Several things I like about this channel he doesn't just buy a gun but he revisited years after he's bought it and tells you how it still works. If he still likes it
Inexpensive guns are more important to society. “The goal is that every man be armed.” My Manurhin MR73 or a Korth Mongoose may be impressive, but reliable guns everyone can afford are more important.
I wouldn't keep a korth or manuhrin as a toilet/hideout/garage gun(why NO, i dont keep a gun in ANY of those places). You're right inexpensive guns are important.
@@dgunearthed7859 the MR73 exists because GIGN loved the S&W M19 but wanted one that would handle 40,000 full magnum rounds per year. I love K frames and wanted a “forever .357” but it is just blued steel. For that price I could stash cheaper guns all over the house - NOT that I would ever actually DO that…🙄
Yeah, people can be gun snobs sometimes... but not all inexpensive firearms are crap. There are many firearms in that price range that aren't bad... and even if some of them aren't 100% reliable, they'll still save your life 99.95% of the time. That's a hell of a lot better than the low odds of surviving without a firearm. Most guns can be made reliable too if the person is willing to spend the time on it. It's one of the many reasons I always think gun owners should always know precisely how each and every gun they own functions... so they can make sure it's always in safe, working, Reliable condition. Even the cheap guns can be sent back to the manufacturer to fix if they're not reliable... and if they can't be sent back, they're usually very simple and easy to fix. (Although revolvers can be significantly more complex than semiauto's, especially for people that haven't worked on them before).
Sir, I have a mix, the Kimbers and the cheap ones. And I encourage my students (first-time gun buyers) to get a holster, firearm, and 100 rounds. The most EFFECTIVE way to do so is best for both them and the people next to them. Most want that 9MM double-stack they saw in a movie, but about 1/3 buy affordable revolvers because they like simplicity.
@@wesleymills6542 Revolvers are simple, but significantly more complex. You just have to hope it don't ever jam or break, because it's unlikely you'll be able to fix it. (especially during a self defense situation).
A little over 20 years in the Army as an infantry soldier with multiple combat tours and currently 16 years and counting in law enforcement. I have fired hundreds of different firearms and have dozens of firearms in my house including handguns in the $1,000 to $2,000 range. My off duty carry gun, along with some of my shift mates at work is the RIA M206 spurless model. Never fails us, easy to conceal and draw, super reliable. Will it win a contest for nicest looking gun...no, but when you need it most who cares what it looks like. I highly recommend the M206. Nice review mixup98.
I’m thinking about buying two for EDC! 2 are better than one! Why 2 because they teach you at the police academy to shoot with both hands! So I think it’s better to have 2 you can conceal ! The look like you can hide them pretty well!
not really a "dick special" copy. the lockwork is more colt trooper (no combo v spring to be found). not a real minus, just pointing out its not gonna be a colt d frame, even if inspired by it
In 2010, i purchased a Rock Island M206. Over 4 years, I'm guessing I put under a few hundred rounds through it. That's not much of a test, but I never had any problems with it. I eventually moved on to a 642 Airweight, an SP101, a 442, and various S&W .357's. As cheap as the RI's are, I've always been tempted to purchase anorber one...just to see how many rounds it can take before going to crap. Good video, Mixup98.
When I used to work at Turners Outdoorsman in the firearms department I used to always heavily suggest that people save their money instead of buying a cheap autoloader like a Lorcin or Jennings and by a Rossi .22lr or .38 special snub nose. You want it to go bang when you need it to.
I know several people with them and don't know of anyone that's had any problems with it. Just one friend that never oiled or maintained it had his rust really bad (in appearance). If cleaned right up with a brass brush and a "boiling and oiling". I know it's not a Blued finish... but it worked really well and looks brand new again. He just bought it, shot it and then never cleaned or oiled it for as long as he's had it. Only knew it was rusted, because he took it out to show me, because I was asking if he knew who made it (he didn't know, so he went to grab it). Other than that though, they shoot good, they're reliable and they're accurate. If you take care of them they'll probably last a lifetime.
So I bought one of these in the spur-less version and installed a set of better grips I had off a colt and then highlighted the front ramp with white and the small crescent in the rear with red. This gun is quickly becoming my favorite. ❤
Ive owned one of these for around 5 years now. Thousands of rounds through it and absolutely no issues what so ever. Sold one to my old man for 75$!! Haha! Great revolver.
Nice little truck gun. Very utilitarian and you can't go wrong with a (6) shot revolver. Most people want higher capacity but my belief is, if you can't do the job with six, you are in the wrong fight.
@@noapologizes2018 marksmanship skills count, my edc is a Ruger Speed Six 357 magnum 2 3/4 barrel. It's a brick with a snappy recoil for as heavy as it is.
A potential conflict with a person and their pack of aggressive dogs is the most likely scenario an average person may run into that may need more than a 6 cylinder, I've heard reports of people being in these situations and wishing they had more, just something to think about.
Call me a gun snob I guess, I bought the model 200 4" gun online and took it home,looked it over and the side plate near the bottom looked like it was fit with a file, very crude so I sold it
Yup, you have slight snobbishness...it's okay, you are entitled to being happy/not happy with any purchase, includes firearms...we own a few put together like Swiss watches, more that would be too rough to suit you...we judge solely on reliability, don't worry about fit/finish...it's all good...
@@JohnPublic-dk7zd True. It's kinda hard to expect a perfectly finished firearm for the price though... especially a revolver. I think most gun companies overcharge and are unfair... but on average, a gun at this price range isn't going to be a work of art. (It costs Glock $40 to produce each gun and that includes everything from parts, electricity, man hours, health insurance, taxes and everything else... but they charge a hell of a lot more than that for them. I know the manufacturer isn't the only one that has to make a profit... but I still think the mark up is ridiculous. It's why so many gun companies lobby for gun laws. They want guns to be this special, privileged thing, so they can charge so much for them. Once they become a simple tool that anyone can make, then the prices couldn't be justified. That's especially true with silencers. A $15 silencer costs like $200-$300 these days... but you can get the "fuel filters" and "solvent traps" from China for under $20 (and sometimes as cheap as $5 or $10)... and some are every bit as good as some of the expensive US made one's (not the high end one's, but just "expensive" one's that are $100 or more).
I had one. First snubby. Sold it to a friend. He likes it. His first revolver. Seriously accurate. First thing I did. Toss out the wood grip for the included plastic grip.
Ive had the 4" Model 200 for a couple of years. Got in on sale for $179. I picked up the Model 206 a few months ago. It was on sale for $189. My Model 200 was way out of time right out of the box. I called RIA customer service. They apologized and immediately sent a prepaid shipping label to my phone. I had the revolver back on 3 weeks. All shipping and the repairs were covered by them. Not only was it fixed, it feels like it has a custom action job now ! Just great customer service ! I haven't fired the Model 206 yet, but it is in time and i dont see anything wrong with it. My honest opinion on the RIA revolvers -- For right at $200, they are a decent gun, backed up by good customer service. I actually like the dull military style finish. They make a great field or truck gun. Even though RIA says its okay to shoot olus P ammo in these, i don't. I see these revolvers as "light duty" firearms. As in- carry alot - shoot occasionally. They do give someone on a fixed budget, or someone just not wanting to spend $500-$800 on a revolver, a very good option. It does seem from my experience, as well as others ive seen on videos, RIA does have a habit of letting these revolvers leave their factory in not quite working order. But their gunsmiths in Nevada are very good, and fast, of getting them in good working order if you do get a bad one. With all expenses paid. I just wish RIA would be more careful with their final inspection before shipping these out for sale. These are going for around $300 new in my area (Southern Indiana). But they go on sale often for $179- $229. And that is for both models.
@@rubicon3416 My local Rural King here in South Western Indiana. They have the Model 200 and 206 on sale a lot. I picked up my M206 just a few months ago there for $189. + Tax.
@@rubicon3416 Yes it is. They had the Model 200 on sale at the same time for $179. I actually went there to get another M200. But decided on the snub instead once I got there.
Thanks for another excellent video and review. The M206 is a good value for the money given your experience with it. For some people, $250 is all they can afford to spend on a personal defense gun so this is ideal. The fit and finish might be a bit off but the revolver is accurate, mechanically sound, and reliable which is what really counts. Plus a revolver is inherently easier to teach and operate safely than a semi-auto. I'd use standard pressure 38 Special ammo in this one for less wear and tear, like I do with my surplus LEO agency S&W revolvers. You did you viewers a great service with this update video so they can get their money's worth on a useful and low cost defensive revolver.
A gun group member once asked for advice about his Smith & Wesson .model 10 which had issues. . He was asking if it would be practical for him to have it repaired or just sell it and buy a new rock island 206 that he was able to fire at his local Armscor shooting range. We all responded that it would be better for him to have the Smith repaired. He had the repairs done and proceeded to the range wherein the old Smith performed well. Since the Smith had a 4 inch barrel, our friend then proceeded to buy a snubbie. He ended up with the model 206. Today, he is shooting groups with both revolvers. Nice video Mixup98!
You can never go wrong with a S&W Model 10 and I'm glad to hear that he had his repaired. He made a wise decision. It is always good to hear from you and as always I thank you for watching our videos.
A few years ago, I bought a 4" Model 200 at my favorite pawn shop, just over $150. It only had the wooden grip, which was not held snugly to the frame with the one screw across the grips. I fashioned a new wooden grip, secured with an additional screw tapped into the bottom of the grip frame. It is immediately at hand by my recliner, loaded with handloads of Hornady Z-Max 110 grain bullets over 5.4 grains of Bullseye, with a speedloader holding 6 more of the same.
Great video sir! I have the M206 as well as the M200 and they both perform quite well. Ive never fired +P out of them however, I am tempted. Keep up the great work.
Interesting, the 1st of the 2 +P rounds seemed to have more recoil. Maybe you compensated more for the 2nd shot. Thanks for the review. Great stuff as always.
Good vid Mixup. I don't have one of these and have never shot one... but they look like decent, albeit rough revolvers. I do have a RIA 1911 and I really like it. Thanks and as always, I enjoyed it!
Hello Sir! Great day for a revolver video. That is a nice budget friendly carry option you have there; and of course you make a snub-nose seem like a 6inch with your excellent skill.. My late father gave me his S&W 38special. Good times yeah. You have a great Sunday my friend and see you next time. :)
I really love your reviews, only thing I don't like is how everytime I see one of your videos it makes me wanna go buy a gun lol keep up the great videos sir. Thank you
A lot of my viewers say exactly the same thing about wanting to buy the guns that I review 😁 My son and I are hoping to get back to making our videos once the weather starts to cool down a little.
I didn't have good luck from mine. My 206 stopped rotating the cylinder after less than hundred rounds. For the price I paid I think it will be a work in progress while I try my shade tree type gunsmithing. I don't regret buying it . When it was functioning I enjoyed it.
Give RIA a call. My M200 was way out of time out of the box. They apologized and quickly sent a prepaid shipping label to my phone. They covered all shipping and repairs. I had the revolver back in 3 weeks. Not only was it working perfectly, it feels like it has a custom action job. Just great customer service !
That kind of response is a winner in any business! I'd be VERY leery of having just anybody timing a revolver 'by guess and by gosh'. @@shadowwolf9503 Take care.
The 4" Model 200 are carried by most Filipino security guards. You see them in malls. hotels, schools, resorts, movie houses, almost everywhere if you visit the Philippines.
I love misup98! He's not afraid to shoot guns that other people wouldn't even consider. He has a lot of skill and gives honest reviews that I trust. Great channel!
Great choice with the RIA 1911. I have one chambered in .45 and it really is a great pistol. Here is my RIA 1911 review in case you missed it: ua-cam.com/video/NN_0_kpBfEc/v-deo.html
@@mixup98mine is chambered in 10mm, and has been flawless! Also, have since got a 40 s&w conversion barrel off their website, had to hand fit only slightly for a tight lock up. Plan on, because of it, AND your most excellent review, getting either a 206 or this 200. Thanks!
I use the wood grips on mine because it gets my hand closer in line with the barrel and it looks cooler. I generally shoot my own cowboy loads out of it and it can be deadly accurate at 100 yards. Definitely a hit with me.
I have the M200 and no timing issues and lock up good after 300 rounds. Did put a nice set of wood stocks on it from ebay and it pimped the revolver out nicely. M
I got one of these based off your initial review 4 years ago on sale for $180, paperwork and all. I gave it to my little brother who lives in SF. It's thwarted 2 attempted break in with zero shots fired. Excellent little wheel gun. Rad you're doing a follow up on it.
Hello rollypollyguy. I'm glad to hear that you bought a 206 based on my initial review. Your brother is also glad that you bought one and gave it to him. Thanks for the excellent comment and I also thank you for watching my videos.
@mixup98 I meant to mention I bought this in CA and that my brother and I strictly shot 110 and 125gr +P through it. Thinking one of those speed loaders is the right call for his xmas gift. Keep 'em coming bud!
I had one of these well 3 lol! Bought mine new at local fun store and range. Took it home to clean it and wait for the weekend to shoot it. Shot about half a box, and it locked up tighter than a drum. Had really force it to open. Tried again with empty cylinder and it acted the same. Dealer sent it off for me to RIA for repair. After 4 weeks of its arrival at RIA the ffl called me asking if I had heard anything. I had not so I started calling. They'd transfer me around and then finally hang up on me. The ffl had a employee start calling them every hour until they finally called me back and told me they were actually at a big fun show and that the pistol was lost in RIA after it had arrived. They sent another to me 2 weeks later. They didn't cover transfer cost, and the ffl ate the cost of the new transfer. That one shaved so much lead and jacket back on me, I couldn't keep shooting it the first time. I woke up later that night and had to have a sliver of jacket pulled from my earlobe that had stuck to my pillow.😅 I had the ffl send it back off again to them after he shot it at their range on sight and saw it was off timing enough to be bad. 3 weeks later I got back what looked to be a pistol that had went through a GunTuber torture test😅 missing finish in several places and looked to have been used quite a bit once the cylinder was swung out. The FFL called me and gave me the bad news of at least the finish before I left the house. RIA covered the transfer fee on that one. The FFl offered ammo to run it at his range when I got there. Within 40 rounds of 38sp magtec, it started locking up. All with the FFL looking on. 😂 The FFL offered to refund me but I said screw it and took it to a Local Pistolsmith that looked it over and fixed it. I took it to my local range and ran 30rds through it , boxed it up and sold it to my neighbor that went with me with full disclosure as a nightstand gun. I sold it at a loss with what I paid for it and what I had in the smith bill. I've bought used RIA 1911s since all that, but I won't buy anything new from them.
I got an M200 as a "glovebox" gun when I was on the road alot and not much extra money. I looked at Hipoints but this was better in so many ways. Still love it.
Okay, it works, but something to be said for Pride of Ownership---If I showed that gun to my father in law, he would think : " My daughter could have chosen a better husband." -----But I love your videos.--Much respect from Colorado.
I would think it would depend on the context. If you're in your garage, working on your pickup truck, and you ask him to grab a 19mm 1/2" drive socket from your toolbox. He saw your 38 in the socket drawer, so then you show him the gun. He'll think their's nothing wrong with that. Now if you go to his house to show off your new .38 and tell him how good it is and how smart you are for spending little money on your hi-end peace of machinery, and then go on to tell him how he over paid for his brand name firearms and how lucky he is because his daughter met you... well, you might be leaving with some birds in your ass.🤔
I own both the m200 and m206. Great little guns for the money. I bought mine pre covid so they were around $200-$210 each. Never had an issue. They aren't pretty, fit and finish leave a bit to be desired, but they'll definitely get you home safe and sound if necessary.
UA-cam is NOT giving me notifications when you guys share a new video. The good side is I get to catch 3 or 4 at once! Keep on rockin! Last night watching again the old Smith and Wesson 586. Got mine always beside when sleeping
I hear from a lot of viewers that they are also not being notified when I post a new video. Go figure. I am hoping to post a new video either tomorrow or Monday, depending on the wind and rain. I loved that old S&W 586 and I'm still kicking myself in the ass for selling it.
I'm glad you came back to revisit this. I was wondering how it would hold up over time. My RIA 1911 seems to be holding up really well (VERY well for the price), but as you noted, revolvers are a bit more complicated. Seems like they got it right! Also, you seem to shoot better DA. I found that out about myself long ago. I think it's something about the longer trigger pull give me time to correct and shoot through the wobble.
I also own an RIA 1911 and it has also been a great pistol, especially for the price I paid for it. Years ago, when I worked security for the federal government, we had to quality every six months with our revolvers by shooting double-action only. We had to fire 60 rounds and six of those rounds were fired at 50 yards! I'm proud to say that I was one of the top shooters for the two decades that I worked that job! 👍😎
Great episode. As well as I cherish / provide TLC to my safes' queens (From an OEM Colt SAA 2nd Gen Montana Double Comm / 1.964, thru my several Customized / Competition 1.911's & S&W 686-3 / dual cylinder, to my Heym SR.10 kal.30-06, I still love my inexpensive, accurate & reliable snubby 8 rnd Taurus in .22 WMR as EDC when I go out in cargo pants / 'tropical attire', among three other lite ones. Glocks??. No thanks. I've owned / used / competed w/ over a dozen Glocks. After a 'not so good' episode, I sold'em all. Too bad Glock's plastic mag release is available in tough aluminum alloy nowadays, as well as aftermarket, ramped + TRULY supported bbls. Too late for me. Now I'm looking for an ex- GIGN MR.73, as well as a Taurus TX 22 after watching Mr @Mixup & son, do wonders with one, without a single hiccup...
Good morning my friend. It sounds like you have a very nice collection of firearms, especially with the Colt SSA. The Taurus TX22 is an excellent pistol and I hope you do end up buying one. I love mine and I'm sure you will too.
Got one of these a few years ago, really like the little chunk of steel, no problems with it. The Colt D Frame Post 71 Gripper Grips from Pachmayr fit on the revolver, bought one off Amazon or Ebay for like $20 and it makes it feel like a different gun. One downside of the grips though is the thumb shelf gets in the way of a speed loader, I took a razor blade to mine and shaved down a little material at a time until speed loaders would work.
I’ve had mine for four years. I paid $180. It has NEVER shot well. At 7 yards I have to hold 2’ below where I’m aiming to hit bull. It has never failed to fire and eats all ammo. Not worth the $ I use it as a tackle box tool.
If the only accuracy problem is it shoots low, file on the top of the front sight to bring the impacts up. Take off a couple strokes at a time and fire a couple to test results, repeat until in the black.
I have the spurless, double-action only version of this in chrome. Love the little gun, and the rounds go where I want them to go at 15 yards even with a trigger that is a bit long and heavy. I have a partially paralyzed left arm, so I shoot it mostly one-handed. Still is able to give me a three inch group centered on the target. That satisfies my needs.
I bought the RIA M200 last year after watching your review. One of the best gun purchases I have made (and on sale for less than $200.00). Very reliable and accurate. My next gun will be the M206. Thanks for the great videos!!!
Gteetings Sir, Had not visited for a while, but always appreciate your content! Saw the original test video, really appreciate this follow-up, have been considering these revolvers for some time. Glad to hear they are abgood buy..Blsgs, gg
I picked up a Rock Island M200 which is the same series revolver, but with a 3 inch barrel for about $200 on sale. It runs really well, but I've only used FMJ .38 ammo in it. I have run a couple of hundred rounds through it with no issues and I swapped out the plastic grips with some nice handmade wooden grips that work real well with it. I was initially looking for a .357 magnum revolver, but this one popped up for $200, so I couldn't pass it up. I may pick up the M206 one day to use as a backup.
I have the 4" M200 and find it's good enough. It does that it was designed to do and cost me $199 a few years back. I think I would have gotten more use from the snub M206 and in retrospect should have purchased that instead. The only barb I would cast against my M200 is with lead ammunition, it fouls in a hurry. Good revolver otherwise.
I paid for mine $230 abt 1.5 years ago. I think it was the best $230 I've ever spent in my life. The revolver came in a very nice plastic foam-padded case, the wooden "classic" grip could be easily replaced with a polymer modern one, the one that I found inside of the case; plus, the gun was supplied with a quality control check list and an assembly certificate -- both filled out and signed by real people. The revolver itself turned out to be very robust, reliable.and surprisingly accurate. Shortly speaking, it's probably the best brand new revolver that one can get for such a modest price. 😊
I think I have commented this before but Armscor / Rock Island seems to have pretty bad consistency issues as of late. Their revolvers are hit or miss since my uncle has a first year production 206 and has never had issues. I bought one and the cylinder arm rolled over and became inoperable after 300 rounds. I've never had luck with their rifles. Their 1911's are very good, and their shotguns used to be the same. Don't really care for their new shotguns since it seems they have cut corners importing from Turkey like a lot of other companies. Maybe I've just had bad luck of the draw with my purchases
Love my 1911, but that the only RIA we have ever owned...reading the comments there is both a lot of love, and some discontent, for the brand...I do find it odd that plain Jane .38s would become so troublesome, the design has been around forever...maybe just a new hire on the production line wasn't trained correctly...?
i had a chance to look at one not that long ago, the price is certainly right but i just dont like the hammer or the sights so i went with a blued taurus 856 for $50 more. im very happy with that. but it looks pretty reliable tho...i would look at it again if i ever want another .38
Needed a cheap wheel gun to hold snake shot when out on my UTV...just in case. Didn't want to degrade my Python for this purpose. Looked at these and Taurus, picked the .357 Taurus. Both were good, but I preferred the Taurus.
The hominy shots may not have been as spectacular as you'd hoped, Mixup, but I thoroughly enjoyed them. Whenever you put a can of hominy to its best possible use, as you did in this video, I'm all for it! 👍
First, determine your needs...you in the 'hood, or in a more benign area...expect Hollywood style gunfights once a week, or is the Wal-Mart parking lot your main threat...need a caliber that can stop a live bear, or okay with anything that goes bang real loud...big person/little person...? we own several revolvers, from .22lr to .38spec, but they do come much bigger...if you can, ask to try some revolvers your friends might own, it will help your search immeasurably...
I am a non Leo employee at a jail, occasionally get threatened by inmates but doubt it’s serious and sometimes run into former inmates that recognize at the store, gas stations etc. Sometimes I have my family sometimes I don’t. While I don’t expect a violent confrontation ( been amicable so far) it’s a possibility.
Hello bobbbobb. I am a retired corrections officer and I know what you are going through regarding former inmates. If your budget is in the $300 range I would suggest a Taurus Model 856. I own several and they are great revolvers and the quality if much better than the Rock Island shown in this video. The Ruger SP101 and the S&W Model 642 are also great revolvers but will cost about twice as much as the Taurus. I have lots of revolver reviews here on youtube and you might want to check out my revolver playlist which might help you decide on a revolver.
I am a police officer and have been for 16 years. I was a soldier for 20 years before that. I own somewhere between 30-40 firearms right now. Several of my shift mates and I bought the M206 spurless for off duty carry. We have put several hundred rounds through them practicing at the range. They are great. None of us carry anything else off duty now. I have handguns costing $1,000-$2,000 dollars and yet I carry the M206 off duty the majority of the time because of its reliability. I highly recommend them.
Appreciate the reply Local range has some revolvers for rent that I’m planning on trying when I get a weekend day off. Ruger LCR, couple S&W’s and some Taurus.
I LOVE my m206 and my m200. They are both excellent, not only at that price point, but excellent, PERIOD! Are they pretty? That's up to you. But if you're ever in a rough part of a big city, they're drop dead gorgeous. (Sorry). And in the extremely unlikely event that you ever have a problem with them, their service department is excellent!
It would be great to see a comparison between the Rock Island M206 and the EAA Windicator revolvers. The Windicator is available in both 38spl & 357 magnum, and in blue or stainless, it's made in Germany.
I should have bought a Windicator when they were selling for under 300 bucks but today I can't find one for less than $400. I might do a video where I compare the M206 against the Taurus Model 856, which is actually a pretty good revolver.
Several things I like about this channel he doesn't just buy a gun but he revisited years after he's bought it and tells you how it still works. If he still likes it
Thank you Travis....I love your comment!
@@mixup98 no problem keep doing what your doing 👍
Inexpensive guns are more important to society. “The goal is that every man be armed.” My Manurhin MR73 or a Korth Mongoose may be impressive, but reliable guns everyone can afford are more important.
I wouldn't keep a korth or manuhrin as a toilet/hideout/garage gun(why NO, i dont keep a gun in ANY of those places). You're right inexpensive guns are important.
@@dgunearthed7859 the MR73 exists because GIGN loved the S&W M19 but wanted one that would handle 40,000 full magnum rounds per year. I love K frames and wanted a “forever .357” but it is just blued steel. For that price I could stash cheaper guns all over the house - NOT that I would ever actually DO that…🙄
Yeah, people can be gun snobs sometimes... but not all inexpensive firearms are crap. There are many firearms in that price range that aren't bad... and even if some of them aren't 100% reliable, they'll still save your life 99.95% of the time. That's a hell of a lot better than the low odds of surviving without a firearm. Most guns can be made reliable too if the person is willing to spend the time on it. It's one of the many reasons I always think gun owners should always know precisely how each and every gun they own functions... so they can make sure it's always in safe, working, Reliable condition. Even the cheap guns can be sent back to the manufacturer to fix if they're not reliable... and if they can't be sent back, they're usually very simple and easy to fix. (Although revolvers can be significantly more complex than semiauto's, especially for people that haven't worked on them before).
Sir, I have a mix, the Kimbers and the cheap ones. And I encourage my students (first-time gun buyers) to get a holster, firearm, and 100 rounds. The most EFFECTIVE way to do so is best for both them and the people next to them. Most want that 9MM double-stack they saw in a movie, but about 1/3 buy affordable revolvers because they like simplicity.
@@wesleymills6542 Revolvers are simple, but significantly more complex. You just have to hope it don't ever jam or break, because it's unlikely you'll be able to fix it. (especially during a self defense situation).
A little over 20 years in the Army as an infantry soldier with multiple combat tours and currently 16 years and counting in law enforcement. I have fired hundreds of different firearms and have dozens of firearms in my house including handguns in the $1,000 to $2,000 range. My off duty carry gun, along with some of my shift mates at work is the RIA M206 spurless model. Never fails us, easy to conceal and draw, super reliable. Will it win a contest for nicest looking gun...no, but when you need it most who cares what it looks like. I highly recommend the M206. Nice review mixup98.
I’m thinking about buying two for EDC! 2 are better than one! Why 2 because they teach you at the police academy to shoot with both hands! So I think it’s better to have 2 you can conceal ! The look like you can hide them pretty well!
What holster you recommend? It tough finding one for the 206
Nice. The snub nose is iconic. Very film noir. Cheers from Australia.
Every country in the world should at bare minimum allow people to carry a snub nose 38 special revolver for self defense.
My mother has one, she is 80 years old.
It is very film noir lol its basically a clone of the Colt Detective i believe
We’re catching up to you on losing the right to self defense and a government through socialism
It comes with a tumbler of whiskey, a beige long coat and a multi pack a day habit.
Saw a hiker with a .38 while hiking as a kid, finally bought this .38 for my defence, hunting gun. It shoots well for me
EXACTLY - this is a great hiking gun
A reliable firearm in a legit defensive cartridge that is accurate enough for its intended purpose? Yeah, it's worth every penny
i carry one personally, low profile, so easy and safe to handle :) i def reccommend it for people who want to start practicing EDC
Not reliable.
I have a 9mm auto and a . 357 GP100,both too big to carry under light clothes, so this will be my new EDC.
@@billfischer9887
Why not ?
So is the model 200
I've had my 206 over 3 years and never had any problems with it. $250 well spent. Thanks for the update.
You are very welcome and thanks for the feedback.
Thanks for the review. I am thinking about getting one for my mother in law.
I've sold a few of the Rock Island revolvers. As an inexpensive copy of the Colt Detective Special, they're much better than the price indicates.
not really a "dick special" copy. the lockwork is more colt trooper (no combo v spring to be found). not a real minus, just pointing out its not gonna be a colt d frame, even if inspired by it
A Phillipine 'Saturday Night Special'!
😎... Cool, baby!
It's one of the only cheap revolvers I don't try to steer people away from.
In 2010, i purchased a Rock Island M206. Over 4 years, I'm guessing I put under a few hundred rounds through it. That's not much of a test, but I never had any problems with it. I eventually moved on to a 642 Airweight, an SP101, a 442, and various S&W .357's. As cheap as the RI's are, I've always been tempted to purchase anorber one...just to see how many rounds it can take before going to crap. Good video, Mixup98.
When I used to work at Turners Outdoorsman in the firearms department I used to always heavily suggest that people save their money instead of buying a cheap autoloader like a Lorcin or Jennings and by a Rossi .22lr or .38 special snub nose. You want it to go bang when you need it to.
You are a great person for that.
The M206 and the M200 are great revolvers.
I know several people with them and don't know of anyone that's had any problems with it. Just one friend that never oiled or maintained it had his rust really bad (in appearance). If cleaned right up with a brass brush and a "boiling and oiling". I know it's not a Blued finish... but it worked really well and looks brand new again. He just bought it, shot it and then never cleaned or oiled it for as long as he's had it. Only knew it was rusted, because he took it out to show me, because I was asking if he knew who made it (he didn't know, so he went to grab it). Other than that though, they shoot good, they're reliable and they're accurate. If you take care of them they'll probably last a lifetime.
I would prefer the RIA M200 with the 4” barrel as a woods carry gun. It also looks a bit more attractive than the M206.
@@robertonavarro7713 They similar other than the looks and their size?
@@deucedeuce1572 Yes
I have the 200 and it is my every day carry
So I bought one of these in the spur-less version and installed a set of better grips I had off a colt and then highlighted the front ramp with white and the small crescent in the rear with red. This gun is quickly becoming my favorite. ❤
Awesome....thanks for the feedback!
I have this and the 4" Model 200. Love 'em both. I always enjoy your honest reviews.
Thank you Harry....you just made my day!
RIA make good guns, I have never had problems. They are basic to good looks but they work very good
Ive owned one of these for around 5 years now. Thousands of rounds through it and absolutely no issues what so ever. Sold one to my old man for 75$!! Haha! Great revolver.
Nice little truck gun. Very utilitarian and you can't go wrong with a (6) shot revolver. Most people want higher capacity but my belief is, if you can't do the job with six, you are in the wrong fight.
Or you are terribly outnumbered
@@PhillipFelix-kw3zi Only one time in my life with that with bigger toys, and it was enough.
@@noapologizes2018 marksmanship skills count, my edc is a Ruger Speed Six 357 magnum 2 3/4 barrel. It's a brick with a snappy recoil for as heavy as it is.
A potential conflict with a person and their pack of aggressive dogs is the most likely scenario an average person may run into that may need more than a 6 cylinder, I've heard reports of people being in these situations and wishing they had more, just something to think about.
@@FatYokel I hope not, I don't own anything for repelling large crowds. That makes me nervous
They are not esthetically pleasingly to the eye, but the darned things work! For the money its a good buy. Thanks for the videos.
Call me a gun snob I guess, I bought the model 200 4" gun online and took it home,looked it over and the side plate near the bottom looked like it was fit with a file, very crude so I sold it
Yup, you have slight snobbishness...it's okay, you are entitled to being happy/not happy with any purchase, includes firearms...we own a few put together like Swiss watches, more that would be too rough to suit you...we judge solely on reliability, don't worry about fit/finish...it's all good...
@@JohnPublic-dk7zd True. It's kinda hard to expect a perfectly finished firearm for the price though... especially a revolver. I think most gun companies overcharge and are unfair... but on average, a gun at this price range isn't going to be a work of art. (It costs Glock $40 to produce each gun and that includes everything from parts, electricity, man hours, health insurance, taxes and everything else... but they charge a hell of a lot more than that for them. I know the manufacturer isn't the only one that has to make a profit... but I still think the mark up is ridiculous. It's why so many gun companies lobby for gun laws. They want guns to be this special, privileged thing, so they can charge so much for them. Once they become a simple tool that anyone can make, then the prices couldn't be justified. That's especially true with silencers. A $15 silencer costs like $200-$300 these days... but you can get the "fuel filters" and "solvent traps" from China for under $20 (and sometimes as cheap as $5 or $10)... and some are every bit as good as some of the expensive US made one's (not the high end one's, but just "expensive" one's that are $100 or more).
Very cheap gun. I’d spend more and get a better gun. Ruger or s&w
I had one. First snubby. Sold it to a friend. He likes it. His first revolver. Seriously accurate. First thing I did. Toss out the wood grip for the included plastic grip.
But they gave you two grips. They gave you an option. That saved you about $40 by not making you buy new grips for it.
In 2010, mine only came with the wood grips. I had to tighten the grip screw after less than 50 rounds.
I love the looks of the wooden grips, but shoot much better with the rubber ones.
Thanks for your honest review of this revolver. I was curious about this one.
The echo through that canyon is sooooooo cool.
👍😎
Thanks MixUp. A local FFL (out of his house) here in N. Utah has one right now for $250. I might pick it up.
truck gun
Do it you won't regret it!😊
@@gavocrazy yup, or top drawer gun, garage gun, etc. if it can reliably make a fist-sized group at 7 yards, it’s a valuable tool.
@@stuartowens3506I love northern Utah. Cache county pride!!!
@@robertensign8786 Statewide Guns in Davis County. The guy has better prices on guns than ALL competitors.
A 3" version would make a great camping gun. Decent budget revolver.
I don't believe that Rock Island makes a 3" version but you can get a 4" version which is called the Model 200.
It's the perfect tackle box, glove box stash away stype of gun.
Mine was a truck gun for about 4 years.
Roger that. I have a Model 200 and the Model 206 just for those reasons. I picked them both up new, on sale. I've got right at $400 in the set.
I keep one in my bathroom, arms reach from the toilet. Its a reliable pistol, and l don't want to be caught unawares while I'm Sliden a Biden.
Ive had the 4" Model 200 for a couple of years. Got in on sale for $179. I picked up the Model 206 a few months ago. It was on sale for $189. My Model 200 was way out of time right out of the box. I called RIA customer service. They apologized and immediately sent a prepaid shipping label to my phone. I had the revolver back on 3 weeks. All shipping and the repairs were covered by them. Not only was it fixed, it feels like it has a custom action job now ! Just great customer service ! I haven't fired the Model 206 yet, but it is in time and i dont see anything wrong with it.
My honest opinion on the RIA revolvers -- For right at $200, they are a decent gun, backed up by good customer service. I actually like the dull military style finish. They make a great field or truck gun. Even though RIA says its okay to shoot olus P ammo in these, i don't. I see these revolvers as "light duty" firearms. As in- carry alot - shoot occasionally. They do give someone on a fixed budget, or someone just not wanting to spend $500-$800 on a revolver, a very good option. It does seem from my experience, as well as others ive seen on videos, RIA does have a habit of letting these revolvers leave their factory in not quite working order. But their gunsmiths in Nevada are very good, and fast, of getting them in good working order if you do get a bad one. With all expenses paid. I just wish RIA would be more careful with their final inspection before shipping these out for sale.
These are going for around $300 new in my area (Southern Indiana). But they go on sale often for $179- $229. And that is for both models.
I used to own an M206. I never had any problems, but my round count was probably WELL under 300..I think your assessment is correct.
Where are you seeing these for under $200? I've never seen these at $179.
@@rubicon3416 My local Rural King here in South Western Indiana. They have the Model 200 and 206 on sale a lot. I picked up my M206 just a few months ago there for $189. + Tax.
@@shadowwolf9503 - Thank you. That's a great out the door price!
@@rubicon3416 Yes it is. They had the Model 200 on sale at the same time for $179. I actually went there to get another M200. But decided on the snub instead once I got there.
Thanks for another excellent video and review. The M206 is a good value for the money given your experience with it. For some people, $250 is all they can afford to spend on a personal defense gun so this is ideal. The fit and finish might be a bit off but the revolver is accurate, mechanically sound, and reliable which is what really counts. Plus a revolver is inherently easier to teach and operate safely than a semi-auto. I'd use standard pressure 38 Special ammo in this one for less wear and tear, like I do with my surplus LEO agency S&W revolvers. You did you viewers a great service with this update video so they can get their money's worth on a useful and low cost defensive revolver.
Nice gun. If I didn't have a Taurus Model 85 I'd buy a Rock Island M206. Good video and good shooting.
Buy it anyways. One is none. Two is one etc.
I wish we'd kept our 85, it was a very good little gun...
Thank you for the 4 year review! I love mine, I haven’t been burned yet from RIA.
👍😎
It's about time. Been waiting for your next video .
Great stuff as usual.
A gun group member once asked for advice about his Smith & Wesson .model 10 which had issues.
. He was asking if it would be practical for him to have it repaired or just sell it and buy a new rock island 206 that he was able to fire at his local Armscor shooting range.
We all responded that it would be better for him to have the Smith repaired. He had the repairs done and proceeded to the range wherein the old Smith performed well.
Since the Smith had a 4 inch
barrel, our friend then proceeded to buy a snubbie. He ended up with the model 206. Today, he is shooting groups with both revolvers. Nice video Mixup98!
You can never go wrong with a S&W Model 10 and I'm glad to hear that he had his repaired. He made a wise decision. It is always good to hear from you and as always I thank you for watching our videos.
A few years ago, I bought a 4" Model 200 at my favorite pawn shop, just over $150. It only had the wooden grip, which was not held snugly to the frame with the one screw across the grips. I fashioned a new wooden grip, secured with an additional screw tapped into the bottom of the grip frame. It is immediately at hand by my recliner, loaded with handloads of Hornady Z-Max 110 grain bullets over 5.4 grains of Bullseye, with a speedloader holding 6 more of the same.
Great video sir! I have the M206 as well as the M200 and they both perform quite well. Ive never fired +P out of them however, I am tempted. Keep up the great work.
I will my friend....thank you.
Interesting, the 1st of the 2 +P rounds seemed to have more recoil. Maybe you compensated more for the 2nd shot. Thanks for the review. Great stuff as always.
Just pick one up, but haven’t tried it out yet.
Thanks for the update on this gun. 👍💯
You are very welcome and I hope you enjoy your new Rock Island revolver.
@@mixup98 👍
Good vid Mixup. I don't have one of these and have never shot one... but they look like decent, albeit rough revolvers. I do have a RIA 1911 and I really like it. Thanks and as always, I enjoyed it!
It is always good to hear from you and I would like to thank you again for being a ten-year subscriber to my channel.
I got a Taurus 856 Ultra Lite Black back in November. I put a Houge Grip on it. My mom bought it for me.
I own a stainless 856 and it is an excellent revolver. You obviously have a great mom.
@@mixup98 Nice. I wanted stainless ultra lite, but the store didn't have it. Thanks, I do.
Good sidekick for my Rossi. the 38 combo lives.
Always good to see a new video drop from you< Love the location...Not a bad little six shooter, I just got SnW Chief 38..
Hello Sir! Great day for a revolver video. That is a nice budget friendly carry option you have there; and of course you make a snub-nose seem like a 6inch with your excellent skill.. My late father gave me his S&W 38special. Good times yeah. You have a great Sunday my friend and see you next time. :)
You also have a great Sunday ericlee and thanks for the awesome comment.
I really love your reviews, only thing I don't like is how everytime I see one of your videos it makes me wanna go buy a gun lol keep up the great videos sir. Thank you
A lot of my viewers say exactly the same thing about wanting to buy the guns that I review 😁 My son and I are hoping to get back to making our videos once the weather starts to cool down a little.
I didn't have good luck from mine. My 206 stopped rotating the cylinder after less than hundred rounds. For the price I paid I think it will be a work in progress while I try my shade tree type gunsmithing. I don't regret buying it . When it was functioning I enjoyed it.
Give RIA a call. My M200 was way out of time out of the box. They apologized and quickly sent a prepaid shipping label to my phone. They covered all shipping and repairs. I had the revolver back in 3 weeks. Not only was it working perfectly, it feels like it has a custom action job. Just great customer service !
That kind of response is a winner in any business! I'd be VERY leery of having just anybody timing a revolver 'by guess and by gosh'. @@shadowwolf9503 Take care.
These Rock Islands seem to work. Like most Filipino guns, they're not the prettiest but they run. Cheap guns that work are important.
The 4" Model 200 are carried by most Filipino security guards. You see them in malls. hotels, schools, resorts, movie houses, almost everywhere if you visit the Philippines.
I have 206 model and have never had any problems. Love your videos. Hello from North Carolina
Hello oaktree1964 and greetings from southern Nevada. I love that you love my videos....thank you!
I love misup98! He's not afraid to shoot guns that other people wouldn't even consider. He has a lot of skill and gives honest reviews that I trust. Great channel!
Thank you Leslie....you just made my day 👍😎👌
Thank you for the update
Picked one up on black friday 2023 $199 yet to shoot it. For that price it'll be hard to be disappointed.
Just bought the RIA 1911 in 9mm , very impressed. I’m getting this wheel gun
Great choice with the RIA 1911. I have one chambered in .45 and it really is a great pistol. Here is my RIA 1911 review in case you missed it: ua-cam.com/video/NN_0_kpBfEc/v-deo.html
@@mixup98mine is chambered in 10mm, and has been flawless! Also, have since got a 40 s&w conversion barrel off their website, had to hand fit only slightly for a tight lock up. Plan on, because of it, AND your most excellent review, getting either a 206 or this 200. Thanks!
I own a Rock Island 1911, it shoots like a dream
I use the wood grips on mine because it gets my hand closer in line with the barrel and it looks cooler. I generally shoot my own cowboy loads out of it and it can be deadly accurate at 100 yards. Definitely a hit with me.
Nice backup boot gun .
I have the M200 and no timing issues and lock up good after 300 rounds. Did put a nice set of wood stocks on it from ebay and it pimped the revolver out nicely. M
I got one of these based off your initial review 4 years ago on sale for $180, paperwork and all. I gave it to my little brother who lives in SF. It's thwarted 2 attempted break in with zero shots fired. Excellent little wheel gun. Rad you're doing a follow up on it.
Hello rollypollyguy. I'm glad to hear that you bought a 206 based on my initial review. Your brother is also glad that you bought one and gave it to him. Thanks for the excellent comment and I also thank you for watching my videos.
@mixup98 I meant to mention I bought this in CA and that my brother and I strictly shot 110 and 125gr +P through it. Thinking one of those speed loaders is the right call for his xmas gift. Keep 'em coming bud!
The action on mine alone is worth 250. Very smooth. Works great but not much to look at … like me. 250 for a 6 shot revolver is a good deal
I had one of these well 3 lol! Bought mine new at local fun store and range. Took it home to clean it and wait for the weekend to shoot it. Shot about half a box, and it locked up tighter than a drum. Had really force it to open. Tried again with empty cylinder and it acted the same. Dealer sent it off for me to RIA for repair. After 4 weeks of its arrival at RIA the ffl called me asking if I had heard anything. I had not so I started calling. They'd transfer me around and then finally hang up on me. The ffl had a employee start calling them every hour until they finally called me back and told me they were actually at a big fun show and that the pistol was lost in RIA after it had arrived. They sent another to me 2 weeks later. They didn't cover transfer cost, and the ffl ate the cost of the new transfer. That one shaved so much lead and jacket back on me, I couldn't keep shooting it the first time. I woke up later that night and had to have a sliver of jacket pulled from my earlobe that had stuck to my pillow.😅 I had the ffl send it back off again to them after he shot it at their range on sight and saw it was off timing enough to be bad. 3 weeks later I got back what looked to be a pistol that had went through a GunTuber torture test😅 missing finish in several places and looked to have been used quite a bit once the cylinder was swung out. The FFL called me and gave me the bad news of at least the finish before I left the house. RIA covered the transfer fee on that one. The FFl offered ammo to run it at his range when I got there. Within 40 rounds of 38sp magtec, it started locking up. All with the FFL looking on. 😂 The FFL offered to refund me but I said screw it and took it to a Local Pistolsmith that looked it over and fixed it. I took it to my local range and ran 30rds through it , boxed it up and sold it to my neighbor that went with me with full disclosure as a nightstand gun. I sold it at a loss with what I paid for it and what I had in the smith bill. I've bought used RIA 1911s since all that, but I won't buy anything new from them.
Front pocket in an Alabama kydex holster gun. Nice shooting.
👍😎
Those Alabama holsters are awesome!
Just bought one and picking it up soon. This is a great video!!
Awesome! Enjoy your revolver and thank you for watching my video.
I got an M200 as a "glovebox" gun when I was on the road alot and not much extra money. I looked at Hipoints but this was better in so many ways. Still love it.
Okay, it works, but something to be said for Pride of Ownership---If I showed that gun to my father in law, he would think : " My daughter could have chosen a better husband." -----But I love your videos.--Much respect from Colorado.
I would think it would depend on the context. If you're in your garage, working on your pickup truck, and you ask him to grab a 19mm 1/2" drive socket from your toolbox. He saw your 38 in the socket drawer, so then you show him the gun. He'll think their's nothing wrong with that. Now if you go to his house to show off your new .38 and tell him how good it is and how smart you are for spending little money on your hi-end peace of machinery, and then go on to tell him how he over paid for his brand name firearms and how lucky he is because his daughter met you... well, you might be leaving with some birds in your ass.🤔
@@Happy357mag Sometimes analogies don't apply across the spectrum.
Hello from the Adirondack mountains of New York..I enjoy your videos..I use to have family In Sparks NV
Hello newtquick and greetings from southern Nevada. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment on my videos.
I have been looking at these. I need one like a hole in my head… but they seem legit
I own both the m200 and m206. Great little guns for the money. I bought mine pre covid so they were around $200-$210 each. Never had an issue. They aren't pretty, fit and finish leave a bit to be desired, but they'll definitely get you home safe and sound if necessary.
UA-cam is NOT giving me notifications when you guys share a new video. The good side is I get to catch 3 or 4 at once! Keep on rockin! Last night watching again the old Smith and Wesson 586. Got mine always beside when sleeping
I hear from a lot of viewers that they are also not being notified when I post a new video. Go figure. I am hoping to post a new video either tomorrow or Monday, depending on the wind and rain. I loved that old S&W 586 and I'm still kicking myself in the ass for selling it.
I'm glad you came back to revisit this. I was wondering how it would hold up over time. My RIA 1911 seems to be holding up really well (VERY well for the price), but as you noted, revolvers are a bit more complicated. Seems like they got it right!
Also, you seem to shoot better DA. I found that out about myself long ago. I think it's something about the longer trigger pull give me time to correct and shoot through the wobble.
I also own an RIA 1911 and it has also been a great pistol, especially for the price I paid for it. Years ago, when I worked security for the federal government, we had to quality every six months with our revolvers by shooting double-action only. We had to fire 60 rounds and six of those rounds were fired at 50 yards! I'm proud to say that I was one of the top shooters for the two decades that I worked that job! 👍😎
Great episode. As well as I cherish / provide TLC to my safes' queens (From an OEM Colt SAA 2nd Gen Montana Double Comm / 1.964, thru my several Customized / Competition 1.911's & S&W 686-3 / dual cylinder, to my Heym SR.10 kal.30-06, I still love my inexpensive, accurate & reliable snubby 8 rnd Taurus in .22 WMR as EDC when I go out in cargo pants / 'tropical attire', among three other lite ones. Glocks??. No thanks. I've owned / used / competed w/ over a dozen Glocks. After a 'not so good' episode, I sold'em all. Too bad Glock's plastic mag release is available in tough aluminum alloy nowadays, as well as aftermarket, ramped + TRULY supported bbls. Too late for me. Now I'm looking for an ex- GIGN MR.73, as well as a Taurus TX 22 after watching Mr @Mixup & son, do wonders with one, without a single hiccup...
Good morning my friend. It sounds like you have a very nice collection of firearms, especially with the Colt SSA. The Taurus TX22 is an excellent pistol and I hope you do end up buying one. I love mine and I'm sure you will too.
Got one of these a few years ago, really like the little chunk of steel, no problems with it.
The Colt D Frame Post 71 Gripper Grips from Pachmayr fit on the revolver, bought one off Amazon or Ebay for like $20 and it makes it feel like a different gun.
One downside of the grips though is the thumb shelf gets in the way of a speed loader, I took a razor blade to mine and shaved down a little material at a time until speed loaders would work.
Thanks for the advice Zantar45....much appreciated.
I had one a while ago
I’ll buy another one soon
It was a great shooter when I had it.
I’ve had mine for four years. I paid $180. It has NEVER shot well. At 7 yards I have to hold 2’ below where I’m aiming to hit bull. It has never failed to fire and eats all ammo. Not worth the $ I use it as a tackle box tool.
If the only accuracy problem is it shoots low, file on the top of the front sight to bring the impacts up. Take off a couple strokes at a time and fire a couple to test results, repeat until in the black.
I have the spurless, double-action only version of this in chrome. Love the little gun, and the rounds go where I want them to go at 15 yards even with a trigger that is a bit long and heavy. I have a partially paralyzed left arm, so I shoot it mostly one-handed. Still is able to give me a three inch group centered on the target. That satisfies my needs.
Great channel. Always look forward to the next episode.
Awesome....thank you John!
I bought the RIA M200 last year after watching your review. One of the best gun purchases I have made (and on sale for less than $200.00). Very reliable and accurate. My next gun will be the M206. Thanks for the great videos!!!
Gteetings Sir, Had not visited for a while, but always appreciate your content! Saw the original test video, really appreciate this follow-up, have been considering these revolvers for some time. Glad to hear they are abgood buy..Blsgs, gg
Hello Gerald. It is good to hear from you and welcome back. The Model 206 really is a good revolver and I'm glad I own one.
I picked up a Rock Island M200 which is the same series revolver, but with a 3 inch barrel for about $200 on sale. It runs really well, but I've only used FMJ .38 ammo in it. I have run a couple of hundred rounds through it with no issues and I swapped out the plastic grips with some nice handmade wooden grips that work real well with it. I was initially looking for a .357 magnum revolver, but this one popped up for $200, so I couldn't pass it up. I may pick up the M206 one day to use as a backup.
I have had my M206 for 5 years now and it is my EDC. Zero issues.
Awesome....thanks for the feedback!
I think the little wood grips make it look more 'classic' but the black rubber grips look great. Love RIA.
I have the 4" M200 and find it's good enough. It does that it was designed to do and cost me $199 a few years back. I think I would have gotten more use from the snub M206 and in retrospect should have purchased that instead.
The only barb I would cast against my M200 is with lead ammunition, it fouls in a hurry. Good revolver otherwise.
I paid for mine $230 abt 1.5 years ago. I think it was the best $230 I've ever spent in my life. The revolver came in a very nice plastic foam-padded case, the wooden "classic" grip could be easily replaced with a polymer modern one, the one that I found inside of the case; plus, the gun was supplied with a quality control check list and an assembly certificate -- both filled out and signed by real people.
The revolver itself turned out to be very robust, reliable.and surprisingly accurate. Shortly speaking, it's probably the best brand new revolver that one can get for such a modest price. 😊
Awesome....thanks for the great feedback.
@@mixup98
My pleasure 🙏 😊
I think I have commented this before but Armscor / Rock Island seems to have pretty bad consistency issues as of late. Their revolvers are hit or miss since my uncle has a first year production 206 and has never had issues. I bought one and the cylinder arm rolled over and became inoperable after 300 rounds. I've never had luck with their rifles. Their 1911's are very good, and their shotguns used to be the same. Don't really care for their new shotguns since it seems they have cut corners importing from Turkey like a lot of other companies. Maybe I've just had bad luck of the draw with my purchases
Love my 1911, but that the only RIA we have ever owned...reading the comments there is both a lot of love, and some discontent, for the brand...I do find it odd that plain Jane .38s would become so troublesome, the design has been around forever...maybe just a new hire on the production line wasn't trained correctly...?
It's based on the Colt Detective Special 2" barrel. Looks accurate and reliable. Good value.
It's made in the Philippines its the downside
I bought it last year because it was cheap and it looked like something Elliott Ness would carry.
Always good to see you. You definitely haven't lost your touch with a snubby. Thanks for the vid
You are very welcome my friend and thank you for the nice compliment.
Looks like a lot of gun for the money, perfect truck gun. Another very enjoyable video. Thank you.
You are very welcome bigbossman 👍😎
Really cool little gun. Reminds me of Joe Friday in Dragnet. Yes we got here too 9:13 in the U.K. Loved it as a kid in the 50s. 🙋♂️👏👏🇬🇧
I am a big fan of pocket pistols and revolvers. I own a j frame, but might have to get one of the M series just for fun.
The M206 actually a good little plinker, especial for the money, and I'm sure you would have lots of fun if you had one.
I wish they would make it with a longer barrel. It could be the poor man’s S&W model 10.
They do model 200!
You can get this identical model with a 4" barrel (Model 200)
@@mixup98Thank you, I’ll see if it’s Commiefornia legal.
A light inexpensive revolver with a snubby bbl is a good defensive weapon. Good to see you out an about enjoying the Spring.
I love springtime in Nevada. I can make my videos and go fishing at Lake Mead before it gets too hot.
i had a chance to look at one not that long ago, the price is certainly right but i just dont like the hammer or the sights so i went with a blued taurus 856 for $50 more. im very happy with that. but it looks pretty reliable tho...i would look at it again if i ever want another .38
Needed a cheap wheel gun to hold snake shot when out on my UTV...just in case.
Didn't want to degrade my Python for this purpose. Looked at these and Taurus, picked the .357 Taurus.
Both were good, but I preferred the Taurus.
The hominy shots may not have been as spectacular as you'd hoped, Mixup, but I thoroughly enjoyed them. Whenever you put a can of hominy to its best possible use, as you did in this video, I'm all for it! 👍
Thanks for the video
I’m currently looking at revolvers for CCW and have no clue where to start.
Trying to narrow it down is a big task
First, determine your needs...you in the 'hood, or in a more benign area...expect Hollywood style gunfights once a week, or is the Wal-Mart parking lot your main threat...need a caliber that can stop a live bear, or okay with anything that goes bang real loud...big person/little person...? we own several revolvers, from .22lr to .38spec, but they do come much bigger...if you can, ask to try some revolvers your friends might own, it will help your search immeasurably...
I am a non Leo employee at a jail, occasionally get threatened by inmates but doubt it’s serious and sometimes run into former inmates that recognize at the store, gas stations etc.
Sometimes I have my family sometimes I don’t. While I don’t expect a violent confrontation ( been amicable so far) it’s a possibility.
Hello bobbbobb. I am a retired corrections officer and I know what you are going through regarding former inmates. If your budget is in the $300 range I would suggest a Taurus Model 856. I own several and they are great revolvers and the quality if much better than the Rock Island shown in this video. The Ruger SP101 and the S&W Model 642 are also great revolvers but will cost about twice as much as the Taurus. I have lots of revolver reviews here on youtube and you might want to check out my revolver playlist which might help you decide on a revolver.
I am a police officer and have been for 16 years. I was a soldier for 20 years before that. I own somewhere between 30-40 firearms right now. Several of my shift mates and I bought the M206 spurless for off duty carry. We have put several hundred rounds through them practicing at the range. They are great. None of us carry anything else off duty now. I have handguns costing $1,000-$2,000 dollars and yet I carry the M206 off duty the majority of the time because of its reliability. I highly recommend them.
Appreciate the reply
Local range has some revolvers for rent that I’m planning on trying when I get a weekend day off.
Ruger LCR, couple S&W’s and some Taurus.
My wife has that in 4" barrel, model 200. It is a great little gun and well worth the money.
Outstanding video. I remember the original review, glad its still a winner. The country out there is so awesome.
I like that a lot. A real option without the high price
I LOVE my m206 and my m200. They are both excellent, not only at that price point, but excellent, PERIOD! Are they pretty? That's up to you. But if you're ever in a rough part of a big city, they're drop dead gorgeous. (Sorry). And in the extremely unlikely event that you ever have a problem with them, their service department is excellent!
Man you sure are a great shot. Love it.
Thank you frankieknuckles 😎👌
It's nice to see you hold the muzzle up and eject the empty brass kind of forcefully.
Great review
Great review! And i must say i was impressed with that quick reload. You earned my sub!
Thanks for the sub and welcome to my channel.
It would be great to see a comparison between the Rock Island M206 and the EAA Windicator revolvers. The Windicator is available in both 38spl & 357 magnum, and in blue or stainless, it's made in Germany.
I should have bought a Windicator when they were selling for under 300 bucks but today I can't find one for less than $400. I might do a video where I compare the M206 against the Taurus Model 856, which is actually a pretty good revolver.
I have been wanting exactly this without know that rock island made this.
A snub nose 38 with a hammer. Freakin CLASSIC.
I have a rock m-200, $189 new. Work fine
Always good shooting, nice revolver, thanks
Thank you Ira 👍😎👌