shoots dead on point of aim. Single action was nice off the bat. Now after 2400 rounds dbl/single are both smooth and break clean. It's been a good shooter with no failures. It was pretty oiled up when I got it, so definitely give it an in depth cleaning. I'd recommend it for anyone. Great value.
I actually like the 200 better due to the longer barrel. Maybe someday my son and I will shoot them both in the same video and do a comparison.
The close ups of the gun are great. Please keep doing those.
I will....thanks for the feedback Joshua.
I have one of these and i like it. I haven't put a ton of rounds through it yet, but it's pleasant to fire and i like the look/ feel.
Thank you for the feedback Phillip....much appreciated.
Never had any issues with RIA, this one was no exception, lock up & timing are great, groups are good & for the price you really can't beat it.
Nice. I thought about getting one of these years back. The only thing that threw me was the rough texture on the finish and some sharp edges that might bite if you handle it rough and clumsily. But that's just nit picking. No surprise it's heavily oiled. The Philippines are are very tropical and they might stay in a warehouse for weeks before coming over.
I’m really falling in love with this pistol
My M200 is still working great. They are obviously modeled after the 1970’s Colt Viper, one of the more expensive of Colts due to the rarity.
I have both the 200 and the 206. I wanted the old school snub nose as a desk night stand gun as I found out with the bigger grips it's excellent as a daily carry. I have a Taurus tracker as a 357 and wanted a 4 inch 38 for general use. I took it to an outside range and was able to hit my targets with excellent accuracy. The recoil was very manageable to the point of smooth thus being able to get back on target quick. I have always loved the 38 and thought it may not have the pedigree of other revolvers both of these are an excellent investment
As you probably know I also own the 200 and the 206 revolvers....great minds think alike 👍😎
l bought one and love it. ln my opinion as good as a lot of higher priced revolvers. Shoots just fine with 158 gr. swc and FP.
Rock island makes a good budget gun. I bought a Rock island 1911 and it's not to shabby
They don't make shit. They IMPORT handguns from Armscor in the Philippines, and shotguns from Turkey.
@@wehrewulf well they sell a ok budget gun. Tf
Wehrewulf.....chill out, dude.
@@mixup98 Factual information.
@@nickmiller5479 They do indeed.
I have an M200 also...love it! It is a nice little "working gun"...not a show piece. I have no complaints whatsoever about it. Well worth the $$$ plus some, actually.
Well said!
You know you've spent plenty of quality time shooting when your old man says "Bounce it!" and you immediately shoot the bottle so that it actually bounces. Good stuff! Moving me ever closer to picking up one of these workhorses. Now, if only something could be done about ammo...
👍🤠 👍😎
Yep, love mine paid $229.99 when I picked mine up, great shooter.
Bought one several months ago, carry it in a Safariland #28 pancake holster... gotta say I love this RIA M200. My carry load is a 158 gr SWC.
Rock island continues to impress
.38 revolver, shooting double action with no optics, this is how everyone should be teaching others to shoot. Once people can shoot well this way, then they can move on to red dots and other things. Great job including offhand shooting as well. We don't see enough of that today. I thought your son was going to get another bath in this one, lol. Great job boys, keep up the great work.
Maybe I should do an instructional video explaining the basics of double action shooting and one handed shooting. On the other hand, maybe I should wait until ammo prices come back down since it takes a lot of practice to become proficient shooting double action.
@@mixup98
Absolutely. It does take a bit of practice to get proficient shooting double action but it's well worth having the ability. It would make for a great
mixup98 "mini-series". It would also be helpful to a lot of newer shooters. Maybe we can get something together to help with the ammo. I'm guessing you're mainly talking about .38 special? Great stuff brother. 👍
@@notsosilentmajority1 I would recommend that a new shooter practice with a .38 special due to the lower cost of ammo and the light recoil. A double action revolver chambered in .22 would be a better choice but they are hard to find. I don't have any sponsors sending me ammo and all of my expenses come out of my pocket (which is why Patreon is so important to my channel) so hopefully my son and I will be able to put together a few videos showing how to accurately shoot a double action revolver.
@@mixup98 You can still do that..People should learn grip and trigger control by dry firing with snap caps anyway...Until those things are learned and practiced,,sights and live ammo don't do a person much good...
I have to add to the lube comment, I just bought 2 of them for the boys, and they seem literally dipped in a Cosmo type lube, but thinner, and it's no joke, it's gonna take a second to get the majority off of everything. But a clean cycling, tightly built pistol.
All my friends say I'm nuts (which is true), but I love a good .38 special. My first pistol was a .38, and I still think they are great weapons. No, they don't have the ammo capacity of an automatic, but I prefer to make each shot count, so it's not a problem for me.
There is Nothing better than the excitement of hearing the recoil echo through mountains in a Nevada desert..!!
I absolutely agree with you Michael 👍🤠
All I can say is, wow, perfect timing. I was just reading up on the rock island M200 last night.
That is what happens when you live in......The Twilight Zone 👍😁
I absolutely love mine!
I also have Ruger, S&W and Colt revolvers-and love this little guy like crazy!
I keep this in the kitchen drawer to make sure no one takes the last beer!
Awesome!! I've had one since last November and I love it!! Accurate, nice trigger, both single and double action.
👍😎 👍🤠
Rock Island Armory should make a M200 38 special in stainless steel.
I love all your videos. Hope you never retire from doing this. I have many of the same toys but mine aren't as accurate as yours for some reason :) lol
Hello Danny...I'm going to keep making this videos even when I'm in a wheelchair. 👍🤠
Funny how that works. I too cannot get my weapons to fire as straight as mixup’s.
That boy has a good father.
Thank you LINDA 👍🤠
357/38 special ammo is as hard to find as truth in Washington DC.
No you are wrong ,I found some yesterday ,but Biden is still lying !
@@christinamoneyhan5688 I hit a jackpot on a slot machine once...
2 days ago I was at Rural King and they had boxes of 357 on the shelf, today at another Rural King they had several tables set up with tons of A/R and AK rounds, couldn't see it all, they were just a little busy.
@@bryanrocker5033 I am happy for your abundance. However, my trip to Academy was a complete nothing. Like the shelves of a ghost town general store.
@@texasnannyjoe2049 same in S.E. Tx. nobody has .38 (or 357) range or hollow points. I did find some 380 jhp at a pawnshop in Woodville.
If I was looking for a cheap truck/tackle box gun this would be it.
This is why mixup is my favorite gun reviewer. that close up shot on the water jug; no other gun reviewer knows how to have fun like that lol. Every other gun reviewer just want to talk and shoot their gun with a rope and them behind a truck... and no one wants to rapid fire like mixup
Yes indeed, we love having fun while making our videos even if it means getting splattered with water, shaving cream, soda, Santa Snow, tomato paste, hominy, enchilada sauce, etc. 👍🤠 👍😎
Will definitely have to keep an eye out for one. Most certainly a nice looking pistol. Awesome video as always
Thank you Jay.
I bought a 200 model some months ago and no price gouging. with health issues and vision not great the pistol shot wonderful I shot 45-50 yards and put it in the vital area so I guess that ain’t bad shooting off hand . Iam happy with it . iam a little concerned about light primer strikes, it goes bang but I want the primers hit a little harder to totally satisfy me. took off the grips seem I can easily put a shim or small washer under the hammer spring to add poundage. I might call the factory reps and tell them, they might send me another spring , it’s easy to change it . that doesn’t stop me from buying another at all . nana and papa aka the hunter wishing you well.
Nice, simple , practical and inexpensive revolver !
Neat looking easy to fire and reload.
Just got mine. My first revolver, and I’m taking it out to the range in a bit. I like watching your videos. Very helpful with safety and just for the fun of shooting.
I have both the 206 and the 200, they are my truck guns. One is in my chevy and the other is in my ford. If i need them, they are more than capable of defending me. I someone breaks into the trucks and steal them, I can afford to replace them. Great guns for the money.
👍🤠
I have a RIA 1911 I bought not long before the ammo shortage. It seemed to work just fine during the brief time I was able to shoot it before the ammo ran out.
Inexpensive and very reliable. My M200 RIA 38 special hasn’t malfunction since I got it more than a year ago and I fired more 300 rounds already. Just hard to find ammunition at this time.
I've been shooting revolvers since I bought my first one in 1977 and I can honestly say that for the money this really is a good firearm.
Beautiful, accurate and reliable revolvers, at very moderate price(s).
A person could just about go with .38 special and 357magnum in a 4" revolver and 20" carbine and eliminate everything else. Maybe one big bore for big game.
Love whatever you've done to the microphone, it's not trimming the ambience.
I'm using the same microphone but I am now using a new Canon video camera which I absolutely love.
@@mixup98 The audio does sound quite a bit nicer, less trimming and limiting, with the ambient gun/canyon sounds much more present.
2-2022, I bought one today. Your video inspired me. I bought the 4" model.
I bought this one today too! Enjoy!
Awesome! Please give us your opinion after shooting your new revolver.
Awesome video and review as always, sir. No matter which guns or firearms handling tips I research, I always find myself gravitating towards your channel. This is another gun I'm gonna have to add to my portfolio. A solid tool that is reliable and gets the job done 👍
Good morning Jonathan. As you know I own two Rock Island revolvers and they are definitely worth the asking price. Please let us all know if you get one and what you think of it after shooting it.
@@mixup98 Good afternoon, sir. I did indeed buy a RIA M200 at Bud's last week. The asking price was roughly $250 and I jumped on it. My coworker/range buddy and I just got back from range and we had a blast running the M200.
We tested the 38 SPL Tulammo, American Eagle, and Federal Hydra Shock loads. The Tulammo performed the worst, shooting low and scattered. The American Eagle shot well at point of aim. The Federal Hydra Shock ran even better with tighter groups.
I'm beyond happy with new acquisition. A solid tool for the job. Sir, thanks again for the video and review. You're such a valuable resource for learning about decent firearms and how to operate them. Best wishes from Kentucky!
@@reggaetonjones1988 Heck yeah, that's what I'm talking about. It's hard to beat a decent revolver for about $250. I'm glad my video was able to help you choose the RIA and I thank you for the very nice compliment. Best wishes from Nevada.
Hickok did a video on this model revolver a few years back and I found I still needed more info.After seeing your video and how it performed I've decided that if I run across one of these again, I'm going to buy it.Also I don't think a person needs +P ammo in a 38 Special.
I found my Model 200 at Sportsmans Warehouse for $220 and since I had 40 bucks in reward points I only spent $180 for my revolver. It's the best 180 bucks I ever spent on a handgun. I hope you find one and please let us know if you do.
on the subject of 38 special plus p. the gains in performance to me as a reloader for 42 years and loading , testing more 38 specials than many people would shoot in there life time it really not that more powerful and costly. if people who extensively tested them tell the truth that in most cases in bullet expansion testing because of their low speed it’s not easy to get most jhp bullets to reasonably expand even plus p , I recommend you or anyone else reloaders and non reloader to look up, lucky gunner self defense ammunition tests . the I think test all there self defense ammunition. the show each bullet , there expansion, volisety , the actual gel testing to view. it is a treasure chest of knowledge in a professional way by people I consider professionals in every way. and they don’t pay me to say that. but be warned they give the results as they tested them. they have the test of I think 16 calibers and mush ammunition advertised as awesome turn out completely failures. I have loaded Hornady xtp bullets over 30 years, but the 380,38 sp were failed. 9 mm, 44, 45 wonderful. if I had to buy self defense ammunition I would lookup lucky gunner first so not to waste my money. nana and papa aka the hunter wishing you well.
I had the little snub nose for several months- never had an issue with it.. Tried to carry it but I don’t have enough ass for the weight and traded for a G2- another excellent cheap pistol.
I just picked up a G3c and I'll be doing a review on it shortly.
Looks pretty good to me. You guys are doing a great job! 👍👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thank you Frank!
I had one of those for a while, but sold it when money got short. Though I didn't put very many rounds through it, it fired flawlessly in both single- and double-action. I did notice that the aiming groove on the barrel was not perfectly straight, but angled slightly to the left, but since this was a home defense weapon, not a competition target gun, that really didn't matter.
Just wanted to ask if you or anyone in the comments has had a similar experience and might have some advice. I have an M200 that I really like as a back-up truck gun, but I have noticed an occasional issue with double action trigger pull. Occasionally, when pulling the trigger in DA very slowly/deliberately, it will bind up, and will essentially arrest your trigger pull (you can pull through the bind, but it basically requires you to placed a second finger on the trigger to get enough brute force to eventually break past whatever is binding up). This doesn't seem to happen when the trigger is pulled with smooth, even speed, but when you're trying to pull slowly, to maximize accuracy in DA, it occasionally happens. As others have mentioned, I initially though it was related to all the preservative oil the gun was absolutely smothered in when I first bought it. However, I've since taken the face plate off and thoroughly cleaned/lubricated every internal component of the revolver, and I still haven't managed to fix the problem. Not sure what could cause this, and as I'm not any kind of experienced or even amateur armorer, I'd love to hear any thoughts from others. Thanks for any help!
I'm not sure what the problem is but I would advise against using brute force on the trigger to get the cylinder to turn. The small piece inside the frame that actually turns the cylinder, called the "hand", is rather thin and can be easily deformed when applying a lot of pressure on the trigger. A deformed hand will cause a timing issue with the lockup of the cylinder. The hand will ratchet with the notches in the back of cylinder and turn the cylinder when the trigger is pulled. I'm guessing that these notches, and probably the hand itself, are a little rough but should smooth out over time. A very small amount of gun grease on the rear of the cylinder might also help.
@@mixup98 Thanks for the advice! I think you're right in diagnosing that the problem has something to do with the interaction of the hand and the cylinder notches, because when I manipulate the trigger while the cylinder is swung out, there's never any bind at all. Appreciate the help!
@@ni200v Glad I could help and thank you for watching my video 👍🤠
These are known to have quality control issues. But great customer service. Especially timing issues out of the box. I picked up a 4 inch barrel model 200 awhile back at Academy. It was priced at $250. But it was their display model so they knocked off $50. I didn't even inspect it near as good as I normally do before I buy a gun. I told my son I figured I had a 50-50 chance of having to send it back for repair as soon as I got it home. Wel, I did! It had one chamber WAY out of time. Unlike yours, mine would bind up when cocking the hammer back in single action. Always on the same chamber. I could pull the hammer past the binding spot,but I knew it wasn't right.. But did fine in double action. And sometimes, that chamber would fail to rotate far enough to lock up. I called RIA. They were very apologetic and assured me all shipping and repair cost would be on them. I had a prepaid shipping label E-mailed to me within 2 hours. I got the gun back in 3 weeks. The timing is perfect and it feels like it has a custom action job. Overall, I'm very happy with the gun, especially for $200. And they do have great customer service! I do consider these guns to be light duty firearms. RIA confirmed I could use Plus P ammo on a "limited" basis. But I'm sticking with strictly standard velocity rounds. I'm using mine as one of my house guns. It's sitting right beside me on the table right now. RIA did stress to me that the revolver would go out of time if the side plate screws were loose and that I should keep an eye on them. So you might want to check yours. But I'd suggest giving them a call at their Nevada location if you have any concerns. Their customer service was just as good as I have heard. These guns are manufactured in the Philippines on old machines. But the guns go to their gunsmiths in Nevada when needing repairs. And it seems to me they know these guns and are very good at repairing them.
@@shadowwolf2524 It is good to know that RIA appears to have great customer service and I'm glad they took care of your revolver in a timely manner. As you probably know Citadel had my shotgun for four months before I got it back. I agree with not using +P ammo in these revolvers and I will stick with light .38 Special loads. I will also keep on eye on the side plate screws and I appreciate the heads-up.
I bought one of those 3 years ago it's been a really good handgun it's accurate good video
I definitely like the 4 inch barrel model more than the 2 inch barrel snub nose model
I found a model 200 at a gun show yesterday. I was sold on its looks and the price. I thought it would make a good nightstand gun. From the videos I've seen about this gun it's looks like I made a good choice
Just picked one up based on your reviews, still new to revolvers and have been wanting an inexpensive basic .38spl double/single action. Have a Ruger wrangler also but it’s a 22lr single action plinker. For the price this is a great value. Thanks for the videos!
Great choice Dan. This revolver really is a great value and I will doing another video with it in the near future. My son and I thank you for watching our videos. Have a great weekend.
I bought the model 200 after buying the Rock Island armory 1911 and being completely satisfied. I have never owned a revolver that was as dependable as this one for under $250. Pretty it's not, but it's kind of growing on me. If we lived in a state that we were allowed to have a "truck gun", this puppy would be in the glove box of my work truck, however in New Jersey, I suppose we're lucky enough to still be able to buy and own handguns! Great video, we seem to have a lot of the same guns, Great minds think alike
Hello Larry. Here in Nevada we are still allowed to have a truck gun and yes, my M200 sits under my seat. No offense but I could never imagine living in New Jersey (or New York or California). Stay safe out there and I thank you for being a five year subscriber to my channel.
I keep getting confused, in my island we don't have that type of magical technology. It's just amazing how you appeared out of nowhere to start the video.
👍😊
Another great video sir! I picked up the M206 awhile back and absolutely love it. It doesn't look as nice sitting next to a S&W .38 however, it shoots just about the same for half the price. I've been considering picking up the M200 and I now see that they're in stock again. Keep up the great work!
Nice review. Seems like a well built revolver.
👍🤠 👍😎
While some question their effectiveness in the 21st century, I have always liked the simplicity and reliability of a wheel gun. The rock islands retail for about $230 plus tax, which is very economical for a firearmc
I love my model 200. And yeah ships with about 100 gallons oil. Took a while to clean it up, but it is a great gun and didn't hurt my wallet. 😁
Yeah, I took mine apart after making this video and cleaned out a lot of oil.
Rock Island make a great pistol... I have the Model 200 as well 👍🏼
It's based on the Colt Viper 4" 38spl 1970's. 6 shot, D-frame. Looks accurate and reliable. Good value revolver. Fun range day 👍
What an awesome video my brother I like that pistol I'ma have to keep my eyes open for one of those keep up the good work I love seeing father and son having fun
Picked one up on the private market a couple years back for $150. It wanted to hang up a little on the double action pull sometimes but after a good polishing of the trigger group and some use it is much better and should continue to get better. Mine will never be as fine as a Smith or Ruger but it is more than adequate for general use and self defense. Good gun to beat around and take in the canoe. Cheapest gun I ever bought besides a New England(now H&R) single shot 20ga that was $80. It still gets more use than some of my other guns and is fun to shoot. The heavy trigger facilitates good practice to really learn to control your grip and keep that front sight on target throughout the entire double action pull.
I thought Nevada had “dry” heat. Might not be so humid if you two weren’t exploding water jugs into the atmosphere! Good video. I like it that you take the time to review less expensive guns that might be off the beaten path.
Its a pretty dry heat most the time, i think these fellas are from AZ though so its relatively humid
@@richardwangster4770 At the start of the video Dick clearly says Nevada. Hence I was also surprised by the humid comment.
It's the monsoon conditions which bring in moist unstable air. Heavier than normal in past weeks.
I would guess that 99% of the time we have "dry" heat here in Nevada but we have had a lot of rain lately and we really aren't used to the humidity, which really kicked my butt when we were making this video.
@@mixup98 try FL in the Summer.😅
I always enjoy your reviews. I have my eye on the Rock Island AL 9.0 revolver. If you come across one of those, I would love to see a review on that one.
Hello Andrew. I have never shot a 9mm revolver before but hopefully I will get the chance to review the AL 9.0 someday.
id love one and i did see a video yesterday still love todays
Cool and fun video! I'm always amazed at the sound that the video picks up in these wide open spaces especially ricochet sounds. (I assume rocks) Nice to do what you love with your son.
On a side note, it always makes me smile to see your slow motion editing. 👍 .
I have always been fascinated with slow motion and I love blowing stuff up in my videos and watching it in slow motion.
@@user-sh5dy5tr9d 👍👍👍🤠
The reverberations from the hills make these video's sound like "The Rifleman," TV series.
👍🤠
Of course I always love your revolver videos(my favorites)..but today just want to let you know your video content, production and close up videography is excellent. Quality.
Awesome! Thank you Ronald for the great feedback....you just made my day!
I would like to have both models, always liked Colt but just can't afford the pony.
Good to see this video back on!
Never stop beaming in to your videos.
I bought a Ruger Super Blackhawk stainless with the 5.5 barrel based heavily on your review of it. Mine is a twin to the one you tested :)
I borrowed that stainless Super Blackhawk from a friend when I did that review and I absolutely loved it. Can't seem to find one anywhere today.
@@mixup98
I bought mine from Sportsman's Warehouse out here in Central California several months ago. I must have bought the last one because they went out of stock right after.
In have weird luck. I also recently scored a new Henry Big Boy X Model in .44 at a local store. If you haven't reviewed one yet they are absolutely great.
I love my 200. I had it for several years and no issues. Nice video!
Thank you Wilfer Zuleta 👍🤠
Thank you for buying our product im one of crew of making this gun barrel section.i want to have also but the licensed processing is a scam
Hello Tony and greetings from the United States. My son and I enjoy shooting our Rock Island revolvers and we thank you for helping to make them.
Tony do they ever talk about making a .357 ? I'm very happy with my M200. Very good gun for the money. You are doing a great job!
@@gregsmith5695 Im sorry but they are not making 357.we also stop making shotgun for security guards.made in turkey shotgun is cheaper we lost the battle in the market.
@@tonymendez731 Still a great knock around pistol. Seeing this video again and your response has made me decide to buy another one. There must be a lot of hand work and fitting going into the lockwork because they shoot very smoothly right out of the box.
I hope that things will change for you at home. You should be able to own what you produce. Thank you for your good work.
@@gregsmith5695 i plan to buy m2006 the snub nose as a souvenir im processing my license.yes the revolver need a very highly skilled assembler than other pistol.the parts are tiny specially during heat treatment we need to test the hardness if the material one by one.
Am I having deja vu or did I not watch and comment on this video yesterday??? Nice find for a great price....looks like a great shooter. Good to know you are using the HKS DS speed loader as that must mean that Rock Island picked up the Colt DS patents.....when I watched this yesterday I was carrying my Colt DS in a nice DeSantis holster with HKS DS speed loaders and Zeta6 K clip since K frame cylinders about the same as the DS. As far at the .38 Special only, my Colt Detective Special, 1994 vintage fourth series, manual ays .38 special with limited .38 Special +P and should be sent to the factory after shooting 1500 rounds. So as you said it is based on the Colt down to how the Cylinder release works. Very nice mixup98 and son!
I reckon it's a reupload
Yeah, I had to delete the original video yesterday and re-edit my video due to some "technical issues" and then upload it again. A few months ago a local gun shop had an older (1972) but very nice Detective Special and I'm still kicking myself for not picking it up.
@@mixup98 If I see one around I'll let you know....I would not have even known much about them if I hadn't seen videos like your Colt Agent video....as always thanks and stay safe, sir!
This was my first handgun after I turned 21. Collected a fair bit of milsurp before then and only had experience with rifles. Fun gun to shoot and I feel comfortable using it to defend myself.
👍😎