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The fella who buys a $200 Windicator and spends $800 on range ammo/time is WAY better off than the guy who buys a $1,000 tricked out beauty of a big-name gun and never shoots it.
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That is one opinion, and everyone is entitled to there own.
In my opinion, $500 to $1,000 for a decent handgun is not a big deal. I will admit that I do go easy on some guns and not shoot them much. My old early 70's Python is one that has had an easy life. On the other hand, my Dan Wesson 744 (44 mag) has had a hard life in everything from competition to hunting. It has had countless rounds through it. I also don't shot my Colt Gold cup much any more. I have a dual cylinder Ruger Bright Stainless Vaquero that is still like new, yet it's 44 mag Super Blackhawk sister has been shot a ton. I have some German WWII Nazi guns (P08 & HP35) that don't see action but a West German Sig 226 that has seen thousands of rounds through it, though I am a Glock fan boy. To me, the bottom line is that certain guns, though not expensive may become special and retire. Beyond that, most handguns just are not expensive can be had for less than a grand before sights, triggers, grips, and so on.
I agree with shooting whatever you carry, use for home protection/defense, and/or hunting and shooting a lot. Still, there is nothing wrong with retiring guns and not shooting them.
Looking at the need for a medium revolver, I would never buy a Windicator, ever. I have found deals on Armslist for a S&W Performance Center 686 + for under $700. A buddy snatched that up. I know CenterFireSystems has used 38 Spl. S&W model 10's for $280 and S&W model 64's for $320. Heck, I am definitely no snob. I often carry a cheap Ruger LCR 38 spl + as second or third gun. Those are available in 357 magnum also. There are decent guns available. There is no need to get a Windicator.
I mentioned these examples. (NO, this is not my "collection". These just a few of my guns.)
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